{"id":4323,"date":"2014-12-11T22:57:26","date_gmt":"2014-12-12T03:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/?p=4323"},"modified":"2014-12-23T10:02:54","modified_gmt":"2014-12-23T15:02:54","slug":"fuji-50-140mm-f2-8-vs-fuji-55-200mm-f3-5-4-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/fuji-50-140mm-f2-8-vs-fuji-55-200mm-f3-5-4-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Fuji 50-140mm f\/2.8 vs. Fuji 55-200mm f\/3.5-4.8"},"content":{"rendered":"

The latest telephoto lens from Fujifilm is their long-awaited pro-grade 50-140mm f\/2.8 OIS WR. \u00a0The lens fills the role of the typical 70-200mm zoom lens in the Fujifilm system. \u00a0Fuji already has a well-regarded telephoto zoom in a more compact package in the 55-200mm f\/3.5-4.8 OIS. \u00a0The 55-200mm is, of course, slower in aperture and notably smaller in size than its constant-aperture sibling. \u00a0But how do the two lenses compare in the overlapping range? \u00a0That’s what I wanted to find out.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Fuji Telephoto Zooms – 50-140mm f\/2.8 on the left, 55-200mm f\/3.5-4.8 on the right<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Construction and Handling<\/h3>\n

While the two lenses share much of their range, they are certainly not identical lenses. \u00a0The 55-200mm is about 2\/3 the length, features a body made predominantly of high-grade plastics and features a non-weathersealed extending zoom mechanism. \u00a0The 50-140mm f\/2.8 is an internally zooming, weathersealed lens made of metal and plastics that is not only larger but notably heavier than the 55-200mm. \u00a0In fact, it’s 71% heavier than its slower sibling.<\/p>\n

The 50-140mm is by far the largest current lens for the Fuji X System, and it’s one of the largest mirrorless lenses period. \u00a0However, it’s still roughly the same size as a full frame 70-200mm f\/4 lens, so we’re not talking enormous, but it definitely will require a good size bag. \u00a0Overall, the 50-140mm is the better constructed lens, while the 55-200mm handles much easier and fits better within the ‘small camera system’ mentality. There’s also a rather hefty price difference, with the 55-200mm available right now for only $550 (regularly $700), while the 50-140mm will run you a whopping $1599.<\/p>\n

Sharpness<\/h3>\n

To test sharpness, I took a series of photographs at infinity at 55mm, 90mm and 140mm, from wide open through f\/8. \u00a0Center and edge\/corner crops are presented in the images below. \u00a0All images were taken with the lens and camera on a tripod, with 2 second self timer and OIS set to off. 100% crops are presented below. To see the images at full size, click on the image, and when it loads, click the green arrow at the bottom to enlarge to 100%.<\/p>\n

\"100%<\/a>
100% Crops @ 55mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 55mm, the 50-140mm starts out very strong in the center right from f\/2.8 and is even very good in the corner. An outstanding performance here. At f\/3.5, which is the widest aperture for the 55-200mm, you can see that the 55-200mm is average at best here. \u00a0The 50-140mm is clearly superior in both the center and the corner. \u00a0The corner has sharpened up a bit here on the 50-140mm, yielding quite good resolution. \u00a0At f\/5.6 and f\/8, the 55-200mm improves significantly, producing very sharp images in the center and good corners, though both still lag behind the 50-140mm, which is producing outstanding resolution across the frame at smaller apertures.<\/p>\n

\"100%<\/a>
100% Crops @ 90mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 90mm, the 50-140mm is a smidgen softer than it was at 55mm when wide open, but is still producing good results here. \u00a0At f\/4 (the widest aperture for the 55-200mm), both lenses are quite good, though the 50-140mm stays ahead both in the center and on the edge (the corners were not at the same distance for this focal length). \u00a0Stopping down to f\/5.6 and then to f\/8 brings both lenses into excellent territory, with the 50-140mm still maintaining a very slight edge, though it’s quite small here.<\/p>\n

\"100%<\/a>
100% Crops at 140mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 140mm, frankly both lenses are very good right from their maximum apertures, and both are excellent across the frame at f\/8, with the 50-140mm again holding a very slim lead.<\/p>\n

Overall, it’s clear the 50-140mm is the superior lens when it comes to resolution. \u00a0It produces excellent resolution at all focal lengths and apertures. \u00a0While I didn’t have time this evening to pull crops at all distances close up, I can describe that the differences between the lenses are quite similar to the distant test, though the 50-140mm is actually even sharper at closer distances producing outstanding resolution across the frame at any setting. \u00a0The 55-200mm lags a bit, especially at the wide end, but by a margin similar to what’s shown in these tests.<\/p>\n

Continue: Bokeh and 40-150mm f\/2.8 First Impressions<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

Bokeh<\/h3>\n

I was originally going to show 100% crops of out of focus areas throughout a range, but after a short while, it became apparent that the two lenses are remarkably similar in that department, at least in this test. \u00a0To show an idea of out of focus rendering, see the reduced areas of blur from the two lenses at 90mm, with the focus point about 8 feet from the camera.<\/p>\n

\"Bokeh<\/a>
Bokeh – Fuji 50-140mm f\/2.8 @ 90mm, f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Bokeh<\/a>
Bokeh – Fuji 50-140mm f\/2.8 @ 90mm, f\/4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Bokeh<\/a>
Bokeh – Fuji 55-200mm f\/3.5-4.8 @ 90mm, f\/4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you can see above, the bokeh is quite similar between the two lenses. \u00a0Neither is a cream machine, but both are respectable in this department. \u00a0Overall, it’s clear to me that the 50-140mm f\/2.8 is the superior lens from an optical standpoint. \u00a0Is the difference and speed worth the added bulk and the much higher price tag? \u00a0Only you can decide that.<\/p>\n

Some additional first impressions on the 50-140mm f\/2.8<\/h3>\n

I’ve been shooting with the 50-140mm for the past two days, and I’m quickly becoming very impressed with the lens. \u00a0It is very sharp at any focal length and aperture, has excellent color and contrast, fairly decent bokeh in most situations (though there are some caveats there), and most surprisingly: it seems to be essentially apochromatic. \u00a0I’ve got a lot more shooting to do with the lens before making final judgments, but my first impressions are very positive. \u00a0I will have my full in-depth review of the Fuji 50-140mm f\/2.8 coming later next week!\u00a0Edit: Check out my full review of the 50-140mm here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n