I’m retired from the life now and I no longer have to worry about what lens to use. I use one camera with one lens at a time, and it is liberating. Two lenses is simply too much choice to be dealing with.
AGREED! I only use more for very specific purposes. A 28 & 50 ffe is definitely all you really need though. For Fuji the 18 f/2 and 35 f/1.4 are incredible and by far are my fav Fuji lenses. I add the 23mm f/2 for harsh weather, the sigma 18-50 for travel/hiking and the 70-300 for wildlife and sports but they are NOT necessary at all.
It's personal taste, what combo you choose. I'm never leaving home without my 50/1.4, it's still my #1. After 50 years of press photography, I've learned to handle it. My #2 is a 90/2.5 which is great for concert, landscape and portrait. Maybe I could live without my 24/3.8, if I should, but I get your point. Keep on rolling!
Name of this channel should be hot takes but I love it! I shoot an 85mm as my primary. Got used to the 50mm prime on crop sensor and had to make the switch. I shoot weddings so I needed a wider lens for some shots. Wish I could use the 85 for everything
28mm is also one of my favourite focal lengths. It’s wide plenty but doesn’t distort too noticeably yet. I tried 35mm but it falls on not wide enough and not narrow enough.
I get a lot of what you say. I love prime lenses. I have a 28, 50 and 135. I very rarely use the two zooms I have. They wouldn’t cut it in wildlife photography though.
Same holds true for bodies... I see a lot of people chasing the latest and greatest body, the megapixels, focus spots, etc. I've taken photos I love with an older Canon APS-C body with 15MP. It's almost as easy to go into debt chasing tech in bodies as it is for lenses.
Cool video. I'm a three prime kinda guy but I shoot portraits primarily so I'm 35, 50 and 85. I have a digital set that has pretty much everything I need but those are the 3 lenses I bring with me on most shoots.
Lately, I've been going with 35mm for a lot of my fixed lens photography, but I think on my next outing, I'll grab my 28 f2.0. It could use some love...
For decades, when I shot film starting in the late 1960s, I pretty much utilized three lenses for everything, and I was happy as a clam. I had a 28mm, 50mm, and a 135mm. Used the shit out of them. Now it seems that photography has become so complicated. So many choices, electronics, computers etc. Yeah, I'm aging myself, but like you said, Dee, "less is more". Love your videos! Thanks!
I started photography in the film era (not as long ago as you though, respectfully) but I was always the same, as well...2 lenses sometimes, although mostly just 1 lens (a 50mm or a 40mm) at any given time. Way too many choices these days for this or that when I was much happier with the 'less is more' approach.
28 is a niched lens that for me is too and not enough wide. The 50 never found its place in my setup. I don't care who used them or never did, I love my 40 and my 135, Yes only 2. But I can do everything with those lenses as long as I have legs. Just like you I love to be light and not haul a bunch of useless focal lengths that can me easily achieved with just these 2. But your arguments for 35mm don't cut, no offense. The 35 is a 28 and a 50 if you take 2 steps forward or backward. Good video, Dee. I subbed because I like your approach of this new world of snapshooters...Be safe
Recently I was in a crowded environment , where there was loads of tourists etc I picked 35mm as it was 1 stop brighter from my 28mm. Few minutes in the shoot I have already regretted my focal length decision. 35 is too narrow in crowded places.
I feel like 28mm is trying to be a 35 and 24mm😂 I’m with you though on a two lens setup. It’s always 35mm period! but my second lens always changes. But heck I’m 95% of the time just for fun photography, so I can consistently be inconsistent.
I love my 28mm and use it a lot. But not for the reasons you rigidly stated. If you can’t use 24 or 35, then that is simply not your style. I, e.g. never use 50 for casual shooting. For me (!), it is either too narrow or not narrow enough. For others, it’s great.
One of my old mentors always said that with two prime Lenses, a wide angle Lens and a short tele Lens you can cover 90 to 95% of all photography and he was right ! I would never choose a 50mm focal length !!!
I agree with everything said in this video except I like 40mm more than 50. I mean I used 35mm as my only lens for so long that it feels a bit more natural than 50mm
Hey Dee, loved your video! Since I bought my X-Pro3 2 years ago I've been pairing it with the Xf 35mm f1.4, which I use 99% of the times. I love this lens and focal length. I prefer having a one lens setup when I go out shooting. I have also the pancake xf 27mm f2.8 WR which I use once in a while when I go to the beach and not to worry about sand/dust and when i want to be very compact. I feel I miss a wide lens and would like to get a 28mm equivalent. Which one would you recommend for my X-Pro3, the small old xf 18mm f2 or the new xf 18mm f1.4 which so many people rave about? Thanks!
@@khoale219 thanks! Yep I'm leaning towards the f2 for compactness plus it's much more affordable. This will complete my nice compact kit. I think I will get also a mid tele vintage manual lens, which is very affordable and compact, either the Helios 44m-4 58mm f2 or the Super Takumar 58mm f1.8
Most of the worlds best photographers have used 28 or 50. Love this. I love gear, but really just need to keep it simple and shoot. Don’t be the guy that’s always fumbling / changing lenses.
Listen, 35mm on crop is 50 and then it’s fine right? So how about you use a 35 on full frame and crop in when you need a real 50. Works great with my Leica M240 and Voigtländer 35 1.2 iii
Hah @ 03:07 “That’s what She said!” 😆 😂 🤣 I don’t care about your hat, and don’t care for the ‘preachiness’ undertones, and so like, To each their own, and as I always say, YMMV. Later Dee Rosa B ✌
I shot with only a Fuji X100T for about 5 years and it was liberating. I didn't 'miss' other lenses although I did end up desiring a two-lens kit so I could have the option to isolate things. I ultimately went with an XT3 and 23, 35, 50 f2 trinity. For the price and size it makes sense to own all three. Also, I can never decide if I prefer 23/50 or 18/35 combo.
I feel you. I also own the 23mmf2 and the 50mmf2..since the 18mm 1.4 and 33mm f1.4 is out I constantly think to switch, but when I'm photographing I'm always like damn this combo is so good😂 I think I just stay with the fuji 23 and 50 f2 lenses lol
I don’t understand the phone argument like I don’t care if it’s the same focal length as in my phone, I like that focal length. First lens I really liked was a Pentax 28 mm f3.5 and now I’m using it with a speed booster on an XT1 such an amazing combination.
This is my exact same combo. For decades I used only a 80mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.8 on my Hasselblad (45mm and 28mm equiv). They were the only two lenses I owned. Once digital became the norm for regular work and everyone had to shoot Canon and I was renting for jobs and using zooms, I felt like I lost the love. I became lazy, I felt like I was interacting with making an image less. I recently dropped all the lenses I have for just those two primes (I hung onto a normal zoom just for occasional video stuff). I have never been happier and feel involved in what I'm making again. And now with focus peaking I rarely even use AF.
