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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
For years, I shot solely with one lens (Yashica DS 50mm f1.2) then adapted it to my X-E1 once I went mirrorless. I’ve only ever purchased one other lens (Fujifilm 23mm f2) and wholeheartedly agree that two lenses is more than enough. At some point, I may swap out focal lengths (I’m talking to you Fujifilm 35mm f1.4) for a taste of something new but will never exceed two lenses at any one time. Thank you for always being unapologetically you and giving a brutally honest perspective on photography as a whole.
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.
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.
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.
Love this, both as a guide to new folk and as an antidote to Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I tend to be a standard prime + standard zoom person, but the dirty secret is the standard zoom is mostly used at 28mm (or 75 degree field of view on smaller sensors). There, I said it - and it feels good.
Thanks for this video. I am always trying fight the idea that I am really strong in two focal ranges, but my wallet and my back is thanking you for this reinforcement.
Use only 4 metal Nikon AF-D prime lenses. Use them on my Nikon F5 and on my two Nikon D4. Use the most the Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF. For portraits and street photography. Have the holy grail Nikon AF 28mm f/1.4D lens. But like the 85mm more than de 105mm and the 135mm. The Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8D ED is also a great portrait lens and a legend.
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.
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
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.
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.
God bless you, bro! I'm new to photography and I'm trying not to fall into this trap. Your message is so invaluable. You don't need to keep buying these many gears. Develop your photography and composition skills instead. 👍🏿❤️
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.
I’ve only had 2 focal lengths since 2017. The 23mm and 56mm combo of Fujifilm is more than enough for what I need. I purchased them intentionally since I love the 35mm and 85mm focal lengths.
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.
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 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.
Hi, you’re right. I’ve a lot of lenses and I always use/crop to 28, 50 and 75. I’ve the Q3 -28mm, M-P with 50mm, SL2 with 75mm and S5II with all other lenses 😅
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.
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?
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.
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
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...
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 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 couln't agree more. One thing is to try several lense to decide which one to get, another is the frenzy buying that ends up on a shelf 99% of the times. Less is more. It makes you evolve or at least do a conscient investment on the next lens
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!
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 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.
*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.
I love your attitude towards photography. After a few years out I’m getting back into it with a Fuji X-T10 and a TTArtisan 25mm. I already have gas for more stuff but I’m gonna keep it chill and have fun taking some snaps!
Agree though i have four different 50's for the same system 😅 Some projects (& weddings) I shoot 35/90 instead, but making that decision - to be specific about the look of a project up front - is one way to ensure the photos look like they belong together.
Agreed man, fully. My fuji setup is the Xf 28mm prime and I have the xf 55-200 for hired events (primarily music events on the London beat scene so mid size venues) my Leica is fixed lens so no real choice there, but I truly don't feel like I need anything else, it's 'want' that is the issue, not 'need'.
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.
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.
With my GFX system, my go to lenses are the GF 45mm (35mm FF equiv) and the GF 110mm (87mm equiv). For me the FF 35mm focal length is my favorite, and which has been a part of my kit since the 1970's, but I understand why some would favour the 50mm equiv.
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.
My favourite 2 are a 50mm/35mm combo 35mm just reminds me of a 50 but stepped back 2 to 3 times. 50mm will always be my favourite tho, Because it’s usually the cheapest prime lens and can practically do almost anything. Im happy with just these two focal lengths. As for 28 i heard if you stick out your camera as far as you can with your arms it becomes a 35mm lol
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).
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
I think a lot of the old pros would agree with the 28. Sam Abell, Don McCullin, Antonín Kratochvíl, I believe Salgado heavily used the 28. There’s a ton. I think people don’t understand the distortion that occurs front to back when they hate on the 28. In order to fill the frame with a 24, the subject needs to be pretty close. Being pretty close on a 24 has too much perspective distortion. 28 flirts with the edge of realistic perspective when used properly but I think it requires a lot of discipline to do so. That being said, the 35 was used quite effectively for layering by guys like Alex Webb. I’m a 28/50 guy most times though. I’m an oil painter, so 50 tends to be the most used because it’s perspective distortion is most natural.
