50-230 vs 55-200 vs 50-140

Location
Central Florida
Name
Tim Williams
Ok my Ospreys are back so I bought a 50-230, then ran across a 55-200 used for less than 4 Bills in 9+ condition. I also have a 50-140 rented in March for Karate. So, if the 50-230 is a good copy I keep it regardless. If the 55-200 is good enough indoors for sports I'm good, if not it's Ramen Noodles. I would love the 50-140 to win but my wallet would not.
 
Indoor sports is tough. It will really depend on the lighting in the facility. The 55-200 may be able to do it, if pushing the iso really high. And pre focusing ahead of the shot. But realistically, and unfortunately to your wallet, the 50-140 is going to be the best zoom for indoor sports.
 
Ok my Ospreys are back so I bought a 50-230, then ran across a 55-200 used for less than 4 Bills in 9+ condition. I also have a 50-140 rented in March for Karate. So, if the 50-230 is a good copy I keep it regardless. If the 55-200 is good enough indoors for sports I'm good, if not it's Ramen Noodles. I would love the 50-140 to win but my wallet would not.
A 55-200 <$400 raises a RED FLAG as far as I'm concerned. Either dumping for some reason, or an idiot ..... or both! I'd be extremely wary of any "deals" like this!
 
A 55-200 <$400 raises a RED FLAG as far as I'm concerned. Either dumping for some reason, or an idiot ..... or both! I'd be extremely wary of any "deals" like this!
I understand, and it's not far under 400.00. Got a little dust in it which I can inspect and send back if I like. He has great feedback on FM. I do not own one lens that I have bought new. All have imperfections. I can work around them. I've had a good conversation with the seller l and feel good.
 
Indoor sports is tough. It will really depend on the lighting in the facility. The 55-200 may be able to do it, if pushing the iso really high. And pre focusing ahead of the shot. But realistically, and unfortunately to your wallet, the 50-140 is going to be the best zoom for indoor sports
Bobby, years ago I took two lens. The 80-200 2.8 and the 50 1.4. Sometimes I would like to go back to those times because some of my best work is back then.
I have moved on now and to fully embrace the Fuji system is a major step. Nikon colors are still better . I know that hurts people to read that, but to me it's true. I still yearn for my Nikon colors.
 
I mean... yes the 50-140 is in all aspects (other than max reach) a better tool for everything, no question. But let us not so casually dismiss the 50-230 as not fit for sports.

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KBRX3139P
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX1732
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

And the times I brought it to a dark, indoor speaking engagement, I was shocked at how much I actually COULD use it...

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KBRX9868
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

If you just sorta throw it in the bag and commit to it, you'll probably be surprised what it will pull off.
 
A 55-200 <$400 raises a RED FLAG as far as I'm concerned. Either dumping for some reason, or an idiot ..... or both! I'd be extremely wary of any "deals" like this!
That's the price point they used to sell at used all the time. No more than $450 when prices were going a little higher. I've never paid more than $400 for a used 55-200.

I mean... yes the 50-140 is in all aspects (other than max reach) a better tool for everything, no question. But let us not so casually dismiss the 50-230 as not fit for sports.
We're dismissing it more for indoor sports. In that lighting, I just don't see the 50-230 being able to do very well at all. The 55-200 maybe, depending on the lighting. If the budget didn't allow for a 50-140 for indoor sports work, I would go for primes. Either the 90mm or the 56mm.
 
I made a post somewhere on here comparing a cropped shot from the 90mm to a shot from the 50-140 at the same venue. They were pretty close. Part of where the 90 could get you is if you need to be able to shoot from 50mm-85mm.
 
I nixed the 55-200. The filter ring had a slight dent in it. The seller brought it to my attention before he shipped it. May have been nothing serious or it could have been dropped. Still renting the 50-140 in March.
 
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