A worthwhile investment?
The clear answer for all hurry and read Müden first: YES !!!
With one small exception: Those who already have an X-E1 or 2 and an X-Pro or toying with buying one of those cameras and the soon-coming X-T1, which should consider purchasing very good and for the sake of convenience / Unity prefer when it comes to operating the XF lenses if necessary, the Fujinon XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, even if its price is significantly higher.
But as I said, this is justified more on the uniform operating concept (the XC-series does not have, for example, via the separate switch for OIS and auto iris or the aperture ring at the end of the case) as on the picture quality, because when it comes to operation, the XC 50 -230 quite play up front.
Although made of plastic, the XC never feels cheap. The rubberized zoom ring (almost identical to the more expensive XF Lens) feels very good, the service is unerringly, smoothly and gently. Many a beginner lenses from Nikon & Co. act here much cheaper and second-rate (oh dear, now it is safe again abwertige comments and "not helpful" hail). Also the focus ring acts earlier neither cheap nor is inaccurate; On the contrary, even the manual focus is easy and possible within the framework of the principal possibilities of the camera. Because of creativity in terms of image design are absolutely no limits beyond automatic modes and autofocus.
Even the optical performance of XC 50-230 a lot of fun and must not hide behind the more expensive brother the XF series. As is usual for such a zoom lens, it is recommended to increase the sharpness at the edges of one or dim two stages, otherwise plays the XC in all everyday situations up front with. With 75mm initial length on KB converted, this glass is among other things also very good for portrait photography, which by the harmonious bokeh of XC Fujinon -. Is only additionally support - especially at longer focal lengths Both the X-A1 and the X-M1 not extensive post on the PC is required in order to meet even professional requirements, because the glass harmonizes very well with the built respectively in the camera APS-C sensor and image processing software, so the print JPEGs quite sometimes directly or leave "presentable" to share the screen / television with family and friends.
Conclusion: The Fujinon 50-230mm XC / F4.5-6.7 OIS is no second choice, but clearly for these cameras the No. 1. At the beginning of smaller aperture compared to the XF 50-200mm (F4.5-6.7 @. XC to F3.5-4.8 @ XF), the smallest number of users of X-A1 or X-M1 will interfere, but to benefit from a wider focal length range, lower weight and a significantly lower purchase price.
This glass is great fun and is for me an absolute buy recommendation!
