Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro vs Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro is 30mm, the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is 55-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro for standard, the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS for telephoto.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 55-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro is 30mm, Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is 55-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro reaches 1x magnification vs 0.18x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro is 195g (6.9 oz) vs 580g (1.28 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro or the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro is 30mm, the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is 55-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro for standard, the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS for telephoto.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 55-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro and the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS?
Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 30mm | 55-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 51° | 29° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 46-46mm | 84-305mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 10 cm | 110 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.18x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 43mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 60mm | 75.7mm |
| Length | 69mm | 175mm |
| Weight | 195g (6.9 oz) | 580g (1.28 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