Thanks for sharing your experience with great comments....I wish I had not started with just two or three lenses ....I am only a hobbyist but got caught up in the gear hungry situation & now I have lenses I don't use ....I only buy s/h gear so not a lot of money lost.... great video.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
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.
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 disagreed with pretty how he said everything, but I guess I do kinda feel the same about 40mm and 135mm. But each focal length has its own strengths and I think though you certainly can get away with only two lenses, I do think it can actually limit your creativity, not help at all certain stage.
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
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.
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 😅
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
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
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.
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.
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'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...
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
OMG man I have been yelling this for a while now! I shoot 50mm mirrorless and 28mm on my 5D4. You got a new fan!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
For years, I shot solely with one lens (Yashica DS 50mm f1.2) then adapted it to my X-E1 once I went mirrorless. I’ve only ever purchased one other lens (Fujifilm 23mm f2) and wholeheartedly agree that two lenses is more than enough. At some point, I may swap out focal lengths (I’m talking to you Fujifilm 35mm f1.4) for a taste of something new but will never exceed two lenses at any one time.
Thank you for always being unapologetically you and giving a brutally honest perspective on photography as a whole.
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’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.
This combo is all I use for weddings now. Just sold my 85mm equiv. lens as I hardly ever used it. Thanks for the vid buddy.
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.
What lens is he holding in the video? I like the small size!
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.
Love this, both as a guide to new folk and as an antidote to Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I tend to be a standard prime + standard zoom person, but the dirty secret is the standard zoom is mostly used at 28mm (or 75 degree field of view on smaller sensors). There, I said it - and it feels good.
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
Shot 24 & 105 for 6 months, was a bit crazy but I learned a lot.
I am a two lens person as well. A 50 and 35 on two bodies - I am yearning for a 28 over the 35. You nailed it.
Thanks for this video. I am always trying fight the idea that I am really strong in two focal ranges, but my wallet and my back is thanking you for this reinforcement.
Use only 4 metal Nikon AF-D prime lenses. Use them on my Nikon F5 and on my two Nikon D4. Use the most the Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF. For portraits and street photography. Have the holy grail Nikon AF 28mm f/1.4D lens. But like the 85mm more than de 105mm and the 135mm. The Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8D ED is also a great portrait lens and a legend.
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 fell in love with 28mm Fuji xf18mm! Looking back at my google photos the most emotional captivating photos were taken with that lens!
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
What is the sensor size of the camera you use , full frame?
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.
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.
God bless you, bro! I'm new to photography and I'm trying not to fall into this trap. Your message is so invaluable. You don't need to keep buying these many gears. Develop your photography and composition skills instead. 👍🏿❤️
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.
I’ve only had 2 focal lengths since 2017. The 23mm and 56mm combo of Fujifilm is more than enough for what I need. I purchased them intentionally since I love the 35mm and 85mm focal lengths.
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.
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 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.
Excellent
Hi, you’re right. I’ve a lot of lenses and I always use/crop to 28, 50 and 75.
I’ve the Q3 -28mm, M-P with 50mm, SL2 with 75mm and S5II with all other lenses 😅
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.
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.
I currently use 21, 40mm for general documentary. Both have room for a little crop to get 28 and 50. It so covers 4 FL
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?
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.
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
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.
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...
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.
great vid! i personnally use 35 and 85, and i used to go with 24 and 135 in the past. two lenses is great! one wider , one closer and yo good to go
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.
I couln't agree more. One thing is to try several lense to decide which one to get, another is the frenzy buying that ends up on a shelf 99% of the times. Less is more. It makes you evolve or at least do a conscient investment on the next lens
What is your feeling about using the Fuji 18-55 instead of an 18 and 35 prime?
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 use a 16mm and a 30mm on my APSC Sony. I do have a 24mm Minolta that I use occasionally but its manual.
