Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMarch 09, 2026Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR review, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR sample images, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR sample photos, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR samples, Fujifilm GFX 500mm review, Fujifilm GF 500mm review, Fujifilm 500mm review, Fujifilm GF 500mm 5.6 review, Fuji GF 500mm sample imagesComment

Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Review

Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II — The Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR

Fujifilm’s Longest Lens for GFX

Prior to the release of the Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6, the longest lens for Fujifilm GFX cameras was the GF 250mm f/4. I reviewed the GF 250mm four years ago, and my conclusion was somewhat lukewarm. The reach of this lens is not impressive, and I mentioned that you could find better alternatives by choosing an APS-C setup for your telephoto work.

Fast forward, and we now have the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, and it promises to be a completely different ball of wax.

My previous experience with telephoto has largely been with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS + the 1.4x extender, yielding a 420mm focal length. Albeit a bit slower on the aperture, the GF 500mm f/5.6 could offer a similar experience. I was looking forward to seeing how it would stack up.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR at Lighthouse Point in West Vancouver

Introduction

The Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was released at the end of June 2024 and significantly changed the game for Fujifilm GFX photographers in terms of telephoto reach, especially when using the 1.4x extender, which gives you a total focal length of 700mm, or approximately 550mm in full-frame terms. Please note, I did not have the extender for this review.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for providing the lens for this review. I have not received any input, suggestions, or narrative from Fujifilm. The opinions in this review are mine, and mine only.

When this article was written, the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was listed at $3,999.95.

The Vancouver skyline and Mount Baker. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II. — Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/6.4

Handling and Build Quality

Keeping the GF 500mm f/5.6 at 3 lb (1375 g) is an impressive accomplishment, and it significantly enhances the enjoyment factor when using this lens. It feels very light for a lens with this focal length.

The build quality is excellent, and nothing feels flimsy. The removable tripod collar works well and feels solid. The amply sized hood has a nice rubberized front and snaps into place without any wobble.

The filter size is rather large at 95mm, but still manageable if you want to use filters with this lens.

A green-winged teal duck at Burnaby Lake. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II. — Burnaby Lake, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8

Specs

Focal length: 500mm, 396mm full-frame equivalent
Aperture range: f/5.6-32
21 elements in 14 groups
2 Super ED elements. 5 ED elements
Filter size: 95mm
Minimum focusing distance: 9.1' (2.8 m)
9 rounded diaphragm blades
Dust and weather-sealed
6-stop image stabilization
Dimensions: 4.1 x L: 9.7" (104.5 x L: 246.5 mm)
Weight: 3 lb (1375 g)
Price: $3,999.95 (at the time this review was posted)

Fujifilm GFX 100S II, GF 20-35mm, GF 500mm, and GF 100-200mm. — Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR in my old Lowepro camera bag

In Action

I met my buddy Chris at Burnaby Lake in British Columbia for a short hike and some wildlife photography. Chris brought his Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens so that we could make a few comparison notes.

The first thing we both noticed right away was the lower weight of the Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm f/5.6 combo—about 1.3 lb. This makes handheld operation so much more enjoyable with the Fujifilm setup.

However, Chris’s Z8 and 180-600mm setup is arguably more flexible, offering more reach and a wider zoom range. A better lens for comparison would have been the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5.

For static topics, ie, birds that weren’t moving, the Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm performed okay, but as soon as we ventured into any kind of tracking, we both agreed that the Nikon Z8 and 180-600mm were a better choice.

Although I enjoy wildlife photography, it is not among my frequent topics, as you may see from the sample images in this review. I would typically use a long telephoto lens for cityscapes and landscape photography, with the occasional wildlife photo thrown in.

Second Narrow Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and North Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II. — Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/5.6

Image Quality

The combination of the 102-megapixel sensor in the GFX 100S II and the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR will deliver insane detail and enable extensive cropping while maintaining impressive image quality.

While the lens is sharp, it still maintains a very realistic look. I should mention that I reduced sharpness to zero for the sample images in this review.

Colors are typical Fujifilm vibrant, and I also enjoyed the black-and-white conversions.

The sample images in this review can be viewed at up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor's resolution. Please click to view larger photos if you're viewing on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you’re viewing on your phone.

Night time view of Lions Gate Bridge and Vancouver skyline. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II. — Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8

Conclusion

There are bargain bin lenses, but the Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR isn’t one of them. It’s a premium product, and the four-thousand-dollar price tag may scare some photographers away.

However, the asking price is in line with what other brands charge for similar products, and once you start using it, you understand that it may be worth it. This will, of course, depend on who you are and what your needs and wishes are.

I was very happy with the image quality produced by the GF 500mm f/5.6 and captured some of my all-time favorite cityscapes with it during my test period. I would love to have a lens like this in my arsenal.

A tree in wintertime, West End Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR and Fujifilm GFX 100S II — Beach Drive, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8

I sometimes forget how far lens design and usability have improved. My old Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS with the extender weighed more than twice as much as the GF 500mm f/5.6. I know it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. A better comparison could be the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens, which weighs only 2.7 lb (1245 g) and is very compact.

Tracking of fast-moving subjects is not stellar with the GF 500mm f/5.6, but not disastrous. I am sure you’d come home with a selection of good images after a shoot, but if this is your primary use with a long telephoto lens, my suggestion would be to look for a full-frame equivalent from one of the big three or a Fujifilm APS-C setup.

For stationary animals or subjects, the results can be stellar when using the GF 500mm f/5.6 with the larger-than-full-frame sensors in the GFX cameras.

The Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was truly wonderful to use and produced amazing images, and it was one of those lenses that was hard to send back after the review period.

Please see more sample images below

Pros

Portable, lightweight, long telephoto lens option for GFX
Can be used with 1.4x extender
Build quality
Weather resistant
Image stabilization IBIS

Cons

Not fast enough AF tracking for demanding users

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm GFX 100S II - B&H Photo
Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.