Fuji XF 55-200 ULTIMATE Real World Review
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2020
- This Fuji XF 55-200 ULTIMATE real world review is from over a year of owning this lens and photographing varied subject matter from editorial photo assignments, to sports and landscapes. Photographer John Barclay (johnbarclayphotography.com/) introduced me to this lens when I began with the Fuji system. I was able to find one used for $475! A steal at that price. I have seen it on sale for $499. I was impressed right off the bat with this lens. I did a few editorial photo assignments with it and found it to be very sharp and not a dud at all. Then I saw a video by Andy Mumford ( • Fujifilm XF50-140mm & ... ) that convinced me that I had made the right choice. I now use this lens for outside editorial assignments and landscapes. I use the 50-140 and the 100-400 for sports as they are more suited to these types of things. The 50-140 is much heavier and by carrying the 55-200 instead for hiking I am able to carry more lenses.
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
Fuji X-T30
Fuji XF 55-200 f3.5-4.8 OIS
Canon M50 for video
DJI Osmo pocket for video
#fujifilmxt30 #fuji55200 #fujifilm
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED BY FUJIFILM 
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I know this is an older review, but I just got this lens a couple of months ago and have over a thousand images made with it, so I'd like to offer one more data point.
I got the 55-200 because the 75-300 was not available anywhere due to supply issues. I gave up and got the older lens new in the box because I needed something longer.
I have zero regrets. The image quality is first class right from the widest aperture and the image stabilization is good for at least 3 to 4 stops allowing hand holding at an effective 300mm at about 1/30th with static subjects.
My only complaint is the unmarked aperture ring which is exactly like the 18-55mm zoom. As a matter of fact these two lenses could cover a lot of subjects as a complementary pair, and with one prime for low light would form a light but effective kit for any outing.
Hi Albert, Yes I agree! The 55-200 is an amazing lens and I have sent many folks that wanted the 70-300 over to it. As you mentioned the 18-55 and the 55-200 are a great combo especially for travel.
This was a very well put together review! I’m getting a little tired of all of my heavy DSLR gear and recently picked up an xt1 and 27mm as a carry-around lens. Shortly after I purchased a 18-55, and now I have my eyes on this one. Some days I feel like fully switching over to the Fuji system just because of how fun this camera is to use! Thanks for the useful information and gorgeous photos, I’ll definitely be on the look out for a good deal on one of these.
Thanks Wes! You can’t go wrong switching over. I was a Canon Pro for around 35 years now I’m all Fuji.
You are a champ! Thank you so much for the thorough review!
Thanks so much!!!
Nice video! I’m thinking of buying this lens! The shots are fantastic!!
Thanks - This lens although older is still a beautiful lens. Used lenses will creep down when your camera is held downward.
I love your shots specially in landscape. Thank you Kirk! 😁
Many thanks i Zee!
I own this lens but haven’t used it a lot. You have inspired me with your beautiful photos. Thank you so much for this video.
I’m glad you liked the video. The 55-200 is an awesome lens you just need to visualize what it’s capable of.
Hi Kirk, thanks for the wonderful review and great photos. I love shooting reflections, too! Up until now I've been getting really nice photos with my point and shoot Canon, but now seriously considering moving into the land of the mirrorless, and getting the Fujifilm X-T30 with 18-55 and the 55-200! Cheers, Steve
Thanks Steven! You can't go wrong with that setup. It's small ,easy to carry around , and light on the wallet.
Love the relaxing music in the background, very nice while sipping tea getting ready for bed 😌
Well I’m glad I put you to sleep 😴
Great review Kirk! Thank you. :)
Thanks OldGal! Fun lens to review.
Thank you for responding so quickly. When I said "heavier from the 135-200mm" I meant the zoom ring gets more difficult to turn -- not by much, but it is noticeable. Sorry for the confusion.
Great video man, a new subscriber from Spain
Thanks Javier! Welcome to the channel!
Great video, thank you Kirk !!
Thanks Alain!
Great video. This might be my next lens. I ended up buying the 18-55 so this should go well with it.
Thanks Phil! You will have the complete kit at that point. Thanks for show casing my channel!
Hi Kirk. I received my copy of this lens at Christmas. From what I've seen, it's a really good purchase. I love how lightweight it is. Unfortunately I haven't been able to use it extensively yet, as we have had incessant rain every day, but those shots I have taken have been tack sharp. Thank you for recommending it
I’m sure you will love it Richard. It’s such a great lens for a reasonable price. I got mine used from B&H for $450. Then of course they lowered the used price to $499.
Been watching videos of this lens for a month, I like all your pictures shot at 200mm other reviews all complain about softness, this looks like it performs very good, also I am a big fan of Rockport, from Beverly live in AZ for last 25yrs , still northshore MA is in my heart. I will get this lens USED like I do most of the time cheers
Ed- I’m selling mine if you are interested. It’s a beautiful copy the zoom it’s still fairly stiff so it does not drift when you hold it upside down. Email me if you are interested.
Classy shots.
Many thanks!
Nice video Kirk I'm gonna get this lens next even tho I have the 50 to 140
Steve I think you will really like it!
Excellent. Thanks.
