Fujifilm XF70-300mm Review - Better than the 55-200mm?

I've been getting a lot of questions about Fuji's latest tele zoom. In this video I take a practical look a the lens from the point of view of a landscape photographer and compare it with the 55-200mm, which has been my go-to tele-zoom for the last 5 years.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:05 Focal length & Overview
3:28 Optical Image Stabilisation
4:52 Build Quality & Weather Sealing
9:03 Controls
10:18 Focus
12:27 Image Quality
19:55 Conclusion
If you’d like to join me for a landscape photography workshop there are still a couple of places left for my workshops in Italy and Norway later this year, and I've got some fantastic workshops lined up for 2022 that I'll be launching soon. Check my website for more information www.andymumford.com/workshops/
If you're interested in purchasing any of the gear I use in this video, and you enjoy my videos, please support my work by clicking on the affiliate links below.
Thanks so much.
Camera & Lens:
Fuji XF70-300mm amzn.to/312JKnP
Fuji XF10-24mm amzn.to/397qUAw
Fuji X-T4 amzn.to/3hwoRsn
Fuji X-S10 amzn.to/3qCQzry
Bits & Pieces:
Microphone: Rødelink Wireless Go amzn.to/2HcjBJE
Gitzo Traveller Series 1 Tripod amzn.to/2CWyjnx
Backpack amzn.to/2M8g1W4
Camera insert for backpack amzn.to/2M99b2r
PolarPro Quartzline ND16 (4 stop) amzn.to/2yxkZWs
PolarPro Quartzline Polarizer amzn.to/2WkGV01
Website: www.andymumford.com
Instagram: / andymumfordphotography
Facebook: / andymumfordphotography
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

[@runnerwatch2280]

So whispery that it relaxes me to a sleeping state and I wake up the next morning with subconscious knowledge of camera lenses.

[@AndyMumford]

Hahaha, the lens whisperer

[@NWind-go9qn]

Yes, speak up! Or raise your volume.

[@maryl1833]

@@NWind-go9qn raise your own volume!

[@Sanemancured]

Andy has a particular voice. Why attack him personally over it? Turn up your volume and pay attention.

[@ichsanclair3448]

😂

[@mgono9958]

Perfect review that covered all my questions and great shots from Lisbon. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@johnfragos7660]

What a great, very comprehensive review. Thank you very much for this Mr Mumford

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@JenniferKlinger]

You always manage to answer all my questions. Also, nice street photos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@shibuichi]

Andy, your videos remain the most informative! Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, that's really nice to know. I'm going to try to do more this year

[@unalozmen526]

Every question on my mind was answered ! Thank you Andy for the comparison video that I have been waiting for months.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Unal, I'm really glad you found the video useful and it answered your questions

[@DansPiratelife]

Absolutely the best review of this lens! Thanks for all the info

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@snaanarchielago7396]

Thank you for let us see your amazing photos. How unbeliavable landscapes they are.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoy the videos

[@GeoffGrant2010]

thanks Andy for a very helpful review. You certainly laid out all of the considerations for purchase or trade! Geoff

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad it was useful

[@istvantoth7431]

Good to have you back Andy bro... The review I looked forward to!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, hope it was worth the wait

[@dieseldavey]

Excellent video. The detail in your images are fantastic 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@DjCjFoto]

Thanks a lot for addressing my concerns, great review!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@MajorAddiction]

Thanks Mr. Andy. Your images are amazing and the review/comparison was very useful

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad yo enjoyed the review

[@Samwalklate]

Great Review! I love watching your videos, something about your voice just soothes the soul. Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Hahaha thanks so much. I often get comments that I speak too softly, so it's nice to hear another opinion

[@JoseHerrerawl]

Just ordered this lens, thanks for the concise review. Great landscape images.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoy the lens

[@gregturner_awod]

Brilliant and informative review, useful in my decision to buy this lens. Many thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@davidsmith3716]

Thanks for your thoughtful and informative video. As always, your presentations are elegant and straightforward. I like to check in with you periodically to help remind me that one does not need a dozen lenses and every piece of new kit that comes along in order to create exquisite and timeless images.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much David, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@jamesm9560]

A thoughtful and very, very in depth review. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review

[@root9065]

