Birding with the Fujifilm 100-400mm lens.

[@nmc_experience]

The mirror bird one is definitely a grate one 💪👏🙌

[@Optidorf]

I have this lens quite a while, but I only started to use it when I was in Antarctica at the beginning of the year. I was (almost literally) blown away buy the quality of this lens. The photography of penguins, birds in flight and other wildlife was out of this world. I showed these pictures to some of my friends and they compared it with photography coming from National Geographic. All of these kudos go the 100-400mm which is crazy sharp and has very beautiful colors. I don't have experience with telephoto zooms from other brands, but it's hard to imagine that another APS-C camera has such a great telephoto zoom lens like the Fuji 100-400mm.

[@SkylarkFields]

Wildlife and bird photography is my hobby, and my XT-2 camera and 100-400mm lens combination is perfect for it. My profile pic is one of the first shots I took after I bought the camera and lens almost 2 years ago. Since then I have been experimenting more with getting off full auto - lots to learn! But each day I understand a bit more about using my camera and I really appreciate your videos which are not only full of good tips and advice but very entertaining too!

[@navidan2093]

For a long time I wanted Omar to try out som of the fuji telephoto lenses, and here he goes with the longest and the most expensive one. I want it more than before.

[@leesab9997]

I’ve used this for birding for almost a year on my xt20. Takes some getting used to, but the bb focus is a must. Warblers, though.... those buggers barely sit still for a second! And they’re always hidden amongst the branches. I use the CH setting to get several frames per second. And if light allows, don’t be afraid of higher iso! Thanks for the video... you’re a delight.

[@stormtastic7083]

how is the size? is the xt20 big enough for the 100-400?

[@dylan.thissen]

One of my favourite things watching omar's videos is that he has access to the latest cameras from fuji if he were to choose, and yet he continues to use the older cameras. He puts out videos saying you don't need the latest model and stands by that by not using the latest model camera. Plus I love getting to see Omar use lenses I want but can't afford :)

[@ukaszStachowiak]

this is my favorite lens ^^ try it with 1.4x teleconverter, things are getting even more tricky ;)

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Thanks Omar. With the stresses and insanity of the current situation it’s a welcome relief to go birding with a friend. Thanks for taking us along.

[@bill3117]

Love the woodpecker conversation ;) I've got a used 100-400mm on the way. I too struggle with bird pictures.

[@scottallen6172]

Well done, photos and all. The cardinal/mirror photo is a winner.

[@justgaming7003]

I enjoyed this Omar! :) I admire how you keep on trying to learn and improve more and more, and how you explore different types of photography. You inspire beginners like me.

[@joegilchrist3994]

I love the cardinal in the wing mirror. Great photo.

[@murrayscheuerman5900]

Hey Omar, happy to see you out and about. I bought the 100-400 and 1.4x tele about one week before being isolated. Finally getting out to enjoy it. We get those Warblers nesting here. Also lots of Waxwings around these days. Take Care.

[@garryjohns351]

Using this lens with the Xt4/IBIS on a tripod, do you suggest OIS on or off? What if hand holding? OIS on or off?

[@PhotographerSen]

Hi from this irregular bird photographer! Waiting so eagerly for fuji 100-400 review, focusing on bird photography from you, and finally, it is here! Yes, I agree, bird photography is hard, but not as much as street photography imo, if you wanna do that properly. However, the photos you took are quite good!

[@bill3117]

Love the captions on the woodpecker pics. I have the same results most of the time.

[@embracingimage2187]

I enjoy your videos.You never come off as a snob or a know it all,while still supplying valuable content.Subscribed👍🏽

[@Rodney-of8qi]

I think you had some keepers there. Especially the red Cardinal and Woodpecker which I really loved. You’ve given me inspiration not to give up and keep trying! Thanks 🙏

[@EricDChan]

Your videos are my favorite for reminding me that, as a hobbyist, photography is supposed to be fun.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

The mirror shot is pretty dope!! Again a nice video!

[@RandyPollock]

When I switched from Canon a few years back the only lens I kept was a Canon 400mm 5.6f, with an adapter I use it on my Fuji, and with the help of a tripod, it's a great lens for backyard bird photography. With good feeders in your yard and making great perches that they land on before going to the feeders, you can get some great shots by just sitting on the deck with your camera on a tripod. For on the go bird photography then that 100-400 is a good lens as well.

[@LoriRowland]

I really like your on location videos! Thank youl 😊

[@juleshorse9056]

A great review and actually you do nail some lovely shots. Some useful tips for using the lens, focusing and capturing the birds. Looked like a fun day out.

