I've never used this Fujifilm lens.

Happy New Year, guys! What a way to end a splendid year on KZbin with you: trying a new lens, an old lens and shooting together.
Sorry I didn't have time to label the camera settings. Hanging with the family this week. No time.
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk about cameras, lenses, tech, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
Social Follow/Contact me
Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
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KZbin Gear IN THIS EPISODE
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[@hellogregory3449]

The 18-55mm along with the 55-200mm makes a winning combination for a walkabout system. Lightweight and full coverage for most situations. Cheers and a Happy New Year to you, G

[@travisfellows]

This is why I love watching your videos... you managed to talk about three different camera brands and make them all look good! This is the positivity we need going into 2023!

[@VistasHermosas19]

I used that lens for sports with my kids and it was perfect. Also I am a tennis fan and was able to get it into tournaments and took awesome shots from different vantage points for 20x30 prints, stellar.

[@MiniBlueDragon]

Those colours are breathtaking. 🤯

[@TLM823]

I purchased this lens and have found its optics excellent. Fine lines are sharp without distortion I've discerned throughout photos. Paired with the 10-24mm it's an ideal setup for landscape. Beautiful photos you took! Happy New Year to you!

[@angumotzfeldt3093]

Thank you for being you, Omar. I always have a smile on my face after watching your videos. Keep up the good work that you do for the community, it means more than you know.

[@mauibuilder1239]

Those golden and blue hour shots of the NYC skyline are gorgeous.

[@edsphotos78]

Thanks, Omar for a year of awesome videos. Will be watching whatever you do next year!!

[@desmondpainter7313]

I always thought the 55-200 is a bit underrated on the Fuji forums I frequent. I bought one on sale early 2022 and really loved it. On my X-S10 it made for a compact, lightweight setup, perfect for day trips (up Table Mountain, a river cruise, etc) but besides the convenience I also just got really lovely images. Then I got out of the car, had to tend to a child, didn't realize the camera bag was open, and dropped it on the pavement... camera fine but lens broke at the base. Urgh. Thought about upgrading to a 'better' zoom but then realized for the stuff I want to use it for, the upgrades are too expensive and the 55-200 high quality and fun enough to use. I will replace it. Nice video this. Thanks for a year of great content: always super informative and fun to watch. Happy 2023 Omar and everyone here!

[@jamespkuzman]

I bought this lens, sold it to get the 70-300 (which immediately became impossible to find) and ended up with a used copy of the 55-200 again. It’s a gem of a lens that punches way above its weight, and used ones are plentiful and affordable. For a general purpose tele zoom that’s easy to carry around, you can’t beat it.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

if i may ask, did you keep the 70-300? your thoughts on 55-200 vs 70-300? thanks in advance. thumbs up.

[@MelvinHughesatp]

This is one of the first Fuji lenses I bought 5 years ago. Even though I later added a 50-140 and the 100-400, this lens and the 18-55 remain part of my everyday carry kit. For 99% or my longer zoom needs, it has definitely proven itself.

[@TravisHam]

Another great practical use for a lens like this (or my budget-minded 50-230) is for kids' sports & programs. I love having that long zoom for my son's soccer games to grab some action shots. I also love being able to sneak in a tripod at my feet for my daughter's choir concerts, set a tight shot where I can actually see her face, hit record, and then watch her performance in real life instead of through the mediation of a phone screen like all the other parents around me. I think I may need to start calling my 50-230 the "dad lens".

[@keithc4252]

Incredible shots at the end! The lens is an extension of the great 18-55 Fuji kit which is a beautiful lens itself. Great value lenses to cover every scene

[@debra4542]

Mmmmm... beautiful shots, beautiful light. I have some photo envy! Thanks for sharing.

[@JackieDElia]

I just bought the Fuji 55-200 lens three months ago. I love it so far. Happy New Year, Omar. Thanks for another awesome year of videos.

[@vishal_trivedi]

Thanks for publishing this. I’m an X-T3 + 55-200 user, but I must concede that the 5Diii + 70-200 has better image quality as seen on my 50inch 4K TV. @2:04 At the bottom of this stunning photo, I see BA brought the concord into NYC that day. Nice!

[@JeffreyHauser]

Happy New Year, Omar! Thanks for all that you share with the photographic community throughout the year. I always like your sense of humour & I could see the joy in your face in finding the “beautiful” light for your cityscape shots! Keep on keeping on!😊👍

[@RossanoCampolo]

Happy 2023 ! That was my second lens, love it .