Such a treat to listen to someone with experience, and benefit from all the failings I won't have to put up with myself 😂 being a beginner hobbyist, thank you for sharing your insight sir!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the review useful

[@labibhaddad]

Dear God, your pictures are just plain gorgeous, wonderful work, and thank you for sharing really sound down to earth opinions, thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Thank you so much, that's a lovely thing to say. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@rickycoon4857]

Your videos make me excited about starting landscape photography. I am very interested in the results of your next trip with the 16-80mm and the 70-300mm, looking forward to the video👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, it's really nice to know the videos have a positive effect. I really hope I can make the trip with the two lenses to see how they work out

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Thanks for the review! I have this lens on preorder. I decided to get the 70-300mm w/extender for more reach for my landscapes. I wanted the 100-400mm for the longest time but didn't want to go with the weight and size of that one. Always appreciate your videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful. Enjoy the lens

[@jakobschneeberger3965]

Thank you for the very good review; it is the best I have seen about the Fuji XF 70-300 lens until now. Since I travel to Portugal almost every year, the photos of Lisboa made me particularly happy. 👍👍👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the review. Lisbon is a lovely city, I'm lucky to live here

[@MrMike1258]

Very good review. Thanks. Will look at your website for Workshops.. 👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, I'd love to have you join me on a workshop

[@adomolis]

Fantastic video. Hands down the best review of 70-300 in all of CZcams.
Also, excellent city shots. Can't wait for covid to be over and book one of your workshops.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@martinlang5139]

Great Review Andy. Thank you very much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad it was useful

[@davidwalker2402]

Its refreshing to get a real world review of how we all see a lens preform, pixel peepers can be very anal and off putting at times, and usually leads to having to view too many reviews. Good job thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful

[@robertmullinslives]

GREAT comparison. Thanks so much for your contribution. I've been on the fence between the 55 and the 70....I think you have made my decision. THANKS!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful

[@pmcbMadeInIreland]

I appreciate your review Andy. I got my hands on the 55-200 not long ago and was curious to learn more about the new 70-300. I don’t change my lens that often, as like you I keep mine for quite a bit too. Looking forward to shooting with my 55-200 and exploring what it can do, especially with perspective compression in ‘street’. Cheers again.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review. I don't think you can keep a lens for too long, if a tool works well then it's worth sticking with. I meet a lot of photographers who are perpetually switching lenses and brands looking for some incremental improvement, but I've always found that it's better to hone your craft with things that feel intuitive

[@thecampervanner]

My Fujifilm 70-300mm arrived a couple of days ago and I just love it! Anyone thinking of buying this lens do so, you won't be disappointed. Another in depth video, thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review

[@timothylinn]

EXCELLENT review, Andy. It answered all my questions about this new lens vs the 55-200. Thanks for putting in the work to get this done.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@Mullster]

Hi Andy, big fan of your content which have guided me over the years on getting the simplest, yet extremely capable setup! Thank you for all do the fuji/landscape photo community.
I am considering the switch from the 55-200 to 70-300 but concern around 50-70 is real! I’ve been playing around with the tiny 50f2 prime and love it! I think it might be a good option and might be small addition and maybe still keep it simple!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much. The gap between 55 and 70mm is something I can't really live without

[@jeffhemming5689]

Your advice in a previous vid about comparing focal lengths that one actually uses was super helpful. Combined with this review you have confirmed the 70-300 is a good fit for me. Thank you for all that you do!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you found that advice useful. It's interesting when we actually sit down and look at what focal length most of our images are shot at...not always what we expect

[@jeffhemming5689]

@@AndyMumford, yes it was! That type of advice is what makes you great at what you ✌️ thank you 🎉

[@brendanlynch7296]

Excellent review as always, thanks Andy. Delighted to hear you find the image quality to be good. For me the extra reach and teleconvertor compatibility are big plusses, as moon shots and wildlife are areas I'd like to try in addition to landscape.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the video useful. I think for wildlife it's going to a great lens...and I really should have a go at a moon image with it before I give it back to Fuji

[@geirjohannesen667]

Great review! Especially as it confirms that I made the right choice when I sold the 55-200mm and preordered the 70-300mm.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review

[@jofo05]

Mine just arrived and I used it for the first time yesterday. love the flexibility and the image quality has been outstanding. I barely notice it being that much heavier than my 18-55. All I notice is the slight extra length but for a telephoto it’s super portable.

