I love to leave my camera out for anyone to play with at family or friends events; So if having a zoom will let them take the picture they want, I'm glad to let the zoom on! But if it's poorly lit, and the zoom would make noisy pictures, then I let the 35mm with speed priority and I'm sure they'll won't just take noisy / blurry photos.
pretty sure the rattling noise from shaking the zoom lens when not attached to the camera is from the OIS system, not because of build quality or zoom elements etc.
I came here to say this, All my OIS lenses have that same noise... even the 50-140mm @ 2k$... so I doubt the noise comes from cheaper built lenses haha
actually the only benefit of the zoom lens apart from ease of adjusting focal length is that it's much more silent compared to fuji 35mm. But that doesn't count in photography anyways.
After shooting with the 35mm or any 50mm full frame equivalent for many years I find that I got bored with it and so I decided to use the 23mm instead! It's been a blast. Basically a new challenge. You are right though, my best images often come from primes rather than zooms as well.
I have both of these and I completely agree with you that I'm just a better photographer when using the prime! I LOVE how small the 35mm f2 is - it's also my favorite street length lens.
I got myself a used xe-2 for a carry around and a fully manual 7artisans 25mm F/1.8 and I'm still blown away by this lens's sharpness wide open! the focus peaking and split image (love that since I used to do film photography with my Canon A-1) are a god send when using manual lenses; something even my Canon 5DMark3 doesn't have! Slows me down a lot, which to me is good and bad in different scenarios but for what I paid ($112 here in Singapore) this lens is an AMAZING performer! Flaring is almost non-existent and the 12 blade, de-clicked aperture ring is so smooth and sexy to turn! Definitely want an 18-55mm or when I can afford it, MAYBE the 16-80mm (although its probably gonna be a weighty boy to carry).
I travelled to Greece with my X-T20, the 18-55, the 35/f2 and the 50-230mm. I found I used the 18-55mm 90% of the time. Good for people, good for scenery ESPECIALLY while on the run in vacation mode. The images are much sharper than many primes. I used the 35mm for portraits, flowers and indoor museums (portraits of statues and intricate ancient jewelry). The 50-230 I hardly used and only for close ups of animals. It is surprisingly good and inexpensive too. All my gear was stolen. I have replaced the X-t20 and this time sticking with the 18-55 and my Artisans 35mm F1.2 for bokeh shots. I find that the 18-55mm Fuji with basic iMac editing can get very sharp photos. For traveling, it is tough to beat the size, weight and quality combination. I got tired of looking like a wedding photographer when traveling.
I have both and I would recommend to have the 18-55mm if you’re into landscape. 35mm works well too, but, I’m constantly having problem whenever I want wider shots. I can move backwards to have wider shot with my 35mm but that also has limits. And if you’re into portraits and street, I recommend the 35mm.
I have both. They are both great lenses. I enjoy the 35mm f/2 and try to default to it. It's faster, lighter and a fixed focal length forces you to work your composition more.
I had the 35 a while and always used it as my go to, but was often frustrated that I didnt have the range and had missed shots - I moved to the X system from an X100 for the same reason! So I bought the 18-55 and have almost never taken it off since! That said, I shoot Nikon for work and the X-T20 tends to be a home day, no fuss carry around camera so that combo works
I have had a Nikon Z50 for 18 months and love it, and my old lens with the adapter. I have one prime lens and it's a 50mm (75ish on my Z50). Very happy and settled I was until last Saturday when my son said ' do you want this, only used it once and if you don't take it I'll put it in the garage'. It is a Fuji X100 origenal. Hardly used. It has a prime 35mm equvilent. I really like it and it looks so nice. It sits on the dining room table for now, that way I can look at it last thing at night and first thing in the morning. I like the 35mm images as well, it's clear, sharp, and for me new. So, right now I prefer the 'new' old prime FujiX35mm. I can see it if I peer over the top of the laptop as I type this.
I have both and I use my 35 most of the time but I will be honest, I was selling the 18-55 short fo like the first 6 months I had it. It really is a fantastic lens, especially for being a kit lens. The OIS is just plain ridiculous. I was able to get sharp images down to 1/4 of a second! It's got the rugged build (Idk, my lens doesn't rattle like yours). On the contrary, I shoot a lot of landscapes and having the insurance of a weatherproof lens when I'm in inclement weather is big. I also like that it's smaller and lighter than the 18-55. Hiking with the f/2 series lenses (I also own the 23mm) is a dream. Everything fits into my hiking bag with lots of room to spare. Also, since it's small and inconspicuous, the 35 makes for a great street photography lens as well. I guess I would have to choose the 35 over the 18-55. Lighter, smaller, better image quality, lower aperture, and is weather sealed
S Tra some canon L lenses and nikons are f/4. Versatility is not just “bokeh”. That’s what the other youtube photographers and new breed photographers keep on selling.
Definitely both. As you say they can serve different purposes or the same purpose. I love the 35mm. Lives on my camera more than any other lens but I would not get rid of the 18-55 for exactly the reasons you stated. Great vid Omar!
You nailed it when you say that a Prime lens makes you think more about composition and subject matter. I love small lenses too-the pancake lenses are very appealing. Great videos, always a pleasure to watch, and you help others see that photography can be fun and enjoyable using these fixed focal length lenses! Zoom lenses are useful, but have made me lazy for so long and never really given me any satisfaction!! I prefer the compactness, quality and creativity factor you get from a Prime lens and the little extra effort to get much more pleasing photos is always worth it!
Nice Seiko Alpinist! You must be a watch nerd to have one of those. And I agree, both lenses are worth having. I find I like the 18-55 for general photography, family or travel, but love the 35mm when trying to do "arty" photography. I find I end up with tighter, cleaner compositions when I use it as it forces me to think about what to include and exclude from my frame. With the zoom, it's too easy to just zoom out and get it all in instead of picking out the strongest elements in a scene
Cool review, man, thanks! After I got addicted to my X100 I decided that 'one camera one lens' is definitely the best concept for me so my 35mm f2 is stuck on my X-pro1 and I've got all I need
For hobbyist photographers I would recommend the 18-35 or the 18-55 lens. I went on a photoshoot in downtown Chicago and the 18-35 Nikkor lens is a must have. The 18mm enables the photographer to get the wide pictures of buildings and city scapes.
For travel, 18-55 hands down although I always bring along my 35mm 1.4 attached to my old X-E1 as "back-up". The 35 1.4 seems to perform better with the earlier X-trans sensors. But that's just me
@Thomas Grey I'm 187 cm tall. It's a great number. While most of the world agrees on making things easier when using metric, I can't see why sticking on std. should be wrong or more difficult. In 1991 I was desperately trying to purchase std. wrenches. To my surprise metric was EVERYWHERE. I finally found a Craftsman tool box in a warehouse. It was difficult to find it and it was more expensive.
@@jeremymoorer7033 Guess what ?! the whole camera & lens industry is based on metric system , when he was talking about the 35mm ... the MM is millimeter which is metric ,and the reason to use metric not because camera manufacturers like metric system but because it's more ACCURATE.
