Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR vs Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 56mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.09x.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 56mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 56mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 1375g (3.03 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD opens to f/1.2 vs the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is 56mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is $1,599, $300 under the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 1375g (3.03 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR or the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 56mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.09x.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 56mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 56mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 1375g (3.03 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD?
Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD opens to f/1.2 vs the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 16° – 4° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 152-609mm | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | DC |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 175 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.27x | 0.09x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,899 | $1,599 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 95.4mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 210mm | 84.5mm |
| Weight | 1375g (3.03 lb) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