[@dcaudwell]

Man, if you have Ivory-billed Woodpeckers circling over Paterson, NJ then I'm on the next plane, Fuji in hand! So cool that you are a birder too as well as a great photographer and a great communicator/educator! I've just got an XT30 and I've been learning so much from your channel so, thanks a million, and I wish you every success as your channel grows and grows, which I have no doubt it will

[@Mike-fg5cj]

I think bird photos make the best prints so many colors!

[@christopherbgriffith]

I rented the 100-400 for a safari trip. I loved it - fast, sharp, and accurate. If not for the steep price, I would own it. Glad to see you trying it out!

[@kuhl474]

The Lens with TC 1,4 and X-T20 is A DREAM ♥️

[@calexandrehoward]

Hey man. Thanks for these vids. Im on the market for a fujifilm and your vids have made my choice a lot more informed and easy.

[@carlosdias1940]

Thanks Omar - getting out the comfort zone is part of (my) learning curve. Got a 100-400 recently and looking forward to see your review. (my current challenge is the sharp focus at 400 in windsurf photography - including 20 knots plus+++ wind gust in the menu!). Really appreciate your work!... and love B&H - oficial visit every time in NYC!

[@pastagala233]

I vote Omar for President of joy and happiness ! Even if I didn't like photography I'd always benefit from your very kind and funny personnality, thanks Omar.

[@massimoshyrbi5891]

Mate you are hilarious and professional at the same time, love your videos

[@Luigi13]

The cardinal shot is excellent? I certainly like the composition checking himself in the mirror, you caught him in time. By the way your videos are always candid and enjoyable to watch. Bravo Omar.

[@thereapersperch]

Don't be so hard on yourself; those pics look great. I really want this lens now.

[@Bloggerky]

I have used the 100-400 extensively for bird and wildlife photography in the US, Costa Rica, Alaska, and Canada. It delivers, although the Fuji system is not as quick on autofocus as full frame Canon and Nikon DSLR's, or the Sony a7 and a9 systems. Birding in Noo Joisey!

[@reallol1016]

So excited for the full review! Got this lens a month ago, still suck at getting those crispy shots and focus misses are a struggle.

[@brucekraft744]

The focus technique you describe is pretty much my full time setup. Love that lens!

[@patdavis5095]

Thanks for the review! Been hoping you'd do one. I've been trying to learn bird photography and I found a lot of comfort in the fact that you agree that it's hard to do! Lots of bad shots to get one worth saving! Keep up the good work - your channel is great.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

I’ve just moved and I’m surrounded by woods, I went for a wander which was supposed to be a landscape scouting mission, but I spent more time wishing I had a longer lens, birds everywhere, and some deer. I’ve only photographed birds or animals when in Africa (3 trips so far) but with so much on my doorstep I’m going to invest in a long lens and broaden my photography horizons.

[@garybahnick2358]

LOVE the Woodpecker shot! Nice video.

[@KentuckyMan30]

I'll keep pounding this home... it was so appropriate to see a Jim Carrey clip in an Omar video. Also, the extreme patience required to go birding is something I sadly don't possess. For someone who isn't a birder, I thought you came away with some great shots!

[@CWReace]

I was never a birder at all until I started going for walks at a nearby park with my (at the time) Nikon camera, and found out I liked trying to get photos of some of the birds there. Then I had to get a 200-500mm lens, and enjoyed it even more. (Now it's the Fuji 100-400mm on my X-H1. :) )

[@endnami]

yeah man B&H is where I just got my strobes last week

[@marvesrivas307]

Great timing on this video. I’ve been considering this lens for weeks now. And it just went on sale yesterday for $300 less I believe

[@nukert658]

just got my first camera (xt30ii) and lens (50-230mm) and I have been getting into birding and some birds have been fairly easy but others have been very difficult to get a good shot of... figured it was just me (probably still is) especially being new to photography. Turns out them lil suckers are tricky

[@morrieglick4137]

I’m a long time subscriber because of your personality & useful content. The pictures were stunning, both in terms of colour & composition. Keep up the good work.

[@ogonzilla]

Morrie Glick appreciate that!!!

[@RodLittle]

Man you learn quick, some great shots, better than I have managed in a couple of years with the 100-400. Shows I get need to get out and practice more.

