THIS should be your FIRST prime lens for your Fuji camera!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- Newbies in the house!! What's the first prime lens to get if you're testing the waters? Well, what about a cheap manual focus lens? It's actually tons of fun.
Here are the links:
Actual scientific review of this lens:
• Zonlai 22mm f/1.8 lens...
Follow this guy for more:
• Cheap Lens Review - Zo...
Where to buy:
amzn.to/2CS2GMe
Follow/Contact me
Instagram: ogonzilla
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
My podcast with my best bud Moe:
The Moe and O Show:
/ @themoeandophotoshowpo...
Where I LEARN Photography:
cr8.lv/2Lfwl3a
My Favorite Fujifilm Gear
*The Best Tiny Fujifilm Camera:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FAS4Dr Amazon: amzn.to/2I4RFde
*The Best Fujifilm Camera:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BIzc03 Amazon: amzn.to/2rWPez2
*Favorite Fuji Portrait Lens:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FvUAL1 Amazon: amzn.to/2rvwSVh
*Favorite all around Prime Fuji Lens:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FzFXGD Amazon: amzn.to/2IJ4YfC
*Favorite tiny Street Photography lens:
B&H: bhpho.to/2T8VPSG Amazon: amzn.to/2GINz5c
*My two favorite wide angle lenses of choice:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FykRZt Amazon: amzn.to/2J1ZGzq
*My main fuji camera bag:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BHJCND Amazon: amzn.to/2KPpGv4
*A bag similar to my ancient camcorder bag. Works great for one lens: amzn.to/2GKcl4O
*My camera strap system:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BHJC... amzn.to/2s3dpwc
*Hand strap from optech:
B&H:bhpho.to/2BHJCND Amazon: amzn.to/2IEPIoe
*Similar grip to mine: amzn.to/2BGh7jq
*Tiny flash that works great on mirrorless cameras:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BHZL...
Gear I use to Make TH-cam Videos
*Lav mic I use in many videos:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FOOWnB
*Small recorder I record sound on:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BHJCND Amazon: amzn.to/2rx9szq
*Large XLR recorder:
B&H: bhpho.to/2BHJCND Amazon: amzn.to/2Va7Ad4
*Microphone for VoiceOvers
B&H: bhpho.to/2BF3Ffp Amazon: amzn.to/2SkRLOX
*Tripod Head for Photo & Video:
B&H:bhpho.to/2BFaQnX Amazon: amzn.to/2SndUMP
*My Vlog and Walkaround Camera:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FAS4... amzn.to/2I4RFde
*Cheap Shotgun Mic:
Amazon: amzn.to/2s5wCgH
My Event Photography Gear
*Camera I shoot with:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FvRg2J Amazon: amzn.to/2GIIFu5
*Favorite Portrait Lens 1: bhpho.to/2FzUMcm
Favorite Portrait Lens 2: bhpho.to/2FtAQYy
Favorite Everything Else Lens: bhpho.to/2FvyrNe
Wide Angle Reception Lens: bhpho.to/2FzUn9Q
Bag I use at events: amzn.to/2GJoiYz
Bag I use for lighting gear: amzn.to/2KMfJyq
Airport travel bag: amzn.to/2IIBKxF
My Lighting Gear
Flashpoint Xplor 600: goo.gl/E4xuPi
Flashpoint evolv200: goo.gl/d5gViW
My main on camera flash: amzn.to/2GIP6Ih
My dumb flashes for manual work: amzn.to/2GJozL5
Trigger for dumb flashes: amzn.to/2IZ6jCr
Easy to Setup Modifier: amzn.to/2LnYSDr
Big Mama Umbrella:
B&H: bhpho.to/2FyA5...
"We shot a brick wall at f/1.8, then at f/5.6, and found out f/5.6 was sharper" haha I love the satire here
If I watch a video and someone does a brick wall test - I switch off …unfollow that person ….it’s lazy to judge a lens on brick walls instead of taking real photos
I'm a contrarian. I discovered the greatness of 45mm focal length when I bought a used Contex G1. That had the 45mm for it's standard lens. I though I would later get their 35mm lens mainly because I used a 28mm for decades with the 35mm for my normal lens. But I loved that 45mm f2 that come with the Contex G1. So when I bought a used X-Pro1 I went looking for new primes for the fuji camera I found the 27mm f2.8. It's a 41 mm equivalent in full frame. It helped that it was on sale for $300. So I got the 27mm f2.8 pancake lens for my first prime lens for fujifilm x cameras. I now have the 16mm f2.8, 23mm f2, and the 50mm f2 and I still use the 27mm more all the others combined. It's on the camera right now as I get ready to go downtown this afternoon.