This video was super useful around the time I bought my X-T3 and had to pick a lens. I went for the 18-55 and have been very content. Had it for 2 years and can only say it's crazy good and I would never *need* anything else... I'll probably pick up the 35mm f2 at some point though.
Nice job giving a practical review of the lenses without the snob factor! It's always about what works for the user. Case in point: the old Nikkor 43~86 mm short zoom. Incredibly convenient lens, used to take so many iconic pictures from the sixties and seventies but not really up to snuff, optically speaking. What makes a great photograph is not the camera or lens used, it's that it was shot at the right moment!
When not using my 100-400mm for birds and such, I find myself mostly with either the 27mmF2.8 or 23mmF2 as the default lens on my X-T20 just because they emphasize the reason I switched to Fuji: something that's easy to carry and unobtrusive. Also, I very rarely shoot video, so stabilization is seldom an issue. If I can't zoom with my feet, I can always crop in LightRoom. :)
Using XT20 + 18-55 + 55-230 and a 35 f/2... It's the sweet spot for a budget prime. 18-55 as the on camera kit, and 35 when you want to put in a bit more effort... totally worth its cost and effort though.. It's a joy to use
Had 35mm first, then realized I need a wide lens for photos and a stabilizer for videos, so the choice was obvious - bought 18-55. Both are good. 35mm is pure magic, 18-55 definitely more practical. Thanks for the video!
sourav rahman definitely 35mm. In terms of image quality, but also build quality and overall emotions - without a doubt it’s way ahead the competition. I use it 95% of the time with stills. You won’t regret it!
Really nice to get a non-technical review. Especially that the way you shoot and thus your scene differs between the lenses is something that I didn't really think about before.
Friends and parents show more enthusiasm for my photos if I'm using both the 18-55 and a prime (23 F2 in my case). If we are moving I use the zoom, but if we stop and stay in a limited area for a while, I switch to the prime
I have been taking photos with a "real" camera since 1973. For the vast majority of the time with film, it was with a 50mm F1.4. Those photos went in albums and, for the digital years, were rarely seen. I decided to buy a fast scanner and get the whole film photo collection onto digital storage so they were as easy to view as my digital photos. Although I have many different GMaster lenses, zooms , primes, and power zooms, I was shocked by how good my own photos over the years were with just one focus length. I recently went to Helsinki and took just one prime, a 50mm f2.5 on a ZVE1. I wanted a small video first setup. The results were wonderful compared to my usual Zoom options. It goes against common sense to "limit" yourself, but it does work.
Hey, are you still happy 4 years later ? I just got myself the XT20 and I wondered if the 35 f2 is a noisy lens when you focus ! Could you please tell me ?
@@jojoaugustus1383 I love the lens, I still use it quite often. I mainly do street photography so for me the noise of the focus is not a problem at all. I also own a 23mm f2 but I prefer the 35
@@petergombos9442 thanks for your fast answer. I was kinda torn between the 35mm 1.4 or 2. I now have an answer. Plus, the 35mm f/2 is WR and the AF is faster :)
I appreciate you so much. You are honest, relatable, humorous and share great info. I have both. My Fuji xT3 is my fun, travel kiddo school events camera. Love the fixed WAY MORE, but I'm limited when space is an issue. Not a fan of a 4.0 aperture or anything that has an aperture that changes. Your assessment is SO real. You can't pick one. Depends on what you shoot. For me it is space. At 50mm.....I can't get the shot sometimes...50mm is not wide enough.
Hi my orange friend. The 35 f2 is superb and you need both. Perhaps not the 18-55 but the new 16-80. I have mine on pre order. I need 24 and 80. The standard zoom, although brilliant, is a bit soft at 55 and overall not a great range. Don’t enjoy 18mm, never liked 28 in the past on full frame. Always used 24 (16mm fuji). Just love the wider aspect. Loving your presentation. Bit worried about your adulteress relationship with Sony and worried that we will get less videos from you as you spend days trying to change the colours to something related to real life. Keep up the most enjoyable channel on youtube. G
Have both and I use each for the same reasons that you said. It's more fun to shoot with the 35mm f2 as I feel that I work for the shots harder. I was able to go to a 2 and a half week trip while exclusively using the 35mm f2 only; it was fine. I went back to using a zoom because of the versatility; had to upgrade from 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 to 18-55mm f2.8-4 for better image quality and the image stabilization, it's definitely worth it. If I'll only have to bring one: the safer choice will be the 18-55mm but since the 35mm f2 is small, I'll just carry it with me.
New to photography and bought the x-t20 because of your review's I love the camera and your ongoing video's help make using the camera an absolute joy keep up the enthusiasm and thanks
Clearly the 35mm F1.4 It is faster and one of the sharpest lenses made. It's imagery is magical and bokeh rocks. And on the Fiji XT3 focus is fast, locks right on, no hunting and isverry accurate even wide open. The 35mm f1.4 focus is much improved with the XT3 compared to when I had it on my xt1
I have the 18-55 kit lens on my XT20, and I love it. When I am out, I set the focal length to what I expect to be shooting e.g. 35mm for NYC street photography, 55mm for street portraits. Then, I see an interesting building across the street and zoom to 23mm or 18mm. I do try to avoid using the zoom to frame my pictures.
Omar, you is the man! I have the 35mm f/2 and the super cheapo XC 16-50 kit lens. I much prefer primes in general, so the 35mm is the clear winner for me. The 16-50mm is just a decent kit lens, nothing earth shattering about it. The 35mm is one of my favorite lenses! And I shoot with a lot of vintage adapted glass, including Leica and Zeiss.
I'm as decisive as you are. I have both.... and the 16mm f2.8 and the 50mm f2. Primes for photos and zoom for video. Best thing about this lineup is that I have one on my X-T3 and carry the other 3 in a really small bag. BTW, your videos are awesome.
The one I use almost all the time is the 23mm (35mm equivalent). The other two would be the wide angle for landscapes or tight spaces and the tele zoom for sports and wildlife. I'd say get the prime for starters and go from there . . . but get both if you can.
I have both lenses, and they are the only ones that I have. I brought the 35f2 with me on vacation and left the kit lens at home. It’s my go to all the time, but the kit lens is terrific. I love the size of the 35f2 with my x-t30. It’s a small set up that is perfect for not looking like a news reporter 😂.
I have the 18-55 and thinking to get 35f2, but Im afraid to spend money on a focal I already cover with the zoom lens. What's your feedback? I really appreciate your opinion. Thanks
@@isaacsospedra3955 You will get more bokeh and light out of the 35f2 than the kit lens. I highly recommend the 35f2. It’s smaller, and it's fantastic for photography and b-roll video. The biggest con is it hunts a little bit for video. It’s not ideal for long video recordings where the person your filming is not static. I wouldn’t trust eye autofocus. Hopefully, Fuji will fix their Autofocus in a firmware update.
I have both and I think that's the way to go, but if I HAD to pick one, 35 f2. It's attached to my camera 85% of the time. When I do portraiture I reach for the 56, and the 18-55 has been really good for events/ reportage style stuff.
If I could only have one? The 18-55 for sure. It's hands down the best 'kit' lens I've ever used. It's the Swiss army lens. Doesn't do any one thing particularly amazingly but does everything well enough. That said I just spent 3 days shooting with only the Fuji f/2 lenses but I was lucky enough to have the time to swap them as needed. For ease of use and making sure you get the shot, you can't beat the 18-55.
