Fujifilm X-E3 + Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4,8 R LM OIS: An improbable pair!

It is a strange phenomenon that I have experimented right from the beginning of my ownership of the Fujifilm X-E3 model. For an unknown (odd) reason, I love to work with the improbable body/lens combination of the Fujifilm X-E3 camera model and the Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS zoom lens. And the major think about it is the (surprise!) good handling of the kit.

No doubt that the Fujifilm X-E3 can give equally good picture results as equal as the ones from the X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro 2 or the X-H1 models that, in fact, are using the same image sensor. Even considering the autofocus performance disappearances between all these models, I didn't find significative differences in my everyday photography, except maybe for bird picturing (rate of success is significant lower even if the X-E3 is set the same way as the X-T20 for example). With the newest X-T30 model (that have replaced the previous X-T20), the story is also a bit different (marginally) because of the evolution of the autofocus system implanted by Fujifilm.

I always regarded the Fujinon XF 55-200mm zoom lens as a very creative optic, more than a "sporty" lens type. Examples around the world have proven this assertion in many ways for landscape, portrait, architectural, close, graphic, etc. And if you aren't mounting the intimidating lens hood the Fujinon XF 55-200mm can be more discrete than we may first think of. Pair with the Fujifilm X-E3, the Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is really a "reach" zoom lens that can discriminate an annoying surrounding from your main subject. It can be done by reframing or by selecting a shallower deep of field (larger aperture setting).

Using the "off-center" electronic viewfinder (EVF) of the Fujifilm X-E3 is a real pleasure that allow you to keep most of your face free of the camera body. Your left hand will naturally serve as a support for the zoom lens helping that way to get a better stabilization of your picture taking combination device. The optical image stabilization (OIS) of the zoom lens is another very practical tool to prevent blurry effect induced by the photographer shakes.

If you are already using the Fujifilm X-E3/XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS combination, it will be natural to extend your photo kit by adding the Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS zoom lens. Controls are similar and adaptation will be fast and efficient. But yes, it will add weight (+ 270g) and the overall combo will be sensibly bulkier (+ 20mm of length in comparison when both lenses are retracted).

The Fujifilm X-E3 is a very nice, practical and efficient interchangeable lens camera (ILC) and by adding the Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS zoom lens, you simply take advantage of its full potential of versatility and creativity, but, yes I admit, this is not in anyways, a "pancake" lens!