[@rajneshlohana5826]

Your videos remind me why I love taking pictures so much. Keep it up sensei

[@ah321]

I absolutely love this lens. I bought it as an amateur landscape photographer, but it unexpectedly got me into birding, thanks also to large urban parks or bird sanctuaries where birds abound and you can get relatively close. I walk around with a XT30 with this this lens, hand held, no hood and it’s so lightweight that I get to fully enjoy the nature and the birds on 10-20km walks without my hand or arm getting tired. By contrast, I tried the 100-400 for a while, but it was not fun. I couldn’t do hand-held, had to carry it with a shoulder strap, and on long walks my wrist would hurt anyway because of the move to raise it and hold it at eye level hundreds of times, plus it requires two hands due to the weight imbalance. But more importantly, I was not getting as many good shots of the birds that move fast and don’t stay still, like chickadees or kinglets, because I was not as nimble with the camera given the added weight. So I’ve returned the 100-400 and I’m sticking with the 55-200. I might also try the 70-300 in the future, heard good things. Thank you for the great shots in the video, Omar! Happy new year!

[@hakan7346]

there is something magical about the canon shots.

[@robbinsdrones]

Great video - Happy New Year. I sold my 55-200 for the 70-300, loved the 200...loving the 300's extra reach...both great lenses IMO. Looking forward to more of your content in 2023!

[@MichaelGalli88]

Just picked up the lens yesterday, didn't have a chance to take any photos yet. Real life getting in the way of photography! But today is the day. I watched this video a second time before heading out. Your tips awesome, great reminders to be in the moment with the camera. Just take the shots.

[@gregpantelides1355]

Beautiful work, Omar. Keep shooting and stay inspired!!!

[@wilfs1196]

Had a 55-200, sold it, shouldn't have. It was my 2nd Fuji lens after the 18-55 which I also enjoy & use a lot on my X-E4. I did purchase the 70-300 which was a good move on my part.Recently acquired a X-T4, so we get to start over again, but the learning curve won't be as steep as my 1st Fuji , the X-T3. All the best to you & yours Omar & may good health in the New Year be your best gift !.

[@thebells516]

I just picked it up in August of 24 for a steal. Gives me another zoom that isn't as weighty as my 100-400 monster. Great video! I wish Central Illinois had given me scenes like these!

[@ShawnSnapp]

I've loved this lens for years and always thought of it as the hidden gem of Fuji's line up. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarcioK]

I've got the 55-200 when I switched from m43 - it is to use most on large concerts, hence the larger aperture was more interesting to me than more reach. Was blown away by the sharpness right on the 1st use - shot the windows of the 10th floor of a neighbor building and could even see the details of the outer wall.

[@keithsandercock1412]

I've had one of these for a number of years .... love it. Great for travel. Your 'golden light' images are terrific!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

The 55-200 is the second fuji lens I bought, and I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@IanKyddMiller]

The 55-200 is one of my favs. Gives super pictures.

[@thebowlerusa1]

One of my favorite Fuji lens. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@brandonprescott5753]

I have had the 55-200mm for a year paired with my XT3 and love it . One of my best lens. Happy New Year to you all.

[@FilipTrenson]

Hi Omar, I love this lens a lot during long walks in nature. I even manage to get bokeh bubbles at high aperture. What I like most is hunting for details. Great thumbs up for your mix of advice and humour

[@TasKarp]

Thank you for all you do and share. Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for 2023. Keep shining your light.

[@billwhite2818]

This is one of my favorite lenses. I use it for portraits and sports and it delivers for both.

[@meme4one]

55-200 is a beast. My favourite walkabout, nature, countryside lens. Its good for landscape and the range can do a lot either panos stitched together or isolated details.

[@martinDsymons]

Great vid... I've just been on my hols and my set up was X-T5, viltrox 13mm, XF 16-55mm and XF 70-300mm perfect for travel

[@thomasmoore3175]

HNY from Tasmania, Omar! Some call this lens "The Trombone" (see clip at 0:46 for reference) and it's a real champion!

[@scottw5791]

Great place to take pics. Haven’t been there in a few years and I need to return

[@okocha971]

Totally get your point about the enjoyment of seeing the "development" of your photos ! That's why i LOVE so much the X-Pro and X100 lines and their optical viewfinder :)

[@macdandy1972]

You're a NJ guy! I should have known, since --- as a New Yorker --- I always appreciated and understood your humor. Great video and amazing pics of the city. Happy New Year to you sir.

