XF 55-200mm: A zoom option for FujiFilm's compact systems users

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Rating: 4.5/5
Rs 49,990

Compact systems cameras are definitely the in-thing at the moment. But while they score over large DSLRs in their form factor and features, this new segment suffers from the lack of lens options available in the case of their larger cousins. This, however, seems set to change gradually.

FujiFilm, which has a good range of compact system cameras, has added another lens to its stable with the new XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. This is the first proper zoom lens in the XF line-up and comparable only with the Sony NEX 55-210mm F/4.5-6.3 OSS, which we tested in an earlier issue along with the NEX 5R.

At first sight, this XF is large as any DSLR equivalent and certainly as heavy. But it is smooth and has rubber finish in the grip. The lens has two toggle buttons - one to switch to auto aperture and the other to switch off the optical image stabilization (OIS). At 200mm, the lens almost doubles in length. The box also includes a hood.

We tested the lens with FujiFilm's XE-1, with which the lens appears a bit too big for the body. But they do gel well; and you will get used to the heavy lens in due time.

But there might be problems while using it in full zoom on some tripods.

We were not particularly impressed by the low-light results of the XE-1 when we tested it with an 18-55mm lens. Strangely, with the zoom lens the camera produced slightly better results, which shows the lens lets in more light than we would normally expect.

In fact, the pictures were really stunning in daylight and the details really stood out. The linear stepper motors give it a silent auto-focus. But the lens ring does offer a bit of resistance, as if to prevent you from rushing to the telephoto end. So you need a stable hand if you are adjusting zoom while shooting a video.

The really standout aspect of this lens is its optical image stabilization, which gives a crisp image even as 200mm. You will need a tripod if you are trying to shoot the moon, but for a bird on the tree across the road, your hands will do just fine.

Low-light results are good, but this is no F/1.8 lens and it is not running on the Olympus OM-D EM-5.

VERDICT:
If you are looking for a zoom for all occasions, this will stand you in good stead. The only put off is the price (Rs 49,990), which is more than half the cost of the camera itself.