I don’t even own a camera but I love your videos, you don’t fail to make me laugh
thanks!! :)
SB, did you realise that Omar has another channel along with his twin, Moe-mar... th-cam.com/channels/T9G5Uj0w4_D5NgB1uRnTfg.html
Oh man, pick up an adapter and a 24,28,35mm vintage Nikon or Olympus lens. I picked up a Nikon E 35mm f2.5 for £30 for all in under £50 and love it. Turn on focus peaking, turn off lcd for EVF only, and turn off image review (thanks for that one Omar) for a super fun street shooting experience. Use it in f4-5.6 for easy/quick to get in focus and super sharp images.
I totally agree, I bought a Soligor 28mm f/2.5 for 50€ (and a Helios 58mm f/2) one month ago, super happy about it. It’s really fun to shoot manually.
I really think that it’s a better choice than a Chinese lens, I’m really impressed with the quality of both lenses. And the bokeh on the Helios is just amazing.
i almost bought on the link provided, but i have all the nikon primes ,...i will try this suggestion of yours ...thanks very much
In my case, an adapter for Canon FD lenses since I already have a Canon AE1-P (with, 28F2.8, 35F2.8 and 50F1.4).
Still, I would and will buy one of these cheap Chinese lenses for one reason. Overall lens size. Although the old one are quite small. Once I add that "spacer/adaptor" they get too long in order to just fit the camera in my pocket while doing some casual/street photography. :) Only that reason.
What adapter did you get? I have vintage zeiss lens (contax/Yashica mount) is it possible to use them on an xt3?
Still using my first Fuji lens purchased a year ago...23mm 1.4 absolutely love it!
Just picked up an excellent condition used one. WOW. Thank you!
"They probably put rocks in it." You're hilarious dude 😅
+1 for the adapted lenses. And you can pick up really good ones for crazy cheap, especially when compared to a brand new Fuji-x prime.
23mm f1.4 yo
Just bought my first Mirrorless Camera. The XT-3! I bought my Furst lens, 35mm F2 R WR! I came across this video and glad I made this pick. I’m coming from 2 Nikons, which I still love, Nikon D610 and Nikon D810. Can’t wait to start shooting
First*
I have purchased Fujinon 23mm f2 and Sigma 30mm f1.4. My plan was to test them during week, make decision and return one of them back to shop. I cannot be more suprised - I didn't need week, not day, not one hour. After few shoots I can tell you that Sigma for Fujifilm is much more SHARPER, of course it has BETTER BOKEH (I cant compare with fujinon 23 f1.4, but this one has old SLOOOWER AF speed). As bonus - Sigma is cheaper.
The 35mm F2 is the best to start with. The best overall is the 16mm 1.4! The 23mm hasn't been used since I bought the latter!
Mac Mac Great advice. 😁😁🙏🏽
35 F2 is my first and I feel like it will stay there for a while xD
Mate, in love with my 35 f2. Thanks. Not missing my 50 f1.4 on the D700 at all.
Fujifilm 35 F1.4 for me the best 🤔👍😁📸📷
Fuji 35 F2 is certainly a really nice lens. But I still prefer the character of the 35 F1.4. Both awesome anyway 🌸
Nice work again Omar. Really enjoyed!
I started by exploring tons of manual vintage glass. There's a huge amount of awesome glass which has been made by Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Yashica, etc. A cheap adapter and thrift store or pawn shop hunting has netted me some awesome deals. Manual focus rocks with focus peaking too!
Unfortunately the 23mm f2 is notoriously soft at the minimum focus distance wide open. Lots of people choose the 23mm f1.4 over it for that reason alone. And I don't mean slightly fuzzy at minimum focusing distance, I mean like Vaseline smeared on your lens soft.
Zach Hanford I have that lens and my copy is fine. I can post pics to prove it.