I love the 50mm equivalent because I started out on a Pentax K1000 and Leica M3 with a 50mm 2.0 lens. The cameras were compact and easy to use, 'though the M3 was a little slower with the outboard metering and focus method. When I moved to Nikon, ... I got my first zoom and at first I was working the wide 28mm and tele 85mm ends (3.5-4.5), but soon enough I started recognizing the perspectives of focal lengths. It wasn't long before I was zooming in an out with my feet, but choosing a wide, normal, or tele setting for the perspective. I did worry about image quality so I read up on the zoom lens and made decisions based on the lens quality at a certain aperture and focal length. Sometimes, you sacrifice lens performance for the sake of getting the perspective and composition that you want - to me, ... those components trump sharpness. My photo journey carried on and I have a selection of zoom and prime lens. I use a Fuji x100t and enjoy it because it does remind me of the days when I lugged around a camera with a relatively fast 50mm lens. Of course, you can be lazy with a zoom lens, but if you are thinking photographically, ... a good quality zoom gives you options to capture images effectively and efficiently. If you have time to work scenes, ... then a fixed lens may make you work more to get your photograph. However, if you have only your zoom lens, ... and you see a great photograph, ... there's nothing keeping you from treating that zoom as a fixed lens. The other big consideration is speed of the lens. The improved high ISO performance of digital cameras doesn't make this quite as important, though. If I'm shooting a club scene, or night shots with no flash, ... I want that prime's larger aperture, preferable a 1.4. With image stabilization on many zooms, you can get away with some hand-holding but it won't help with subject movement. Distortion and depth of field are also considerations that must be taken into account. Omar, ... you like those blurred out backgrounds to separate figure-ground. I love that also, for portraits and for some scenes where I want my subject to pop out of a busy background. Using blurred backgrounds in a great tool for managing backgrounds that are fighting for attention. You can also use color and light patterns of completely blurred out backgrounds to draw attention to your subject. Anyway, ... I will usually have a zoom on my camera and carry a number of fixed lenses for specific purposes. And, ... of course, my little x100t is along for the ride, reminiscent of the days when I carried my Pentax K1000 everywhere!
Primes are elegant .... and liberating. An interesting exercise is to go back thru the images shot with your zoom and determine what focal length most were shot at. Then try a prime near that focal length.
I have both. One thing I have noticed is that people on the outer edge of a group photo look wider/fatter when using the 18-55. That said, I fall into the lazy photographer category. The 18-55 is far better for taking with you on a holiday and you don't want to swap lenses. It also helps when you come to the realization, that people just don't look at a photo for more than 15 seconds, and don't really look at pixels and small differences in sharpness. My 27 and 35 primes usually sit idle. I should sell them.
After years of shooting with several interchangable lens camera from different manufacturers, I would say 23f2 is the most lazy lens I have ever used. You can slap it on your camera and forget about your other lens. It has good and versatile focal length (35mm equiv.), small and lightweight package, fast and reliable AF as well as acceptble background blur. Even zooming is not needed. Don't bother choosing focal length. Just pointing, framing and pressing shutter release button are enough for taking a great photo. So it stays mounting on my X-T20 most of the time. I just take it off for Nikon 17-55f2.8 or Nikon 70-200f2.8 sometimes, mostly when used as backup camera for my Nikon DSLR. But when used as a EDC/traveling/walkaround camera, the 23f2 mounts on my camera most of the time.
I recently bought the X-T30ii and LOVE IT. But I ended up getting it with the 15-45mm lens... I'm now regretting that and am trying to figure out if I want to get the 18-55mm or the 35mm... I want something that's good for traveling, portraits, macro photography (flowers, etc) and for when I go to Disneyland! I'm leaning towards the 35mm right now....
Can you tell me friends which one I should chose? I dont have a big budget so I have to move careful. Does f2 XC is similiar to XF f2 or not? Shall I buy XC?
My first Fujinon was 35mm f2 on X-T1. Loved it and am still loving it. But 18-55mm was needed in about a year later for video and my cousin's wedding. I have 35mm f2 or 16mm f1.4 on my X-T2 now most of the time but "needed" 18-55mm sometimes for video and events.. So one lens you "need" will be 18-55mm but it is 35 f2 and 16 f1.4 that gets my love and make me go out and shoot. I mean there are things I "have to shoot" with 18-55 but I always "love to shoot" with 35 and 16.
So ordered the T30ii in the mail by itself, It was sold out everywhere else that had a lens bundled. Glad i came across this. First time getting a dedicated camera coming from taking photos with my phone. I would rather have the smaller lens that lets me control the Aperture instead of having it tied to zoom. I never zoomed with phone photography due to it being very limited but im 100% sure its better with an actual dedicated camera, but for the time being i think the smaller lens is a good starting point for me, then down the line when i want zoom, ill get the other one.
hi Omar, thank you for the fujifilm videos, i bought an xt20 after watching lots of reviews, yours included. I'm a beginner, again! finally took an online photography course and learned basics. I really enjoy your review style, the most. upbeat and to the point, show lots of photo examples. really helps us! im also watching your xt20 playlist!
I've had my X-T20 for a few years now and chose to buy it as a kit with the XF18-55 (it was a great deal). I've loved the combination and only recently thought about adding a 35mm lens. I was thinking about going for the XC35 f2.0 because the reviews all indicate that the optics are as good as the XF lens but it's much cheaper. My wife then surprised me for my birthday in early Feb by buying me the XF35 f1.4R. At first I was a bit ticked off with her for spending so much...... but not any more! It's a wonderful lens and it now rarely leaves my camera. However, for travel and family events, the XF18-55 will still provide the flexibility that I sometimes like to have.
Both are great lenses . But the question was if limited to just one then it would be the zoom - right ! Well, it would certainly do more things but that is it’s weakness . You see; having just one lens and having to move closer or further away actually achieves more in general , as the focus and concentration is on one choice and one choice only. The next point of choosing a prime over a zoom is that it creates a style that can be developed to enable others to recognise your work without seeing your name . Finally , you really get to know that lens and what it will do before raising the camera to your eye. By reducing the conflict of selecting which part of the zoom to use and the fact the prime is lighter and faster than the zoom , it means that you can keep your kit small and light and that is what you will want if travelling . Unlike fixed lens options with some cameras, having an interchangeable body leaves the photographer to choose which prime range works best for the individual
I saw this two years ago , but it is always a reoccurring issue and an invaluable reminder to evaluate what is truly important - flexibility or connivance over something more intrinsic and desirable and possibly artistic in the right hands for those who want to be minimalistic . There is no right or wrong choice . But less is often more I am reminded ha ha .
This is the best and most to the point commentary. Getting really to the essence of the dilemma. And it took me back to question of the year (MY question, that is :) ) - Wouldn't I be happier and more free with mere x100v in my hands?...)
I'm not sure. I have both. Exciting events coming to our area - Americarna : when hundreds of cars pass through town. 150th birthday of our small town : buildings are being renovated and painted. Going to amazing small town Inglewood in Taranaki, New Zealand. Want to take lots of pics!