Several years ago, I asked a very experienced photographer what lenses I should take on my first (and only, so far) trip to China. She said one body and one lens, probably a 50mm. I decided that was a bit too limiting and I took two lenses, a 28mm and a 50m. I didn’t use the 50mm that much but it was a great combo. I use my 28mm more than any other lens. My one lens preference today would be a 40mm but 28/50 covers more bases.
I like watching you Dee. You give a no bullshit presentation. I started out in the 90's with the fixed 45mm on my Yashica Electro 35. I mastered that focal length to the point I could see the scene before I even put the camera to my eye. A couple years later I was able to afford better cameras and lenses got into that GAS. I did try the 28mm but for me and I must stress to you "for me and my style" I found that 35 to 50mm fits my vision. Today I have one canvas (Fuji X-T5) and a very limited choice of paint brushes. The 27mm f2.8 and the 23 & 33mm f1.4's. With all that said go out and enjoy what you have and keep the setup simple so you can concentrate on the moments.
That's right. I have two Olympus cameras and depending on what I do it would be either 12-40mm/2.8 (24-80) and 40-150mm/2.8 (80-300) :), or two out of 17mm, 25mm or 56mm.
I am retired and with age I am beginning to enjoy the constraints of limitation in today's frantic limitless world of materialism. I discovered Leica. The joy of shooting all manual- one camera, one lens. Life is simple, buy one, but let that be the best that you can afford.
I have been using 50mm a lot on my canons, but lately I tend to use a 35mm equivalent und a 85mm for most things. I really like the 35mm equivalent as it is really close to a 50 regarding the optical distortion, but the field of view is like that of a 35mm on full frame. 28mm never really clicked with me personally, but I feel it is more about knowing the lens you use well than which specific lens it it that you use.
Perfect ! 28mm & 50mm are my favourites too & I thought I was the only weird one. I feel it’s more to do with the shooting distance people have gotten used to at the start of their photography journey. Starting with a 28mm they naturally will feel the 50mm being the perfect choice or vice versa while some people who stared with either the 35mm or the 85mm will choose the 35/85 combination. Having said this I end up working with almost all focal lengths but frequently I am drawn to the 28/50.
28 50 is absolutely the all time greatest photo combo. Love seeing it getting some love. Video is where I venture into more extreme gear. My thought with video is 2 primary lenses, 2 specialty lenses.
One-lens solutions allow me to capture about 40% of the images I need. The one-lens solution I have used on a 35mm camera include: 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55mm. All work, however, my personal favorite is the 35mm. Two-lens solutions allow me to capture about 70% of the images I need. The two-lens solutions, I have used and liked include: 135mm normal and 90mm wide-angle on 4x5 inch large format view cameras 90mm normal and 65mm wide-angle on medium format rangefinder cameras 200mm telephoto and 50mm normal on 35mm SLR camera 85mm slightly telephoto and 35mm slightly wide on a 35mm SLR 90mm slightly telephoto and 35mm slightly wide on a Leica 35mm film rangefinder and a Leica full-frame digital rangefinder 16-55mm f/2.8 and 50-140mm f/2.8 on APS-C mirrorless digital cameras (my personal favorite) 20-35mm f/2.8 and 28-70mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras 20-35mm f/2.8 and 75-150mm f/3.5 on full-frame or APS-C cameras 20-35mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras 28-70mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras Three-lens solutions allow me to capture about 80% of the images I need. The three-lens solutions, I have used and liked include: 180mm telephoto, 80mm normal, and 55mm on 6x6cm medium format TLR cameras 180mm telephoto, 90mm normal, and 50mm on 6x7cm medium format SLR cameras 90mm slight telephoto, 35mm slight wide-angle, and 21mm on Leica 35mm and digital rangefinder cameras 90mm slight telephoto, 45mm normal, and 21mm wide-angle on Contax 35mm rangefinder cameras 180mm telephoto, 35mm slight wide-angle, and 24mm wide-angle on Nikon 35mm SLR cameras 135mm telephoto, 50mm normal, 28mm wide-angle on Pentax 35mm SLR cameras 105mm telephoto, 50mm normal, 24mm wide-angle on Nikon 35mm SLR cameras 80-200mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, and 14-24mm f/2.8 on full-frame and APS-C film and digital cameras. 45mm telephoto, 20mm normal, 14mm wide-angle on micro 4/3 digital cameras To capture 100% of the images I need, I must add macro lenses, perspective control lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, ultra-telephoto lenses, and fisheye lenses.
A lot of sense spoken here. Currently trimming down gear. As I try new lenses and focal lengths I keep coming back to (on Fuji APSC) 18mm and 33/35. I tend only to buy used and new never pay sticker, so don't feel there's any notable losses, but the lenses just tend to get used every now and again and then perhaps because I feel I should. In reality I wouldn't miss them if I didn't have them, so they are being sold or put on a sell if I don't use in the summer of 2023 list. But 18 and 33/35 is just a perfect match. And totally hear you about 23 (apsc). It was a favourite, but then I discovered 18mm with the x70, which I had always dismissed as boring. It's really not. I liked the fun of the Fuji 16 1.4 but found it to be a no-man's land focal length. It's much easier to pair an 18 with another lens also. This is the one thing that holds me back from loving the x100v, I wish it was an 18. But I prefer to consider kits rather than restricting myself to 2 lenses overall. If I travel, two lenses will usually take on the majority of the load, but it's not always the same ones. But it depends where I'm travelling to, for what purpose, who am I with, pack size restrictions (sometimes only a phone or X100v is possible), maybe it's not travelling but a photowalk, family events or documentary, want to do some astro or macro, parties etc. 18+33/35, is the safety net. If you are unsure, you know you'll come away with something good and will be able to make it work. But you will probably miss shots, too. And you need to accept that and get creative (why I don't like zooms as a rule). Never been so bothered by 50mm, preferring 56 or a bit longer. So another kit for me is 23+56. In Venice, I cheated a little shooting mostly the 23 and 50-140. But I had a lightweight superwide as well. Two camera set up: x100v + a mid Tele prime is also great. So that's generally my approach. Build a kit around two lenses you expect to be using 90% of the time. If you throw in an ultrawide, macro or longer Tele - something different - they should be light and unobtrusive. There's nothing worse than carrying around a big bag of heavy lenses you don't use!
Just had to sell a ton of gear to cover some personal debt but in that debacle I got a 35mm f1.8 for my a7iv. Having one lens has been liberating. It has made me compose my shots more precisely and I focus on aperture rather than zooming like I did before. I also focus more of my time on capturing the shots I know I can get instead of fumbling around with multiple lenses to force a shot that comes out mediocre in the end anyways. I love that I can leave the house with just my camera now, and not a giant backpack full of gear I never use. I love the 35 so far. It’s wide enough to capture loads of stuff but also close in enough that you don’t have to be right on top of your subject. I like Leica’s philosophy in their Q lineup. One lens. A wide one. But you’re working with 67 megapixels so you can crop the hell out of it and still have a stunning image, at least for digital distribution. I try to apply that same principle with my a7iv, but since I have half the megapixels to work with, I opted for the 35 for the reasons I spoke about. But I honestly want to try this 2 lens setup you’re outlining here because it seems like it would be the perfect setup for basically everything. Including video.