[@AndyMumford]

It's a good lens, I think Fuji have done a great job with it.

[@seanrendall1514]

Great review as ever Andy, thanks. It looks like the perfect companion for the 16-80 (my most used lens) and far better quality than my XC50-230mm.

[@AndyMumford]

I think it's designed to go with the 16-80mm and makes a great pair. I'll possibly give those 2 lenses a try out together in the summer

[@alisonmeier5826]

Thanks for this detailed "real life" review. The side-by-side comparison with the 55-200mm is exactly what I needed. This one will definitely go into my lens range as I have been very frustrated lately by the limitations in terms of zoom of the 55-200mm, much as I love it for intermediate range work. Gorgeous images, by the way.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Alison, really glad you found the review useful. It's a great lens, good look with it

[@jaapkamstra9343]

Hey Andy! Great review: Thanks! Also some very cool city scape shots, looks like you could shoot every genre :)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much. I'm really not much of a street photographer, but it's what I'm limited to at the moment with the lockdown

[@ArifKhan.]

I am in absolute awe at your images! Brilliant mate!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy my work

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

thanks for the effort and the sharing. i enjoyed your lisbon "landscapes". a beautiful city that i've always enjoyed. i look forward to future travels. stay well.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah, Lisbon is a lovely city

[@echopaints5446]

I just found your channel. Your photos are so beautiful. They look like paintings!

[@AndyMumford]

Thankyou so much

[@santiagommc]

Great review, thanks Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, hope you enjoyed it

[@Ian_N05]

Thanks for this review, been waiting to hear your thoughts on this lens. I’ve just moved over to the X-T4 and went for the 16-80 lens, the 70-300 seems like a good option to compliment it.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. i think with the 16-80 this is a really good pair

[@loadedvideo]

Some of my most favorite images over the last few years have come from the 55-200mm. Not in a position to need more reach, if anything, I'd like a faster tele. But great review as always. Your landscapes are beautiful.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the review useful. The 55-200 is a great lens

[@billycullen1689]

Thanks Andy, appreciateiate your honesty!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the review useful

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thanks for the excellent review Andy with great photos. I'm happy to ditch my 55-200 which is dreadfully soft beyond 140mm. Super excited to bring this lens to the Pyrenees and the Arctic circle this summer!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the review useful. Good luck for your trips in the summer

[@chrischan5168]

This looks good for my motorsport work. Focus limiter is a very nice addition for Fuji

[@AndyMumford]

The focus limiter is a nice addition

[@Skyballistic]

Great review! My lens gets delivered on Tuesday so I can’t wait to go shoot around the city with it!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it. Have fun with the lens.

[@justintongol7581]

Probably the greatest review of this lens! You say it isn't technical but it's so concise and well written! Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, that's a lovely comment, I'm really glad you found it useful

[@dashphillip9704]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an instagram account?
I stupidly lost my password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@erikroyce6949]

@Dash Phillip Instablaster :)

[@chuckgt7715]

Absolutely agree, also cool to know he used the 55-200mm instead of the more expensive glass

[@michivanhalen7086]

I love to watch your videos just to see your amazing photographs

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the videos

[@amitchattopadhyay9367]

Excellent images and review. Thanks

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@johnt7155]

Great images, thanks for the review.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@matthewwells1606]

Thanks for the video, Andy! I bought this on a whim last week because I was on "the list" at my local store for one. I was surprised how nice the images at 300mm looked, so I bought it. I definitely agree it's probably more a poor man's 100-400 than a true 55-200 replacement. This and the 16 f/1.4 would make a great kit for a hike; throw in another mid-range prime like a 23 or 27 and it would be a great travel kit. Certainly beats lugging around the 50-140, even if it isn't as sharp or fast.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video. yeah, it's an interesting focal length and I'm surprised that so many people asked about it as a replacement for the 55-200 because it feels to me a very different beast.

[@EddieInzauto]

You’re the best, Andy. Thanks for this.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@kundanrai]

The kind of reviews I like ... thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@frankseophotos9633]

I am curious to see the comparison between 70-300 and 50-140. By the way, great review as always! And the photos are stunning!

