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Help - 55-200 vs 56 1.2

Started 4 months ago | Discussions thread
Rod McD Veteran Member • Posts: 8,589
Re: Help - 55-200 vs 56 1.2
4

Hi,

Versatility versus specialization. The zoom offers flexible FLs from 55mm - 200mm and OIS. The 56mm offers apertures from f1.2-3.5 that the zoom doesn't, but zero performance from 57mm - 200mm. And no OIS.

I had the 55-200 it's really an excellent lens especially from 55mm out to about 180mm. I only sold it to get the 70-300 because I do use the extra reach. It's otherwise much the same in IQ. I also bought the 50-230 just for travel, because 600g is a bit of a lump in the day pack when you're wearing it for weeks on end. The 55-200 is very slightly better, but the difference is incremental - you won't see it unless you're printing fairly large.

I also wouldn't overlook the 50mm or 60mm as less expensive prime portrait options. Both are very sharp. Both have nice bokeh, but it's obviously less developed that the 56/1.2 due to the smaller maximum apertures. The 50mm has faster AF and is sealed. The 60mm has noticeably more reach than the 50mm and first gen AF, which is a bit slower, but portraits are not exactly demanding of AF at f2.4. There's something nice about the 60's rendering.

Enjoy whatever you decide.

Cheers, Rod

 Rod McD's gear list:Rod McD's gear list
Fujifilm X-T4 Voigtlander 90mm F3.5 APO-Lanthar SL II Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +13 more
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