X-T20 focus speed vs X-E2 (18mm and XC50-230 II)

Rmcp20 wrote:

I recon that from the other threads i read, i got the feeling that AF wasn't very diferent between the 55-200 and the 50-230 II. Optically they were also not very different.

Optically they are very different! Fuji blurb says the 50-230mm uses the same glass as in 55-200mm and it does - but only half of it.

Of course the f-stops allow higher shutter speeds and that alone can make it worth for some people. I live in Portugal where we have sun 70% of the time and i use it in daytime so AF is the gamechanger for me, not being brighter.

If AF speed is really a game changer for you, you only need to look at the stats to see the more powerful motor of the 55-200 wins easily - in fact, as the fastest of its age group, it still holds its own against the later series of of zooms and primes too.

As i mentioned above, the in DSLRs you have cheap telezooms with USM or not USM, at least in Canon (have not used Nikon so i don't know).

A 75-300 USM or a 100-300 USM are arround 100GBP used. 55-200 is more than 400GBP used. Even the 75-300 IS USM from Canon is 200GBP used now...so that is something different in DSLRs world.

I wanted to stay light and have only one camera, so while getting the X-T20 would be a wonderful solution for me, the 55-200 at 580g doesn't sound very friendly to be honest.

My budget only allows one of the options:

Exchange X-E2 for X-T20

Exchange 50-230 for 55-200

(maybe) Exchange 50-230 for 90mm f2 (90mm would be nice for indoors also...although no zoom)

You are obviously only reading threads by owners who want to protect their choice. The difference in images says otherwise. However, if the IQ of the 50-230 XC is good enough for you then don't waste money on the 55-200mm - but don't kid yourself it's better than it is or that it is as good as the 55-200mm. Keep to half size pictures (still big enough from the XT20) and it will appear plenty sharp. There is a reason for the price difference but if you intend to use it as an occasional long option and avoid the longer end of the range (over say, 180mm) and stop down to f8 (only a 1/2 stop from max) it will be a worthwhile lightweight long lens.

Either way, checkout the used market. That way, if you don't find the lens acceptable you can resell usually without loss and sometimes at a profit.

Best of luck whichever you decide

Vic