[@AndyMumford]

I don't have the 50-140mm anymore to make the comparison. Thanks for the comment

[@garypardyphotography]

Based on Andy's 55-200 vs 50-140 comparison where the 55-200 performed well, I'd say the 70-300 should be better still. It's really about how important that 50-70mm range is for landscapes.

[@the_meaning_of_love]

You are such a photographer Andrew, great discovering your channel trough this video 🤩 instant subscribe !! great job 👏

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you enjoy the channel

[@thickrebel6493]

1:31 Arnold Böcklin's 'Isle of the Dead' painting popped into my mind. Beatiful shots on your side and great lens review as well.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@ozuidema]

Great review and fantastic pictures. As expected from the best landscape shooter on YT! You should have a million followers on Insta. 70-300 looks very nice, but I think I would miss the 55-70 range if I switched from the 55-200.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, that's a lovely comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the review. You're right, I'd really miss the 55-70 range too

[@grantnewton5705]

Another great review Andy - many thanks. Like you my landscape kit contains the 10-24 and 55-200 ..... I like the look of the 70-300 for the extra reach and sharpness ..... always find my 55-200 to be soft at the long end when focused to infinity (seems OKish at closer distances) ..... but it does make the gap from 24mm rather large!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah, that gap from 24 to 70 is really big. Maybe the 50mm prime?

[@petoneoldboy2222]

Thanks Andy- a great well-balanced review. Very easy to digest.
Particularly useful comparison of the Apertures between the two lenses at their comparable focal lengths! Think you may be the only reviewer I’ve seen who has included this important information.
My 55-200 apertures are bang on with yours, except for the 70mm focal length: your stated aperture is 3.5, which is the starting aperture at 55mm. My 70mm aperture is f3.7.
Hope that makes sense.
Think this lens is definitely worth having to obtain much sharper shots through the 150-200mm focal length - and good sharpness between 200-250mm will be excellent. Anything beyond 250mm is in bonus territory.
Many thanks.
Andy H.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the review useful. Yeah, the aperture at 70mm, I remember if I twisted a tiny amount past that it went to 3.7, but I'd but that down to variation across the batches on the zoom ring.

[@roussel_explore]

Thank you for this really complete video !

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@WesTaylorPhotography]

Sticking with the 55-200mm after seeing your review. Thanks for the video! I don't need the extra little reach. Much rather have the little bit extra on the wide end. Having owned and sold a dozen different fuji lenses I soon realized that fuji makes good lenses all around! I keep it simpler now with 4 lenses.

[@AndyMumford]

Yeah, I think the 55-200 is a really really solid lens and it's not one I'll be changing any time soon

[@volkerarminhafner8530]

love your images in the video!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@dummatube]

Stunning images Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@dummatube]

@@AndyMumford I came for the lens test and stayed for the inspiring images! Cheers, David Myers, Digital Masters Australasia.

[@wouterj.vanduin8706]

Just one thing I missed in this review is the ability with this lens to shoot up to or down to 0,5 size macro. That is the same as with Fuji's own short macro-lens. That is a great plus for this lens. And it just combines perfectly with my 16 to 80 zoom. And takes one set of filters with the right step-up rings for each of the zoom lenses (includinng the 10-24 mm zoom). 77mm filters work wonders on 67 mm, 72 mm and 77 mm. Great when combined with Manfrotto's XUME magnetic adapters.

[@AndyMumford]

I read about the lenses macro capability but I know very little about macro photography and so didn't put it to the test

[@michaeldreese4979]

Thanks for the detailed review, Andy! Love the way you examine gear as a tool in creating impactful images. I own the 16-80 and enjoy its versatility as a travel lens. I purchased the 55-200 last fall at a large discount. Although the new 70-300 would be a great addition, I love the flexibility at the short end provided by the 55-200. It could mean fewer lens changes in the field. Any thoughts?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Michael, really glad you enjoy the videos. I really use that area at the short end of the 55-200 a lot and wouldn't switch to the 70-300 because of that, but if you have the 16-80 you already have that covered. I'm thinking of taking those two lenses with me on a trip later in the year

[@zemekiel]

Thank you for the review and comparison, makes it clear for me that the 70-300mm is what I need to complement my 16-80mm.
Now then, what I need to figure out, is which wide prime lens I want to go for, to get back into night sky photography!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the review useful. For a wide prime for night photography it's tricky. For me the 14mm isn't wide enough for those shots...I want to fit more in, and I ended up selling mine. At the moment I use the Laowa 9mm, which is nice, but has some issues with the corners. I'm thinking of giving the Rokkinon 12mm a try in summer

[@zemekiel]

@@AndyMumford I ordered the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm/2 earlier today as it was on sale (norwegian online store). Looking forward to testing it!

