Just recently our sources told us that the upcoming Fujinon XF200mm F2 won’t be black as officially displayed by Fujifilm so far, but white.
Well, I am in constant contact with our sources, and they gave us some additional details about the XF200mmF2 WR OIS.
Fujifilm had to re-design their current teleconverters, because they are only designed to work down to f2.8. Hence, for the start, Fujifilm will sell the XF200mmF2 WR also bundled with the new 1.4x Teleconvert (but not the 2.0x TC) for about $6,000.
The source also told us that the Fujinon XF200mmF2 OIS WR will introduce a brand new anti-reflection coating to reduce flare.
I know, every mock-up Fujifilm has officially shown so far at various photography fairs shows a nice black Fujinon XF200mm F2 OIS WR.
However, I hear from a long time trusted source, that the final color won’t be black as Fujifilm showed us so far, but white.
Well, not really 100% white. It seems to be more a “white to light gray” color.
The reason for the bright color is the same why Canon’s long glass is white. Canon explains here:
“Lenses contain glass elements. These expand with heat. This is not usually a problem with compact lenses − the amount of expansion is small. But large lenses contain large elements and here expansion can bring a lens close to the limits of its design tolerances. A white surface reflects sunlight, helping to keep the lens cooler.”
So if you go to photography fair and see a black XF200mmF2 OIS WR displayed there again, then now you know it’s fake news ;) .
The article includes a technical sketch of the Fujinon XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR mounted on the brand new Fujifilm X-H1.
I used the technical sketch provided by Fujifilm (and camerasize.com) to photoshop a size comparison of the XF200mmF2 against the other big Fujinon glass, the XF50-140 and the XF100-400.
Keep in mind that there could be changes, since the sketch shows the current estimated size of the XF200mmF2. We are still in pre-production phase, so the final lens might see some changes.
The article linked above also says the XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR will weight more than 2kg and that in order to withstand the stress, the mount part of the Fujifilm X-H1 has reinforced ribs.
FR-reader Panther wonders if Fujifilm implies, that the mount of the X-T2 can’t handle that stress. I guess we will get more answers soon, when the XF200mmF2 will be announced (witihin 2018).
Fujifilm X-H1 with reinforced ribs for use with heavy glass
Fujifilm X-H1 Development Story
Fujifilm just published part 1 of their Fujifilm X-H1 development story.
“Let’s examine the X-H1. The product planner requested the developers to make the body more robust so that new devices could be installed and the expected camera performance could be realized. In order to make the body more robust, the frame, which is made of magnesium alloys, needed to be strengthened by adding extra thickness. The frame is 125% thicker for X-H1, meaning that the frame has almost doubled in volume (1.25 x 1.25 x 1.25 = 1.95). The strength of the frame is almost twice as strong.
Portability and lightweight are the charm of the X Series. This should always be taken into account even when considering an exterior design that is more robust. The designer examined the frame closely and learned where the stress is most/least applied and where the extra strength is most/least needed. With the study, the following structure with pillars jointing the exterior part has been realized, which helped minimize the effect on body size.
[…] In near future there will be lenses that weigh more than 2kg. [note: given that they show the XF200mmF2 in the article, it’s save to assume they meant the 200mm]
To withstand the stress, the mount part is reinforced ribs as shown below.”
Read the whole article and see all images at fujifilm-x
With the launch of the Fujifilm X-H1, Fujifilm also officially displayed sketches showing the XF200mmF2 mounted on the Fujifilm X-H1 at all press events worldwide, such as here at dc.watch or in this Italian youtube video, where they present the X-H1.
The Fujinon XF200mmF2 is “coming soon”, says Fujifilm. The official roadmap confirms it will be released within 2018.
I hear that the Fujinon XF200mmF2 will cost around $6,000!
Yes, I know this is a hefty price, and you can basically buy a medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S for the same money. But also consider that equivalent lenses in the CaNikon world are also not a bargain.
I’m sure that the XF200mmF2 will be a fantastic lens, but to track my 13 years old dog, I’ll stick with my XF 55-200 ;) .
However, for professional sports photographers, this lens will be a game changer.
Overall I think it makes a whole lot of sense for Fujifilm to launch such glass.
Fujifilm already offers the vastest lens range in the mirrorless APS-C world and now they must to “attack” those niches, who need THAT particular lens, before they can switch completely to Fujifilm.
Not only XF200mmF2, but also tilt shift lenses or even ultra fast lenses like the XF33mmF1.0 come to mind.
So let us know in the comments, which “niche-glass” you think Fujifilm should launch next.
UPDATE: Sadly there are not upcoming lenses displayed at the imaging USA.
In the last few years, Fujifilm skipped the CES fair in Las Vegas.
They will, however, have a public booth (Nr. 717) at the Imaging USA 2018, which will be open to the public between January 14 and 16 in Nashville, TN.
That’s a bit too early to see the Fujifilm X-H1 (which will be announced February 15 Tokyo time), but there is a lot of great stuff to see, starting from the Fujifilm GFX 50S to the Fujifilm X-E3 as well as some brand new lenses like the XF80mm F2.8 WR.
I do expect that they will also display some updated mock-ups (or even early working prototypes) of the upcoming XF8-16mm, XF200mmF2 and GF250mm.
We could see some mock-ups of these lenses already in the past. I share them for you again here:
If there is any FujiRumors reader attending the event, please feel free to share what you see and heard with us via fujirumor@gmail.com.
It would be a very welcome help.
Fujifilm has just issued an official press release sharing their schedule for the Imaging USA 2018, which includes not only the latest and greatest Fujifilm gear, but also free head shot studio sessions, speeches and more.
I’m getting a lot of images about the upcoming Fujinon XF 8-16mmF2.8 and XF 200mmF2, which I’m happy to share with all of you guys.
UPDATE: Fujikina Report at the Japanese site dc.watch (translation), also with hands on images on the latest Fuji gear, for example the GF250/4 here. (thanks Mistral)
And don’t forget… the big FujiRumors live blogging will continue NON STOP the whole day and bring you all the latest updates, reviews, hands on images and videos.
Do you remember the first XF200mmF2 rumor?… No?… Oh well, that was quite some time ago indeed (February 2016!!!)
But you guys are now just as experienced as me, when it comes to Fujifilm rumors, and you know perfectly that in the fantastic Fujifilm world everything can change anytime.
Lenses in the official Fujifilm roadmap can be scratched (XF 120mm) or changed (from XF56/1.4 to XF56/1.2), products at an advanced development stage can be cancelled (X-Pro1s), prices of brand new X-gear can change just 2 days after they have been announced (X70) and a lot more.
This is why our sources always kept an eye on the “old” XF 200mm F2 rumor… ready to inform us if there will be any changes.
In fact, after the first XF200/2 rumors we shared and the huge debate we had on Fujirumors in several articles, Fujifilm officially said that they are still undecided between XF200/2 and XF200/2.8. Quote: “There’s a big difference between a 200mm f/2.8 and a 200mm f/2 – they’re totally different.”
Shortly after the Fujifilm manager statement, on March 1, 2017, I confirmed here that the XF200mm is still planed as F2 lens.
Well, I just got another update, and once more I can say, that at this stage Fujifilm is still working on the XF 200mm F2 lens… and that’s a good thing, since the majority of those, considering to buy the XF 200mm, prefer to have a max. aperture of F2.
Of course, the more time passes, the more it is unlikely that Fujifilm will change it to F2.8… but as we all know, nothing is impossible in Fujiland :)
Loading ...