Rediscovering Telephoto with the Fujinon XF 55-200mm

I bought the Fujinon XF 55-200mm a year ago last March when Fuji was running an amazing series of rebates. Since then, I've used the lens perhaps a dozen times. This is both photographically and financially disappointing. So, after all the research and intentions and cost that went into acquiring this lens, why is it so lightly used?

The lens is big, and when fully extended, ridiculously so.

I usually walk around with the X-M1 and 27mm prime or travel with the X-E1 with 18-55 zoom. Compared to these very portable combinations, the 55-200 feels awkward on either body, although using the accessory grip on the X-E1 helps with handling.

Last weekend I revisited this lens and brought it with me as I walked around the East Side of Providence. I figured I'd use the little outing to decide if I would use the lens more, or sell it.

Here is what I came back with:












After using the lens with the X-E1 for the afternoon and editing the images in Google+ afterwards the decision was simple: Keep it. Use it.