Thanks Sundar
Just got this lens today! 😀
I think you will like it.
nice in depth review mr williams! any chance you could do a review of the mitakon 35mm 0.95 for fuji?
Thanks snapit I would but I don’t own one.
Another great video Kirk ! I had bought the 55-200 used to replace my 50-230 which I got with my original xt20 kit . But after a lot of comparison photos I ended up reselling the 55-200 and keepin the 50-230 . Image quality was almost identical with the 55-200 maybe being a little more contrasty . My wife actually always picked the images from the 50-230 as being nicer in her opinion LOL . Main reason for me staying with th 50-230 is that I really don’t use long telephoto very much at all so the lens tends to sit in my bag a lot . That being said I find myself always looking at the 55-200 on the used market as I kinda miss the aperture ring 😀 so you never know .
Thanks Dale. It’s been a long year since purchasing this lens so I thought I would pass on what I have learned. I have not tried the 50-230 maybe I’ll rent or borrow one to do a comparison. Actually the 18-135 is also a good comparison. I’ll have to look into it. The 55-200 is so small and the results are so great that’s why I use it so much.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography small and light is one of the great things about Fuji. When I do put the 50-230 on it is like there isn’t a lens on the camera it’s so light . People like to say the plastic mount is a weak point but if you don’t beat up your gear there shouldn’t be any issues and I could buy two of them used for the price of the 55-200.
Just got the lens. I'am used to shooting the 16mm, 23mm 35mm and 50mm primes with the XT2 and XT3. Boy this lens is heavy compared to my primes. I directly took detail shots of flowers. Realy nice sharp lens. Hope to give it a spin during my landscape outings soon.
I think you will enjoy the versatility of this lens.
Spot on - the Andy Mumford video really shows the excellence of the 55-200. Personally, I have both the 55-200 and the 50-140 (+1.4TC!) - thus they are interchangeable w.r.t. focal length. As you noted, the 50-140 is about twice as heavy (but I don't think all that much bigger in size - it's the glass inside that is different). Personally: I got the 50-140 for sports as well - my daughter rides dressage - but I find I use it a lot for landscapes too. If I know I'm on a long hike, I'll go down to the 55-200, but for me I just find the images out of the 50-140 so marvelous right out of camera, whereas w/ the 55-200 I have to give them a little loving first (contrast, sharpness) to get close to what I'd see out of the 50-140.
Anybody who has the X-series camera plus the "kit" lenses (18-55 + 55-200) has an absolutely marvelous set up for a lot of types of photography.
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Thanks Alan, yes I agree the 50-140 is pretty awesome! Love that lens. As Andy says for hiking in the Dolomites or anywhere for that matter the 55-200 is the best option. Actually hiking with the 16-80 and the 50-140 plus tc is pretty light. Out of the backpack in your car ... probably the 50-140 is better. I plan on doing a video on the best all round travel photography kit available which in my eyes is the X-T30 with 18-55 and 55-200.
I bought this lens in March. I have only been shooting with prime lenses before, so this was my first zoom lens. I bought it mostly because sometimes I want to have some compression in my street photograps. But then social distancing became a thing and this lens helps with that too 😄 I’m super pleased with the image quality of this lens. I wish it was weather resistant and that it didn’t have this ”lens creep”, but it’s not a big deal. The reason why I bought this lens and not the 50-140 is because it is smaller and lighter. It is easy to carry around this lens a day in the city.
R S - I’m glad you like this lens. It has become one of my favorites. Do I wish it was a WR lens yes! But this lens is a kit lens to match up with the 18-55. Which it does perfectly.
Great review, thank you Kirk, I like the music too
Thanks Sound! I found the music good too.
I got this used lense for US$ 250 ; great glass, you are right Kirk !!
Wow, great deal. Congrats!
you really were able to show the landscape capabilities of the lens and being what i want to use it for, i think i'm set on buying it. quick question, what was the website you got yours off? i couldnt hear from the video. and any other general websites for used camera gear that you have experience? thanks
Hi Cooper, I found mine on FredMiranda.com. They have a buy sell forum that is pretty awesome. Two others are KEH.com and B&H.com used dept. Adorama also has used gear. Good luck.
Hi. I have a less expensive Fujinon 50-230mm and I'm quite pleased with the photos I'm able to get. I can imagine that more expensive gear can give better results, but Fujifilm quality is still good for a cheaper version of a lens.
I'm a Fuji user (X-Pro2 and X-H1). I currently own, in the zoom range, the 18-55 and 55-200. My desire is to now own the X-H2 as I love the ergonomics and its hybrid ways. My question is this: given a choice, where money is not an issue and you have one of the newer 40mp sensor cameras, would you keep the older smaller compact zooms (18-55/55-200) or would you go for both red badge lenses (16-55 and 50-140). Great video yet again. I'm slowly catching up with your back catalogue 👍🏼
For me the issue is weight. Not the cost so much. The 16-55 2.8 is a beautiful lens but big and heavy. The 50-140 is also a beautiful lens that I own. But again heavy. The 70-300 is a beautiful lens and better than the 55-200 and is rated for the XH2. I use the 70-300 with my XT5 quite a bit. I use the 16-80 everyday and have never really noticed that it’s not rated for my XT5. So it’s really up to you if you want to go with the bigger heavier f2.8 lenses. They will balance well with an XH2.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Weight is a fair point 👍🏼
Hi Kirk! Do you think this lens could do the job mounted on an X-T3 (with the newest firmware) taking pictures of fast-moving skiers on a usually bright day in snow? I'm specifically wondering about it being able to continuously autofocus on someone skiing at 50km/h.. Thanks!
