Marketed June 1988 Original Price 105,500 yen Lens Construction [group] 14 Lens Construction [element] 16 No. of Diaphragm Blades 8 Minimum Aperture 29 Closest Focusing Distance [m] 1.2 Maximum Magnification [x] 0.23 Filter Diameter [mm] 58 Maximum Diameter x Length [mm] 75.6 x 145.8 Weight [g] 695
Over the past few years, the digital camera market has been transformed by the arrival of mirrorless compact system cameras. Freed from film-era design constraints, these can provide image quality to match SLRs in a much more portable form factor. Entry-level models provide compact-camera like handling and simplicity, while high-end cameras such as the Sony NEX-7, Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Fujifilm X-E1 are able to offer a full set of enthusiast-friendly manual controls in smaller, more discreet systems, and with relatively few compromises. However to persuade buyers to forsake their SLRs, the camera companies also need to offer lens lines that will cover their needs.
While most manufacturers have attacked the mirrorless market from the bottom up, Fujifilm's approach has been the opposite, starting with the unashamedly top-end X-Pro1 followed up by the more enthusiast-oriented X-E1. The company's lens line reflects this - instead of starting out with entry-level kit zooms, it took the decidedly unusual step of launching with three fixed-focal length primes. The first zoom appeared with the X-E1, but the XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS is no ordinary 'kit' lens, offering premium optics and a faster than usual maximum aperture.
The XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS telephoto zoom follows in the same vein - according to Fujifilm the aim is to provide premium optical quality and construction alongside class-leading image stabilization. Like the 18-55mm it features a relatively fast maximum aperture, gathering half a stop more light than most similar zooms for SLRs, and it uses a pair of linear stepper motors for near-silent autofocus. As with the other XF lenses, it offers all-metal barrel construction and an on-lens aperture control ring. The overall picture is of a decidedly premium lens, that's quite unlike the inexpensive 55-200mm F4-5.6 telezooms for APS-C SLRs.
Headline features
- 55-200mm focal length [83-300mm equivalent]
- Relatively fast F3.5-4.8 maximum aperture
- Optical image stabilization; 4.5 stops claimed benefit
- Aperture ring on lens
- X mount for Fujifilm X system mirrorless cameras
Angle of View
The pictures below illustrate the focal length range, taken from our standard position. The 55-200mm offers a similar angle of view to a 80-300mm lens on full frame.
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS specifications
Street price [Sept 2013] • $700 [US] • £580 [UK] • €750 [EU] Maximum format size APS-C Focal length 55-200mm 35mm equivalent focal length [APS-C] 83-300mm Diagonal angle of view 29.0° - 8.1° Maximum aperture F3.5-4.8 Minimum aperture F22 Lens Construction • 14 elements in 10 groups • 2 extra low dispersion [ED] glass elements • 1 Super ED glass element Number of diaphragm blades 7, rounded Minimum focus 1.1m / 3.67ft Maximum magnification Approx. 0.19x AF motor type Two linear stepper motors Focus method Internal Zoom method Rotary, extending barrel Image stabilization • Optical IS • 4.5 stops Filter thread • 62mm • Does not rotate on focus Supplied accessories* • Front and rear caps • Lens hood Weight 580g [20.5 oz] Dimensions 75mm diameter x 118mm length [3.3 x 4.7 in] Lens Mount Fujifilm X
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area
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