I almost always shoot with just one or two lenses, although due to GAS I have a very considerable number. For me the trick is to plan your lenses to where and what you are shooting. Typically for me I am either shooting landscapes in my local woods or along the canal. Wide angle lenses in these environments are usually left at home unless I have a specific shot in mind. In many cases in the woods even a 50mm is too wide so I am often shooting something like an 85 or 100mm macro. Along the canal 50mm is perfect and often all I will carry. Another common scenario is shooting in my local towns and cities. Then I will ditch the telephoto and be using a 27mm on either my X-E3 or X-T1, or film on a Pentax MX with a 40mm. For a wide angle option I just put my X-F10 in my pocket. It is small and compact and save all the hassle of changing lenses. You also get flash sync at all mechanical shutter speeds which is very handy, and I find the lack of view finder with a wide lens much more liberating for composition. If I was compelled to stick to just one lens for everything it would be a tough ask, but it would be a 40-45mm FF FOV equivalent. If I shot more people rather than places and things I would plump for a 50mm. What you don't hear about very much though is how you can get a lot more out of your chosen camera/lens combination just by changing the crop ratio in camera. My Pentax K1 as well as my Fujifilm cameras have a 1:1 crop which is displayed in the viewfinder and I believe some Nikon ones have more options. A 35mm lens suddenly offers a field of view similar to a classic 6X6 camera's 80mm. Which is wonderful.
So, the Canon 28-70 f/2 is the one lens to rule them all? I do all of my work between 2 zooms: 10-24 and 18-55 for Fuji. It would be nice to have the 2.8 versions. The 50-140 is that last focal range I could use. Don’t need need, but it would give more options with so-so backgrounds. Those would be my three. But they fit my current use case.
Thanks Dee. I'm a Fuji wedding photographer, 18/2, 35/2 and 90/2 (just for speeches and portraits) -- the only thing I'm thinking of changing, is to go back to the old 35/1.4, which although had slow AF, it had a certain magic that's lacking since I switched to the f2 lens -- and it's not the bokeh in this case, I used to shoot the 1.4 at f2-2.8 most of the time. I only switched to the f2 because I'm in the UK (weather resistance). I wasn't sure whether to switch the 90/2 for a more versatile (and OIS) 50-140, but again I think I would be compromising on image quality. Your videos are always good food for thought. I totally agree with the 28/50 combo though. 35/85 seems to be the norm these days.
I couldn't agree with you more. But the 2 lens formula will differ by each photographer and assignment/purpose. For me it's a 40 to 50mm big aperture prime and a 24/28 to 70/120 zoom lens.
Hi, Dee. Hobbyist/Enthusiast here. Personally, I really agree about the 35 (23 fuji) being too much/not enough. One wide and one normal/mid tele all the way. 50 (35) I adore and use almost all the time. As for wide I hear all your points about the 28 (18) but for me that focal length is a smidge not enough, whereas the 24 (16) clicks, even with its greater challenges. Don’t know why! Just feels right. Took those two with me on a family weekend and it was a perfect combo. I thought I was done but then my son’s sports got me to get a zoom. Wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. Prior to that I have been trying the fuji 50 f2 but it’s a once in a blue moon lens, nice images but glad I got it used as it rarely comes out with me. If it weren’t so compact I might have sold it when I got that zoom, but I am going to give it a bit longer.
Your understanding of GAS is off in this case. GAS is buying new stuff just for buying sake, like having 5 different 35-50mm primes in your bag, always buying the newest shiny toy. But photography gets way more fun when you switch things up. I couldn't imagine never ever using any telephoto lens above 50mm, it's so restricting for no reason. I might as well use my phone or a X100VI if I never switch lenses to get a different look. I still get your point and agree that 2 lenses can cover most usecases, but it's got little to do with GAS in this case. I do sim racing as another hobby, so you have pedals, a wheelbase and a steering wheel. You can buy premium steering wheels for €1.5k each, you just need one that is good though. So in this case this is pure GAS of people spending money on the newest full carbon luxury item that gives them no functional benefits. Having more than two lenses is different.
2:18 " I don't use my camera to take photos." you meant "I don't use my camera phone to take photos.... Great video...My 2 lens kit is 50/28...One lens is 35mm..... 3 lens kit is 28/50/90. .
I can’t believe the coincidence because I have the same feelings about using the 28mm and 50mm as my primary lenses. I also struggle to get any compositions with 35mm. I’m not a fan.
I have about 50 lenses, mostly vintage lenses that cost $5-$50/each. Each lens has its own characteristics. I often take one lens, go shoot some photos, and try another next time.
I don’t do photo a lot. But i agree with you. I don’t like to have a lot of lenses. Always looking what are my favourite focal length. Thank you for sharing the tips.
Shot more 50mm than any other focal length, later shot it in tandem with 28mm for wides. 20 years later, I mostly shoot 35mm and 85mm. Most photographers change over the decades; I'm hardly special in that regard.
Man, now i'm more confused. was suppose to purchase a 35 at the end of the year (budget permits) but all the things you said about the 28 does make a lot of sense. for now though, i'm loving the 50. Thank you buddy!
I’m in total agreement. 50 and 28 is perfect. Don’t get me going on the pedestrian compromise of a 35mm lens. Back as a photo student, I didn’t see in a 50, so I was in the 35/85 camp. I grew up and got better. Every system I have starts with those two lenses. I usually end up getting a 21 and a 90/100 to round things out. And maybe a couple of 50s because rendering is key. I live in Hong Kong half the year and I’m now walking around with a 28 and a 50 with my Leica M10M. To be honest, I got tired of taking yellow filters off when I flipped to my M10R so I ended up getting a 24 mm for that and another 50.
Football (though you probably call it soccer): Canon R6 bodies 24-70 2.8 70-200 2.8 400 2.8 Everything else didn’t really work out for me. Greetings, Sven
I remember that decades ago, photographers who shot Leica always had eithet a 35 or a 50mm and nothing else. Now every kid who has overloaded the credit card keeps on showi g off 24 ASPH, 28ASPH, 35 ASPH, 50 APO , 90 APO the list is endless. Nuts.
In my bag I have an XT5, 18mm f1.4, Mitakon 35mm f0.95 and 56mm f.2. I would happily drop the 56mm f1.2 to save weight or space. I have travelled with a Leica and the 50mm and 28mm focal lengths only. Perfect combo. And 50mm rocks. If pictures are boring at that FL then it’s the subject matter or the photographer that is the issue…or maybe the viewer?