I love the 28/50 combo. I mostly shoot interiors so I have a 15-35 and a 50 (10-24 and 33 on Fuji.)
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!
35mm + 85mm = perfect combo imho
It really is a badass combo tho.
16mm 2.8 & 35mm 2.0 - on my XT-30 Fuji, That's all I need for Documenting Our Lives
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 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.
*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.
I love your attitude towards photography. After a few years out I’m getting back into it with a Fuji X-T10 and a TTArtisan 25mm. I already have gas for more stuff but I’m gonna keep it chill and have fun taking some snaps!
Agree though i have four different 50's for the same system 😅
Some projects (& weddings) I shoot 35/90 instead, but making that decision - to be specific about the look of a project up front - is one way to ensure the photos look like they belong together.
I agree with the 2 focal lengths, problem is I have multiple 50s that I really like.
Agreed man, fully. My fuji setup is the Xf 28mm prime and I have the xf 55-200 for hired events (primarily music events on the London beat scene so mid size venues) my Leica is fixed lens so no real choice there, but I truly don't feel like I need anything else, it's 'want' that is the issue, not 'need'.
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.
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.
With my GFX system, my go to lenses are the GF 45mm (35mm FF equiv) and the GF 110mm (87mm equiv). For me the FF 35mm focal length is my favorite, and which has been a part of my kit since the 1970's, but I understand why some would favour the 50mm equiv.
I've been filming for over 15 years and I use a 28mm and 50mm 96% of the time :0 Agreed
only gun violence ive ever heard of is infringing the constitutional rights of Americans
Wow you’re weak.
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.
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!
My favourite 2 are a 50mm/35mm combo
35mm just reminds me of a 50 but stepped back 2 to 3 times.
50mm will always be my favourite tho, Because it’s usually the cheapest prime lens and can practically do almost anything.
Im happy with just these two focal lengths.
As for 28 i heard if you stick out your camera as far as you can with your arms it becomes a 35mm lol
I’ll give the 28mm at arms length trick a shot sometime.
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).
Agree. If I bring more than one lens I bring the 28 lux and the 50 cron. otherwise I often bring only the 28.
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
I don't need much, jus a Canon R3 + 28-70 f2, more is less
Agreed 28mm Elmarit, 50mm Summilux. Need nothing else! :)
But.... I have a cute little 28mm Summaron as a naughty bit of character! 😅
I think a lot of the old pros would agree with the 28. Sam Abell, Don McCullin, Antonín Kratochvíl, I believe Salgado heavily used the 28. There’s a ton. I think people don’t understand the distortion that occurs front to back when they hate on the 28. In order to fill the frame with a 24, the subject needs to be pretty close. Being pretty close on a 24 has too much perspective distortion. 28 flirts with the edge of realistic perspective when used properly but I think it requires a lot of discipline to do so. That being said, the 35 was used quite effectively for layering by guys like Alex Webb. I’m a 28/50 guy most times though. I’m an oil painter, so 50 tends to be the most used because it’s perspective distortion is most natural.
Ok I’m not a pro but I do have and like shooting my 28 & 50 on my ff cameras. I’ll try to stick with them for a while and see how it goes.
Great video. For me its the same philosophy but with the 35/85 combo.
Thank you for this honest & true video that I will refer back to every time I feel the G.A.S creeping in
Thanks for sharing your experience with great comments....I wish I had not started with just two or three lenses ....I am only a hobbyist but got caught up in the gear hungry situation & now I have lenses I don't use ....I only buy s/h gear so not a lot of money lost.... great video.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
True. I am exactly on the same page. Well spoken.
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.
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.
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 disagreed with pretty how he said everything, but I guess I do kinda feel the same about 40mm and 135mm. But each focal length has its own strengths and I think though you certainly can get away with only two lenses, I do think it can actually limit your creativity, not help at all certain stage.
Do you mean the Sigma 120-300? The Fuji 18mm F2 is become my favorite lens from Fuji.
What are the equivalent Fujicron/Fujinon lenses with X-Pro3 since these are for Leica full frame?
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.
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!