[@ryans_life]

Great video and shots especially the cardinal

[@patdavis5095]

Love this video! I'm trying to learn bird photography and it's a relief to hear you think it's difficult! Hoping you'll do a full review of this lens soon. Got it and love it, but I'm sure I could use it more effectively with some pointers. Also, if you add the 1.4 teleconverter that would be amazing. Hoping to add that to the kit at next major holiday. ;)

[@reedwarbler]

Hi, thanks Omar for your review. Do you know what the best camera strap is for the fuji xt20 and the 100mm to 400mm? The current strap i use is peak design leash. Thanks a bunch

[@99forizzi]

Thanks, Omar! So helpful! It's good to see an experienced photographer like you be so humble here. Bird photography is challenging, and I am learning as well. Your follow up about back button focusing on the XT-3 is great, thanks. Too bad I didn't watch it two weeks ago when I was attempting to shoot kinglets in Green-Wood Cemetry, Brooklyn, NY. But, as you say: 'whattygonnado?'.

[@0000oooopppp]

Omar, me encanta tu canal. Mi hermana ha podido capturar fotos decentes de varias aves en PR. Lo que más dificultad le dió fue fotografíar un San Pedrito.

[@primal_aperture_photo]

You're so much fun to watch and learn from! Thanks for this video.

[@paulthomas8986]

You got some nice photos Omar. I use the same lens on my xt2 and it does struggle at times to lock on focus. 400mm and still you need to get real close to get good pictures of these smaller birds without having to crop a ton. I think to get the good pictures you need to be in a bird sanctuary where they are used to people getting close or in a blind. Best of luck with the lens. I am hoping Fuji will come out with a decent priced 500mm prime. Thanks for the video

[@mjztx]

I just got a Sigma 100-400mm for my canon cameras and have been playing in the yard. It's been very fun, but you are right, it can certainly show you when you suck... especially birds in flight. You kind of have to prefocus to have it close enough where the camera can pickup the bird. Still fun learning so far.

[@russellfernandes9607]

Haha! I was a bit luckier as most of the birds that I captured around my house were within the 55mm range to be decently captured with the 18-55mm (with OIS ON). Thanks for sharing this fun experience Omar 👍

[@Bazzasphotolife]

I think you did a great job on your first try, Omar. I bought the lens used pre-pandemic and it took me a while to get used to it. I am getting mostly keepers now and find that when I can fill the frame the images are really sharp. Just working on birds in flight which is a whole other challenge. I find that the lens creep is okay as it is ready on the long end for when I see something - again, filling the frame is key for me, if possible. Looking forward to your review! Barry

[@etienne4403]

Nice video again. Need to use my 100-400mm more often. Why turn off focus peaking when manual focusing for birding (or in general)?

[@CWReace]

I often take my 100-400 to the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst NJ. Maybe I'll bump into you there some day. :) Yeah, the hard part is getting good compositions. (I'm getting fairly good at getting them in focus, I think.)

[@juleshorse9056]

Great video. I don't think it is a 'fail' at all. Yes, the keeper rate starts low, but with technique and practice, buoyed up by great captures, come some great shots, such as those at 5.40and 6.20, comes shots. Great work. This lens is on my wish list.

[@athulsathian2098]

Hi omar. I own an XT-30 and xf16mm2.8 and xc50-230mm. I really like shooting birds and wildlife. I'm confused with whether i should be Upgrading my XT-30 to XT4 or instead getting an xf100-400mm lens. What do you recommend?

[@jakobhaberl6071]

I only have a vintage 135mm adapted to my x-t30 but it works perfektly for me :)

[@HappyGrl41]

Yes, bird photography can be very challenging and frustrating but when you get a great shot, it's all worth it. The small birds are hard to get. I thought you got some good shots. Practice, practice, practice. The tools can only take you so far.

[@shaunriome6273]

I have been looking to get into wildlife photography but as affordably and compact as possible. I love my xt-20, but fuji does not have a reasonable sized or priced zoom with enough reach. I am envious on sony's new 70-350 which has close to same reach and comparable quality but half the size. Would be an interesting comparison.

[@dodavis1636]

I love birds so I use my 100-400 with the 2x teleconverter a lot. I suck a bird photography but I don't care, I just enjoy walking in the forest and taking pictures.

[@RockyColaFizz]

Hi. How well does that work? You still get decent autofocus and image quality? Thx!

[@dodavis1636]

​@@RockyColaFizz I'm not a expert photographer so my standards may be different from many. It works pretty well as long as you have good light. Getting a really sharp image at 800 is sometimes challenging since it is sometimes not possible to get faster shutter speeds and still have proper exposure. I just take a lot of photos and sometimes get lucky.