*me rock back and forth in my seat like I am at a revival* Yes. Yes! YES! AMEN! Before I got into digital I did a month long winter trip through Northern Europe with an Olympus OM2, a 28 and a 50. I was never for want of more lenses. It's taken my like 10 years to realize that was "my kit" after going through every damn combo possible. I will add that 20 and 90 augment that kit really nicely for me. But mainly for a look. Not for coverage.
Two very good lenses choices… except. What about landscape photographers a 50 just does not get you close enough in real world when you cannot get closer to the subject composition. Walking around with 2- lenses is valid but it DOES depend on your composition goals. The important point you make is understanding what you are going to shoot and take the lens. Rental is a good suggestion and have done this a number of times.
OMG man, you are my American cousin. 28 + 50 allllllllll day (and maybe just my 24TSE for archi work). You could weld a 50 to one of my cameras and I’d be fine.
I started with 50mm, then moved to 35 mm where I am now. I have a 28 mm that I am struggling with - but I think that I am just not good enough with composition and layering yet.
This reminds me of the famous Jeff Cooper quote: “Beware the man with one gun. He can probably use it.” The type of photographer I immediately respect and admire is the one I see using the same camera and lens day after day, for everything, and consistently churning out stronger work than I could with my surfeit of lenses. I'm rarely impressed by the work from online personality photographers who are always testing out some new piece of gear. A lot of great things have been crafted by people using one old tool that they're comfortable with. I don't think the issue with 28mm is that it's "the phone field of view," especially since phones have gone 35 to 28 to 26 to multiple lenses. It's just that 28mm is the quintessential and ubiquitous wide, and wide angles demand more attention from the user, so it's that much easier for a wide shot to fail in various ways. We're used to seeing a lot of bad 28mm photos (sure, many from phones) but as the angle narrows competence in composition becomes easier and more intuitive. So, used carelessly, the 28mm becomes the stereotypical careless snapshot lens. But as far as what lens is most versatile, it's all subjective and comes down to personality type, personal psychology pertaining to interpersonal space, ways of seeing, typical environments, subjects of interest, etc... A broad generalization can probably be made that more people will get better results with a 35 than a 28 or 50 because it's wide enough to bring some interest without being demanding, and it can indeed handle a great many situations and subjects without difficulty, but arguments about which field of view is the objectively most versatile for every photographer just aren't valid beyond saying that it's going to be something within the broad general purpose range, not something at the extremes. I’ve come to love 50mm for how naturally it takes to many situations and the balance it strikes between getting close and still being able to organize the frame pretty easily, but ten years ago I wrote about not liking it for the same reason Cartier-Bresson liked it: He appreciated that it was a blank canvas that allowed him to create images that were purely about his skill and precision, without the focal length adding effects to the presentation on its own, while I disliked it because the neutrality of its presentation exposed my weakness. I also said of the 50 exactly what you said here about the 35. Things change, visions change.
i like my 23. Tried 18mm but i just like the fov of 23 more. I feel like i see more compositions with 23. i pair it with 56 1.2 and im golden. i add laowa 9mm when i want to show off more of a landscape or a building / enviroment somewhere. :) but i plan tu buy 16mm 2.8 for some fun.
I realized after going Fuji how correct you are. I only have 23mm, 35mm and 50mm. Almost never use the 50mm but take it and 23mm if leaving home. It’s the same as grabbing 35mm and 75mm. Realizing I should have the 18mm and 50mm because I rarely need longer focal, but often need wider. I have zooms sitting in the bag “just in case” but knew that would be the case and bought kit lenses for that, not high end 2.8 lenses (thank goodness!). Considering a Nikon D700 here in 2023 and a 24mm or 28mm prime plus a 50mm. Would probably get an 85mm for portraiture to use along with the 50mm, but mostly it would sit in the bag. Old D series lenses for all of it. That kit would be amazing even now at 12MP and camera motor autofocus.
I've always been a 1-2 lens type of person, but I'm really awful at having many different bodies. A Pentax ff with 1-2 lenses, a Pentax apc with 1 lens, Leica with 1 lens, fuji with 2 lenses...etc. I had the same realization as what you said in your video about mastering what I had. How can I use 4-5 different cameras bodies with different systems...especially when I REALLY only use 1-2 out of them all while the rest just sit and collect dust. It was painful, but I let go most all of them and only kept the Leica and the Fuji. 2 bodies and 3 lenses total feels so much better now compared to before. I don't feel like I have a collection of wasted money taking up space and I can focus on my left hand (Fuji) and my right hand (Leica).
Thanks for sharing. Worked 7 yrs with only fuji xf35mm (53mm equiv). These days I mostly grab l the xf18mm (27 equiv) or the 27 (41 equiv). The first for extreme image quality, low light and close up capability. The latter when Do not need low light and want the minimum possible weight pack for the fuji. But no other platforms :)
I’m retired from the life now and I no longer have to worry about what lens to use. I use one camera with one lens at a time, and it is liberating. Two lenses is simply too much choice to be dealing with.
I short more w my phone these days
AGREED!
I only use more for very specific purposes. A 28 & 50 ffe is definitely all you really need though. For Fuji the 18 f/2 and 35 f/1.4 are incredible and by far are my fav Fuji lenses. I add the 23mm f/2 for harsh weather, the sigma 18-50 for travel/hiking and the 70-300 for wildlife and sports but they are NOT necessary at all.
My lens to go is a Nikkor 35-70, I´ve done a lot of photo and video with that old piece of glass and I intend to keep using it until the end of times.
Great lens though
It's personal taste, what combo you choose. I'm never leaving home without my 50/1.4, it's still my #1. After 50 years of press photography, I've learned to handle it. My #2 is a 90/2.5 which is great for concert, landscape and portrait. Maybe I could live without my 24/3.8, if I should, but I get your point. Keep on rolling!
Name of this channel should be hot takes but I love it! I shoot an 85mm as my primary. Got used to the 50mm prime on crop sensor and had to make the switch. I shoot weddings so I needed a wider lens for some shots. Wish I could use the 85 for everything
28mm is also one of my favourite focal lengths. It’s wide plenty but doesn’t distort too noticeably yet.
I tried 35mm but it falls on not wide enough and not narrow enough.
I get a lot of what you say. I love prime lenses. I have a 28, 50 and 135. I very rarely use the two zooms I have. They wouldn’t cut it in wildlife photography though.
Same holds true for bodies... I see a lot of people chasing the latest and greatest body, the megapixels, focus spots, etc. I've taken photos I love with an older Canon APS-C body with 15MP. It's almost as easy to go into debt chasing tech in bodies as it is for lenses.
Cool video. I'm a three prime kinda guy but I shoot portraits primarily so I'm 35, 50 and 85. I have a digital set that has pretty much everything I need but those are the 3 lenses I bring with me on most shoots.
and out of these three I'm mostly in my 50. Most of the time.
