I'm a recent Fuji convert. I started with a used EX-2, 18-55, and 23mm f/1.4. I was so impressed with the camera, the zoom, and the wide lens, I kept buying. A 16mm, 56mm, and 90mm later, I finally opted for an X-Pro 2. I had to sell my FF Canon system, consign some tobacco pipes, and work a second job, but I put together a very nice system. I'm really impressed with the image quality, particularly with the prime lenses. The 23mm is the lens that I keep on the body and the 90 is just amazing.
When I bought the X-Pro 2, I had hoped to pick up a tele zoom. It was the only hole in my system. I agonized between the 50-140 and its infinitely more affordable cousin—the 55-200—for several weeks. I've always opted for better glass and would love to have a 16-55 and 50-140, but I got into this system for reasons of weight. After having a chance to actually handle both, I took the responsible route (financially speaking) and opted for the 55-200. Samy's Camera was out of stock, though, so I had to come home and order it online.
It arrived Thursday and I took a brief trip out of town to try it out. The fit and feel of the lens is very different than the 50-140. It has a metal barrel, but the protruding inner barrel is plastic. The zoom is not smooth. It's ungainly, not a sophisticated design. The max aperture is variable, and slower, but faster then competitive lenses in the same range by other manufacturers. It does offer OIS, 3 stops or 5 stops, depending on who you ask, something absent from most of my lenses. Once I shot a few hundred exposures and processed them, I can safely say that I'm very pleased with the lens's performance. I also really like the (equivalent) 300 mm reach. The 50-140 (equivalent) 200mm seemed so much shorter in the store. That lens is certainly very sharp, probably sharper, has a fixed max aperture, internal mechanism, and is still very small and light, though much heavier than my chosen lens. Most of my shooting is in close, patient, and not dependent on the speed that a zoom affords. Were my circumstances different, I might have opted for the 50-140. Given my current life circumstances, and shooting style, however, this lens seems to fit the bill and is quite satisfying, given its limitations.
I'll continue to shoot my 90 for what I deem critical images, but in all honesty, it was the one lens I didn't reach for all weekend. I used the 55-200 extensively. There were some less-than-spectacular low-contrast photos, some motion blur, and other issues, but many of the photos are just great. These are a few that I think highlight this inexpensive lens's tremendous sharpness. All are RAW files processed in LR.
Thanks for reading. Feedback, comments, and questions are welcomed.
Chris X-E2 got a reaction from Tommyboy in Fuji 55-200
Chris X-E2 reacted to Tommyboy in Fuji 55-200