Jungli 999 Yes. I’ve heard good things from others. I think something happened to half of the lenses. The smeary closeups is a known issue. You hold on to that copy dude!!!
its only soft if you focus on something really close at F2 atleast mine. But yeah its not the sharpest lens wide open not gonna lie :D
That's why I got this 22mm Zonlai lens. I didn't have high expectations though but, to my surprise, it performed very very well.
Same with mine. It's useless for close focus but awesome for everything else. I like it but unfortunately, I tend to focus on things closely so it's time for it to go.
I bought the 50-140 right off the bat (as first lens, not in regards to primes), but I knew where I was going with it. Basically, with the kit lens and the 50-140, you cover all the most useful focal lengths. That being said, my absolute favourite lens is the 16mm f1.4. I swear, nothing comes near it, it is truly spectacular! Another very very nice lens is the 56mm f1.2, also known as the king of bokeh. I do have to say, it's a bit slow on the auto-focus, but super clean and crisp when you nail it.
I just bought the Fuji f1.4 35mm as my first prime and really like it
My first Prime is Nikon 50mm 1.8D. Then after 3 years if using it, I switched to Fujifilm (with the 18-55). Then I got the 35mm 1.4. Love the 35 1.4 so much that I don't even care about the slower focus than f2. It's only 23% slower (saw a youtube video yesterday about the comparison). Recently I sold my kit lens to a friend and now I'm buying an 18mm f2.
I've got Meike 28mm 2.8 and Kamlan 50mm 1.1 attached (not simultaneously) to my X-T20. They are lovely and focus peaking makes manual focusing a pleasant experience. :)
I got the 27mm f2.8 pancake from Fuji for $200 from Massdrop a few month back. I think its a great "first prime"!
That it a good deal. Love that lens. AND bonus...it autofocuses.
I just got my XT20 and it comes with the 18-55 but I'm already thinking of getting the 27mm pancake lens just for the portability because I like to do street photography. Is the lens any good for from the hip shooting?
It was my first as well, still one of my favorites and most used.
27mm f2.8 is my go to for street and walk around photography. I also take it on short trips.
The 7artisans 35 1.2 is pretty cheap and makes great images for the price!
However, I would prefer to get Fuji's 23 1.4. It's crazy sharp, versatile, good in low light, and has a nice rendering quality to it.
I've read a lot about prime lenses and didn't really understand them. This video really made it click for me! I just picked up a cheap xc 50-230mm, so I'm going to try and get used to that first. A prime lens is definitely next on my list though. Thanks for the video!
Sir, new subscriber to your channel and I've watched most of your videos...excellent production, and gives me a well-needed laugh!
I've been a longtime Canon user (currently 70D). I've invested in 7 lenses, but due to a nagging focus issue, I'm considering cutting my losses and jumping ship. I absolutely love my 70D, especially the ease-of-use and ergonomics (we're avid hikers, and it "carries" easily on three fingers), but it misses focus 70% of the time, which is unacceptable for family memories (first day of school, funerals, etc). I thought it was my expert abilities lol for years, but after being unable to successfully micro-adjust the focus on multiple lenses, I sent to Canon and sure enough it was a bad focusing board, which they replaced for a kindly sum of $285. Once returned, I continued to have continual missed focus, though it was beyond the timeline for them to re-address without fee.
After my last vacation, with so many could-have-been-great-shots-had-they-been-in-focus, I returned to a local camera shop. They claimed it was likely my "cheap glass" so I challenged them to put their most expensive lens on my camera and produce a sharp image...which they couldn't. They subsequently tested a new 80D body with all my lenses, and all produced tack-sharp images.
I was originally wanting to purchase a second camera for carrying with me to work (airline pilot) for grabbing en route scenery photos. iPhone seems great...until the photos are enlarged on computer, then you realize they're disappointing, and absolutely worthless for evening/sunset scenery! I fell in love with the X100F, and was ready to shell out the dough, even with the one "handicap" (fixed focal length, though it was still slightly tighter than my iPhone 8, which I never pinch-zoom, so I figured it would be slightly preferable)...until the local camera shop confirmed my 70D is indeed experiencing focusing issues. Now that meant was stuck purchasing TWO cameras, which made me question: did I want to replace my Canon 70D body (for which I otherwise love) with the recently-leaked 90D to preserve my glass investment, then still purchase a second pocketable work camera? Or should I forego the two cameras and instead try something new (albeit smaller/lighter which could do double duty)?