[@robertoalfalla256]

Thanks for another excellent review. I recently bought and returned the 55-200MM based on the emergence of this lens. I haven't received it yet but I'm looking forward to using it for Landscape and some wildlife work such as Whale watching. I do also like the close range ability for some abstract versatility. I sold my XF18-135 and my 56 1.2... I have an Ex2s and and X-H1 my other lenses are the XfF 18-55 , 35 F2, 16 1.4 and the 23 1.4. One day I hope to join one of your trips. Best to you! Thanks..

[@AndyMumford]

It's a great lens, I'm pretty sure you're going to love it. Have fun

[@GONZOFAM7]

Andy thanks. I still use the X-T1 so won't get the 6 stops but it will be a great upgrade to my current XC 55-230. The kit will be the 14mm f2.8, 16-80 and this when I get around to purchasing it.

[@AndyMumford]

That sounds like a good selection. This will pair really nicely with the 16-80

[@ethanperez4774]

Just ordered the tamron 17-70mm and this honestly seems like a fantastic option to pair with it!

[@AndyMumford]

Never used that lens, but I've heard good things about it

[@opalyankaBG]

That was a great review. I look forward to hearing your findings of the Rokinon 12mm, it's my UWA lens of choice due to the small size, light weight, light gathering and great price.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the review useful. I should have the review of the Rokkinon up later this year

[@Coveskipper]

Thank you for this review. It's perfectly timed for the decision point I am at. At which I am... Have an x-t20 with the 18-55 kit lens, then bought the 55-200 for the long reach. Then this 70-300 shows up and I purchased it for the extra reach (and the option for the teleconverter) for doing bird photography, land/sea scape and moon shots. Now thinking of moving to x-t3 and selling the x-t20 and 55-200... At the point of wondering about the 15 mm gap. Your review has really helped me decide. I think it's farewell to the 55-200... Looking forward to the x-t3 and resulting lens pair. I'm subscribed and looking forward to more videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Have fun with the XT3, I really loved that camera

[@scotimages]

Very helpful video. Many thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@ModestReaction]

My 55200 definitely has zoom creepy but I love that lens to death. I think that 70 to 300 is perfect as I often find myself switching lens all the time between 1855 to 55200 and have to switch back. I actually like the focal length gap which helps me to be more decisive sticking to one lens over the other. I also have the 18135 which might pair perfectly with this lens with overlapping focal length

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad the review was useful

[@nointernetdinosoursgame2351]

i think the 70-300 was intended to be paired with the 16-80mm

[@wilfs1196]

Thank you for the excellent review. I sold my 55-200 (regrettably) in anticipation of the 70-300 for my X-T3. Unfortunately, they have not been released in Canada as of this date.I'm a retired senior, hobby photographer , tutorials like yours make the hobby more enjoyable, & i've subscribed. Looking forward to future videos sir.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for subscribing, really hope you continue to enjoy the videos

[@mygothan]

HI, I live in Ontario. You can get 70-300 from BH, which i just did yesterday. Free shipping over $99.

[@wilfs1196]

@@mygothan Better to buy from Broadway camera in Vancouver.Fast shipping ,great service & no "surprise import fees/duties" 3 months later from the CRA. They seem to have more stock too of the 70-300, X-E$ & X-S10 compared to the big "H" in Canada.

