Personal Best vol.32 | Jeff Carter

2019.07.26

Gears

  • FUJIFILM X-T3
  • XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR

Story

Since I started using the X Series in 2012 we have seen some great steps forward by Fujifilm in terms of cameras and lenses but in 2018 a lens arrived that, for me, is the best addition to the system for my work as a sport and wildlife photographer – the FUJINON XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR.

When coupled with the new X-T3, the 200mmF2 offers superb quality images with an autofocus system that is quick and accurate, two essential ingredients in a fast moving sports environment. It also doubles as a superb portrait lens, either for people or wildlife, with beautiful bokeh that the fast FUJINON prime lenses are renowned for.

Warp Speed

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This images was taken during the FIA World Endurance Championship event in Japan, the 6 Hours of Fuji, in October 2018. The subject is the no66 Ford GT of Olivier Pla during Free Practice ahead of the race. With the lens fitted with the matched 1.4x teleconverter to give me a focal length of 280mm, I chose a slow 1/40s shutter speed to give the viewer the impression of speed that the cars were travelling at, around 250kph at this point on the circuit. To be able to handhold and pan a lens of this size at such a slow shutter speed and get a sharp image is testament to the light weight build quality and the superb OIS system built into the lens.

Matteo Cairoli

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The XF200mmF2 is also a brilliant portrait lens and this shot of Porsche Junior driver Matteo Cairoli during the post qualifying press conference where the young Italian claimed pole position in the LMGTE Am class is a classic example. The superb OIS kept everything sharp during this handheld shot while the fast F2 aperture allowed me to keep the ISO as low as possible.

Tommy Seymour Try

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This image of Scotland Wing Tommy Seymour scoring his third of three tries against Fiji in the first of the three Autumn Rugby Internationals at Murrayfield in Edinburgh clearly demonstrates the huge step forward Fujifilm has taken in providing sports photographers with a camera and lens that meets their needs in every department. With the 200mm fitted with the 1.4x teleconverter, X-T3’s AF followed Seymour as Seymour shrugged off a tackle to dive in over the line.

Fighting Gannets

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The 200mm is also a great lens for capturing wildlife. This shots was one of many I took on a visit to Bass Rock in Scotland to photograph the world’s largest Northern Gannet colony for the Scottish Seabird Centre. With 150,000 birds on the small island nesting space is at a premium and gannets will fiercely defend their territory. Shooting with an X-T2 fitted with the 200mm lens and 1.4x converter I captured this interaction between two of the birds.

Japanese Macaque

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