Lens ReviewMorten ByskovNovember 09, 2022Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR review, Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR sample images, Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR sample photos, Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Review, Fuji GF 100-200mm review, Fuji GF 100-200mm sample images, Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Image Quality, Fujifilm GF 100-200mm specs, Fuji 100-200, Fuji 100-200 GFX, Fuji 100-200mm review, Fujifilm 100-200mm f5.6 GFX, Fujifilm 100-200mm4 Comments

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Review

Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Review - a Versatile G-Mount Telephoto Zoom Lens

When I first picked up the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR, I immediately had flashbacks to periods of time when I had the Canon EF 70-200mm zoom lenses. These were, and still are incredibly versatile telephoto zoom lenses.

I had the f/2.8 as well as f/4 versions and using the GF 100-200mm for the first time, my memory bank associated it with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L but it is in fact more similar to the f/4 when it comes to size, weight, and performance.

A small boat crosses Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Provicial Park in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — Alouette Lake, Golden Ears Provincial Park, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 190mm, f/7.1, 1/250s, ISO 250

However, it quickly becomes apparent that the GF 100-200mm is not targeted at the same photographers who would normally pick a fast telephoto zoom. The emphasis has instead been put on producing a portable and lightweight telephoto option for Fujifilm GFX photographers.

Having to cover a larger than full-frame sensor becomes a challenge and Fujifilm settled on a max f-stop of f/5.6 which is a tad sluggish if you hope to shoot in low light or capture action-related topics.

At a full-frame equivalent focal length of 79-158mm, the zoom range is also somewhat limited compared to your typical 70-200mm lenses.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada, I got the chance to test drive the GF 100-200mm. Let’s see how some of these limiting factors play in or if Fujifilm perhaps targeted the lens at a different audience.

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR mounted on a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Testing the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR on the Fujifilm GFX 50R at Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR - Introduction

The Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was introduced in January 2019 and offered a more moderate telephoto zoom alternative to the GF 250mm f/4 R LM OIS WR with a lower weight and more affordable price tag.

Short of adapted third-party lenses these two native Fujifilm/Fujinon lenses are the only two options if you want to shoot at focal lengths longer than 120mm on your GFX camera.

At the time this review was posted the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was priced at $1,999.00.

The dyke and trees lining the Harrison River in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR — Harrison Mills, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 100mm, f/5.6, 1/160s, ISO 160

Handling and Specs

Weighing in at 2.31 lb, 1050 g, and with dimensions of 3.52 x 7.2", 89.5 x 183 mm, the GF 100-200 f/5.6 R LM OIS WR is well balanced on my GFX 50R and I assume it would be even better on your GFX 100S, GFX 50S II or GFX 50S as they have an even larger grip.

The zoom ring is smooth but nowhere near as dampened as on the GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR I tested at the same time. It didn’t bother me but the difference was significant.

The aperture ring works with no flaws with a suitable amount of friction and has the lockable A and C positions.

The GF 100-200mm counts 20 elements in 13 groups including 2 super ED elements and one aspherical element. You have 9 bladed rounded diaphragm blades and a filter size of 67mm.

Testing the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR on the Fujifilm GFX 50R in Golden Ears Provincial Park

One of the most important features, especially if you have a camera that does not feature IBIS, is the 5-stop optical image stabilization on the GF 100-200mm. It works very well and makes for a nicely stabilized viewfinder.

There is an OIS on/off switch on the side of the lens as well as a focus limiter switch. The minimum focusing distance is 1.97', 60 cm.

The included lens hood is of ample size and has a window that makes it easier to adjust filters such as variable ND filters or polarizer filters.

Tree trunks in Harrison Mills, BC, Canada in fall. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR — Harrison Mills, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 106mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 500

In Action

The first thing I noticed was how well the image stabilization works on the GF 100-200mm. It is a real pleasure to use and allows you to shoot at lower shutter speeds for static scenes.

Having tested the XF 150-600mm and XF 70-300mm recently I quickly realized that 100-200mm is a much more limited zoom range in comparison. It should come as no surprise but I kept trying to turn the zoom ring to get a bit closer :)

The full-frame focal length range from 79-158mm, however, is very useful and would cover a large portion of shots in my repertoire.

The three images below are captured from the same vantage point at 50mm with my GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR and then at 100mm and 200mm with the GF 100-200mm.