This led me to the X-T30. It sounds fabulous per your reviews, and I really, really want to like this camera. I figure the size, mated with the 27mm pancake lens, would be very similar form factor to my beloved X100F, albeit giving me flexibility of ILC in the future. That said, after handling both the X-T30 and X-T3, the X-T3 just felt much better in my long ET fingers. The size/weight of the X-T30 was divine compared to my 70D with default 15-135mm lens, but it just seemed too cramped for my hands, and like it wouldn't be comfortable holding throughout a 6 mile hike through the Rockies (maybe I just need to hold the lens barrel rather than letting it dangle from my fingertips like I'm used to with the 70D).
I'm absolutely fine paying the extra cost for the X-T3 over the X-T30, though the only advantages I remotely care about are the larger size/better ergonomics and the extra dials on the top...I could care less about extra memory cards, video, etc. But ooh, the size/weight of the X-T30 mated with the 27mm pancake SEEMS absolutely perfect! Would you have any recommendations on X-T3 vs X-T30?
Also, assuming I get the 18-55mm kit lens (which appears to be great), I'm requesting a little guidance for next lens(es). I think the 23mm f/2 would be a great prime for me, though I'm trying to remember my original desire for a cockpit/travel camera, so maybe the compactness of the 27mm pancake would be preferable? I've gotta fight the urge to try to replace all my old Canon lenses from day one, so I can savor the experience of building my new Fuji kit slowly (and salvage my bank account)!
I had thought the 35mm f/2 would have been a natural addition to the 18-55mm and 23mm, but now I'm not sure if that would risk redundancy should I already get the 27mm pancake. I figure I should try two primes in addition to the kit lens, then just give myself a few months/years to learn those prior to getting anything else.
That said, assuming I got the X-T30 or X-T3 (opinion, please) with the 18-55mm kit and the 27mm pancake (I'd prefer wider FOV, but this seems to fit my original purpose of ultra-compactness for work), what would you recommend as the final lens in my original trio? I'm thinking either 35mm f/2 (though maybe too similar??), 50mm f/2, 56mm f/1.2 or 90mm f/2. While I love photographing anything that moves (and most things that don't move haha), most of my photos are of landscapes, children and general vacation stuff. I've accidentally taken 5-6 incredible portraits over the years too. Thanks for the recs, and thanks for the very enjoyable videos!
I had the same question before. So I surveyed the images that I took with the kit lens and took note of the focal length that I usually use. Then I would force myself to shoot with just one focal length to see if I would be comfortable with the focal length. I ended up buying a 35mm. And just recently, a 50mm, then a 12mm. All manual primes. I love them because they're cheap but does the job
I bought both the 23mm f2.0 and the 35mm f2.0 because I couldn't decide. I sold the 35mm because I didn't use it. I felt the field of view was just too narrow. They are both the same physical size and in most other ways. So there is nothing else to push you one way or the other. It has more keystone distortion than the 35mm. But this can be fixed in Lightroom or Capture One. Because the 23mm is so clear and sharp, you can crop when you edit. You can't expand the field of view of the 35mm.
And if you're really on a budget, get a Canon FD 50mm 1.8 and X mount adapter. You won't spend more than 80 bucks on ebay, fun to use, and image quality is outstanding. AND if you want to get into film photography later on? guess what.. you have a nice FD lens for that Canon AE-1 :)
I second this, my dad's old 50mm 1.8 was the first lens I used on a mirrorless camera and I still use it today.
Wow! Digging the street shot of the guy in yellow! Awesome as usual. I bought the Rokinon 12mm based on your review and am loving it. Might have to get this one too!
Rokinon is fun for sure. Thanks!
