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How Does the Fujifilm XF 400mm F4.5 Compare

With the September 2026 release of the XF 400mm F4.5 R LM OIS WR, Fujifilm X System users have four super telephoto lenses to choose between.

The latest prime combines a number of features that set it apart from the existing options, but how can you tell which is best for your needs? Our guide includes a specifications comparison along with the key features that separate them. We also provide insight into the most suitable subjects and who might benefit from each model.

Let’s begin with a look at pricing for the four lenses included in our comparison.

Two Primes and Two Zooms

1. XF 400mm F4.5 R LM OIS WR RRP £2,499.00
2. XF 500mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR RRP £2,899.00
3. XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR RRP £1,899.00
4. XF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR RRP. £1,699.00

Giacomo De Franchis in the field with the 400mm

Specifications Comparison table

With 10 years between them, this table highlights some of the similarities and differences, so you can see how they compare on paper.

Sample Lion by Ian Dawson with X-H2. Settings: 1/200. f/9. ISO 1600

What do the letters mean?

• R: Stands for Ring, which means it has a physical aperture ring.
• WR: Stands for Weather Resistant.
• LM: Stands for Linear Motor, for fast, quiet autofocus.
• OIS: Stands for Optical Image Stabilisation.

The 400mm prime also shares the distinctive green ring around the hood seen on the XF500mm F5.6 and earlier XF200mm F2, making these high-end models instantly recognisable to those that know.

Sample Gold Coast Big Waves by Benjamin Charles Trickey. No EXIF data

What sets the new 400mm model apart?

At 1,245g, it’s 90g lighter than the other prime and 360g lighter than the longest zoom. That’s quite an achievement for a bright super telephoto prime. On top of this, it’s shorter, offers half a stop more stabilisation than two of the others, and includes a number of controls that make shooting smoother. These include Preset Focus Recall, a Focus Control Button and a focus limiter.

There is a trade-off, which is maximum magnification. If you regularly shoot tele-macro or close-ups, the XF 150-600mm zoom is perhaps the most useful option.

Which subjects do they best suit?

The table and interactive guides below reveal which subjects each lens is best suited to. Naturally, there’s plenty of crossover between all four, but each one carves out its own niche thanks to differences in zoom flexibility, weight and reach.

To summarise:

• 100-400mm — The versatile all-rounder, ready for almost anything
• 150-600mm — Maximum zoom flexibility and reach for wildlife and distant subjects
• 400mm F4.5 — A lightweight powerhouse for fast-moving action
• 500mm F5.6 — The specialist’s choice for long-range precision

Here's an old skool table if you prefer

Sample Gold Coast Surfing by Benjamin Charles Trickey. No EXIF data

Which camera body works best?

If you’re new to the X System or putting together your dream long lens kit, any of these telephoto lenses will give you plenty of options. However, some bodies are better matched than others when it comes to fast-paced action.

The X-H2S and X-H2 are particularly well suited to this kind of demanding photography. The X-H2S is all about speed and subject tracking, while the 40.2MP X-H2 brings additional resolution for capturing fine detail and cropping in tight.

Sample Leopard by Ian Dawson with X-H2. Settings: 1/640. f/4.5. ISO 125

Which should you choose?

Clearly there's no single definitive choice, and that's rather the point. The original XF 100-400mm remains an incredibly versatile all-rounder, while the XF 150-600mm adds considerably more reach while keeping the flexibility of a zoom.

The XF 500mm F5.6 is a more specialised option, and the newest XF 400mm F4.5 slots neatly in between them with a compelling combination of reach, bright aperture and low weight.

Whichever suits your photography, explore our complete range of Fujifilm X Mount lenses to find the perfect option for your kit.

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By Nick Dautlich on 04/09/2026

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.