Fujifilm XF500mm f/5.6: A Game-Changer for Sports and Adventure Photography
The new Fujifilm XF500 f5.6
***NOTE: This is based upon a Pre Production Fujifilm XF500 f5.6
Fujifilm has long been known for its high-quality lenses, but for the sports and adventure crowd, something was missing—a long, lightweight, fast-performing lens. That gap is now filled with the release of the XF500mm f/5.6, designed to pair perfectly with the X-H2S. And let me tell you, this lens performs like a dream.
Capturing the Action: Wing Foiling in Hood River
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to work on a project showcasing the XF500mm f/5.6, collaborating with Fujifilm to photograph wing foilers in Hood River, Oregon. We chose this sport for its newness and technical complexity—it’s fast, dynamic, and fits perfectly within the tight frame of a 500mm f/5.6 lens.
Fujifilm XH2s & XF500 f5.6 { ISO2500 1/1250s @ f/5.6 }
As luck would have it, I got to photograph world champion Christopher Macdonald. Wing foiling is a demanding sport to capture. Athletes race across moving water, their foils lifting them up and down, and at any moment, they launch into the air, flipping and twirling with waves crashing all around. This environment pushes any autofocus system to its limits, but the XF500mm f/5.6 handled it effortlessly.
The Specs
500mm (35mm equivalent to a 762mm)
1335g (2.94lbs)
21 lens elements in 14 groups
Super ED and ED glass for uncompromising contrast, detail and sharpness
Accurate focus in just 0.33 seconds
Optical Image Stabilization of up too 5.5 Stops
Promo video I was in about working with Fujifilm’s XF500.
Performance That Exceeds Expectations
The real proof is in the images. Take the opening shot of this blog as an example—it was taken at golden hour, panning and tracking Chris as he flew into the air. At one point, I panned through a tree in the foreground, and the autofocus stayed locked on Chris, even as the tree dominated most of the frame. The lens proved to be wickedly fast and accurate, even in these challenging conditions.
Paired with the X-H2S, the image quality is stunning—sharp details, beautiful contrast, and that classic Fujifilm color science. Backgrounds stay smooth and free of noise, allowing the subject to pop in every shot.
Fujifilm XH2s & XF500 f5.6 { ISO2500 1/2000s @ f/5.6 }
Lightweight, Robust, and Ready for Adventure
One of the biggest surprises is how lightweight and compact this 762mm equivalent lens is. It’s so easy to handhold and hike with, making it ideal for longer adventures. Whether I’m trekking deep into the wilderness or shooting for extended periods, I can carry this lens with no problem.
Fujifilm XH2s & XF500 f5.6 { ISO3200 1/1400s @ f/5.6 }
Why Fujifilm Stands Out
I’ve been in this business for a long time, photographing some of the best athletes in the world. I’ve used countless camera systems, many of which were technically excellent, but lacked character—something I’d have to spend hours adding in post-production.
When I switched to the Fujifilm GFX system, I immediately knew they were onto something special. Fujifilm pushes the technical limits while building character into their lenses and film profiles, making post-production a breeze. The XF500mm f/5.6 is no exception. It’s a top-performing lens that, when paired with the X-H2S or X-H2, delivers pleasing, character-rich images straight out of the camera.