[@Argolich]

This is one of my favorite lenses to play with. Compared to a long, fast prime it is light and affordable and tack sharp. I'm still learning the best focus settings for birds, running dogs, wildlife etc...I'm very close to figuring our the optimal focus combo for this kind of shooting - for me I should say. But I'm really enjoying what you can do with this lens. Like you, I noticed you can have some fun "up close and personal" with it. No replacement for a dedicated macro but in a pinch it is awesome. House flies never looked so good! Cheers! :-)

[@refsjourney]

Try birding in Indonesia, they'll instantly flew away after seeing human in about 100 meters. They often mistook us as Hunter :( Great video BTW :)

[@diego_perez]

Hi Omar! you got great pictures! hope to see another video about that lens, after I got my PhD I am getting a big lens like that!

[@shaund3299]

Love the video. Looking forward to seeing more videos with this lens. I have been thinking about getting one for a while as the xc 50-230 doesn't quite cut it when I go to air shows. I was going to rent the lens to test it out at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo but as it's been cancelled it will be another year before I get my hands on one of these big boys.

[@daxvolfan]

I've got the 50-230 and for the price it's hard to beat. Seems that bird photography ends up being take lots of shots and hope you get a decent one. That's been my experience anyway. Been lucky to get a few.

[@radhakrishnan9974]

Will 100-400 support on xt30? What’s your opinion on xt30 camera

[@GregSewellTRFC]

Yes it will, but its the biggest lens on the smallest body!

[@paultezuma864]

Hi Omar, what do you think of getting Fringe EF-FX Pro2 Adapter with Sigma 100-600mm Sport-final price almost the same as Fuji 100-400mm but with extra zoom of 600mm? Plus open up whole varieties of Sigma/Tokina/Tamron lens?

[@paultezuma864]

Such as Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 Pro2 instead of Fuji 8-16mm f2.8, with huge price differenc & weight?

[@lrb05131963]

You can capture jailbirds in Paterson jj O’mar,lol.Get some shots of the Falls too.

[@TheHeizman415]

Man I love this channel

[@Rolweng]

Hi Omar, a new friend here. I was thinking of buying long lens for my X-T4. I am considering between 2 lenses - 1st is the 50-140MM or the 100-400MM. I dont which one should I buy. I love both landscape and wildlife or bird photography or any nature photography. I am a beginner in photography and just learn it from youtube and attending some full courses. Which do you prefer for me to buy and why? Thank you.

[@SergioMusel]

great informative video, I haven't done any birding myself, but it was nice to get some interesting facts

[@Alberto-sh6hg]

Any suggestions on affordable (cheap) landscape lenses from Fujifilm??

[@Malcolmqp]

A mix of patience, luck and practice? The lens is excellent - razor sharp at every length and aperture, it’s me that fails (sound familiar?) I use spot focussing and single not continuous and adjust the box for the size of the bird to avoid branches and leaves and believe it or not this sometimes works! Birds in flight switch to wide/tracking, continuous and rapid fire and play with tracking settings, I used to have Canon 80D which had much better AF than my X-T2 but still get a reasonable hit rate.

[@SKSK-rz7br]

photo of the bird in the mirror - your work is done ,,

[@RplusVetBehavior]

Awesome, helpful and exactly what I needed in figuring out whether to get this lens. It's next on my wish list. Currently stalking birds with a 55-200mm and I suck more. Great video as always, thanks so much Omar!

[@ogonzilla]

Ilana Reisner get a teleconverter

[@RplusVetBehavior]

@@ogonzilla From what I understand, the 55-200 isn't fitted for it, only the 100-400 :(

[@ogonzilla]

Ilana Reisner that stinks. Sorry

[@Neelie360]

Love this Omar :-)

[@cy9nvs]

Great video. Just ordered it used for 950€, about the same price I paid for the X-S10.

[@xxphactor]

O, you got me thinking about another subject that maybe you can tackle: Keepers. What is an acceptable keeper % during a photo shoot, that is with proper composition, being in focus, etc. I rate my keepers at about 70%, but strive for 90%. I hate missing a moment!