As a Canon APSC DSLR shooter, I was about to buy canon´s 35 F2 IS, but it was waaay expensive in my country. So was the 17-55 F2.8 . So I bought The Sigma 30 F1.4 ART. It´s not cheap, but it's F1.4. I Now tend to use it a lot and leave the 18-135 usm nano in my bag. That 18-135 is lightning fast to focus and very convenient to avoid lens changing in dusty environments, but it's too dark in some situations where you can´t use a Flash. I guess that if I were a Fuji shooter, I would have the 1680 F4 and the 23 F2 or 35 F2.
Just bought the 18-55 (Long time pentax shooter). Man, great "kit" lens, mounting on my recently purchased s/h X-E3, small, light really good IQ. And A$250!
Never liked zooms (since 1985), so I own only 4 primes. Fuji X-T 30 cameras are so small and light that allows me to carry 2 bodies, with 14/2,8 - 23/1,4 and 56/1.2. The 27/2,8 is always in my pocket ready to take action if unobtrusivity is needed.
Thinking of buying a second hand Fuji X-T100 and came across this video. It was a great find, really like how you break down technical aspects so it's clear for all to understand. The content is also top notch, really good. Look forward to watching more posts. ps. I'll probably stay with the kit lens for a while as the 35mm costs a lot. Hopefully a year from now I'll be able to do - family life is expensive man.
I've never been a zoom guy. Shortly after getting my first camera I got a 35mm f1.8(Nikon APS-C) and I never looked back. Now I use either a 23mm f2(X100F) or the 56mm f1.2(X-Pro2). For me the big thing is consistency. I'm a wedding photographer and putting together a cohesive body of work is vital in my opinion. All of my shots are either 23 or 56. It makes the whole body of work come together rather than seeing 18, then 25, then 38, then 43, etc.
I just started out in this field myself, I currently own the kit lens and the 56mm f1.2 I'm trying to determine my next purchase, had my eye on the 32mm but your comment got me thinking about the 23mm now. Decisions.
How funny, I was shooting on my 18-55mm last night at 35mm to see if it's a lens I wanted to pick up! Hopefully I'll grab one soon, love the focal length.
everyone does CANON and NIKON videos on TH-cam - like been there, done that - - NO ONE does FUJIFILM - hats off to you again, you are da man! but I already knew that 10 years ago! Miss ya Mr. Gonzalez!
The F2s are great lenses, no doubt about it! I started my Fuji road with the 23 and 50 but I could not resist the option of a better background blur. I ended up selling the F2s and getting the 1.4 and 1.2. Now I have the 35 1.4, 56 1.2, 16-55 f2.8 and Samyang 12 f2. I love to use primes (35 and 56). I only use the 16-55 when I need quick flexibility. Fantastic zoom lens!
Sebastián Torres how is the focus speed of the 35 1.4 and which camera body do you have? I photograph kids all the time so I’m curious about the speed. Thanks
I have both but have to admit that the 18-55 gets more use than the 35 f2. That's how I started with Fuji , but have since added a couple more lens (24/1.4 WR LM, 16-55 & 70-300) .There isn't one that I give priority too as I do not have a particular shooting genre. It's whatever strikes me at the moment or what ever pops up.
I had the exact same dilemma. Just recently got the X-T20 with a 35mm lens. I was going for the bokeh, but the size was also a factor. I was already used to shooting 50mm on my compact analog, so no zoom was no biggie.
I totally agree with what you were saying about using a prime to grab better composition images. I also feel I try harder to take better shots if Im forced to position my body instead of zooming.
When you are giving example to the built quality, the shaky noise you get while handling 18-55mm was because of the elements of OIS, and it is perfectly normal and it should give that noise to do its trick. Just for your information. By the way, great review!
Love the humor in your videos! Remember to apply the crop factor to the aperture as well - this gives the prime an even bigger absolute advantage in terms of speed.
I think I'm the only one come here to practice my English by your video. But that's absolutely great and I do love your review and your humor. I have a XA-7 and may take a 18-55mm kit as I love the Zoom and not so professional by taking pictures.
People who borrow my camera always ask me how to zoom :(
They desperately rotate aperture ring and the picture gets brighter/darker lol
I zoom anytime I want. I don't need a camera.🙃😆
I love to leave my camera out for anyone to play with at family or friends events;
So if having a zoom will let them take the picture they want, I'm glad to let the zoom on!
But if it's poorly lit, and the zoom would make noisy pictures, then I let the 35mm with speed priority and I'm sure they'll won't just take noisy / blurry photos.
Don't let anyone use your camera!
@@youngalwyn1124 That's intestinal gas.
pretty sure the rattling noise from shaking the zoom lens when not attached to the camera is from the OIS system, not because of build quality or zoom elements etc.
I came here to say this, All my OIS lenses have that same noise... even the 50-140mm @ 2k$... so I doubt the noise comes from cheaper built lenses haha
yeah he just a big noob that makes video about stuff he have no clue.
@@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat ye i just realized that haha. What a knob
actually the only benefit of the zoom lens apart from ease of adjusting focal length is that it's much more silent compared to fuji 35mm. But that doesn't count in photography anyways.
@@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat except he takes awesome photos unlike the gearheads...so I prefer to watch him.
After shooting with the 35mm or any 50mm full frame equivalent for many years I find that I got bored with it and so I decided to use the 23mm instead! It's been a blast. Basically a new challenge. You are right though, my best images often come from primes rather than zooms as well.
The Fuji F2 lenses are awesome and they really shine in Black and White photography.
35mmf2 is my first prime after the kit lens. fun little lens. definitely worth having both.
When to expect the Omar Gonzales comedy show ? You make me smile soo easily !
I have both of these and I completely agree with you that I'm just a better photographer when using the prime! I LOVE how small the 35mm f2 is - it's also my favorite street length lens.
I got myself a used xe-2 for a carry around and a fully manual 7artisans 25mm F/1.8 and I'm still blown away by this lens's sharpness wide open! the focus peaking and split image (love that since I used to do film photography with my Canon A-1) are a god send when using manual lenses; something even my Canon 5DMark3 doesn't have! Slows me down a lot, which to me is good and bad in different scenarios but for what I paid ($112 here in Singapore) this lens is an AMAZING performer! Flaring is almost non-existent and the 12 blade, de-clicked aperture ring is so smooth and sexy to turn! Definitely want an 18-55mm or when I can afford it, MAYBE the 16-80mm (although its probably gonna be a weighty boy to carry).
I travelled to Greece with my X-T20, the 18-55, the 35/f2 and the 50-230mm. I found I used the 18-55mm 90% of the time. Good for people, good for scenery ESPECIALLY while on the run in vacation mode. The images are much sharper than many primes. I used the 35mm for portraits, flowers and indoor museums (portraits of statues and intricate ancient jewelry). The 50-230 I hardly used and only for close ups of animals. It is surprisingly good and inexpensive too. All my gear was stolen. I have replaced the X-t20 and this time sticking with the 18-55 and my Artisans 35mm F1.2 for bokeh shots. I find that the 18-55mm Fuji with basic iMac editing can get very sharp photos. For traveling, it is tough to beat the size, weight and quality combination. I got tired of looking like a wedding photographer when traveling.
