I have been super excited to write my official Fujifilm 55-200 Review for quite some time now. Having owned this lens for around 1 Year, I am ready to share my thoughts and, of course, plenty of sample photos for you to look through.
Fujifilm XF55-200 Lens
I originally purchased the Fujifilm 55-200 Lens to go into my outdoor & landscape photography kit. This lens gave me a very versatile range that extended past my collection of primes: 23mm f1.4, 35mm f2, and 50mm f2.
But, I have honestly used this lens for just about everything. Shots of the moon, wildlife, reaching out and isolating parts of landscapes, and so much more than I had originally imagined.
Fujifilm 55-200 Zoom Range
The Fujifilm 55-200 offers a fantastic amount of range in a single package, without sacrificing quality throughout. In regards to its widest end, 55mm, it can cover a modest amount of a large landscape scene.
But, if you crank it up to 200mm, you’re really able to isolate subjects, create a dramatic scene and even get some very pleasing bokeh (out of focus backgrounds/foregrounds).
Fujifilm 55-200 Aperture Range
The aperture range of the XF55-200 Lens is f3.5-4.8 with a maximum of f22. Sure, there are faster lenses on the market. But this aperture range is plenty enough to produce pleasing bokeh and even get some killer moon shots in low light (which I’m obsessed with). In fact, if you see a moon shot from me, it’s 99% of the time shot with this lens. So, with that said, I’ve not felt a disadvantage due to the given apertures.
Fujifilm 55-200 Build Quality
As with all of my Fujifilm lenses, the XF55-200 Lens feel fantastic and has proven to be extremely durable. It is not as light as my other prime lenses or 18-55, of course. But it’s certainly nowhere near as heavy (or large) as the famous 50-140. The zoom ring is extremely smooth, as is the aperture ring. I feel this is a great option for people like myself, who hike many miles with their camera and need something that is versatile, as well as lightweight.
Lack of Weather Sealing
I primarily shoot with my Fujifilm X-T2 these days and it is weather sealed. However, the XF55-200 is one of my main and most used lenses, but it is not weather sealed.
I knew the 55-200 didn’t have weather sealing when I purchased it, so I cannot complain. But, I do, at times, feel a bit hesitant to stay out when it’s raining or even drizzling.
However, on the flipside, I will say that I have used it in the coldest days of winter, rain and everything in between. It has not had any issues.
Fujifilm XF55-200 Filters
The Fujifilm XF55200 features a 62mm Filter Thread. Which is perfect since it matches the thread of my 23mm f1.4 lens. I personally use GOBE Filters, which I have talked about time & time again here.
I keep an assortment of UV, ND and CPL filters in my kit. This covers me for added protection, capturing motion and adding a special touch to my shots of water/skies.
Fujifilm XF55-200 Favorite Images
It’s hard for me not to be a bit bias about this lens. Some of my favorite images have come from it. I attribute a lot of this to its versatility and the types of things that I like to shoot. It’s honestly a lens that fits perfectly with my style of work and I couldn’t be more stoked that I added it to my kit. Here are a few of my favorite images before we wrap things up and I give you my final thoughts…
“Rise” – This image was shot in the Great Smoky Mountains. I had this exact image in my mind when I scheduled the trip. At the very last minute of our trip we lucked out. The fog and atmosphere formed perfectly in line with my vision. It is the only time in my photography career that things aligned this perfectly.
“Simplicity” – I actually purchased the 55-200 for the trip that I shot this image on. This lens allowed me to isolate these mountains perfectly and get the simple layers that I had in mind.
“Vanishing Point” – This is one of my all-time favorite moon shots. Every time I shoot a crescent moon, this is the one that I have in my mind to try to beat.
Currently Untitled – This image was shot this past Saturday and it is one of my new favorites. I shot this at the wide end of the XF55-200’s capabilities, along with my XT2.
“Reminiscent” – This image was taken during my very first outing with the 55-200. I absolutely love the color rendition and how it captured the beads of water as interesting out of focus bokeh balls. This is the image I think of when I’m out shooting foggy sunrises.
Fujifilm 55-200 Review
To wrap things up, I will say this lens is one of my favorites within the Fujifilm lineup. It fits my style perfectly and gives me a ton of versatility in the field.
I would say, if you’re a landscape photographer who doesn’t need the fastest apertures, have confidence buying the XF55-200. I’ve owned this lens for around a year or so now. But I honestly felt like I got my money’s worth from it within the first month. Without it, I miss so many shots due to range limitations. With it, however, I feel like I can take on the world…One beautiful photo at a time.
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