2nd lens for Fuji X-E2s: Quick back story I've been divesting myself of Nikon gear, which I assembled over an extended period of time. Keeping just one camera, D700 and two lenses...

brookie

Quick back story
I've been divesting myself of Nikon gear, which I assembled over an extended period of time. Keeping just one camera, D700 and two lenses, 60mm macro 2.8 and 28-105 3.5-4.5. Reason? Can't handle the weight anymore and I don't need what I did when working.

So, the above Nikon camera and lenses are old friends that I will take out from time-to-time.

And the Fuji X-E2s, with the very good 18-55 "kit" lens, is becoming my new friend. Eventually, I'd like just one more lens for the Fuji. Sharp, zoom that might extend my range to 200mm, not too heavy.

I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.

As always, thank you.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Consider the 56mm f/1.2 (84mm field of view) + tele-extender

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Well, the 18-135 is effectively equivalent to 200MM for FF, if that's what you mean, and can replace the 18-55 (I did that myself and now never use the 18-55). Or the 55-200 Fuji brings you up to 200MM true focal length (300MM effective field of view as compared to FF) though it's a bit bulkier. I don't use that one much since getting the 18-135 (for longer shooting I got the 100-400, which is more of a beast though a great lens).

So perhaps the 18-135 would be worth investigating - excellent optics, weatherproofed, and makes life easier in not having to switch lenses as often.

And if you do that (and have the budget) perhaps the 56 f1.2 would make sense. In the other direction, while the 10-24 is lots of fun as a wide angle zoom, the 16MM f1.4 is really a beauty.

magpix Loc: St. Michaels, MD

Consider the 55-200mm. It's sharper than the 18-135 and will give you an effective reach of 300mm. If you later add the 10-24mm, you'll have the ideal travel kit. If you feel you absolutely need a weather sealed lens, or if you want just one walk-around lens you can go with the 18-135. But you'll get sharper images with the 18-55 and 55-200 combo.

brookie

magpix wrote:

Consider the 55-200mm. It's sharper than the 18-135 and will give you an effective reach of 300mm. If you later add the 10-24mm, you'll have the ideal travel kit. If you feel you absolutely need a weather sealed lens, or if you want just one walk-around lens you can go with the 18-135. But you'll get sharper images with the 18-55 and 55-200 combo.

Thank you, magpix, and everyone else who has replied. Replacing the "kit" lens, which I like, or adding the 55-200 are great and appealing suggestions. Since reading these recommendations, I've been researching both options. And now (for now) I'm going to shoot and wait. Get to know my new camera a bit better.
As I remember (don't have my notes in front of me), each of these lenses is approximately twice the weight of the 18-55, and I'm not sure that I'm ready for that.
Thanks, again,
brookie

Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

I picked up the 55-200 on eBay for about $475. Took it to AUS, Tasmania, and NZ for eighteen days with the XT2 and the 16-55. Never need another lens. It simply isn't that heavy. Private message me if you want to see some photos taken wth it.

magpix Loc: St. Michaels, MD

18-55 weighs 11 oz. 55-200 weighs 20.5 oz. FYI, I've shot two-page magazine spreads with both. Both are surprisingly sharp. After a year of shooting with my XT-1 and then XT-2, I sold all my Nikon gear (D750 plus all pro glass) and bought the 16-55 f/2.8, 50-140 f/2.8 and the 100-400 w/1.4 tele as well as several primes. Yet I often go back to the 18-55 and 55-200 combo when traveling, hiking or doing street photography because they're small, relatively light and quite sharp. Enjoy your camera and welcome to the Fuji world!

Pro1

I am in the same position, want to dump my Nikon and go to X-T2 as well. Could you please tell me about your experience with the X-T2 menus. Thanks!

magpix Loc: St. Michaels, MD

Well, the menus are somewhat similar throughout the Fuji range. I started with the XE-1, then XT-1 and now XT-2. Yes, there may be a couple of odd ways to get to things, but there are several shortcuts that make things quite easy. It just takes some time to become familiar with them, just like the Nikon menus. Actually that's one of the reasons I finally decided to sell all my Nikon gear. Going back and forth between the Nikon and Fuji systems really didn't force me to learn the Fuji system completely. Now that I'm shooting Fuji full time, I find it very easy and intuitive. Couldn't be happier.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

magpix wrote:

Consider the 55-200mm. It's sharper than the 18-135 and will give you an effective reach of 300mm. If you later add the 10-24mm, you'll have the ideal travel kit. If you feel you absolutely need a weather sealed lens, or if you want just one walk-around lens you can go with the 18-135. But you'll get sharper images with the 18-55 and 55-200 combo.

I have the 18-135 and the 50-230. I find the 18-135 more useful for what I do, but if you already have the superb 18-55, you don't need the lower end of the 18-135 and might find the 55-200 (better lens than the 50-230 but more expensive) more useful. Depends on what you want it for. Frankly, I get the most use out of the 18-55 that came with the camera. So tiny and so elegant!

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Pro1 wrote:

I am in the same position, want to dump my Nikon and go to X-T2 as well. Could you please tell me about your experience with the X-T2 menus. Thanks!

You rarely use the Fuji menus because you have access to almost everything you use on the camera body without ever looking at a menu. It is almost like the good old days before menus. If you do have to use the menus, they are fairly simple to navigate. I think I looked at the menu about 4 weeks ago, but I can't be sure.....