I'd even say that's true in the landscape stuff I do. A 24mm for vistas, and then something long for picking out distant features. That's about it!
Lately, I've been going with 35mm for a lot of my fixed lens photography, but I think on my next outing, I'll grab my 28 f2.0. It could use some love...
What lens is he holding in the video? I like the small size!
For decades, when I shot film starting in the late 1960s, I pretty much utilized three lenses for everything, and I was happy as a clam. I had a 28mm, 50mm, and a 135mm. Used the shit out of them. Now it seems that photography has become so complicated. So many choices, electronics, computers etc. Yeah, I'm aging myself, but like you said, Dee, "less is more". Love your videos! Thanks!
I started photography in the film era (not as long ago as you though, respectfully) but I was always the same, as well...2 lenses sometimes, although mostly just 1 lens (a 50mm or a 40mm) at any given time. Way too many choices these days for this or that when I was much happier with the 'less is more' approach.
Same here. Started with a Pentax 50mm and some TMax
28 is a niched lens that for me is too and not enough wide. The 50 never found its place in my setup. I don't care who used them or never did, I love my 40 and my 135, Yes only 2. But I can do everything with those lenses as long as I have legs. Just like you I love to be light and not haul a bunch of useless focal lengths that can me easily achieved with just these 2. But your arguments for 35mm don't cut, no offense. The 35 is a 28 and a 50 if you take 2 steps forward or backward. Good video, Dee. I subbed because I like your approach of this new world of snapshooters...Be safe
Recently I was in a crowded environment , where there was loads of tourists etc I picked 35mm as it was 1 stop brighter from my 28mm. Few minutes in the shoot I have already regretted my focal length decision. 35 is too narrow in crowded places.
facts, one of the best things you can do is streamline the bag/kit and focus on your strongest focal lengths. great video!
You’re the one lens king tho brother! Can’t wait to pop up in Cleveland to document what you’re about!
I feel like 28mm is trying to be a 35 and 24mm😂 I’m with you though on a two lens setup. It’s always 35mm period! but my second lens always changes. But heck I’m 95% of the time just for fun photography, so I can consistently be inconsistent.
Great combination really!
I love my 28mm and use it a lot. But not for the reasons you rigidly stated. If you can’t use 24 or 35, then that is simply not your style. I, e.g. never use 50 for casual shooting. For me (!), it is either too narrow or not narrow enough. For others, it’s great.
True. I am exactly on the same page. Well spoken.
One of my old mentors always said that with two prime Lenses, a wide angle Lens and a short tele Lens you can cover 90 to 95% of all photography and he was right ! I would never choose a 50mm focal length !!!
Same from mine!
I agree with everything said in this video except I like 40mm more than 50.
I mean I used 35mm as my only lens for so long that it feels a bit more natural than 50mm
Hey Dee, loved your video! Since I bought my X-Pro3 2 years ago I've been pairing it with the Xf 35mm f1.4, which I use 99% of the times. I love this lens and focal length. I prefer having a one lens setup when I go out shooting. I have also the pancake xf 27mm f2.8 WR which I use once in a while when I go to the beach and not to worry about sand/dust and when i want to be very compact. I feel I miss a wide lens and would like to get a 28mm equivalent. Which one would you recommend for my X-Pro3, the small old xf 18mm f2 or the new xf 18mm f1.4 which so many people rave about? Thanks!
voting for the 18mm f2 since the pancake size is very fit the X-Pro3
@@khoale219 thanks! Yep I'm leaning towards the f2 for compactness plus it's much more affordable. This will complete my nice compact kit. I think I will get also a mid tele vintage manual lens, which is very affordable and compact, either the Helios 44m-4 58mm f2 or the Super Takumar 58mm f1.8
Most of the worlds best photographers have used 28 or 50.
Love this. I love gear, but really just need to keep it simple and shoot. Don’t be the guy that’s always fumbling / changing lenses.
Listen, 35mm on crop is 50 and then it’s fine right?
So how about you use a 35 on full frame and crop in when you need a real 50. Works great with my Leica M240 and Voigtländer 35 1.2 iii
Because I’m an adult who understands the difference between crop factor and resolution disparity with what you just stated. JFC.
Hi Dee, first new to your channel. Excellent job. Any possibility that you may do a review on the Fujifilm X-S20?
Do same. You are correct.
I hear you but 28mm is not enough reach for landscapes.
The Sony G 20-70mm F4 :) 🙂👍🙏
That’s a pretty amazing do it all lens for sure.
Well said..
So you only have two lens for Canon, Nikeon, Leica, Fuji, ect. Sol like ten lens haha 3:50
Hah @ 03:07 “That’s what She said!” 😆 😂 🤣
I don’t care about your hat, and don’t care for the ‘preachiness’ undertones, and so like, To each their own, and as I always say, YMMV. Later Dee Rosa B ✌
This reminds me of fixed gear riders talk about gear ratios. In NYC it's 49/17 for the city and 49/15 for racing 😅
I shot with only a Fuji X100T for about 5 years and it was liberating. I didn't 'miss' other lenses although I did end up desiring a two-lens kit so I could have the option to isolate things. I ultimately went with an XT3 and 23, 35, 50 f2 trinity. For the price and size it makes sense to own all three. Also, I can never decide if I prefer 23/50 or 18/35 combo.
I feel you. I also own the 23mmf2 and the 50mmf2..since the 18mm 1.4 and 33mm f1.4 is out I constantly think to switch, but when I'm photographing I'm always like damn this combo is so good😂 I think I just stay with the fuji 23 and 50 f2 lenses lol
I don’t understand the phone argument like I don’t care if it’s the same focal length as in my phone, I like that focal length. First lens I really liked was a Pentax 28 mm f3.5 and now I’m using it with a speed booster on an XT1 such an amazing combination.
This is my exact same combo. For decades I used only a 80mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.8 on my Hasselblad (45mm and 28mm equiv). They were the only two lenses I owned. Once digital became the norm for regular work and everyone had to shoot Canon and I was renting for jobs and using zooms, I felt like I lost the love. I became lazy, I felt like I was interacting with making an image less. I recently dropped all the lenses I have for just those two primes (I hung onto a normal zoom just for occasional video stuff). I have never been happier and feel involved in what I'm making again. And now with focus peaking I rarely even use AF.
Oh man 80mm on 6x6 just makes my heart sing.
I don't need much, jus a Canon R3 + 28-70 f2, more is less
Several years ago, I asked a very experienced photographer what lenses I should take on my first (and only, so far) trip to China. She said one body and one lens, probably a 50mm. I decided that was a bit too limiting and I took two lenses, a 28mm and a 50m. I didn’t use the 50mm that much but it was a great combo. I use my 28mm more than any other lens. My one lens preference today would be a 40mm but 28/50 covers more bases.
I like watching you Dee. You give a no bullshit presentation.
I started out in the 90's with the fixed 45mm on my Yashica Electro 35.
