Lenses

Beyond the action: GF500mmF5.6 x Federico Tardito

When we think of iconic moments in sports, what often comes to mind are grand victories and high-stakes moments. But it’s also the subtle, fleeting instances of raw emotion and personal significance that can make a photograph truly unforgettable. For instance, when Oleksandr Usyk took over Tyson Fury in the epic fight for the title of the absolute champion in heavy weight, all eyes were on Fury’s face changing in disbelief – as well as all faces from the front row. Would it be possible to capture that blink-and-you-miss-it expression without today’s high-speed gear? Obviously, not. Neither would have we seen in detail Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears after his penalty miss at Euro 2024, or Yaroslava Mahuchikh crying in a jump after setting a new world record in Paris.

These moments exemplify the power of high-end sports photography equipment. Today, with the introduction of the GF500mmF5.6 lens, a new chapter in sports and action photography is being written.

An Italian sports photographer, Federico Tardito, has tried what’s possible with the large format GFX100 II camera combined with a 500mm focal length of GF500mmF5.6 lens in his recent project. For this test-drive, he chose one of the most challenging and complex team sports to try the autofocus – American football. Armed with the new lens and the GFX100 II, he contacted the Torino Giaguaro team, which plays in the top Italian American football league.

“Unlike football – which is the discipline I usually work with – the players are much closer together and the movements are much less orderly and predictable, not to mention the fact that there are many players moving in front of the subject, which makes tracking the camera and lens anything but easy. (…) After attending a couple of their training sessions to thoroughly understand the movements, and the players and game dynamics, I found myself shooting my first sports competition with a large format. This was finally possible thanks to the GF500mmF5.6.”

The GF500mmF5.6 is the longest telephoto prime among all GF lenses. Despite the very long focal length, it remains extremely lightweight, especially when compared to other 400mm lenses in 35mm format. This makes the lens very easy to handle during the game. Above that, it has a reliable weather sealing, which is a must-have when working outdoors.

“I often work at the maximum aperture to isolate the subjects better, and the performance at maximum aperture of the new lens thrilled me from the first use: the blur effect is truly pleasant and allows for perfect isolation of the subject from the background and scene distractions.”

Despite its small size and light weight, there’s absolutely no compromise about image quality. The GF500mmF5.6 offers one of the best resolution in the line-up. It is also equipped with a powerful 6.0 stops image stabilization system and a high-speed AF drive system with linear motors, which enables comfortable handheld shooting with minimum camera shake and overturns the conventional wisdom of large-format.

“The best part comes during editing. The files from the GFX100 II, paired with the GF500mmF5.6, are truly stunning. The latitude of exposure is incredible and allows for recovering highlights or shadows that are too closed even using only JPEG. The detail is remarkable, and so is the sharpness. The 102MP of the camera allows for an almost infinite freedom of cropping, and different versions of the same frame can be obtained simply by cropping the image differently, which becomes an additional very useful resource during work delivery.

“I chose to work with the Eterna Cinema film simulation. This way, I could take advantage of all the speed of JPEG while maintaining a file rich in detail and extremely workable.”

Find more to the story here.

Federico Tardito

A professional sportrs and portrait photographer, founder of One+Nine Images. Works as a personal photographer for soccer players Leonardo Bonucci and Gigi Buffon. Collaborated with renowned agencies like LaPresse, Insidefoto, as well as famous brands like Nike and Adidas. His photos are published in various international magazines and newspapers, such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, Panorama, The Globe, Sportweek, etc.

X-Summit Sydney 2024: a quick look at newcomers

Three months after the Tokyo Summit, we’ve just celebrated our second X Summit in 2024 taking place in Sydney. And, of course, with new awesome launches! Today, we introduced our new cameras and lenses in the X and GFX Series, showcasing their advanced features together with professional photographers who got a chance to test our newbies in the field. Here’s a short glimpse into what’s new.

Fujifilm X-T50

The first newcomer introduced at today’s X Summit is a FUJIFILM X-T50 camera. It is sleek and compact, which makes it an ideal camera to carry with you wherever you go, without compromising on quality or performance. It has maintained the classic look but with a new rounded shape for a better holding grip experience. Despite being slightly larger than its predecessor, the X-T50 grip feels snug, making it feel smaller in your hand. The thumb grip extends smoothly outward compared to previous models, providing a better ergonomic feel.

What’s exciting, it’s the first X Series camera to feature a Film Simulation Dial, with 20 simulations to choose from, including the “REALA ACE”. Turning this dial on the top of the camera while shooting lets you enjoy the colours, as if changing film in real-time.

Looking inside, you’ll find the 5th generation X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, enabling high-speed and accurate autofocus and subject detection. The new camera also features a 5-axis IBIS image stabilisation, up to 7.0 stops, achieving clear, high-resolution 40.2MP images. Not to compromise the X-T50’s compact size, we reviewed the structure and arrangement of various parts and units required for IBIS implementation. So, now you have the 7.0 stops IBIS performance in the compact size of X-T30II.

