Fuji X-series Zoom Lenses

[Rob MacKillop]

I have the 18-55mm 'kit' lens, which is superb, and I've been thinking that for a second lens I might try another zoom. I've just noticed that there is now both a XF series and an XC series, and wonder what the quality difference is.

The XF55-200 retails at £599, while the XC50-230 from Calumet is a low £378. The XC does not have an aperture ring - the command dial takes on that role.

I'm wondering which to get - is the price difference reflected in the quality of image - and would the lack of an aperture ring be the deal breaker there?

Any thoughts?

Links to each: XF55-200 and XC50-230

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Ah, I see the XC series lenses are for the smaller X-M1 and X-A1...

 

[Hamish Gill]

The XC lenses are just supposed to be the cheaper range... So not as good build (plastic vs metal) ... I expect the higher end XF will be better image quality too ... they all work on all the cameras though I thought ... ?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

The argument is that the XF lenses are bulkier, and look and feel odd on the smaller cameras. They are perfect for the X-Pro1, and the telephoto zoom of the XF 55-200 just about squeezes onto an X-E1. At least that is my understanding from doing some reading since posting above.

I know that primes are sharper, but I do use the zooming element of the 18-55mm, and often get frustrated I can't get closer to some things. So it looks like the XF 55-200 is the next purchase, followed in a hundred years time with a extra wide angle for landscapes.

 

[Beth Carter]

that's funny, i love the size and feel of the xf 55-200mm on the x-pro 1 and x-e1. maybe it's because i know what a similar lens feels like on a dslr, but it doesn't feel too large or off balance. i usually keep that lens on the x-e1.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Good to know, Beth. Ever used it for portraits?

 

[Dave Young]

Take a look at what this guy does @Rob MacKillop with the 55-200XF Fuji!

The video is well worth a watch

http://fujifilm-x.com/photographers/en/massimiliano_angeloni_02/

 

[Beth Carter]

i don't shoot many portraits, but here's a couple






and some moose



forgot to mention you can click through for larger images. i can send you a raw file later if you like.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Good link, Dave. Do I get a free model with the purchase?

Beth, you should do more portraiture. They look great.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

XF55-200 is a lovely lens Rob - and the OIS really is superb

Here's a portrait with the lens from the wedding I did in the summer

The bride and groom picked this shot for enlargement over any from my 5DII - so it passed the customer test

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I remember that one, Chris. Not surprised they chose. it.

 

[Larry Bolch]

If the zooms are not up to the primes, you would be hard pressed to see the difference without pixel peeping on a very large monitor. As mentioned, the XC mounts use composites where stress is not a problem, but the reports I have been reading indicate that they are fully Funinons optically. I am considering the little X-M1 with the XC 16-50mm as a package. Evidently the lens only adds $100 Cdn. to the cost of the package over the body alone. With the articulated monitor, it should be an ideal setup for street. And with my 60mm f/2.4 Macro, close-up photography should also be very easy.

Needless to say, the 16-50mm will be nice on the X-Pro1 too, if I want to travel as lightly as possible.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, Larry. Lots of good things in the Fuji camp these days.

 

[Beth Carter]

more to come soon, from what i hear. a new xe-1 and some new glass. can't wait.