50-140 vs 55-200

KarenImages · Oct 11, 2019

I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

I do need something a bit longer. I just don't know if I want to spend the money for the 50-140.

I haven't seen a good comparison thread on these two lenses yet.

Or is there something else I should consider? I'm not that fond of fixed lenses for longer zooms.

-- also debating the possibility of a small fixed prime.

any strong opinions out there?

Thanks!

j4jamal · Oct 11, 2019

KarenImages said:
I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

I do need something a bit longer. I just don't know if I want to spend the money for the 50-140.

I haven't seen a good comparison thread on these two lenses yet.

Or is there something else I should consider? I'm not that fond of fixed lenses for longer zooms.

if you can afford the 50-140mm...get it,

If it's for your photography business, you will make it back within a few sessions. The images I got out of it is worth the money to me, plus the 1.4x converter is also great to add on.

SpeedyNeo · Oct 11, 2019

I don't have either of them, but this piece of news is making me strongly considering the 50-140:

Loading…

www.fujirumors.com

edualq · Oct 11, 2019

There is a nice comparison here:

holashobby · Oct 11, 2019

KarenImages said:
I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

I do need something a bit longer. I just don't know if I want to spend the money for the 50-140.

I haven't seen a good comparison thread on these two lenses yet.

Or is there something else I should consider? I'm not that fond of fixed lenses for longer zooms.

The 55-200 is good but the 50-140 is stunning, it is sharper (at least at larger apertures) and focuses much faster IMO, even with a 1.4x converter the long end is faster. It's a quality lens that's worth the additional premium.

KarenImages · Oct 11, 2019

Very helpful video!

Seems like straightforward optics is not the big issue.

Its whether you want low light, faster focusing, tripod holder etc....

Easychair · Oct 11, 2019

I had the 55-200 and it's an excellent Goldilocks lens, falling between the XC 50-230mm and the red badge XF 50-140. Size, weight, image quality, reach... it strikes a really good balance.

I recently sold it and picked up the 50-140 because my needs have evolved to where the faster aperture is more important to me than cost/size/weight. The internal zoom is nice as well.

Unless you're very critical about image quality or need the faster aperture (be it for better autofocus or for creative effect), I still think the 55-200 is the best buy.

EuronGreyjoy · Oct 11, 2019

KarenImages said:
I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

I do need something a bit longer. I just don't know if I want to spend the money for the 50-140.

I haven't seen a good comparison thread on these two lenses yet.

Or is there something else I should consider? I'm not that fond of fixed lenses for longer zooms.

I started with the 55-200mm and enjoyed using it. Then I got the 50-140mm and never looked back. It's much better.

Sharper, faster auto focus, constant F2.8, weather resistant. And you can add 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

It depends on what you're doing too. Shooting fast sports indoors with the 55-200mm is basically not possible, with the 50-140mm it's great.

Truman Prevatt · Oct 11, 2019

I have both and use both. The 50-140 is a fast (for a zoom) constant aperture internal zoom lens. You can’t beat it. I use mine on equestrian sports when I can’t set up where my 90 will work. However, all of that makes the 50-140 heavy and bulky.

The 55-200 is only about the size of the 90. The IQ is quite good up to about 150-160. It is good enough that if i’m going to be out for prolonged time and don’t want to lug around the 50-140 and think I might need a tele zoom I grab the 55-200 if I can’t make the 90 work.

Given that I picked up the 55-200 for less than 500 during the sale last summer the lens really punches above it’ weight. I find it on my H1 quite a bit.

Les Lammers · Oct 13, 2019

I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

Why not rent both for a few days and then decide which will be best for you?

KarenImages · Oct 13, 2019

Les Lammers said:
I have the 16-55 with the XH1 and am debating the next lens.

Why not rent both for a few days and then decide which will be best for you?

Honestly, too much trouble..... I'd rather make a decision based on the community knowledge. I've owned long lenses before when I had my Nikon.

Steve Bingham · Oct 13, 2019

The 50-140 ONLY if you need the best. it is probably the best zoom fuji makes - rivaling the 90 and 80 for sharpness.

WhateverNickname · Oct 13, 2019

I was in the same boat some time ago and decided to take a 55-200 to try (we have a 30 days return period here) and see if I truly needed toe 50-140.

that was last January, I still have the 55-200 and never bought the 50-140. To be honest it is a marvelous lens giving more value that its price might suggest.

Mczar2u · Oct 13, 2019

I have both lenses, both excellent lenses,

but 50-140 is little sharper, focus a tiny little faster and and is faster, but heavier.

I am amateur, take photos for my pleasure and to share with family and friends, ,

If I am going for a walk, trail, etc, I choose 55-200.

If am am going to a party, where faster lens is more important for me (I dont like to use flash), I take the 50-140.

If you are professional, there is no question, IMHO the red-badge 50-140 is the one.

Mario

KarenImages · Oct 13, 2019

fpessolano said:
I was in the same boat some time ago and decided to take a 55-200 to try (we have a 30 days return period here) and see if I truly needed toe 50-140.

that was last January, I still have the 55-200 and never bought the 50-140. To be honest it is a marvelous lens giving more value that its price might suggest.

Maybe I can save the 1/2 price and get the 55-200.....

I don't "need" the 50-140 but I do need a longer lens... I'm just more worried about low light opportunities, but with the X1H it might be a bit more mitigated than a non IBIS camera.

TRIODEROB · Oct 13, 2019

I rented the 50-140

I felt the quality lived up to the Fuji name ,,,, even the bokeh is not horrid

Les Lammers · Oct 13, 2019

The 55-200 has OIS and weighs 20 ounces. The 50-140 is 32 ounces.

Look at images from both on Flickr too. It's really a personal decision.

WhateverNickname · Oct 13, 2019

The ois of the 55-200 is nit too bad.

KarenImages · Oct 13, 2019

I didn't realize the 55-200 had Image stabilization too. So that may be fine for all but any extreme situation....

Now I'm leaning for the 55-200 to save the money for another camera toy....

Lens_Goat · Oct 13, 2019

I haven't owned either but I did shoot with both one day. The 55-200 is a very nice lens all things considered, but I don't think I've had more fun shooting with any Fujifilm lens than I did with the 50-140. If you can swing it and don't mind the size, go with it. Each lens has its advantages and disadvantages.

--
https://www.flickr.com/gp/137773398@N07/07L61t

50-140 vs 55-200

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