Fujinon XF 55-200mm Review
Released in 2013, the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. Covering an 83-300mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography. It offers a solid balance between optical performance, portability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for photographers looking for reach without the bulk of a larger telephoto lens.
Build and Design
The XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is well-constructed, featuring a metal exterior that gives it a premium feel while maintaining a relatively lightweight design at 580g. The lens extends when zooming, but the build quality ensures smooth operation with minimal wobble.
The aperture ring provides precise control, though, like many first-generation Fujifilm lenses, it lacks a physical aperture lock. The filter thread size is 62mm, making it easy to find compatible ND and polarising filters. Unfortunately, the lens does not feature weather sealing, so extra care is needed when using it in dusty or wet environments.
Optical Performance
This lens delivers impressive sharpness across the zoom range, particularly in the center. At 55mm, it is exceptionally sharp, with slightly softer edges that improve when stopped down. At 200mm, some minor softness appears, but it remains well-controlled for a zoom lens in this class.
Contrast and color reproduction are excellent, maintaining Fujifilm’s signature look. Chromatic aberrations and fringing are kept to a minimum, thanks to the inclusion of extra-low dispersion elements in the optical design. Distortion is well-controlled throughout the range, making this a reliable option for both close and distant subjects.
The maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.8 is respectable for a telephoto zoom but does limit low-light performance. While subject isolation and background blur (bokeh) are pleasant, the variable aperture means it does not provide the same level of background separation as a constant f/2.8 telephoto lens.
Autofocus Performance
The linear motor (LM) autofocus system ensures quick and silent focusing, making this lens a good option for wildlife and action photography. Autofocus accuracy is reliable in well-lit conditions, though it can slow down slightly in low light, particularly at the longer focal lengths.
For video work, focus breathing is minimal, and the smooth autofocus operation makes it a viable choice for telephoto filming, provided that light levels are adequate.
Image Stabilisation
One of the standout features of this lens is its optical image stabilisation (OIS), which offers up to 4.5 stops of stabilisation. This makes a significant difference when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths, allowing for slower shutter speeds without introducing motion blur. The stabilisation is particularly useful for travel and wildlife photography, where using a tripod is not always practical.
Handling and Versatility
With a compact and relatively lightweight design, the XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is easy to carry and well-balanced on most Fujifilm X-series bodies. The zoom ring is smooth and well-damped, providing precise control, while the manual focus ring is also responsive for fine adjustments.
This lens is particularly useful for photographers who need a flexible telephoto option for travel, events, and outdoor photography. It pairs well with Fujifilm’s standard zooms, such as the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4, to create a lightweight two-lens kit that covers a wide focal range.
My main issue with Fuji lenses though is how they feel in the hand. The paint or coating they use has a slightly greasy or slippery texture, which I find unpleasant compared to for instance Canon.
Drawbacks
- No weather sealing, limiting use in extreme conditions
- Variable aperture reduces low-light performance and subject isolation
- Some softness at 200mm, though still acceptable for a zoom lens
- Autofocus can slow down in low-light situations
Conclusion
The Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is an excellent telephoto zoom option for Fujifilm users who need reach without the weight and cost of larger lenses. It delivers strong optical performance, effective image stabilisation, and smooth autofocus in a well-built, travel-friendly package.
While it lacks weather sealing and has a variable aperture, it remains a highly capable and affordable telephoto lens. For those who need a compact, high-quality zoom for general telephoto work, this lens is a solid investment. Photographers requiring faster apertures or superior weather resistance may consider alternatives like the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR, but for many, the XF 55-200mm remains a reliable and practical choice.
I absolutely loved mine, and it quickly became one of my favourite lenses during my short-lived stint with Fuji.
Samples
Here are some recent photos I captured using the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens. These sample shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.