JFYI Omar, my 23mm f/1.4 lens is brutally sharp with nice micro contrast wide open and comes in very close to your subject. You may want to rent one and try it out. The 16mm Fujifilm is brilliant as well and is also super sharp with a lot of pleasing contrast at f/1.4. Finally, my favourite all round, (can use for many applications lens) is the Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 lens. The Bokeh is soooooooo smooth. Presently for my Fujifilm system I have the Fujifilm; 16, 23, 35 all f/1.4's the 56 f/1.2, 90 f/2.0, 2 x 18-55 f/2.8-4.0 in case my wife is using one for our video and I want to use it at the same time thus the two copies and a 50-140 f/2.8 lens. I guess you may know, like you, I have two different systems. My other system, Nikon FF's. 🤓
I have been within the Nikon ecosystem for years... many years. When I wanted to try a mirrorless camera, I didn't see much point to sticking with Nikon as lens compatibility doesn't exist. So I looked around and around and around. Got an XT-A7 for a great price (used) and it came with the XC kit lens. I've been trying to get more lenses, and the prices are good, but not great, so, like you, I've been looking at the manual Chinesium alternatives. Then I realized I've already got some great glass in my old 35mm cameras. So I ordered an M42 adapter to use my Pentax lenses and a Nikon-F adapter. Now I have lots of prime (and zoom) lenses to play with. However, the focal lengths are pretty long for the APS-C sensor in the Fuji.
So, to make a long comment short, I like what you're saying. I need to pick up a shorter prime lens to play with.
Of course it depends on what you shoot more... I'm a 75% Portrait Pro-Photographer. And for me it's the 56 mm 1.2. Bang! I do LOVE my 35mm 2. I'm startting to hate my 18-55. And you are the only one I have heard of that agrees with me on that lens. It's freaking soft on the edges. So much talk about how great the lens is "For a Kit" no... it sucks! Anyway... when I do a model shoot I use my 56 mm 100% of the time. Yes... all the time. I love your eye... Thx! Good review...
Your videos are not just informative but super entertaining, thanks!
I just bought myself an used X-E2 and this lens, also used. I can't wait to shoot with this Kit. It's gonna be amazing! Thx for your Video!
I really love the film simulation modes on my xt2, I use it all the time for black and white photography, acros G is what I use all the time 😊
My Fujifilm X-T1 came with a 50mm prime and it really makes me work for a good composition
The best first prime lens should ALWAYS be your favorite focal length. It doesn't matter how much better the glass quality of another lens of another focal length is if you have no experience or dislike that focal length. Or if the focal length is not very usable for your type of photography e.g. portrait photographer but purchases 16mm lens as their first lens of the camera system.
Pork Chop Great point. I agree. I think a 35mm or 50mm is a great all around focal length with not much distortion. 😁
I only subscribed to this channel for the comic relief... seriously! LOL Keep up the good work brother!
Actually, the first Target store opened in 1962.
I know I'm maybe biased, but I'd get old manual lens with adapter, speedbooster or not, any day of the week. Even ultra cheap old russian M42 lens would do. And I could still get entire combo cheaper. Not that I'm bashing that lens, but it is what it is. At least from my perspective...
Other than that great photos Omar 😊
Kamlan and rokinon seem good. First lens is a 28mm f1. 4 kamlan but that's because it was one of cheapest fast lenses.
I just got a 25mm F1.8 from Meike for the same reason stated at the start of the video, it is so fun to shoot with and I look more forward to shoot with a prime like it than my kit lens
I'm gonna say again. Once you buy the 16mm 1.4, you won't think about another lens for a very long time..
Agreed bought my 16mm a couple of weeks ago and my other lenses are extremely jeaulous of all the attention it is getting.
rancorous I am a beginner. Why do you prefer the 16mm so much? Thanx!
Sebastian It is great for landscapes, architecture, nature(close-ups, macro). It has high built quality and beautiful creamy bokeh. It’s fast, sharp and weather sealed..etc..
Na too wide a focal length for me, loving 23 f2 atm
Yes. I have to buy a second body because of this. I have the Pro2 and am thinking of XT3. Was going to sell the Pro2 originally but I'm not prepared to sell it under 1000Euro, so I'm keeping it.
I bought a Pergear 50mm 1.8 for 80-ish bucks. I'm having a blast with it!
I think you'd love the 23mm f1.4
It made me think about my Canon EF-M 22mm F2.
Cheap, Sharp, crazy small (that thing really is tiny... although but it doesn't have aperture control and the focus ring is pretty much useless...).
Pity all other things missing in Canon M system... and the new 33mm F1.4 is basically same price as Fuji so... Fuji it is for an APS-C system, hands down.
I bought the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 it's the best value and an amazing lens.
My 18mm f2 is great for street photography and bought it very cheap brand new. My 50mm f2 gets some use.
the 23mm f2 is definitely my fav just because it's a better all arounder.
best beatbox intro, made me dance!