Tried the 35 mm f/1.4 ... wow! Loved the close focus ability and shallower depth of field.
The shaking sound is the optical image stabilisation. Perfectly normal (and REALLY USEFUL)
Damn...now I broke it.
Sadly all the better fuji prime lenses don't have OIS. Zooms are just too slow.
I have both and I would recommend to have the 18-55mm if you’re into landscape. 35mm works well too, but, I’m constantly having problem whenever I want wider shots. I can move backwards to have wider shot with my 35mm but that also has limits. And if you’re into portraits and street, I recommend the 35mm.
I have both. They are both great lenses. I enjoy the 35mm f/2 and try to default to it. It's faster, lighter and a fixed focal length forces you to work your composition more.
I had the 35 a while and always used it as my go to, but was often frustrated that I didnt have the range and had missed shots - I moved to the X system from an X100 for the same reason! So I bought the 18-55 and have almost never taken it off since! That said, I shoot Nikon for work and the X-T20 tends to be a home day, no fuss carry around camera so that combo works
I have had a Nikon Z50 for 18 months and love it, and my old lens with the adapter. I have one prime lens and it's a 50mm (75ish on my Z50). Very happy and settled I was until last Saturday when my son said ' do you want this, only used it once and if you don't take it I'll put it in the garage'. It is a Fuji X100 origenal. Hardly used. It has a prime 35mm equvilent. I really like it and it looks so nice. It sits on the dining room table for now, that way I can look at it last thing at night and first thing in the morning. I like the 35mm images as well, it's clear, sharp, and for me new. So, right now I prefer the 'new' old prime FujiX35mm. I can see it if I peer over the top of the laptop as I type this.
I have both and I use my 35 most of the time but I will be honest, I was selling the 18-55 short fo like the first 6 months I had it. It really is a fantastic lens, especially for being a kit lens. The OIS is just plain ridiculous. I was able to get sharp images down to 1/4 of a second! It's got the rugged build (Idk, my lens doesn't rattle like yours). On the contrary, I shoot a lot of landscapes and having the insurance of a weatherproof lens when I'm in inclement weather is big. I also like that it's smaller and lighter than the 18-55. Hiking with the f/2 series lenses (I also own the 23mm) is a dream. Everything fits into my hiking bag with lots of room to spare. Also, since it's small and inconspicuous, the 35 makes for a great street photography lens as well. I guess I would have to choose the 35 over the 18-55. Lighter, smaller, better image quality, lower aperture, and is weather sealed
Do you use the 35mm when you go hiking?
@@sinclairgonsalves1418 yeah. It has a very usable 50mm field of view (full frame equivalent)
I have both but, the hypothetical, "Desert Island" scenario where I could only have 1, the18-55 hands down. It's just so damned versatile.
S Tra Humm....I ‘ve been making a living at taking photos for 30+ years, I think I know a versatile lens when I use one.
S Tra some canon L lenses and nikons are f/4. Versatility is not just “bokeh”. That’s what the other youtube photographers and new breed photographers keep on selling.
@@cameraman655 lol oops
You always do a great job combining various elements...practical, technical, fun, artistic. Plus your humor! Nice job & thanks.
Thanks so much!
Definitely both. As you say they can serve different purposes or the same purpose. I love the 35mm. Lives on my camera more than any other lens but I would not get rid of the 18-55 for exactly the reasons you stated. Great vid Omar!
You nailed it when you say that a Prime lens makes you think more about composition and subject matter. I love small lenses too-the pancake lenses are very appealing. Great videos, always a pleasure to watch, and you help others see that photography can be fun and enjoyable using these fixed focal length lenses! Zoom lenses are useful, but have made me lazy for so long and never really given me any satisfaction!! I prefer the compactness, quality and creativity factor you get from a Prime lens and the little extra effort to get much more pleasing photos is always worth it!
The only 2 Fuji lenses I own with the XT20. Got it all because of you. Big fan of your channel.
Nice Seiko Alpinist! You must be a watch nerd to have one of those.
And I agree, both lenses are worth having. I find I like the 18-55 for general photography, family or travel, but love the 35mm when trying to do "arty" photography. I find I end up with tighter, cleaner compositions when I use it as it forces me to think about what to include and exclude from my frame. With the zoom, it's too easy to just zoom out and get it all in instead of picking out the strongest elements in a scene
Cheap watch nerd. 😉 Great lens use.
@@ogonzilla Anything more than a $10 Casio is a luxury ;-)
18-55mm, no contest. It’s such a phenomenal lens. 35mm f2 is great too but far more limiting.
Limitations are the catalyst for creativity
@@cosmogang So just buy an Iphone
@@Lhommedeshautesplaines Those ohones slip through my fingers. Then I'm really limited.
Maybe that's maximising my creativity? 😬
@@Lhommedeshautesplaines HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
@@Lhommedeshautesplaines OOOOOOOOOOHH HHAHAHAHAHAHAHH EPIC WIN !
Cool review, man, thanks! After I got addicted to my X100 I decided that 'one camera one lens' is definitely the best concept for me so my 35mm f2 is stuck on my X-pro1 and I've got all I need
For hobbyist photographers I would recommend the 18-35 or the 18-55 lens. I went on a photoshoot in downtown Chicago and the 18-35 Nikkor lens is a must have. The 18mm enables the photographer to get the wide pictures of buildings and city scapes.
For travel, 18-55 hands down although I always bring along my 35mm 1.4 attached to my old X-E1 as "back-up". The 35 1.4 seems to perform better with the earlier X-trans sensors. But that's just me
Thanks for using the metric system!
Fuk the metric system
@@jeremymoorer7033 lol yeah cos the developed world only uses it
@Thomas Grey I'm 187 cm tall. It's a great number. While most of the world agrees on making things easier when using metric, I can't see why sticking on std. should be wrong or more difficult. In 1991 I was desperately trying to purchase std. wrenches. To my surprise metric was EVERYWHERE. I finally found a Craftsman tool box in a warehouse. It was difficult to find it and it was more expensive.
@@jeremymoorer7033 Guess what ?! the whole camera & lens industry is based on metric system , when he was talking about the 35mm ... the MM is millimeter which is metric ,and the reason to use metric not because camera manufacturers like metric system but because it's more ACCURATE.
@@okamivolgan checkmate
This video was super useful around the time I bought my X-T3 and had to pick a lens. I went for the 18-55 and have been very content. Had it for 2 years and can only say it's crazy good and I would never *need* anything else... I'll probably pick up the 35mm f2 at some point though.
I have a problem of sleep purchasing at 3am and literally purchased both the night before I saw this video. So glad you said answer was both.
Totally agree with all this. I’ve got both and I’d be happy with just the 35. It’s great. Primes are best.
Nice job giving a practical review of the lenses without the snob factor! It's always about what works for the user. Case in point: the old Nikkor 43~86 mm short zoom. Incredibly convenient lens, used to take so many iconic pictures from the sixties and seventies but not really up to snuff, optically speaking. What makes a great photograph is not the camera or lens used, it's that it was shot at the right moment!