With the 40.2MP I’m finding that I’m able to really zoom in on the image, even when it’s on the screen and it’s showing so much detail. It’s really amazing to both get that detail when you’re shooting wide and you’re shooting close up as well. It just is holding so much data and I’m absolutely loving it,” – Rachel Claire, travel and lifestyle photographer.

FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR

This new featherweight zoom lens elevates the capabilities of the X-T50, taking it to the next level. It is compatible with the X-T50 and other 40MP models with the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. At merely 240g, it is the lightest zoom lens in the XF line-up. Equipped with dustproof and weather-resistant features, it is a perfect choice for all weather conditions. Covering a popular wide-angle of 16mm to a mid-telephoto of 50mm, it offers high-speed, high-definition AF for exceptionally clear shots.

Given it’s a standard zoom that you carry all the time, close-up performance is very important. That’s why we’ve incorporated the maximum magnification of 0.3x and the minimum focusing distance of 24cm, enabling close-up photography at 15cm from the lens tip.

FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR

With a focal length of 500mm, it’s the longest telephoto prime among our GF lenses which offers one of the highest-class quality and resolution. Size and weight really make it stand out. The weight of the lens is only approximately 1,375g, while there’s absolutely no compromise about image quality. Chromatic aberration is minimized to the limit. The new lens is equipped with a powerful 6.0 stops image stabilization system, enabling comfortable handheld shooting and significantly minimizing camera shake. Its AF drive system with linear motors allows for fast and high-precision autofocusing that overturns the conventional wisdom of large-format cameras and lenses.

“The autofocus is so good. It just snaps onto the bird, so like when the bird’s in the sky, I get out and bang, you’re on it. And then you just as you move with the bird, the tracking is fantastic,” – Shelley Pearson, bird and wildlife photographer.

“The thing that really stood out for me is that especially being a large-format sensor system, I can fit this in my bag with the lens on the camera. And that’s incredible, because, normally, when I’m traveling I’m always worried about the weight restrictions on airplanes and how to get it into one bag. And then, of course, we’re on a pretty adventurous trip, so being able to carry it around all day and not need to use a monopod – I think that was a really big advantage,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.

“One of the scenarios we had was in rapids in a river, and these birds were just sitting dead still on the logs. And the ability to handhold a long exposure shot to get the movement of the water, but still capture the 102MP of the birds was just fantastic. It’s an F5.6 lens,  but when it’s paired with a large sensor format, it doesn’t actually behave like an F5.6 lens from a depth-of-field perspective. It is great for wildlife,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.

Fujifilm GFX100S II

Since we first launched the GFX100 in 2019 as the first 102MP large format camera, it has become a favourite among many professionals for its outstanding image quality, AF and IBIS. Additionally, we launched the compact GFX100S, a smaller model offering the same user-friendly experience as the GFX100, making it very accessible. Aiming to bring the appeal of large-format photography to more photo enthusiasts, we’ve created the GFX 100S II.

This camera makes no compromises, delivering top-notch performance. It is equipped with the newly developed 102MP sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II, and our cutting-edge X-Processor 5, maintaining the best of the GFX 100S… and advancing even further. Weighting only 883g, it’s the lightest 102MP model in GFX Series. The GFX100S II offers the highest image quality in the GFX Series. By improving the pixel structure on the new sensor, we’ve extended the standard sensitivity to ISO 80. This means you can now capture images with a wider dynamic range and lower noise.

What’s more? You will definitely make use of the Face/Eye Detection AF and subject detection AF. Advanced AF prediction algorithms have improved the detection accuracy and tracking performance of moving subjects, so you can leave autofocusing to the camera and concentrate on the shutter release opportunity and composition. In addition, we’ve upgraded the IBIS performance too. The gyro and acceleration sensors accurately capture even the slightest movement, and the correction accuracy is improved, providing up to 8.0 stops of anti-shake performance.

Open up more possibilities with Film Simulations

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Film Simulation, we’re also launching the Film Simulation special content website. On this platform, you will learn more about all our film simulations, compare their characteristics, and open new possibilities for experiments that you’ve never thought about before. Stay tuned to be in the first row to check it out!

Slowing Down for Perfection: Renée Kemps & FUJINON Tilt-Shift Lenses

“Home is where your heart is”, right? Then, it has a truly captivating story to tell. With a keen eye for the spaces we inhabit and a passion for playing with light, Renée Kemps reveals these stories and makes them visible, turning everyday home details into unique communication tools. Recently equipped with her FUJINON’s GF30mmF5.6 T/S and GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro lenses, she became an architectural storyteller, using all-new camera capabilities and benefits of the tilt-shift lens to document a sense of place.