I mastered that focal length to the point I could see the scene before I even put the camera to my eye.
A couple years later I was able to afford better cameras and lenses got into that GAS. I did try the 28mm but for me and I must stress to you "for me and my style" I found that 35 to 50mm fits my vision.
Today I have one canvas (Fuji X-T5) and a very limited choice of paint brushes. The 27mm f2.8 and the 23 & 33mm f1.4's.
With all that said go out and enjoy what you have and keep the setup simple so you can concentrate on the moments.
I've opted for 24mm instead of 28mm since forever (and I've always been an SLR guy) but in regards to everything else, you're 100% right...
My trifecta is 28, 50 and 135 incase anyone cares.
I am a cheap skate so I shoot 40mm only.
That's right. I have two Olympus cameras and depending on what I do it would be either 12-40mm/2.8 (24-80) and 40-150mm/2.8 (80-300) :), or two out of 17mm, 25mm or 56mm.
I am retired and with age I am beginning to enjoy the constraints of limitation in today's frantic limitless world of materialism. I discovered Leica. The joy of shooting all manual- one camera, one lens. Life is simple, buy one, but let that be the best that you can afford.
I have been using 50mm a lot on my canons, but lately I tend to use a 35mm equivalent und a 85mm for most things. I really like the 35mm equivalent as it is really close to a 50 regarding the optical distortion, but the field of view is like that of a 35mm on full frame. 28mm never really clicked with me personally, but I feel it is more about knowing the lens you use well than which specific lens it it that you use.
I like your take. It is really just about knowing your gear. What works for me may be so foreign for others.
28 & 50mm or as I call them: a single 35mm 😂
Think the combination of 28mm and 40mm is best and most versatile. If i could only have one lens, i would need to go with 35mm.
Perfect !
28mm & 50mm are my favourites too & I thought I was the only weird one.
I feel it’s more to do with the shooting distance people have gotten used to at the start of their photography journey. Starting with a 28mm they naturally will feel the 50mm being the perfect choice or vice versa while some people who stared with either the 35mm or the 85mm will choose the 35/85 combination. Having said this I end up working with almost all focal lengths but frequently I am drawn to the 28/50.
Do you use these two lenses on a full frame or a crop sensor camera? I think we should know that, unless i missed it already.
Yeah you missed it a few time. 50 & 28 field of view on either.
So I reference my 50mm and 28mm on full frame and my use of 18mm and 35mm on APSC.
@@DeeRosa Thank you.
28 50 is absolutely the all time greatest photo combo. Love seeing it getting some love.
Video is where I venture into more extreme gear. My thought with video is 2 primary lenses, 2 specialty lenses.
One-lens solutions allow me to capture about 40% of the images I need. The one-lens solution I have used on a 35mm camera include: 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55mm. All work, however, my personal favorite is the 35mm.
Two-lens solutions allow me to capture about 70% of the images I need. The two-lens solutions, I have used and liked include:
135mm normal and 90mm wide-angle on 4x5 inch large format view cameras
90mm normal and 65mm wide-angle on medium format rangefinder cameras
200mm telephoto and 50mm normal on 35mm SLR camera
85mm slightly telephoto and 35mm slightly wide on a 35mm SLR
90mm slightly telephoto and 35mm slightly wide on a Leica 35mm film rangefinder and a Leica full-frame digital rangefinder
16-55mm f/2.8 and 50-140mm f/2.8 on APS-C mirrorless digital cameras (my personal favorite)
20-35mm f/2.8 and 28-70mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras
20-35mm f/2.8 and 75-150mm f/3.5 on full-frame or APS-C cameras
20-35mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras
28-70mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 on full-frame or APS-C cameras
Three-lens solutions allow me to capture about 80% of the images I need. The three-lens solutions, I have used and liked include:
180mm telephoto, 80mm normal, and 55mm on 6x6cm medium format TLR cameras
180mm telephoto, 90mm normal, and 50mm on 6x7cm medium format SLR cameras
90mm slight telephoto, 35mm slight wide-angle, and 21mm on Leica 35mm and digital rangefinder cameras
90mm slight telephoto, 45mm normal, and 21mm wide-angle on Contax 35mm rangefinder cameras
180mm telephoto, 35mm slight wide-angle, and 24mm wide-angle on Nikon 35mm SLR cameras
135mm telephoto, 50mm normal, 28mm wide-angle on Pentax 35mm SLR cameras
105mm telephoto, 50mm normal, 24mm wide-angle on Nikon 35mm SLR cameras
80-200mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, and 14-24mm f/2.8 on full-frame and APS-C film and digital cameras.
45mm telephoto, 20mm normal, 14mm wide-angle on micro 4/3 digital cameras
To capture 100% of the images I need, I must add macro lenses, perspective control lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, ultra-telephoto lenses, and fisheye lenses.
A lot of sense spoken here. Currently trimming down gear. As I try new lenses and focal lengths I keep coming back to (on Fuji APSC) 18mm and 33/35. I tend only to buy used and new never pay sticker, so don't feel there's any notable losses, but the lenses just tend to get used every now and again and then perhaps because I feel I should. In reality I wouldn't miss them if I didn't have them, so they are being sold or put on a sell if I don't use in the summer of 2023 list. But 18 and 33/35 is just a perfect match.
And totally hear you about 23 (apsc). It was a favourite, but then I discovered 18mm with the x70, which I had always dismissed as boring. It's really not. I liked the fun of the Fuji 16 1.4 but found it to be a no-man's land focal length. It's much easier to pair an 18 with another lens also. This is the one thing that holds me back from loving the x100v, I wish it was an 18.
But I prefer to consider kits rather than restricting myself to 2 lenses overall. If I travel, two lenses will usually take on the majority of the load, but it's not always the same ones. But it depends where I'm travelling to, for what purpose, who am I with, pack size restrictions (sometimes only a phone or X100v is possible), maybe it's not travelling but a photowalk, family events or documentary, want to do some astro or macro, parties etc.
18+33/35, is the safety net. If you are unsure, you know you'll come away with something good and will be able to make it work. But you will probably miss shots, too. And you need to accept that and get creative (why I don't like zooms as a rule).
Never been so bothered by 50mm, preferring 56 or a bit longer. So another kit for me is 23+56. In Venice, I cheated a little shooting mostly the 23 and 50-140. But I had a lightweight superwide as well. Two camera set up: x100v + a mid Tele prime is also great.
So that's generally my approach. Build a kit around two lenses you expect to be using 90% of the time. If you throw in an ultrawide, macro or longer Tele - something different - they should be light and unobtrusive. There's nothing worse than carrying around a big bag of heavy lenses you don't use!
But what about 40mm lens??????
Yes. My combo is 21, 40!
uhm I could quite agree, but, 50 has been always too long for me.
I'm a 40 guy.
35mm + 85mm = perfect combo imho
It really is a badass combo tho.
