I just bought this Fuji X-S20 because the guy at the store said it was great for beginners but honestly I am so overwhelmed right now. I spent basically all my savings on the camera and it came with a small lens that doesn't zoom in at all. I really want to take pictures of birds in my backyard here in Oregon but every time I try they just look like tiny grey dots. My budget is super small now like maybe 300 or 400 dollars max which I know is probably nothing in the camera world.
I tried looking on Amazon and there are so many numbers it makes my head hurt. I was looking at these:
- XC 50-230mm
- XF 55-200mm
My logic was that a bigger number like 230 is better than 200 right? But then the 50-230 one is way cheaper and made of plastic and people online say it's slow and I have no idea what that even means. Like is it gonna take the picture late or something? I am so frustrated because I just want to see the bird feathers clearly without spending another thousand dollars which I definitely dont have right now. Sorry if this is a dumb question but is there a cheap lens that doesnt suck or am I just stuck with my tiny dots...
Unfortunately, the Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II is your only real choice. Its slow f/6.7 aperture is disappointing:
- Poor light transmission
- Slower focus tracking Still, that 345mm equivalent reach is mandatory.
Been thinking about your post for a few hours now. I actually started out exactly where you are with a Fuji camera and basically zero budget for extra glass. I would suggest being very careful about buying these lenses brand new. The Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II is great for the price, but it feels like a toy because of the plastic mount. I used one for about a year and it worked, but I always worried about bumping it against something. When people say it is slow, they mostly mean the lens doesnt let in much light. In Oregon, where it is cloudy all the time, that might be a real issue. You will find yourself needing to keep the camera super still or the pictures will be a blurry mess. If you can find a used Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS on a site like MPB or KEH, it might just fit in your $400 budget. I eventually upgraded to that one and the autofocus is noticeably faster for birds that wont sit still. Just a heads up tho, it is much heavier and might feel a bit front-heavy on that small X-S20 body. Also, the difference between 200 and 230 is honestly tiny, you wont even notice it much in the real world. TL;DR: Buy a used Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II for under $250. Dont pay full price for it. Use the leftover money to buy a bird feeder so the birds actually come closer... reach is never enough for birds anyway. Make sure to check the glass for scratches if you go the used route!
> I am so frustrated because I just want to see the bird feathers clearly without spending another thousand dollars Just saw this and wanted to jump in! Honestly, you should look at what Tamron is doing for the X-mount right now. I love their glass! Their lenses are fantastic because they offer such a great balance of reach and weight without the massive price tag. When evaluating your options, you should follow a methodical approach to safety. First, prioritize a manufacturer warranty. Buying a lens without one is a massive risk. If the autofocus motor fails, you are essentially left with a paperweight. Second, stick with reputable brands like Tamron or Sigma and you really cannot go wrong. They are reliable, sharp, and perfect for getting those feather details! Just make sure you are buying from a legit source so you dont get stuck with a broken lens and no way to fix it...
Good to know!