When not using my 100-400mm for birds and such, I find myself mostly with either the 27mmF2.8 or 23mmF2 as the default lens on my X-T20 just because they emphasize the reason I switched to Fuji: something that's easy to carry and unobtrusive. Also, I very rarely shoot video, so stabilization is seldom an issue. If I can't zoom with my feet, I can always crop in LightRoom. :)
Nobody explained better than you, After every video I wacht, I love photography more. Best part of having fun is capturing toda, enJOYing tomorrow.
Using XT20 + 18-55 + 55-230 and a 35 f/2... It's the sweet spot for a budget prime. 18-55 as the on camera kit, and 35 when you want to put in a bit more effort... totally worth its cost and effort though.. It's a joy to use
Had 35mm first, then realized I need a wide lens for photos and a stabilizer for videos, so the choice was obvious - bought 18-55. Both are good. 35mm is pure magic, 18-55 definitely more practical. Thanks for the video!
Heyy mate ,do you have any suggestions on which one should I get as my first lens ?35mm or the 18 to 55 ? I won't do videography, only stills
sourav rahman definitely 35mm. In terms of image quality, but also build quality and overall emotions - without a doubt it’s way ahead the competition. I use it 95% of the time with stills. You won’t regret it!
@@feeshka Thanks man . I'm buying the fuji xt20 tomorrow with the 35mm f2
Really nice to get a non-technical review. Especially that the way you shoot and thus your scene differs between the lenses is something that I didn't really think about before.
Friends and parents show more enthusiasm for my photos if I'm using both the 18-55 and a prime (23 F2 in my case).
If we are moving I use the zoom, but if we stop and stay in a limited area for a while, I switch to the prime
I have the same lenses, and also the Samyang 12mm f2.0. I really like the 23 for street
I have been taking photos with a "real" camera since 1973. For the vast majority of the time with film, it was with a 50mm F1.4. Those photos went in albums and, for the digital years, were rarely seen. I decided to buy a fast scanner and get the whole film photo collection onto digital storage so they were as easy to view as my digital photos. Although I have many different GMaster lenses, zooms , primes, and power zooms, I was shocked by how good my own photos over the years were with just one focus length. I recently went to Helsinki and took just one prime, a 50mm f2.5 on a ZVE1. I wanted a small video first setup. The results were wonderful compared to my usual Zoom options. It goes against common sense to "limit" yourself, but it does work.
I've decided to buy the XT20 with 35 f2 prime and I'm loving it so far :)
Hey, are you still happy 4 years later ? I just got myself the XT20 and I wondered if the 35 f2 is a noisy lens when you focus ! Could you please tell me ?
@@jojoaugustus1383 I love the lens, I still use it quite often. I mainly do street photography so for me the noise of the focus is not a problem at all. I also own a 23mm f2 but I prefer the 35
@@petergombos9442 thanks for your fast answer. I was kinda torn between the 35mm 1.4 or 2. I now have an answer. Plus, the 35mm f/2 is WR and the AF is faster :)
I appreciate you so much. You are honest, relatable, humorous and share great info. I have both. My Fuji xT3 is my fun, travel kiddo school events camera. Love the fixed WAY MORE, but I'm limited when space is an issue. Not a fan of a 4.0 aperture or anything that has an aperture that changes. Your assessment is SO real. You can't pick one. Depends on what you shoot. For me it is space. At 50mm.....I can't get the shot sometimes...50mm is not wide enough.
AGREED....50mm is my favorite way to shoot but it can't do everything, especially when traveling somewhere new. Thanks for watching!
Hi my orange friend. The 35 f2 is superb and you need both. Perhaps not the 18-55 but the new 16-80. I have mine on pre order. I need 24 and 80. The standard zoom, although brilliant, is a bit soft at 55 and overall not a great range. Don’t enjoy 18mm, never liked 28 in the past on full frame. Always used 24 (16mm fuji). Just love the wider aspect.
Loving your presentation. Bit worried about your adulteress relationship with Sony and worried that we will get less videos from you as you spend days trying to change the colours to something related to real life. Keep up the most enjoyable channel on youtube. G
Have both and I use each for the same reasons that you said. It's more fun to shoot with the 35mm f2 as I feel that I work for the shots harder. I was able to go to a 2 and a half week trip while exclusively using the 35mm f2 only; it was fine. I went back to using a zoom because of the versatility; had to upgrade from 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 to 18-55mm f2.8-4 for better image quality and the image stabilization, it's definitely worth it. If I'll only have to bring one: the safer choice will be the 18-55mm but since the 35mm f2 is small, I'll just carry it with me.
New to photography and bought the x-t20 because of your review's I love the camera and your ongoing video's help make using the camera an absolute joy keep up the enthusiasm and thanks
My reason to have prime lens is the large aperture. That is why I bought 35 mm f1.4
Clearly the 35mm F1.4
It is faster and one of the sharpest lenses made. It's imagery is magical and bokeh rocks.
And on the Fiji XT3 focus is fast, locks right on, no hunting and isverry accurate even wide open. The 35mm f1.4 focus is much improved with the XT3 compared to when I had it on my xt1
The same reasoning would apply to the 23 1.4 and I , personal preference for sure, is wider field of view.
" ~ most of online, small prints, I think any of lenses and all most of any camera systems are gonna be fine."
and that's the truth.
I have the 18-55 kit lens on my XT20, and I love it. When I am out, I set the focal length to what I expect to be shooting e.g. 35mm for NYC street photography, 55mm for street portraits. Then, I see an interesting building across the street and zoom to 23mm or 18mm. I do try to avoid using the zoom to frame my pictures.
Omar, you is the man! I have the 35mm f/2 and the super cheapo XC 16-50 kit lens. I much prefer primes in general, so the 35mm is the clear winner for me. The 16-50mm is just a decent kit lens, nothing earth shattering about it. The 35mm is one of my favorite lenses! And I shoot with a lot of vintage adapted glass, including Leica and Zeiss.
It's incredible for the price.
I'm as decisive as you are. I have both.... and the 16mm f2.8 and the 50mm f2. Primes for photos and zoom for video. Best thing about this lineup is that I have one on my X-T3 and carry the other 3 in a really small bag. BTW, your videos are awesome.
The one I use almost all the time is the 23mm (35mm equivalent). The other two would be the wide angle for landscapes or tight spaces and the tele zoom for sports and wildlife. I'd say get the prime for starters and go from there . . . but get both if you can.
I have both lenses, and they are the only ones that I have. I brought the 35f2 with me on vacation and left the kit lens at home. It’s my go to all the time, but the kit lens is terrific. I love the size of the 35f2 with my x-t30. It’s a small set up that is perfect for not looking like a news reporter 😂.
I have the 18-55 and thinking to get 35f2, but Im afraid to spend money on a focal I already cover with the zoom lens. What's your feedback? I really appreciate your opinion. Thanks
@@isaacsospedra3955 You will get more bokeh and light out of the 35f2 than the kit lens. I highly recommend the 35f2. It’s smaller, and it's fantastic for photography and b-roll video. The biggest con is it hunts a little bit for video. It’s not ideal for long video recordings where the person your filming is not static. I wouldn’t trust eye autofocus. Hopefully, Fuji will fix their Autofocus in a firmware update.