Just had to sell a ton of gear to cover some personal debt but in that debacle I got a 35mm f1.8 for my a7iv. Having one lens has been liberating. It has made me compose my shots more precisely and I focus on aperture rather than zooming like I did before. I also focus more of my time on capturing the shots I know I can get instead of fumbling around with multiple lenses to force a shot that comes out mediocre in the end anyways.
I love that I can leave the house with just my camera now, and not a giant backpack full of gear I never use. I love the 35 so far. It’s wide enough to capture loads of stuff but also close in enough that you don’t have to be right on top of your subject.
I like Leica’s philosophy in their Q lineup. One lens. A wide one. But you’re working with 67 megapixels so you can crop the hell out of it and still have a stunning image, at least for digital distribution. I try to apply that same principle with my a7iv, but since I have half the megapixels to work with, I opted for the 35 for the reasons I spoke about.
But I honestly want to try this 2 lens setup you’re outlining here because it seems like it would be the perfect setup for basically everything. Including video.
What is the sensor size of the camera you use , full frame?
I almost always shoot with just one or two lenses, although due to GAS I have a very considerable number. For me the trick is to plan your lenses to where and what you are shooting. Typically for me I am either shooting landscapes in my local woods or along the canal. Wide angle lenses in these environments are usually left at home unless I have a specific shot in mind. In many cases in the woods even a 50mm is too wide so I am often shooting something like an 85 or 100mm macro. Along the canal 50mm is perfect and often all I will carry. Another common scenario is shooting in my local towns and cities. Then I will ditch the telephoto and be using a 27mm on either my X-E3 or X-T1, or film on a Pentax MX with a 40mm. For a wide angle option I just put my X-F10 in my pocket. It is small and compact and save all the hassle of changing lenses. You also get flash sync at all mechanical shutter speeds which is very handy, and I find the lack of view finder with a wide lens much more liberating for composition. If I was compelled to stick to just one lens for everything it would be a tough ask, but it would be a 40-45mm FF FOV equivalent. If I shot more people rather than places and things I would plump for a 50mm.
What you don't hear about very much though is how you can get a lot more out of your chosen camera/lens combination just by changing the crop ratio in camera. My Pentax K1 as well as my Fujifilm cameras have a 1:1 crop which is displayed in the viewfinder and I believe some Nikon ones have more options. A 35mm lens suddenly offers a field of view similar to a classic 6X6 camera's 80mm. Which is wonderful.
So, the Canon 28-70 f/2 is the one lens to rule them all?
I do all of my work between 2 zooms: 10-24 and 18-55 for Fuji. It would be nice to have the 2.8 versions. The 50-140 is that last focal range I could use. Don’t need need, but it would give more options with so-so backgrounds. Those would be my three. But they fit my current use case.
Nice. I'm a 24 and 35 guy, and I've got a Ricoh GRIII to be light and in the middle. I think f2.8 is enough for most things.
Thanks Dee. I'm a Fuji wedding photographer, 18/2, 35/2 and 90/2 (just for speeches and portraits) -- the only thing I'm thinking of changing, is to go back to the old 35/1.4, which although had slow AF, it had a certain magic that's lacking since I switched to the f2 lens -- and it's not the bokeh in this case, I used to shoot the 1.4 at f2-2.8 most of the time. I only switched to the f2 because I'm in the UK (weather resistance). I wasn't sure whether to switch the 90/2 for a more versatile (and OIS) 50-140, but again I think I would be compromising on image quality. Your videos are always good food for thought. I totally agree with the 28/50 combo though. 35/85 seems to be the norm these days.
Thank you for this honest & true video that I will refer back to every time I feel the G.A.S creeping in
Yep that’s me. 50mm APO & 28 Lux…. I cheated though. Got the 75 APO also… 😂
My 2 lens kit is a Panasonic GM1 with Pan 14mm (28mm equ) & Olympus 25mm (50mm equiv). Then add a Pan 42.5mm, maybe.
I couldn't agree with you more. But the 2 lens formula will differ by each photographer and assignment/purpose. For me it's a 40 to 50mm big aperture prime and a 24/28 to 70/120 zoom lens.
Hi, Dee. Hobbyist/Enthusiast here. Personally, I really agree about the 35 (23 fuji) being too much/not enough. One wide and one normal/mid tele all the way. 50 (35) I adore and use almost all the time. As for wide I hear all your points about the 28 (18) but for me that focal length is a smidge not enough, whereas the 24 (16) clicks, even with its greater challenges. Don’t know why! Just feels right. Took those two with me on a family weekend and it was a perfect combo.
I thought I was done but then my son’s sports got me to get a zoom. Wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. Prior to that I have been trying the fuji 50 f2 but it’s a once in a blue moon lens, nice images but glad I got it used as it rarely comes out with me. If it weren’t so compact I might have sold it when I got that zoom, but I am going to give it a bit longer.
Your understanding of GAS is off in this case. GAS is buying new stuff just for buying sake, like having 5 different 35-50mm primes in your bag, always buying the newest shiny toy. But photography gets way more fun when you switch things up. I couldn't imagine never ever using any telephoto lens above 50mm, it's so restricting for no reason. I might as well use my phone or a X100VI if I never switch lenses to get a different look. I still get your point and agree that 2 lenses can cover most usecases, but it's got little to do with GAS in this case. I do sim racing as another hobby, so you have pedals, a wheelbase and a steering wheel. You can buy premium steering wheels for €1.5k each, you just need one that is good though. So in this case this is pure GAS of people spending money on the newest full carbon luxury item that gives them no functional benefits. Having more than two lenses is different.
Do that 🤝🏽 glad this helped.
TH-cam needs more anti-G.A.S.-talk like that. Thank you. ❤
Excellent
What is your feeling about using the Fuji 18-55 instead of an 18 and 35 prime?
Dude, you don't know what you're talking about. Let me explain to you why I NEED my 37 lenses....
Totally correct!!! 😂
Real bullshit
i love the mft system but a thing that makes me angry about it is the fact that theres only one lens that is 28mm equilavent and is an older kit lens
30mm and 50mm since forever.
2:18 " I don't use my camera to take photos." you meant "I don't use my camera phone to take photos.... Great video...My 2 lens kit is 50/28...One lens is 35mm..... 3 lens kit is 28/50/90. .
I can’t believe the coincidence because I have the same feelings about using the 28mm and 50mm as my primary lenses. I also struggle to get any compositions with 35mm. I’m not a fan.
Which 28 and 50mm lenses are those?
only gun violence ive ever heard of is infringing the constitutional rights of Americans
Wow you’re weak.
I can beat that. One lens. A zoom.
A little aggressive but some good points !
I have about 50 lenses, mostly vintage lenses that cost $5-$50/each. Each lens has its own characteristics. I often take one lens, go shoot some photos, and try another next time.
first.
Nice vid thanks! Subbed!