“There’s something in a space, a property or architecture, that really only speaks to you. Focus on that individual perspective. Personally, I love intimacy in my images, but there’s also elegance and fragility,”

Renée Kemps.
Photo 2023 © Renée Kemps | FUJIFILM GFX100 II and FUJINON GF30mmF5.6 T/S
Photo 2023 © Renée Kemps | FUJIFILM GFX100 II & FUJINON GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro, 1/100 sec, F5.6, ISO 100

For architectural photographers, maintaining straight lines is paramount. The tilt-shift functionality of these lenses proved to be invaluable, enabling Renée to correct perspectives in real time. This is particularly crucial when capturing details from a slightly downward angle, ensuring that lines remain straight without the need for post-production adjustments. It also offers a unique perspective for those who seek more complexity and variety in photo compositions.

“It’s quite unusual to have a telephoto tilt-shift lens. Often, they’re only made super wide, which limits you. I think this variety is beautiful to have, because for me and a lot of other people, it lets us apply tilt-shift benefits to so many different things. Partnered with the shorter lens, you have an incredible range. You can play around and take a whole different approach to scenes,”

Renée Kemps.

Paired with the new FUJIFILM GFX100 II body, with a remarkable 102-megapixel quality and the rapid functionality of X-Processor 5, these tilt-shift lenses have a powerful ally for image perfection. The large sensor quality provides bigger flexibility and allows for extensive cropping without compromising image quality. It is especially useful when working with challenging spaces.

“They make you slow down a little. Sometimes, you just end up running around a property photographing everything all at once, because it looks so good. With this pair, you can really say: ‘This is the corner I want to document, and I want to have it perfect.’ You live in that moment, and that’s where you can create your best work,”

Renée Kemps.

Read the full story of Renée’s experience with the GF30mmF5.6 T/S and GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro here.

Renée Kemps

A commercial and editorial interior, architecture and lifestyle photographer and art director. Based in both London and Amsterdam, she operates on a global scale, producing remarkable work that has been featured in editions of Kinfolk, Ark Journal, Openhouse Magazine, Wallpaper, AD, Ignant, Elle Decor, Vogue, and Harpers Bazaar. Her clients include, among others: American Express, AMAN, RIMOWA, Carl Hansen & Søn, Ark Journal, Ogilvy, Kinfolk, Virgin, H&M Home, The White Company, Creative Blood Agency.

Extreme Cinematography with AJ Bleyer & FUJINON Premista

The right lens puts you beyond the boundaries of what’s possible on screen – especially, in extreme cinematography, where imagination takes over the limits. DGA director AJ Bleyer shows it like nobody does.

In his latest extreme Red Bull Racing commercial, he tried out our FUJINON’s 19-45mm Premista wide cine-zoom lens paired with the RED Digital Cinema V-RAPTOR inside an airplane. And the results are jaw-dropping!

“Equipped with a RED V-Raptor, FUJINON Premista, and our new eND RF to PL adapter, we team up with Red Bull Racing for a series of back-to-back jumps across California and Washington,”

AJ Bleyer.

The video is still being processed, meanwhile, here are some impressive shots from behind the scenes. Check the full story here.

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From Broadcasting to Manufacturing – the advantages of using FUJINON Lenses for your Machine Vision needs

FUJINON FUJIFILM lens Optical Devices

Machine vision lenses have become an essential component in various industries, from manufacturing to quality control. These lenses allow machines to ‘see’ and capture images with high accuracy and precision. Among the many lens manufacturers in the market, why do people choose FUJINON lenses?

One reason is the wide range of product categories that Fujifilm offers. They are the only comprehensive lens manufacturer handling lenses in a wide range of sizes, materials, and shapes. Their lenses range from large to tiny aperture lenses, lenses for 8K and 4K high-definition TV broadcasting, interchangeable lenses, and cinema lenses for digital cameras. Professionals in the broadcasting industry worldwide recognize the high performance and quality of FUJINON lenses, as evidenced by their several Engineering Emmy Awards.

Another reason is the advanced technologies that Fujifilm has accumulated over its more than 80 years in the business. The company has been manufacturing high-precision lenses since 1940 and has since developed numerous products that lead the world. Fujifilm’s expertise in manufacturing, processing, assembly, and other technologies allows them to deliver consistent high resolution performance in a wide range of installation environments.

Fujifilm’s global network is also a notable advantage. With sales and production bases in more than 30 countries worldwide, the company develops its logistic marketing from a global perspective and provides quick and tailored local services at each base. This ensures that customers receive the best possible service, regardless of their location.

The total number of FUJINON Machine Vision Lenses produced is a testament to the brand’s quality and reliability. With more than 1.1 million lenses produced, the company continues to evolve technologically and address customer needs with a variety of products. Fujifilm lenses manufactured by bringing together the company’s state-of-the-art technologies are used at production and quality inspection sites all around the world.

Highest Zoom and World’s longest Focal Length

No, we are not messing around with you. FUJIFILM has developed the broadcast zoom lens ‘FUJINON HZK25-1000mm’, which boasts the world’s highest 40x zoom and the world’s longest focal length of 1000mm.

Following many years of developing and supplying broadcast lenses that address broadcast camera operators’ refined needs, Fujifilm became the first in the world to release a 4K-compatible broadcast lens in 2015. Ever since, Fujifilm has established a lineup of 8K-compatible broadcast lenses to lead the industry in raising video image quality.

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