@@johnnydee7480 I appreciate your comment! Thanks !
We need more videos like this in which you compare the lens with 18-55 at that zoom level
I have both and I think that's the way to go, but if I HAD to pick one, 35 f2. It's attached to my camera 85% of the time. When I do portraiture I reach for the 56, and the 18-55 has been really good for events/ reportage style stuff.
If I could only have one? The 18-55 for sure. It's hands down the best 'kit' lens I've ever used. It's the Swiss army lens. Doesn't do any one thing particularly amazingly but does everything well enough.
That said I just spent 3 days shooting with only the Fuji f/2 lenses but I was lucky enough to have the time to swap them as needed. For ease of use and making sure you get the shot, you can't beat the 18-55.
I love the 50mm equivalent because I started out on a Pentax K1000 and Leica M3 with a 50mm 2.0 lens. The cameras were compact and easy to use, 'though the M3 was a little slower with the outboard metering and focus method. When I moved to Nikon, ... I got my first zoom and at first I was working the wide 28mm and tele 85mm ends (3.5-4.5), but soon enough I started recognizing the perspectives of focal lengths. It wasn't long before I was zooming in an out with my feet, but choosing a wide, normal, or tele setting for the perspective. I did worry about image quality so I read up on the zoom lens and made decisions based on the lens quality at a certain aperture and focal length. Sometimes, you sacrifice lens performance for the sake of getting the perspective and composition that you want - to me, ... those components trump sharpness. My photo journey carried on and I have a selection of zoom and prime lens. I use a Fuji x100t and enjoy it because it does remind me of the days when I lugged around a camera with a relatively fast 50mm lens. Of course, you can be lazy with a zoom lens, but if you are thinking photographically, ... a good quality zoom gives you options to capture images effectively and efficiently. If you have time to work scenes, ... then a fixed lens may make you work more to get your photograph. However, if you have only your zoom lens, ... and you see a great photograph, ... there's nothing keeping you from treating that zoom as a fixed lens. The other big consideration is speed of the lens. The improved high ISO performance of digital cameras doesn't make this quite as important, though. If I'm shooting a club scene, or night shots with no flash, ... I want that prime's larger aperture, preferable a 1.4. With image stabilization on many zooms, you can get away with some hand-holding but it won't help with subject movement. Distortion and depth of field are also considerations that must be taken into account. Omar, ... you like those blurred out backgrounds to separate figure-ground. I love that also, for portraits and for some scenes where I want my subject to pop out of a busy background. Using blurred backgrounds in a great tool for managing backgrounds that are fighting for attention. You can also use color and light patterns of completely blurred out backgrounds to draw attention to your subject. Anyway, ... I will usually have a zoom on my camera and carry a number of fixed lenses for specific purposes. And, ... of course, my little x100t is along for the ride, reminiscent of the days when I carried my Pentax K1000 everywhere!
I bought the 35mm 1.4, and haven't touched the kit lens in ages.
The 1.4 is on another league 👍
the lens with soul
Same here.
Primes are elegant .... and liberating. An interesting exercise is to go back thru the images shot with your zoom and determine what focal length most were shot at. Then try a prime near that focal length.
I have both. One thing I have noticed is that people on the outer edge of a group photo look wider/fatter when using the 18-55.
That said, I fall into the lazy photographer category. The 18-55 is far better for taking with you on a holiday and you don't want to swap lenses.
It also helps when you come to the realization, that people just don't look at a photo for more than 15 seconds, and don't really look at pixels and small differences in sharpness. My 27 and 35 primes usually sit idle. I should sell them.
As always! A pleasure to watch!!
Traveling only with the 35f2 (+ a Samyang 12f2, for astro...). My 35 is on my xt2 most of the time, it does everything!! :)
Yes, I have the same 35\2 & 12\2. The optimal
After years of shooting with several interchangable lens camera from different manufacturers, I would say 23f2 is the most lazy lens I have ever used. You can slap it on your camera and forget about your other lens. It has good and versatile focal length (35mm equiv.), small and lightweight package, fast and reliable AF as well as acceptble background blur. Even zooming is not needed. Don't bother choosing focal length. Just pointing, framing and pressing shutter release button are enough for taking a great photo. So it stays mounting on my X-T20 most of the time.
I just take it off for Nikon 17-55f2.8 or Nikon 70-200f2.8 sometimes, mostly when used as backup camera for my Nikon DSLR. But when used as a EDC/traveling/walkaround camera, the 23f2 mounts on my camera most of the time.
I recently bought the X-T30ii and LOVE IT. But I ended up getting it with the 15-45mm lens... I'm now regretting that and am trying to figure out if I want to get the 18-55mm or the 35mm...
I want something that's good for traveling, portraits, macro photography (flowers, etc) and for when I go to Disneyland! I'm leaning towards the 35mm right now....
I was just thinking about this last night! I asked myself what would the pros and cons of having a 35mm! it’s like you were in my head!
Who's here after Fujifilm released the new 35mm f2 XC?
yep, just got one and I'm pretty happy :)
And what you decided to buy or use? :)
I bought it, I am waiting for parcel
Can you tell me friends which one I should chose? I dont have a big budget so I have to move careful. Does f2 XC is similiar to XF f2 or not? Shall I buy XC?
@@BohemDilenci xc35f2 is almost like XF. If you don't want take photos in the rain you can buy xc :D
18-55 is just a magical lens and it's slightly soft character is phenomenal for video
16mm f2.8 & 35mm f2 - I settled on this combo. Great 👍 for story telling
My first Fujinon was 35mm f2 on X-T1. Loved it and am still loving it. But 18-55mm was needed in about a year later for video and my cousin's wedding. I have 35mm f2 or 16mm f1.4 on my X-T2 now most of the time but "needed" 18-55mm sometimes for video and events.. So one lens you "need" will be 18-55mm but it is 35 f2 and 16 f1.4 that gets my love and make me go out and shoot. I mean there are things I "have to shoot" with 18-55 but I always "love to shoot" with 35 and 16.
Well said. Need vs Love.
So ordered the T30ii in the mail by itself, It was sold out everywhere else that had a lens bundled. Glad i came across this. First time getting a dedicated camera coming from taking photos with my phone. I would rather have the smaller lens that lets me control the Aperture instead of having it tied to zoom. I never zoomed with phone photography due to it being very limited but im 100% sure its better with an actual dedicated camera, but for the time being i think the smaller lens is a good starting point for me, then down the line when i want zoom, ill get the other one.
Finally a lens review that looks at results in the real world and makes no forced choice! Thanks - nice relaxed approach and sensible!
thanks man just discovered the channel and LOVE the 'non-technical' review style.. super refreshing and helped a lot
As always, this video is informative, funny and honest. I'm fairly new to photography and I appreciate your videos and commentary so much.
We just started using the 35mm and we love it! Night and day over the kit lens.
hi Omar, thank you for the fujifilm videos, i bought an xt20 after watching lots of reviews, yours included. I'm a beginner, again! finally took an online photography course and learned basics. I really enjoy your review style, the most. upbeat and to the point, show lots of photo examples. really helps us! im also watching your xt20 playlist!