Hi Antek, It’s a great lens and I have used it for outdoor sports with good results. I used to shoot ski racing back just a few years ago with a Canon 7d mk2 and the latest Canon 70-200 f2.8 and that kept up a little better than the 55-200 on the X-T3 with the old firmware. If I was doing it now I would probably use the 50-140 with the 1.4 x tele extender. It’s a pretty fast lens and it’s weather sealed and internal zoom so it’s going to be better in winter conditions. But all that being said with the new firmware it could be just fine. I would use a battery grip as well just for more battery power. With race courses or wide open slopes the way they are the camera and lens should have no trouble locking on.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Hi Kirk! Thank you so much for a quick reply! I didn't mention that this is backcountry skiing so essentially I have to a) fit everything into an already crammed backpack b) carry it uphill. If that weren't the case, the 50-140 would absolutely be on my mind, but that's why I'm trying to figure if 55-200 would be a good in-between solution.. Skiers movements are usually quite predictable, they usually stand out of the surroundings too, but they're moving pretty fast and I'm worried if it will be enough purely in terms of this lens' AF speed.. Thanks again!
I think should be ok. It’s the backcountry part that’s kind of scary. As long as you look after it and keep the snow off it and use the lens hood you should be ok.
Nice review, Kirk. Does the OIS "turn off" when this lens is on a tripod like the 10-24?
Thanks Florian, There is a switch on the side of the lens so I don’t think it does.
I am not sure about the 55-200. I have it, and under some circumstances, it's beautifully sharp; however, under others, it's flat and lifeless. I will admit that mine might be defective copy as the zoom isn't consistent throughout the range; it gets heavier from 135-200mm. Kirk, I would appreciate it if you or any of your readers (that have the lens) would share your thoughts on this. Thanks again for your hard work!
Hi Rudy, it looks like you have a bad copy. I know several friends who have this lens and find that it is sharp and full of life throughout the range. I don’t find it heavier at the long end at all. I also own the 50-140 which is much heavier but an internal zoom. For the money, the weight, and the range you can’t beat it.
Do you think 55-200 mm is a good lens for sports photography in outdoors? I mean, do you think does it ok for making good shoots? Some people says autofocus is so slowly. I'm thinking to buy 50-140 but it cost a bunch of more money.
Danny I hate to say this but the 55-200 is not made for shooting sports indoors. The aperture is too slow at the long end. If it’s well lit the lens will focus fine. The 50-140 is the lens for indoors sports.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography yes I kno indoors is not the best. I would like to know your opinion in outdoors
@@dannylocuvideo Danny as you can see by this video the sports shooting outdoors it works pretty well. Sorry for the delay I just noticed that I messed up my reply the first time.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography ok no problem, i Just bought it. I like shoot cycling, soccer and baseball
@@dannylocuvideo I regularly use my 55-200 for outdoor soccer and have been more than happy with the AF, no issues for me.
hi Are you satisfied with the portrait shoot?
This lens is more of a landscape and all around lens because of the f stops range. It can be used for portraits but the 50-140 or the 56 would be a better choice.
Have you had any issues with it not being able to focus well in low light plus small apertures?
Hi Erik - I have never had an issue with this lens focusing at small apertures. In low light it works well with my XT3 but I never use it in really low light anyway.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Ah i see. Thanks. Maybe the issue is only on older bodies. Like my X-T2. I shot a waterfall the other day and it was cloudy, so there were a little less contrast I guess. Like in the landscape and what not. And I was shooting at 200mm and f4.8 first and then at f8. I did not notice anything wrong with the images when I was out there, but when I came home I noticed that the f8 shots were VERY soft.
Something is wrong there Erik. Outside even if it’s cloudy and with the xt2 it should focus just fine.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Yeah maybe you’re right. Sharpness is not consistent at all. Often the images look sharper at 4.8 than anything smaller, at 200mm. Maybe I should get another copy to compare it to. I bought it used so I don’t know if I can get it repaired.
Yes you can send it back to Fuji even if it’s used. Here in the US the place to send it is NJ
How do I set the f number on this lens ?
Make sure the lens is not set to auto on the lens switch. Then turning the aperture ring adjusts the aperture.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Thank you.
Great shots Kirk, I’ll have to pass on this lens, for zoom lenses I’m using the XF 16-80 and the XF 100-400 on the X-T4, but I’m thinking about getting the XF 50-140. Stay safe.
Thanks Enrique, the 50-140 is beautiful and if you are not lugging it around any great distances it’s a great lens. For me I want the extra length and small form factor the 55-200 offers for hiking and backpack work.
Nice video and informative but I did find the music annoying.
Thanks Roy I’ll work on the music