[@dirtywater5336]

I love this lens. I bought it as more of a need a couple of years ago but it quickly became one of my favorite lenses. I was looking at the 70-300 as well but many people said the IQ was soft so I went with this one instead. I feel like f/8 is a really nice sweet spot on this lens. It gives me crisp shots even when zoomed to 200mm.

[@AliEbrahimian]

amazing pictures, I wished you took more videos as well with the zoom lens on Fuji. Thanks for sharing.

[@edwarddiaz5973]

happy new year! i have an x-t3 and i just bought this lens (55-200mm); i love it, it is sharp enough for my needs, good for portraits... a+

[@Philhellene1]

Thank you for all the time and hard work you give to the community Omar

[@TicaHikes]

Happy 2023! Had it and liked it a lot. Sold it to buy the 70-300, which is sharper and is (even) more versatile

[@chewkenghong]

this reminds me of something i used to do..get to a place and take pictures and wait for the light change to get more photos. haven dont that for a long time. i should do that again. thanks!

[@palegreenlemon]

Great lens the 55-200mm. I owned it for a few years but exchanged it for the 70-300mm. The 70-300mm Pros are weather sealing, extra range, better stabilisation, almost the same weight and better image quality across most of the zoom range. The only negative thing is the more plasticky feeling of the lens.

[@avs4365]

Agreed. Exactly what I was going too post.

[@holgerglaab8182]

Totally agree. And you have the additional option of using tele converters for the 70-300.

[@palegreenlemon]

@@charliejg I don't shoot fast action sports or wildlife that often, but I would highlight this. 100mm extra reach, both have linear motors, but the 70-300's system is more advanced and a bit quicker. It also has a focus range limiter, and if you use it with enough light, the option of a Teleconverter to get even closer. However, I don't use TCs on my 40MP X-H2 as the image quality suffers too much. I once loaned the 100-400mm with twin linear motors and both can't compete with that lens. Never used the 150-600mm.

[@imgrth]

I have 50-230 and just want to buy 1 its 70-300 or 100-400, what do you think?

[@imgrth]

I’m using xpro3 😄

[@grafixnetz]

Happy 2023 my friend!! As several have commented, I also traded 'up' to the 70-300 and never looked back:)

[@BABA-ws5eo]

Looks like a great spot for cityscapes. Yours turned out well. Thanks for another great video!

[@ahmadnaufaldai]

Those are beautiful pictures Omar! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@internationalsixty1819]

Happy New Year Omar. Have owned the 55-200 for around 4 years now, I feel its a bit soft at 200mm but is great for travelling especially on a motorbike. I wanted longer reach for wildlife and unfortunately the 55-200 isn’t compatible with either of the Fuji converters so ended up buying a used 100-400mm which is an absolute beast! Keep up the great work and happy shooting in 23 👍

[@stephenschmid492]

I've had the lens about four years now, and am very happy with it. Your cityscape shots look beautiful!

[@cameraz99]

Good video. You should mention that the 55-200mm on your Fuji (APS-C) is the equivalent of 82.5--300mm on full frame.

[@JonathanAdami]

found your channel for the gear, stayed for the personality! you rock!

[@melindaxbc5605]

Gorgeous photos! I used to have that Canon but sold it and moved to Fuji. Loved the optical viewfinder but not the weight. Lightweight Fuji rocks!

[@albertsmith9315]

I have the 55-200mm because the 70-300mm was always out of stock and I gave up and bought the older lens. After one outing, I felt no remorse from getting a "lesser" lens. Right out of the box, I took several shots in my living room at impossibly long non hand holdable shutter speeds and the image stabilization allowed for sharp images at 200mm. I set my auto ISO for 1/500th and headed out for a real test. This lens performed excellently and considering the physical size and weight, it is a lens that I will not dread using. The physical operation is exactly like its little brother the 18-55mm, so the weakness is that unmarked aperture ring. On this telephoto zoom, I shoot wide-open most of the time, so I just constantly spin the aperture ring towards the widest f-stop, just incase the ring migrates while carrying and handling the camera. The lens is sharp at full aperture at all zoom ranges. Bottom line for me is that this lens is a valuable tool for my shooting, and if not for the unavailable 70-300mm, I would not know that. I'm glad that I have it.

[@peterlongenecker210]

I've had this lens for a few years. I used it extensively on a stay in Paris last year. The apartment (top floor) had a terrace and I would go out there when the sun would start to set and just fire away. Cityscapes, rooftops, chimney pots, street scene below -- just an amazing lens.

