Using medium format cameras for wildlife and bird photography might seem unconventional, but the Fujifilm Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens changes the game. This long telephoto lens offers excellent image quality, strong stabilization, and a surprisingly lightweight build—all while retaining the detail and resolution that make medium format so appealing.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video review breaks down the performance and features of the Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 lens. Frost starts by highlighting the lens's practicality in the field. Despite being a telephoto lens designed for the GFX system, it is lighter than expected, weighing in at just 1.3 kg (around 3 lbs). This makes it more manageable for extended use compared to other telephoto options in the same range. Its build combines metal and plastic to balance durability and portability, and the weather-sealing ensures it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
When it comes to optical performance, Frost’s tests show this lens produces stunningly sharp images. Using the Fujifilm GFX 100S, a 102-megapixel camera, he confirms that sharpness remains consistent across the frame, even at its widest aperture of f/5.6. Stopping down to f/8 or f/11 results in minimal changes, maintaining high image quality. With Fujifilm’s in-camera corrections, the GF 500mm displays little distortion and excellent corner sharpness, making it a reliable choice for wildlife and bird photography.
A standout feature of this lens is its compatibility with the Fujifilm 1.4x teleconverter. This accessory turns the lens into a 700mm f/8, giving an effective focal length of 553mm in full-frame terms. Frost points out that, even with the teleconverter attached, the lens maintains impressive sharpness and good contrast, making it a viable option for photographers looking to extend their reach without sacrificing image quality.
The image stabilization is another strong point. Frost demonstrates how the stabilization system reduces camera shake effectively, even at the longer focal lengths, which is crucial for handheld shots in challenging lighting. Autofocus performance is generally fast and quiet, although there can be occasional hunting when using the teleconverter. Frost notes that, while the autofocus system on the GFX 100S works well for static subjects, it struggles slightly with fast-moving ones, a limitation that’s worth considering if you plan to photograph birds in flight.
For those wondering about its performance in different lighting scenarios, Frost highlights its resistance to flaring and strong contrast against bright light. He also shows how the lens’s optical design results in smooth, creamy background blur—ideal for creating visually pleasing separation between subject and background. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