Bridal Falls in BC. Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR — GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ 50mm

Bridal Falls, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR at 100mm — GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 100mm

Bridal Falls, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR at 200mm — GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 200mm

The removable tripod collar is excellent and for my test, I used it for tripod-mounted shots in the horizontal as well as vertical positions. It is nice that you can remove it when you want to travel as lightly as possible.

I always appreciate a zoom lens with internal focusing as the lens will not protrude as you zoom. The GF 100-200mm is such a lens and the autofocus speed was also amply fast for my needs with the silent linear motor.

The overall build quality is fine on the GF 100-200mm but may fall a bit short in comparison to the GF 45-100mm that I tested at the same time. This could be deceptive so please take this comment with a grain of salt.

They are almost the same weight and perhaps because the GF 45-100 is a shorter lens with a larger filter diameter of 82mm, it may just feel beefier and more solid.

The Vancouver skyline at sunset viewed from Spanish Banks Beach. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — Vancouver Skyline captured from Spanish Banks, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 111mm, f/10, 1/80s, ISO 160

Image Quality

I have yet to review a Fujifilm Fujinon GF lens where I found the image quality lacking to a degree where I found myself hampered by it.

It is usually other factors that will play in such as weather conditions, less-than-ideal shooting conditions, or my own creative limitations or abilities that get in the way of excellent image quality.

Perhaps I should create a rating system but when it comes to GF lenses, they are usually very good or better yet.

The GF 100-200mm is no exception and is indeed very good at creating sharp images with a wonderful color rendition with a true-to-life feel.

Diana Byskov, 5050 Travelog, is testing a Fujifilm XF 150-600mm lens at Spanish Bank Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — Diana is testing the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm at Spanish Banks, Vancouver.
The photo is captured with a Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 200mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 320

While you won’t be able to create a shallow depth of field look as with full-frame f/2.8 lenses at these focal lengths, bokeh is indeed quite good and can be created at f/5.6 or higher and depending on the distance to your target and focal length it can be quite pronounced.

In the above image, as an example, we are at 200mm @ f/8.

Please see more sample images below which can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide.

Fujifilm GF 100-200 f/5.6 vs. GF 250mm f/4

Shorter flexible zoom lens (GF 100-200mm f/5.6) versus a longer faster prime (GF 250mm f/4)? 2.31 lb, 1050 g, versus 3.14 lb, 1.42 kg? $1,999.00 versus $3,299.00? These are just some of the questions that may pop up if you are considering your telephoto options for a GFX camera.

Both are of course valid options depending on your needs and other lenses you may have. As an example, you may already have a GF 110mm f/2 and may find the GF 100-200 redundant. Or you have the GF 32-64mm and may find that a GF 100-200 would complement it well.

Migrating geese near Agassiz in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — Agassiz, BC, Canada, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ 100mm, f/6.4, 1/300s, ISO 100

If the GFX camera is your only system and you are looking for more reach, the GF 250mm f/4 really is your only option and it can deliver images with a certain impact.

Personally, I found the GF 100-200mm to be more versatile and the difference on the long end is not leaps or bounds. I would perhaps rather cover the long focal lengths with XF lenses in the X Series such as the XF 150-600mm or XF 70-300mm.

You can read my GF 250mm f/4 review here:

Fujifilm GF 250mm f/4 R LM OIS WR - Review

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, testing and reviewing a Fujifilm Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR — Testing the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR on the Fujifilm GFX 50R at Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver

Conclusion

The GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR was never made for shooting basketball in a dark gym or hockey in a poorly lit rink. You will without doubt struggle with the limiting max. f-stop of f/5.6 in these conditions.

I primarily used it for landscape photography and it handles this genre really well. It is clear to me that landscape photographers are the main target for this lens.

The focal length range may be somewhat limiting and yet it covers some of the most often used angles for landscape photography.

If wildlife is your game the GF 100-200mm will leave you wanting more reach, especially if you are into bird photography.

I tried in vain to capture eagles at Harrison Mills in BC but the eagles were nothing but small dots in the viewfinder at 200mm and even with 50 megapixels for cropping on my GFX 50R the images were useless.

I scrutinized some of the photos in this review on my 4K monitor and I must say I was impressed with how sharp and how well the GF 100-200mm rendered the images.

Pros

Optically excellent
Great image stabilization
Tripod collar

Cons

Somewhat limiting max. f-stop of f/5.6
Somewhat limiting zoom range compared to full-frame rivals

Please see more sample images below.

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 link 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 GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR - B&H Photo

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