[@findermanimages]

Very interesting and helpful video, thank you. I'm looking at a longer zoom lens to add to my Fuji kit. I was for a long time looking at secondhand 55-200 lenses as they are very good value for money. However, with the 16-80 that I already own, the 70-300 may just be the answer. I'll head off and have a look at your trip that you mentioned with these two lenses to see how you got on.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, this lens pairs really well with the 16-80m. In the end I never did the trip with those two lenses as I wasn't able to borrow a 16-80mm, but hopefully sometime this year

[@subrotomitra]

Thanks.. Well made, easy to listen

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@MarekTech]

Very good review. Very informative. I've been using XF 55-200 for a few years now and am also tempted by this new 70-300mm ;-)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@clarkejones8090]

I think this is an excellent review. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad it was useful

[@2DogAle]

I just purchased the 55-200 (I am the person that has been emailing you with lots of questions about switching to Fujifilm X series cameras and lenses) and was thinking about the 70-300 instead instead of it but I didn’t think it offered that much more for my use in landscape photography for an additional $100. This was a great and honest review Andy. It is so hard choosing lenses, especially when switching from one manufacture to another. I can’t wait to see your results form out in the field with the 70-300.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful. I just borrowed the lens from Fuji and I'll give it back this week so won't have chance to do an field images. I might borrow it again to take it with me to Norway in July though, I haven't really decided yet

[@2DogAle]

@@AndyMumford I can't wait to see if you do take it with you.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

I love Fuji products but gave up all of my gear last year and go the Lumix LX100ii as I was tired of lens decision paralysis. But now that I'm more into shooting nature, this 70-300 is luring me back!

[@AndyMumford]

It's a great lens

[@rocketmanab]

Love the added sharpness at the long end (my 55-200 @200mm is no bueno) and really like it
being able to take teleconverters!
I want one.

[@AndyMumford]

The ability to take a TC is a really big bonus for this lens I think

[@billyburg4870]

Another great review. Great photos too. :-)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@sreejeshsivaraman]

Well explained. 😊
I read somewhere close focusing capabilities are excellent with this lens. I guess this lens is excellent all rounder for both landscape and wildlife/bird photography.
By the way your street photography is Superb!😍. You should do that often.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful. Fuji has something on the website about it being useful for close focusing, but the closest focus I could manage was around a meter.
As for my street photography..thankyou 🙏 I don't do it a lot, I really need to improve.

[@richn1751]

Worth the wait, spot on Andy. I’m sure you could fit the brilliant 16-80 in your bag if you wanted though!!

[@awake780]

“Brilliant” may be a bit of a stretch. Image quality is lacklustre on the 16-80, particularly at the long end.

[@richn1751]

@@awake780 nonsense!

[@AndyMumford]

I might borrow it for a trip, but it's not wide enough at the wide end and I rarely need the mid range, so it's not a lens that really appeals.

[@michivanhalen7086]

Oh man, the images are so beautiful!!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@michivanhalen7086]

@@AndyMumford honestly, I wish someday I'm able to take photographs as you! I wish you all the best!

[@peterscott-jones9998]

Great video, thankyou. I love my 55-200 and it's almost always on my XT-3. The changes that Fuji have made with this new 70-300 are quite appealing though so your video is 'timely' indeed. The Lock, the 1.4 x TC and the Finger Slot in the lens hood are all good additions, so I am tempted. It also seems under priced, especially for a Fuji Lens, please don't tell them I said that!. Like you, I have the 10-24 which is a whole lot of fun. We are lucky to live near the Malvern Hills (in England) and enjoy our Lockdown exercise walks in some beautiful countryside. My 55-200 reaches all the way across to capture some stunning views but there are times when I could do with a bit more, to capture a startled heron maybe or a buzzard overhead. I have the 100-400 but this is a bit too much to carry on these fairly long hikes, I call it my car lens and use it when we visit WWT Centres or go somewhere like Norfolk or Orkney etc. Keep up the good work, and thankyou again + Stay Safe!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Peter, glad you found the video useful. Take care yourself and stay safe

[@krzysztofkwasnicki3188]

Very good RV. Thank you for sharing your opinion.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks fo the comment, really glad you enjoyed it

[@tomaswilde5481]

Interesting video. Thank you very much !!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching, hope you enjoyed it

[@amaurieraz]

Amazing video Andy. Great comparison between the 2 lenses. I had the 100-400mm but since I don’t have it anymore getting the 55-200 or the 70-300 could be a cheaper alternative

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Amaurie, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@algalax]

I was waiting for this

[@AndyMumford]

I hope it was worth it

[@christopherstefanski8715]

My 55-200 creeps bad. I just got the 70-300. Can't to get out and use it and decide about selling 55-200. My main reasons for getting it are the creep lock and use of the teleconverters. Also, great review. You're videos are always a pleasure to watch.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the review. I've heard a lot of people complain about creep on the 55-200. I think there must be quite a large variation between batches