[@philipandreicuk5356]

I have this lens and I also have the 200-500 Nikon on my D500. The fuji set up is so much lighter and I can hand hold the 100-400 where as I can't the Nikon. Yes birding is so frustrating, race cars are much easier to photograph

[@michaelnikonfuji3539]

Philip Andreicuk I have the same Nikon set up and am slowly moving fully to Fuji does the quality of the focus speed with the Fuji match the Nikon I cannot afford both and the 100-400 costs nearly as much as I will sell the Nikon camera and lens for

[@philipandreicuk5356]

@@michaelnikonfuji3539 I wouldn't like to advise you on what to sell or purchase so I can only tell you that I am NOT selling my Nikon set up as the 200-500 Nikon lens is an incredible piece of optics and for the money it is outstanding. However I do find the Nikon D500 with the 200-500 very heavy to carry around all day and I went for something lighter and more hand holdable. All I can suggest is that you hire the Fuji 100-400 out for a weekend and test it yourself against the Nikon, good luck !!!

[@fredericbonet2569]

What a so nice and funny video. I did the same with the fujinon 100-400 and I can't wait for their future 500mm F 5.6. I use the X1. 4 converter and the results are pretty good. The lens becomes a 560mm at F8, you need some light of course. Thank you so much for your video.

[@guillermolisotti3847]

great video! i been waiting for you to get into bird photography with fuji. I do nature photos and recently moved from nikon to fuji. Still missing my sigma 150-600 in fuji 😔

[@seanimal3]

Bird photography is tough and takes a lot of patience. I shoot with a sigma 150-600mm on crop sensor and it still isn't long enough sometimes.

[@Honkus]

I have been using the Fuji 50-140 lens with 1.4x teleconverter..... clearly I need to get the 100-400! Birding is a great thing to get you out and have some fresh air, even if you (me) suck at hitting focus. :D

[@jeffersononetwo]

Nice review! I'm thinking about a Fujinon zoom for my X-T30

[@dunnymonster]

Bird photography is really difficult. On a personal note I'm too impatient, I like to get in and start snapping photos but you have to do a lot of waiting about I find. Even when you do, as you correctly point out just getting good focus and capturing a good composition is very difficult. I take my hat off to bird photographers, I'll admit I'm pretty lousy at it too 😋

[@Gundolf300]

If you call those shots bad Im dying to see the good ones. Jokes aside. I love the compositions in these pictures and the colors are just a wow factor of its own!

[@ogonzilla]

Gundolf300 thank!

[@Jartisann]

Wow really? The first type of serious photography for me was bird photography since I was 14 yrs old. Never thought it was meant to be hard. Great to know I did the hard part when I was young.

[@Charlie_wildlife_nature]

i get what you mean today i found a very rare and secretive bird in central park call the kentucky warbler amazing imagine central park is massive and these birds are the size of a golf ball lol after the Quarantine i can show you around where the birds are 👍🏽🤟🏽📸 take care be safe

[@dougdavies1089]

The 55-200mm is a great lens for birds in the garden or in about ten to fifteen yards and cheaper for me ive had some great results

[@haroldbernard3505]

“Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear” Birds are tricky. Our backyard is full of them, but they seem to know when I pick up my camera. It’s suddenly all pictures of tail feathers.

[@MrTMG-dn6yq]

Hi Omar, love watching your stuff! Quick question I’ve been using my xt2 for a little while and using manual focus no problem. But I went to use manual focus the other day and it now focuses when pressing the shutter release. I’m not sure what I’ve changed, do you know what I’ve done and how I can turn it off?

[@tracykaminer5714]

Very realistic about bird photography. It's hard!

[@EduBroncano]

Loved this episode! And I like your photos, even more being just from a casual walkaround. You got a bunch of beauty ones. I'm sure you already know Mr Morten Hilmer. Sure you know him, but if not... Just go as fast as you can to check his channel, you'll enjoy it a lot. By the way, I want this lens so hard. I got the 55-200 mm for landscape and I'd love to try wildlife photo, but it's too short 90% of the time. You nailed it with the timming of this video, now I want this lens even more. And maybe you'll want it as well, you seem to enjoy this photography. Many thanks Omar!

[@fggatl]

This lens is on sale at B&H right now! $500 off.

[@MrButtons252]

I bought a tamron 150-500mm and thought birding would be easy. I was very wrong. 500mm is not enough reach and its so big and heavy i never want to use it.

[@lawrencegraves3775]

Hey Omar. Long time listener, first time caller..oh wait that's something else. Great job as always. I have been looking at that lens so very interested in your doing more with this. We don't get Cardinals out west so by default that cutie gets an up vote.

[@ogonzilla]

Lawrence graves we’re lucky they are year round. Beautiful in the snow.

[@katebygrave]

Please can you show us how to use the back focus? Also try photographing the moon. I have this lens, but I cannot seem to focus it on manual to get the moon, or if I do it overexposes. I do use a tripod by the way.

[@gabrielherrmann71]

Who knew Omar knew so much about birds