[@donnakeeley4531]

Enjoyed your video. I use this lens all the time with my XT-2 and very happy with the results. Happy New Year from NZ

[@Hammer1]

Oh wow, beautiful shots. I'm so jealous of the weather over there, here's always so bleak, dark, cloudy and snowy. I feel depressed because of it and it's been hard to go outside to get some pics

[@ogonzilla]

winter's tough. We're having a global warming warm spell....

[@the4bergs73]

Thanks Omar for all your varied tips and tricks and wide mix of entertaining photographic advice over many years! I really enjoy your channel. Hope all is well and wishing you all the best heading into 2023.

[@RafaelRipollGallardo]

I do have this lens and I was thinking about getting a 2x tube but that´s another story. Pretty happy to have this lens. It´s fast enough for the price and cannot complain about the quality. Happy to see this video reviewing it!

[@SteveMcClanahan]

Beautiful photos Omar. Well worth the trip. I had the 55-200 at one time and loved it. Sold it for the 70-300 and now love that too. I do miss that 55mm - 70mm range however.

[@traceybartlam7737]

NYC is beautiful ❤ we came in at sunrise to dock in October and it was absolutely gorgeous. Loved this video, it reminded me of my holiday. Happy New Year.

[@jradamsjr]

Happy New Year Omar and all his other followers. Wish the sun had been shining here in NorCal today, instead we got an “atmospheric river” whatever the heck that is! I just bought the 70-300mm Fuji for the second time. Don’t ask. You know the drill. Anyway, if you have not already, you might want to try that one as others have also noted. It is a sleeper. Looks “platiscy” but renders really nice pics - well worth the $799 price tag. Even the Second time ;-) Blessings to all of you and your families 🙏

[@lewisbloom6396]

Omar, you make me miss NJ and NY, Happy New Year from Bavaria.....

[@djtruedomination]

I use this lens for travel. This is my favorite zoom lens. It takes beautiful portraits too.

[@sstarr1310]

Awesome photos! I miss the east coast so much. Happy New Year 🎉. Thank you for all you do.

[@jasontrahan4483]

Stunning photos Omar! Some of my favorites that I've seen from you. You put that lens to work!

[@bthermosa]

Hey, look at you still putting out content before the new year. It's getting close to party time....better go get your drink on!! 🥳🥳 fyi...I love my X-T3 and 70-300 for this kind of photo excursion.

[@danmontesinos2094]

I have had the 55-200 for a few years now, and I really love this lens. So much that I’m considering getting the 70-300 for that extra reach; but im not thrilled about the thought of having to sell the 55-200, so maybe I’ll just buy or rent the 70-300 and keep this one around. Glad you finally got a chance to test it out, I hope you keep it. Cheers and happy new year!

[@am4kar]

Go for it, much much better lens than this one. I had both.

[@renarsdradeika8657]

I sold my 55-200 about a year ago and bought 70-300. Fantastic lens, if you like 55-200 you will be blown away by 70-300. Pretty much always mounted on my camera since i got it.

[@ianwebster1143]

I have both, the 70-300mm is the better lens but that’s not to say the 55-200mm is bad it’s a great lens.

[@jambob169]

I had the 55-200 for years, then had both for a brief period. I kept the 70-300 and don't regret it at all, not even a little.

[@paulasimson4939]

Wonderful video, Omar! What a great way to end one year and start the new one.

[@billythom1]

I have had the XF55-200mm for a couple of years now and it is razor sharp. The weight and size means adding to your bag is not a problem. Great video Omar.

[@fbonneau03]

Thanks! You are awesome...Happy New Year.. Lot abundance in 2023

[@ChrisC1377]

Happy New Year Omar, and please continue to offer us this kind of peaceful videos, thanks

[@WarzechaSoftWorks]

Happy New Year!! This lens is a part of my lens trinity (10-24, 18-55, and 55-200).

[@geofff6671]

My version of this lens was ok, but I thought it was a bit softer than my 18-55 and 10-24. I now have the 70-300 f4-5.6 WR R OIS and it performs spectacularly.

[@palamj2]

The 70-300mm i think is one of Fuji’s best value lenses.

[@Lets-Take-Pictures]

Happy New Year Omar, thanks for sharing that beautiful sunset. Makes a nice metaphor for the ending year-maybe there will be a sunrise shoot in 2023?

[@laurelb8372]

Wow great images from both. I have the 70-300 which does a great job. Happy New Year to you & your family

[@lenninaraica347]

Great video, I own the 55-200mm and love it. Great for travel.

[@calebkelstudios]

these are wallpaper quality photos. I love them..