[@BrendanGM]

Great review and nothing wrong with being "mainly cityscapes shot around Lisbon" - they were brilliant!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the images

[@skad71]

Hi Andy, I discovered your channel a little while ago and as per your previous gear reviews, this an absolutely brilliant but honest assessment of this new lens! I’m ordering one soon. Although I absolutely love landscape photography ( just bought the new 10-24 WR) but with all the restrictions on travel and moving about, I am rethinking my subject matter a little..I have a lot of woodlands around where I live and of course a lot of beautiful birds which I can photograph. I can see this new zoom being the perfect glass for that, especially with the opportunity to attach a teleconverter to give you that huge range! Although you didn’t mention anything about it, have you been able to test the quality and character of the bokeh at the longer ranges on single subjects at the lowest fstop? Portrait shots would no doubt benefit as well. Keep up the fantastic videos!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Steve, glad you enjoyed the video. I didn't get the chance to test the lens like that..I'm not much of a wildlife or portrait photographer and it was just an aspect of the lens I left out as I'm not really in a position to be able to offer a decent opinion on them

[@gottahavegoalsset]

The quality is amazing!

[@AndyMumford]

It’s a great lens

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Thanks for a great review Andy! I have the 55-200, but will soon be replaced with the 70-300, I hope! Cheers

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review and have fun with the new lens

[@erikhorne986]

Great review Andy! I haven't replaced my previous Nikon 70-300 since switching to Fuji a couple years ago, so the comparison to the 55-200 has been on my mind. As always, I appreciate your practical application reviews, I can look elsewhere for an MTF chart. I wish I could join you on one of the workshops before I move back across the pond, but it seems the lockdowns here in Europe will continue for some time.

[@AndyMumford]

Hi Erik, thanks for the comment, really glad you found the review useful. Was that Nikon lens a full frame lens? In which case the 55-200 is pretty much like for like, but this 70-300 does give you that little bit more reach if you can live without the bit at the wider end.
As for workshops, it does look as though we'll be locked down till the summer, but if you're going to be in the States then I might see you there next year. I'm looking at putting something together in the SW for late 2022 and am talking to a couple of photographers/guides there at the moment :)

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

Once again, Andy, it’s great that a real working artist is offering amateur photographers his professional knowledge, which judging from your astonishing images, is considerable. As an update to my previous comment, I decided against buying a second XT3 body and bringing only primes on my upcoming trip to Greece and Ethiopia with my family. Instead, I decided to bring only my 16-80 f4 and 55-200 for my one XT3. Landscape photography is not my specialty. I’m just into travel photography with my family, so it’s a mixture of street, portrait, architecture and landscape. My 16-80 gives me spectacular performance. It is just a tad soft at 80mm. But that’s just the difference between razor sharp and just sharp. On the other end, it is only slightly less sharp than the jewel of my lens collection: the 16mm f1.4. It is weather sealed and has an amazing level of OIS. Its focal range will cover about 75% of what I will shoot. I’ll also bring my tiny 35 f2 which takes up no space and may come in handy for casual street shooting at night. I would just like to ask your advice about the télé zoom. My copy of the 55-200 has excellent optical performance throughout its range, including 200mm. Ok, it’s just a little softer after around 140mm, and is not as contrasty, but I can’t imagine being disappointed with prints even as large as 24x36” of images taken at 200mm from that lens. And from your review, the lack of weather resistance is not that big a deal. It’s OIS is quite remarkable as well. I have yet to bring it on any trip, or make any prints from images taken with it, but I am really impressed with its images taken locally, looking at the on my desktop screen. After seeing your comparison of it with the 70-300, though, I am tempted to buy the latter and sell the 55-200. Will I see a night and day difference in actual prints between the two? The 16-80 does fill the gap between 55 and 70mm. But from a practical standpoint, for my type of shooting that I described, will I see a noticeable enough difference in prints to justify trading in my $750 55-200 that I have hardly used for at most $250, take the loss of about $500 on the trade, and pay another $600 on top for the 70-300, or should I just keep the 55-200 and skip the 70-300? Which way would you be inclined to go, if you were giving me some “fatherly” advice? Thanks in advance for your practical guidance. Cheers.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video. As you've got the 16-80mm, I'd go for the 70-300mm.