mid-range zoom for X-E3

Hi all,

I am looking for a small'ish zoom for my xe3. Though I'm strongly looking at moving to the X-S10 in the future.

I currently have the Viltrox 13mm and 56mm and the fuji 27mm II.

Preference is a focal range of around 50-150 give or take. The 50-140 is out of the question due to price. I prefer to not spend over $700CDN so used options are fine (and likely).

I am thinking of the Fuji 50-230 but If I can get something to replace my Viltrox 56 that would be great (IE double for light portrait as well) But it doesn't seem like I can get something in my budget with a close aperture to the 56.

This is for travel and family portrait if possible - no plans for wildlife. I just want more reach than the 56 (and the convenience of a zoom) but I don't want to start collecting too many lenses.

Thanks!

You need to decide if your priority is subject separation or zoom range.  You can't have all of this is a small light weight and inexpensive package.

Morris

coldwell wrote:

Hi all,

I am looking for a small'ish zoom for my xe3. Though I'm strongly looking at moving to the X-S10 in the future.

I currently have the Viltrox 13mm and 56mm and the fuji 27mm II.

Preference is a focal range of around 50-150 give or take. The 50-140 is out of the question due to price. I prefer to not spend over $700CDN so used options are fine (and likely).

I am thinking of the Fuji 50-230 but If I can get something to replace my Viltrox 56 that would be great (IE double for light portrait as well) But it doesn't seem like I can get something in my budget with a close aperture to the 56.

This is for travel and family portrait if possible - no plans for wildlife. I just want more reach than the 56 (and the convenience of a zoom) but I don't want to start collecting too many lenses.

Thanks!

I had the 50-230mm it's a good lens, very light so it may work well with your X-E3. It is a slow lens if that doesn't bother you. The 55-200mm is heavier & doesn't quite reach as far. That being said it is a very nice lens. You should be able to buy both used at a good savings. Have you thought about the Tamron 17-70 f2.8. Not as much reach, but from what I've read it is a good lens.

Yeah, I didn't think I could. I assume it must be 50-140 if I want a zoom and a fast aperture.

The Only alternative is the 17-70 Tamron I think? but then it duplicates what I already have for focal range somewhat and I think I'd like more reach.

Thanks!

Crashton wrote:

coldwell wrote:

Hi all,

I am looking for a small'ish zoom for my xe3. Though I'm strongly looking at moving to the X-S10 in the future.

I currently have the Viltrox 13mm and 56mm and the fuji 27mm II.

Preference is a focal range of around 50-150 give or take. The 50-140 is out of the question due to price. I prefer to not spend over $700CDN so used options are fine (and likely).

I am thinking of the Fuji 50-230 but If I can get something to replace my Viltrox 56 that would be great (IE double for light portrait as well) But it doesn't seem like I can get something in my budget with a close aperture to the 56.

This is for travel and family portrait if possible - no plans for wildlife. I just want more reach than the 56 (and the convenience of a zoom) but I don't want to start collecting too many lenses.

Thanks!

I had the 50-230mm it's a good lens, very light so it may work well with your X-E3. It is a slow lens if that doesn't bother you. The 55-200mm is heavier & doesn't quite reach as far. That being said it is a very nice lens. You should be able to buy both used at a good savings. Have you thought about the Tamron 17-70 f2.8. Not as much reach, but from what I've read it is a good lens.

Yes it hits 2 of 3 (light and good zoom range) but it's quite slow. I'll check the size/weight of the 55-200.

The Tamron is appealing. I had the same lens for my Nikon d7500 (or was it a Tokina?) before I moved to Fuji to save size/weight. It was nice for sure but in this instance, I'm hoping for more reach.

Maybe I'll find an amazing deal on the 50-140 someday. BUT its still heavy AF!

coldwell wrote:

Hi all,

I am looking for a small'ish zoom for my xe3. Though I'm strongly looking at moving to the X-S10 in the future.

I currently have the Viltrox 13mm and 56mm and the fuji 27mm II.

Preference is a focal range of around 50-150 give or take. The 50-140 is out of the question due to price. I prefer to not spend over $700CDN so used options are fine (and likely).

I am thinking of the Fuji 50-230 but If I can get something to replace my Viltrox 56 that would be great (IE double for light portrait as well) But it doesn't seem like I can get something in my budget with a close aperture to the 56.

This is for travel and family portrait if possible - no plans for wildlife. I just want more reach than the 56 (and the convenience of a zoom) but I don't want to start collecting too many lenses.

Thanks!

I guess Im hoping to find a 3rd party lens that I am not aware of that is close to the 50-140 specs but 1/3 of the price.

50-230 would be your cheapest option but keep the Viltrox 56 (or replace it with Sigma 56!).

I'll echo what most others have said. If you want a 'do it all' then the 50-140mm is really your only option. So your other options are 50-230 or 55-200.

I would add, don't be afraid to have some overlap/duplication in your focal lengths. I much prefer having a zoom accompanied by fast primes - no zoom (not even the 50-140) is a match for a good prime.

I have 10mm to 560mm covered with zooms but I also have 13, 23, 27 and 56 primes - they just offer a different dimension.
I guess my point is, (IMO) you would be better off keeping your primes and getting a slower zoom (either of the two mentioned already). That way you get the best of both worlds and it would still be cheaper than selling a prime and buying the 50-140.

With regards the 56mm prime. The Viltrox is a solid lens and great value for money but the Sigma does wipe the floor with it at not much extra cost as well.

Another lens I would throw into the mix is the 18-135mm. I'm not sure if that's in your wheelhouse or not but it covers most of range you require.

GMacF wrote:

I'll echo what most others have said. If you want a 'do it all' then the 50-140mm is really your only option. So your other options are 50-230 or 55-200.

I would add, don't be afraid to have some overlap/duplication in your focal lengths. I much prefer having a zoom accompanied by fast primes - no zoom (not even the 50-140) is a match for a good prime.

I have 10mm to 560mm covered with zooms but I also have 13, 23, 27 and 56 primes - they just offer a different dimension.
I guess my point is, (IMO) you would be better off keeping your primes and getting a slower zoom (either of the two mentioned already). That way you get the best of both worlds and it would still be cheaper than selling a prime and buying the 50-140.

With regards the 56mm prime. The Viltrox is a solid lens and great value for money but the Sigma does wipe the floor with it at not much extra cost as well.

Another lens I would throw into the mix is the 18-135mm. I'm not sure if that's in your wheelhouse or not but it covers most of range you require.

Thanks yes, I'm leaning towards keeping the Viltrox 56 and just getting a longer zoom at some point. Perhaps actually just go with the 70-300 to cover those focal lengths.

Im crossing my fingers that Viltrox or other 3rd party will come in with a somewhat faster zoom either 50-200 or 70-300 and cheaper than the Fuji but we'll see!