XF27mm! I started out with a manual focus lens, and I loved it (but broke it...:(); you've reminded me to unearth those rangefinder lenses. . . !
Once I got the X-Pro1 I got by with the XF35mm F/1.4 and the XF27mm F/2.8 for several years. The XF27 is a fave that I recommend everyone to get during cashback season, as well as the bang-for-your-buck ranger, XC50-230mm (I got the two of them for [!]$300 total[!] by waiting for discounts+cashbacks...! Of course, I've only ever used the XC once as I rarely stray from primes, but it's nice to know I've got the range - and it's light enough to keep at hand). Those two with a bright prime could be all you'd ever need (XF35mm F/1.4 being the cheapest).
X-T20 + XF35mm F/1.4 + XF27mm F/2.8 (pancake) + XC50-230mm F/slow = fully-fledged Fuji, and cheap if you're patient. From there you can discover your preferences, and add something exotic or specific in due time.
You disrespect the 27mm f2.8 pancake lens. That is my go to normal lens. It is sharp and quick focus. And because of it's lightness it makes a great all day lens. It was the first lens I bought and it's still my favorite lens. I have the 16mm f2.8, 23mm f2, 27mm f2.8, and last, but far from least, the 50mm f2.0 lens.
How can i not like this video after 2 seconds 😆
Manual primes seem great for fuji, only thing im really missing from fuji are those really bokehlicious compression lenses for a reasonable price, so i think im gonna go with the rokinon 85mm 1.8 👍
Why not the Fuji 90mm f/2? That's one of their best lenses.
@@brois841 still pretty dang expensive
You won't regret it, that's a great choice. If you want cheap primes for good bokeh try the zuiko 50mm 1.8 or Helios 44-2.
56 1.2 is the answer. It's more expensive but you can save money instead of buying something else now and selling it later.
Good to know there’s other options. I’ve been wanting that focal length in a prime, but knowing the 23mm f2 is not on par with the 35 f2 had me less than excited. An affordable option with unique rendering and up close sharpness sounds just right. Thanks
I had the same feeling. Got the 50mm f2 (amazing sharp) and the 35mm f2 from Fuji. I wanted a 23mm too, but the f2 from fuji was too soft and the f1.4 was too much money (saved for the Fuji 90mm) so bought this 22mm from Zonlai. Very happy with it.
You should have just stuck with the used Fuji recommendation. I bought a couple of cheap manual lenses and concluded they weren’t worth the compromise of not having consistent focus, color rendition and sharpness. They suck in comparison to my 15-45 zoom kit lens in all those areas. Definitely just get a used Fuji 23mm or 27mm if you’re on a budget and want a versatile prime that isn’t too narrow.
Mate! Street photography in manual focus is hard as F...k well done
im new to fuji actually to photography..and i bought a prime without knowing it was a prime. i just bought a random lens for my body.. and its a manual focus.. LOL
newbie with a manual focus lens..
its a 35mm Brightin Star .. f1.2 .. it was about $70
i actually bought the fuji 35mm just after i realized theres an easier way to shoot.."Autofocus!" hahah
but i actually like the manual focus on the Brightin Star lens better than the one on the fujinon lens
Hi there, thanks for the head's up, I'm looking to buy a Fuji x s-10 and thinking of which lens/lenses to get (preferably budget ones!). Still unsure on the three kit lenses to choose from too. Just checked out this Brightin star and it looks interesting, especially for the price! Cheers 🙂
@@TrephineArtist i like shooting with the brightin star especially doing video with it. and i love the focus ring and the aperture ring on it.. its really cheap and the wuality is very good as well.. its worth the money u spend on it.
The audio in your videos is amazing 😊👌
Hey Omar, shout-out from Germany.
UPDATE: 30mm 2.8 macro should be the first prime for Fuji now. I predict it will be as popular as a 'nifty-fifty'.
Your thoughts today?
I actually worked backwards and picked up a 35mm f1.7 manual focus lens as my first lens to save some money. I just picked up a used kit lens for under 200 so now I have a few lenses to play between but I really want to set up a rig to use the manual lenses for handheld video with some stability.
