SUMMARY
Ian Worth compares the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm (£750) against the OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 (£3,000), evaluating their practical value beyond just image quality. For landscape photography at typical apertures like f/7.1 to f/11, the image quality gap narrows significantly, making the lighter, more affordable Fujifilm a compelling option. However, for wildlife photography in low light, the OM System's wider f/2.8 aperture and faster performance become crucial for capturing sharp images, especially with a teleconverter.
TAKEAWAYS
Higher-priced lenses offer benefits like superior sharpness wide open and robust build quality.
For landscape work at smaller apertures, the image quality difference between budget and pro lenses diminishes.
The OM System's f/2.8 aperture is essential for wildlife photography in fading light.
The most practical lens is often the one that is light enough to be carried and used regularly.