I've had my X-T20 for a few years now and chose to buy it as a kit with the XF18-55 (it was a great deal). I've loved the combination and only recently thought about adding a 35mm lens. I was thinking about going for the XC35 f2.0 because the reviews all indicate that the optics are as good as the XF lens but it's much cheaper. My wife then surprised me for my birthday in early Feb by buying me the XF35 f1.4R. At first I was a bit ticked off with her for spending so much...... but not any more! It's a wonderful lens and it now rarely leaves my camera. However, for travel and family events, the XF18-55 will still provide the flexibility that I sometimes like to have.
Great video as per usual! I have both and I only use the 35mm in low light situations. The 35mm is so much slower at focusing than the 18-55mm.
Both are great lenses . But the question was if limited to just one then it would be the zoom - right ! Well, it would certainly do more things but that is it’s weakness . You see; having just one lens and having to move closer or further away actually achieves more in general , as the focus and concentration is on one choice and one choice only. The next point of choosing a prime over a zoom is that it creates a style that can be developed to enable others to recognise your work without seeing your name . Finally , you really get to know that lens and what it will do before raising the camera to your eye. By reducing the conflict of selecting which part of the zoom to use and the fact the prime is lighter and faster than the zoom , it means that you can keep your kit small and light and that is what you will want if travelling . Unlike fixed lens options with some cameras, having an interchangeable body leaves the photographer to choose which prime range works best for the individual
Great video Omar . Thanks for sharing
I saw this two years ago , but it is always a reoccurring issue and an invaluable reminder to evaluate what is truly important - flexibility or connivance over something more intrinsic and desirable and possibly artistic in the right hands for those who want to be minimalistic . There is no right or wrong choice . But less is often more I am reminded ha ha .
This is the best and most to the point commentary. Getting really to the essence of the dilemma. And it took me back to question of the year (MY question, that is :) ) - Wouldn't I be happier and more free with mere x100v in my hands?...)
@@carmenfissenden2530 Thank you for putting it just enough briefly and eloquently!)
What shake inside is the OIS, the other doesn't have it. It is a plus for slow speed shots.
I'm not sure. I have both. Exciting events coming to our area - Americarna : when hundreds of cars pass through town. 150th birthday of our small town : buildings are being renovated and painted. Going to amazing small town Inglewood in Taranaki, New Zealand. Want to take lots of pics!
As a Canon APSC DSLR shooter, I was about to buy canon´s 35 F2 IS, but it was waaay expensive in my country. So was the 17-55 F2.8 . So I bought The Sigma 30 F1.4 ART. It´s not cheap, but it's F1.4. I Now tend to use it a lot and leave the 18-135 usm nano in my bag.
That 18-135 is lightning fast to focus and very convenient to avoid lens changing in dusty environments, but it's too dark in some situations where you can´t use a Flash.
I guess that if I were a Fuji shooter, I would have the 1680 F4 and the 23 F2 or 35 F2.
Just bought the 18-55 (Long time pentax shooter). Man, great "kit" lens, mounting on my recently purchased s/h X-E3, small, light really good IQ. And A$250!
Never liked zooms (since 1985), so I own only 4 primes. Fuji X-T 30 cameras are so small and light that allows me to carry 2 bodies, with 14/2,8 - 23/1,4 and 56/1.2. The 27/2,8 is always in my pocket ready to take action if unobtrusivity is needed.
Thinking of buying a second hand Fuji X-T100 and came across this video. It was a great find, really like how you break down technical aspects so it's clear for all to understand. The content is also top notch, really good. Look forward to watching more posts. ps. I'll probably stay with the kit lens for a while as the 35mm costs a lot. Hopefully a year from now I'll be able to do - family life is expensive man.
You are my favorite TH-camr reviewer
Great down-to-Earth review, thank you. Yes, it is with adding the cheap but not nasty f2 prime to my travel kit.
I've never been a zoom guy. Shortly after getting my first camera I got a 35mm f1.8(Nikon APS-C) and I never looked back. Now I use either a 23mm f2(X100F) or the 56mm f1.2(X-Pro2).
For me the big thing is consistency. I'm a wedding photographer and putting together a cohesive body of work is vital in my opinion. All of my shots are either 23 or 56. It makes the whole body of work come together rather than seeing 18, then 25, then 38, then 43, etc.
I just started out in this field myself, I currently own the kit lens and the 56mm f1.2 I'm trying to determine my next purchase, had my eye on the 32mm but your comment got me thinking about the 23mm now. Decisions.
I went with 35mm f2 for my first lens. No regrets at all !
How funny, I was shooting on my 18-55mm last night at 35mm to see if it's a lens I wanted to pick up! Hopefully I'll grab one soon, love the focal length.
everyone does CANON and NIKON videos on TH-cam - like been there, done that - - NO ONE does FUJIFILM - hats off to you again, you are da man! but I already knew that 10 years ago! Miss ya Mr. Gonzalez!
How do you control the clouds to change the white balance, is it in the Fuji setup menu? 😂 04:56
The F2s are great lenses, no doubt about it! I started my Fuji road with the 23 and 50 but I could not resist the option of a better background blur. I ended up selling the F2s and getting the 1.4 and 1.2.
Now I have the 35 1.4, 56 1.2, 16-55 f2.8 and Samyang 12 f2. I love to use primes (35 and 56). I only use the 16-55 when I need quick flexibility. Fantastic zoom lens!
Sebastián Torres how is the focus speed of the 35 1.4 and which camera body do you have? I photograph kids all the time so I’m curious about the speed. Thanks
at 5:57 i was about to say "it's going orange again" LOL. great video!
I have both but have to admit that the 18-55 gets more use than the 35 f2. That's how I started with Fuji , but have since added a couple more lens (24/1.4 WR LM, 16-55 & 70-300) .There isn't one that I give priority too as I do not have a particular shooting genre. It's whatever strikes me at the moment or what ever pops up.
I had the exact same dilemma. Just recently got the X-T20 with a 35mm lens. I was going for the bokeh, but the size was also a factor. I was already used to shooting 50mm on my compact analog, so no zoom was no biggie.
Liked the video and subscribed even though I haven't watched any other videos for now :)
thanks for the effort of explaining all the stuff!
I totally agree with what you were saying about using a prime to grab better composition images. I also feel I try harder to take better shots if Im forced to position my body instead of zooming.
Always I enjoy your shows Omar! I learn, I laugh. Keep on doing you're great work! Happy 2021 to you too! Greetings from the Netherlands!
Excellent video with nice sence of humor! You made my day, man! Thank you for positive and helpful content!
When you are giving example to the built quality, the shaky noise you get while handling 18-55mm was because of the elements of OIS, and it is perfectly normal and it should give that noise to do its trick. Just for your information. By the way, great review!
Love the humor in your videos! Remember to apply the crop factor to the aperture as well - this gives the prime an even bigger absolute advantage in terms of speed.
I think I'm the only one come here to practice my English by your video.
But that's absolutely great and I do love your review and your humor.
I have a XA-7 and may take a 18-55mm kit as I love the Zoom and not so professional by taking pictures.
I have both and I'm trying to choose which to take on a photo shot inside