[@Deminimis2]

The 55-200 was a lens that I got a long time ago to pair with my kit lens. I thought the photos were okay at first until I got to see my photos against a friends shot on his Cannon 70-200. I was kinda disappointed after that but swore to myself that I would never get that Cannon setup. I don’t want to haul around that kind of weight. I can carry my Fuji stuff one handed pretty much for hours without any ill effects. Can’t say the same for the Cannon. But that 70-200 is a sweet lens. So I shelled out some cash for the 50-140. Sold my 55-200. But I hardly used the 50-140 as good as it was. So I sold it and now have the 70-300. I just wanted more reach and didn’t want to carry the weight of the 50-140. But now that I have the XT5 I wish that I had the 50-140. Right now I am using crons. I decided to go light for travel.

[@Mr_Grumpy]

Happy New Year to you as well Omar. I don't have that lens, but you have convinced me.

[@rgwightman]

Love that view, and thanks so much for all you do. Happy New Year!

[@paelana]

Thanks for the vid! Would really like to see the SS and aperture settings for those images.

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

And thanks for posting videos in 2022!! I have this lens and it's great - the only Fuji zoom I own.

[@timrosenthal46]

Happy New Year mate. Beautiful images ! Imagine how nice it would be living in one of those houses behind you, what a great view !

[@sonholee5769]

I love the 55-200. Images are well saturated and with great contrast coming right out of camera. I am thinking abut the 70-300 just for a bit more reach for birds. Hard to justify another zoom though when the 55-200 is so great.

[@rebeccaclark9755]

I agree that the 55-200 is great. I went ahead and bought the 70-300, and I would say I'm even more impressed with the image quality from it!

[@mattfromyvr]

+1 to Rebecca's comment! I use my 70-300 for birding and I love that one day, if needed, I'll be able to use it with the teleconverters for even more reach

[@sonholee5769]

@@rebeccaclark9755 oh no! Don’t tell me that! 😂

[@adycoke2]

This is great lens,it works very nice on people,even portrets!Very underrated lens!

[@Honkus]

This was one of the first Fuji lenses I had purchased.back in 2017, and I really loved it. So small and light, and image quality is much better than I expected. Stupid me sold it around 2019. But I got the 70-300 after it came back and it is even better, and works with the TC and is WR too. You can't go wrong with either. Fuji makes some solid lenses. Omar, thanks for all the great videos you have put out, you have really helped me in many ways.

[@petersmitham8273]

I’ve owned this lens for a while…makes a good travel lens especially for camera bodies which don’t have IBIS…Happy New Year…🎉❤

[@marvellis6762]

Happy New Year to you Omar and the family.... from England

[@lf9463]

Thank you for all your lovely and inspiring videos, Omar, and also for the podcasts with Moe! You really brought some warm light into my life, and I am truely grateful for that! Looking forward to your videos in 2023! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@terrytracey3486]

Happy new year to you & family.

[@zacredacted2137]

Beautiful pictures Omar! You always make me want to go and get an old dlsr.

[@tadasnever]

That's my first lens that I've picked up with my X-T3 used for 200€. The best decision so far. It's still quite alright with potraits as well.

[@Dickeywood43081]

Happy New Year Omar, love your videos and I am a full Fujifilm shooter. I have had the Fuji 550-200 since 2014 and Its one great lens especially for the price. Also thanks for the location as I am planning on going back home ( I am a New Yorker born in Brooklyn) as i now live in Ohio. I would like to attach an example of a detailed nI took of the Chrysler building several years ago from the street and the image is tack sharp. Well all my best.

[@frankd4875]

Happy New Year, Omar! Really enjoyed your videos in 2022, you're an inspiration to get out and SHOOT!! Come down to Louisiana some time and check it out. Cheers from Lafayette!

[@rf.photographs]

Enjoy your channel, Omar! But I feel the same way about my Nikon system I use(d). My previous camera (still have), I used the Nikon D800 (which might have been the competitor of your Canon at the time....or was it the Mark II? lol) w/ the OLD 80-200mm f2.8 for zoom cityscape/detail architecture. Both are built like a metal tank that can probably cause a concussion if used as a weapon. Lol Recently switched over to the mirrorless world to the Nikon Z6II (Do you still have yours? Haven't seen any Nikon content on your channel lately) paired with the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3, SUPER utility knife going wide to zoom (even has built-in VR, which might be counterintuitive to the IBIS). But same as your setup, super light for walking around or shooting cityscape handheld. Although I miss the clanky sound of the tanky DSLR shutter, a lightweight mirrorless setup is just more convenient/practical.