Half the price and weight, but not quality, of the 55-200mm

The Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II lens is half the price and weight of its direct rival, the XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8, a slight bit smaller, and conspicuously slower – but that's why I bought it. Comparisons of image quality throughout the zoom range lean in favor of the 55-200, but are of negligible concern to me, considering for what I use such a lens: usually-daylight shots of usually-static subjects – making comparison of speed and reliability of focus a non-issue as well.

I had been using the XF 18-135mm zoom lens, but switched to the 16-80mm f/4. The 50-230 fills-in that reach, with more besides. Yeah, its construction is less-than-premium, but its optics are surprisingly good (as are those of its humble sibling, the XC 16-50). The OIS II version is the one to look for.

I got this lens, new-in-box, from an eBay seller in Hong Kong for less than $250, with tax and shipping; I could have paid, at the least, twice that amount for a lens that weighs twice as much and isn't twice as good.

I don't use lens longer than the XF50F2 very often. The XC50-230 is capable for sports, portrait and travelling and indeed worth a recommendation:

XC50-230 (X-Pro1) at 143mm F6 1/4000s

I really enjoy my 50-230. it has taken over the roll as my main landscape lens. I love the compression and colors it generates. It is also very light so I usually take it everywhere and it does decent portraits when I dont feel like carrying my 56mm1.2 with me.

Another vote for the 50-230.  It's plasticky, not very fast and no aperture ring, but it's light and compact and a great walkaround lens for the occasional wildlife grab or distant landscape.  Even manages decent background blur on occasion.

XC50-230@230mm, X-H1, f6.7, 1/110s, ISO200

Another thumbs up for the 50-230. I’m new to Fuji, bought this lens brand new for about £170 UK.

Yes, it’s plasticky, but don’t let that put you off. M6 first few shots have been very sharp, and I’m ver6 impressed with this lens for the modest price

Agreed.  I am also a big fan of the 50-230.  It was one of my first lenses other than the kit 18-55.  It is not perfect but optically better than average. As you said for the price and weight its hard to beat.  Its in my bag often, should be on my camera more though.

Thanks. Great image.

These images are wonderful!

I often gives advice for that lens to amny friends provided you use it at mid distances (say 20m max) then the results are really "good enough" especially with some PP (sharpening and clarity)

Reading these posts makes me want to get this lens too!  I just had a look at B&H and it is available for just under $400.  But, as the 70-300 isn't too far away I think I'll refrain from pulling the trigger.  Ah ... the regrets of photography life lol.

Thanks. Good advice.

Another vote here for this 50-230 (and for the 16-50 also !)

I was first looking for a good deal for the 55-200, but then came upon an import at 130 euro / tax free delivered mint in box 50-230; how could I resist ?!? At this price I totally forgot my quest for the 55-200

Now, if only the new 70-300 could have been made XC at reasonable price...

Good deal! The bargains are out there.

JackEtweather wrote:

Good deal! The bargains are out there.

That was 2 years ago, it's still there but at 166 euro. At the same time, and I still regret not having bought it, the 27mm 2.8 pancake was at 140 euro... When a great bargain (and they are unfortunately much rarer than a few years ago) appears I should buy, just in case