Affordable long range creativity with the Fujinon XC50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II zoom lens.

 The Fujinon X-Mount lens line-up is renowned for its construction and optical qualities and has been a precious asset into the success of the Fujifilm APS-C ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) system. Some of those optics are almost legends of their own and have already a lasting durability over years of intense use. Alongside their XF optics which represent their finest lenses, Fujifilm have developed a less expensive XC series affordable (at a comparable half selling price) that retains most of the optical quality level in a lighter construction (mainly polymer material) and less functionalities (such as a dedicated aperture ring, or a focus or stabilization switches).

The Fujinon XC50-230mm F4.5-5.6 OIS II is the second version of the same zoom lens that has been developed as a companion optic of the XC16-50mm OIS standard (kit) zoom lens. Since that introduction, the XC50-200mm OIS II has been reviewed many times and have gotten an interesting, good feedback from these tests. The long-range affordable zoom lens is not a big and heavy optic, thanks for very modest maximum aperture of F 4.5-6.7 and its obvious construction mainly in polymer (including its lens mount). The physical barrel extension when you are selecting its longest focal length is, I must admit, impressive (It almost double its physical length). Accessory filter diameter is limited to 58mm, a very reasonable and less expensive size to cope with.

Two large control ring for setting the focal length and the manual focus are available on the Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II. The rest of the zoom lens is exempt of other switch or button and give to it a distinctive spartan look. A usual for this kind of telephoto optic, a big lens hood is thankfully furnished by Fujifilm. Close focusing is limited by a minimum distance of 1.1m (43 inches) which is manageable for subjects like flowers or animal close ups. At 230mm, we will obtain a magnification of more than 6,5 times compare to the normal view of a 35mm prime lens.

The Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II is often compare with the venerable Fujinon XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS which use to be the companion optic of the other venerable Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS standard zoom kit lens. The XF55-200mm OIS is noticeably a bigger lens, much metal construction with extra control ring for the aperture, an OIS switch and a larger maximum aperture that gives you more than one stop of light gain. For the newest and lighter Fuji-X mount camera models, it is an heavier optic to handle and bring with you (and heavier also on your gear budget!). As far I am concerned, I have found the optical rendition of the two zoom lenses (XC50-230mm OIS II vs XF55-200 R LM OIS) very similar. The absence of the aperture ring on the XC50-230mm OIS II shouldn't bother you since if you are using it in conjunction of the Fujifilm X-S10 model for example ***. In the field, none of these two zoom lens models are offering the Weather Resistant (WR) certification from Fujifilm although, with a minimum attention, you can safely use them outside in most circumstances.

The autofocus is working with efficiency but can be slower in dim light context or with less constrasted subject. Action photograph should be performed with bright light although you can pre-focus manually the zoom lens in some specific situations as we use to do during the manual focus only analog-film era. Even in regard of its modest maximum aperture (F4.5-6.7), you can expect shallow deep of field from the Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II and be able to isolate your main subject, especially in shorter distances.

Optical performances from the Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II are on the same level in comparison with the other X-Mount lenses. Color, texture, and contrast are crisp and accurate, no surprise to be expected. The optical stabilization system (OIS) is a must in my view for a zoom lens of this type. Please note that the OIS can be deactivate only via the camera menu (No lens side switch to do so). 

A specific future article published in this blog will discuss about the "birder" qualities of the Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II.

Long range telephoto zoom lens are a delight for details and for more graphical photographic projects. You can really explore, experiment and discriminate your subject with multiple variations in term of composition. They are great creative tool that help to isolate and emulate a particular interest of the image context. Sure many photographers are using them mainly in action, sport or animal photography but there is a lot more to do than that to do with the long telephoto zoom optics.

The Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II zoom lens is not a perfect optic considering its very modest variable maximum aperture and its lighter construction compared to the Fujinon XF55-200mm OIS for example. But at half the price of the latter, it cannot be disregard as an affordable but performing optic that respond to photographers that don't want to spend too money for an experimenting long range zoom lens. Furthermore, there is no reason to leave the Fujinon XC50-230mm OIS II at home and to transform it as a good and always available travel companion.

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*** An additional grip accessory such as the Metro Case Fuji X-S10 Grip can be a good help for a better and a more secure handling of the camera/lens combination.

©Photos Daniel M: X-T20 / XF18-55mm OIS (XC50-230mm OIS II illustration); X-S10 / XC50-230mm OIS II