I don’t do photo a lot. But i agree with you. I don’t like to have a lot of lenses. Always looking what are my favourite focal length. Thank you for sharing the tips.
Shot more 50mm than any other focal length, later shot it in tandem with 28mm for wides. 20 years later, I mostly shoot 35mm and 85mm. Most photographers change over the decades; I'm hardly special in that regard.
Man, now i'm more confused. was suppose to purchase a 35 at the end of the year (budget permits) but all the things you said about the 28 does make a lot of sense. for now though, i'm loving the 50. Thank you buddy!
I’m in total agreement. 50 and 28 is perfect. Don’t get me going on the pedestrian compromise of a 35mm lens. Back as a photo student, I didn’t see in a 50, so I was in the 35/85 camp. I grew up and got better. Every system I have starts with those two lenses. I usually end up getting a 21 and a 90/100 to round things out. And maybe a couple of 50s because rendering is key.
I live in Hong Kong half the year and I’m now walking around with a 28 and a 50 with my Leica M10M. To be honest, I got tired of taking yellow filters off when I flipped to my M10R so I ended up getting a 24 mm for that and another 50.
Football (though you probably call it soccer):
Canon R6 bodies
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
400 2.8
Everything else didn’t really work out for me.
Greetings,
Sven
I remember that decades ago, photographers who shot Leica always had eithet a 35 or a 50mm and nothing else. Now every kid who has overloaded the credit card keeps on showi g off 24 ASPH, 28ASPH, 35 ASPH, 50 APO , 90 APO the list is endless. Nuts.
In my bag I have an XT5, 18mm f1.4, Mitakon 35mm f0.95 and 56mm f.2. I would happily drop the 56mm f1.2 to save weight or space. I have travelled with a Leica and the 50mm and 28mm focal lengths only. Perfect combo. And 50mm rocks. If pictures are boring at that FL then it’s the subject matter or the photographer that is the issue…or maybe the viewer?
*me rock back and forth in my seat like I am at a revival*
Yes. Yes! YES! AMEN!
Before I got into digital I did a month long winter trip through Northern Europe with an Olympus OM2, a 28 and a 50. I was never for want of more lenses. It's taken my like 10 years to realize that was "my kit" after going through every damn combo possible.
I will add that 20 and 90 augment that kit really nicely for me. But mainly for a look. Not for coverage.
Two very good lenses choices… except. What about landscape photographers a 50 just does not get you close enough in real world when you cannot get closer to the subject composition. Walking around with 2- lenses is valid but it DOES depend on your composition goals. The important point you make is understanding what you are going to shoot and take the lens. Rental is a good suggestion and have done this a number of times.
28 and 135 for me.
OMG man, you are my American cousin. 28 + 50 allllllllll day (and maybe just my 24TSE for archi work). You could weld a 50 to one of my cameras and I’d be fine.
Agreed 28mm Elmarit, 50mm Summilux. Need nothing else! :)
But.... I have a cute little 28mm Summaron as a naughty bit of character! 😅
I started with 50mm, then moved to 35 mm where I am now.
I have a 28 mm that I am struggling with - but I think that I am just not good enough with composition and layering yet.
This reminds me of the famous Jeff Cooper quote: “Beware the man with one gun. He can probably use it.”
The type of photographer I immediately respect and admire is the one I see using the same camera and lens day after day, for everything, and consistently churning out stronger work than I could with my surfeit of lenses. I'm rarely impressed by the work from online personality photographers who are always testing out some new piece of gear. A lot of great things have been crafted by people using one old tool that they're comfortable with.
I don't think the issue with 28mm is that it's "the phone field of view," especially since phones have gone 35 to 28 to 26 to multiple lenses. It's just that 28mm is the quintessential and ubiquitous wide, and wide angles demand more attention from the user, so it's that much easier for a wide shot to fail in various ways. We're used to seeing a lot of bad 28mm photos (sure, many from phones) but as the angle narrows competence in composition becomes easier and more intuitive. So, used carelessly, the 28mm becomes the stereotypical careless snapshot lens.
But as far as what lens is most versatile, it's all subjective and comes down to personality type, personal psychology pertaining to interpersonal space, ways of seeing, typical environments, subjects of interest, etc... A broad generalization can probably be made that more people will get better results with a 35 than a 28 or 50 because it's wide enough to bring some interest without being demanding, and it can indeed handle a great many situations and subjects without difficulty, but arguments about which field of view is the objectively most versatile for every photographer just aren't valid beyond saying that it's going to be something within the broad general purpose range, not something at the extremes.
I’ve come to love 50mm for how naturally it takes to many situations and the balance it strikes between getting close and still being able to organize the frame pretty easily, but ten years ago I wrote about not liking it for the same reason Cartier-Bresson liked it: He appreciated that it was a blank canvas that allowed him to create images that were purely about his skill and precision, without the focal length adding effects to the presentation on its own, while I disliked it because the neutrality of its presentation exposed my weakness. I also said of the 50 exactly what you said here about the 35. Things change, visions change.
i like my 23. Tried 18mm but i just like the fov of 23 more. I feel like i see more compositions with 23. i pair it with 56 1.2 and im golden. i add laowa 9mm when i want to show off more of a landscape or a building / enviroment somewhere. :) but i plan tu buy 16mm 2.8 for some fun.
I realized after going Fuji how correct you are. I only have 23mm, 35mm and 50mm. Almost never use the 50mm but take it and 23mm if leaving home. It’s the same as grabbing 35mm and 75mm. Realizing I should have the 18mm and 50mm because I rarely need longer focal, but often need wider. I have zooms sitting in the bag “just in case” but knew that would be the case and bought kit lenses for that, not high end 2.8 lenses (thank goodness!). Considering a Nikon D700 here in 2023 and a 24mm or 28mm prime plus a 50mm. Would probably get an 85mm for portraiture to use along with the 50mm, but mostly it would sit in the bag. Old D series lenses for all of it. That kit would be amazing even now at 12MP and camera motor autofocus.
I've always been a 1-2 lens type of person, but I'm really awful at having many different bodies. A Pentax ff with 1-2 lenses, a Pentax apc with 1 lens, Leica with 1 lens, fuji with 2 lenses...etc. I had the same realization as what you said in your video about mastering what I had. How can I use 4-5 different cameras bodies with different systems...especially when I REALLY only use 1-2 out of them all while the rest just sit and collect dust. It was painful, but I let go most all of them and only kept the Leica and the Fuji. 2 bodies and 3 lenses total feels so much better now compared to before. I don't feel like I have a collection of wasted money taking up space and I can focus on my left hand (Fuji) and my right hand (Leica).
Thanks for sharing. Worked 7 yrs with only fuji xf35mm (53mm equiv). These days I mostly grab l the xf18mm (27 equiv) or the 27 (41 equiv). The first for extreme image quality, low light and close up capability. The latter when Do not need low light and want the minimum possible weight pack for the fuji. But no other platforms :)