The 18-55 actually has a pretty nice bokeh for a relatively dim zoom lens. At the when focusing close enough. Of course the dof is not super shallow
After watching this video my advice to you is to break the bank and go and buy a Fujinon 16 mm F1.4 , it is by far Fujifilm best prime lens. You can shoot super close up and the background is completely blown out it is also like having a macro lens. It is truly and awesome lanes.
If you are going to spend money on a manual focus lens only, you would be better off buy a much solid built vintage lens with an adapter. Cheaper, solid, the aperture is the correct way and the focus ring is short. yes it will stick out a little more but but in the end it a great set up for manual only.
I think you missed the entire point of this video
Really enjoying your channel. Lots of great information and very entertaining all at once. I'm learning a lot, thank you.
Omar, the master of entertaining videos! You could probably make a great fun video about watching paint drying up and it would be fun to watch!
I started out cheap too. I ended up finding at 50mm f/2 Meike lens for less than $100! It was great to start out with and then moved on the the Fuji 35mm f/2 and can not switch away from it no more.
Marves Rivas Awesome. I also think we forget that not everyone can afford $400 for a lens. If a sub $100 lens can make beautiful images...,why not?
I love my 23mm f2! I don't really do that macro stuff so i'm not bothered with the softness
awesome...
I purchased the 7 Artisans 35 f1.4 and 55 f1.4 with my new XT3 a couple of weeks ago. I was actually surprised by how easy manual focus was with the focus assist of the XT3 but I couldn't get used to two things. First, the aperture ring furthest out on the lens (was always trying to focus with the aperture ring) and second, the weight of each of these lenses. Are all Chinese lenses this heavy? Could possibly get used to the weight factor but the location reversal of the focus/aperture ring was a deal breaker for me. I returned both lenses and bought a Roki 12 f2. Aperture rings should ALWAYS be closest to the camera body. It's only natural man!
The rings on some very very old lenses are at the front and some even had a second pre-set ring.
Now, which set up is natural if they were the original designs?!
I only shoot with manual focus primes with my Fuji 😲
This is one of your most interesting lens reviews. This is where we hear about personality of a lens like that white balance thing what the heck? Good job nice work.
Just got this cheap but indeed quite heavy for it's size little lens, but it's so much fun to use! Have to agree about the "vintage look" it gives to the straight out of camera pics, i really like it 😊
You can try the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm 1.4. Please give it a try. You won't regret it.
I do have the Minolta MD 50mm 1.4 and it's great BUT it's equivalent to 76mm. I wanted a smaller focal length. I hear the 23mm f2 from fujifilm was soft at close distance so I wanted to try something else and got this 22mm from Zonlai. Couldn't be more happy with it.
I can't understand people who say "this (one) lens is the best." I mean, OK, if you can only afford one lens, sure, let's have a conversation and probably we're going to choose something around the "normal" human field of view -- 35mm in the case of the APS-C. But ... and I know this is a conversation about primes, there might be an argument for a zoom if you need to produce images with more than one fixed view.
On the other hand, if you can afford more than one lens, then we might get into a discussion of how best to fill your bag with appropriate gear. But first, we need to know what you are most likely to photograph -- portraits? landscape? macro?
What I'm getting at is that there is no such thing as "the best lens." There are only "the best lens for your particular needs, according to budget."
There seems to be a common obsession with primes -- I love my Fujinon 23 1.4 -- but if I'm on the run, shooting street or landscape, I'm going to fit the 10-24, which is a superb lens. I wish I owned the 56mm 1.2 for portraits -- I've tried it out (then again it focusses slowly compared to the 90mm, which is arguably better if you're doing headshots), but I own the 50-140mm with which I have made some very nice portraits. The advantage is that i can produce a headshot and, a moment later, a 3/4 shot.
If money is no object, get 'em all! :)
One last observation: Bokeh is overrated.
x-h1 + 35 1.4 = DREAM PAIRING
I bought the 7artisans 25mm f1.8 as my first prime and it was a wonderful but sometimes stressful experience. The lense is unbelievably sharp for AUD$95
It was stressful when trying to grab motion. How did the forefathers cope??
I like that image with the boat in the foreground and NYC in the background.
patio87 thank you! Total luck.
Based on my experience with my 35mm film Nikon, I knew that 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 24mm f/2 were my favorite lenses for general subjects.
When I bought my Fuji X-Pro1 body, I tried using adapted 24mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, and 18mm f/3.5 Nikon lenses. However, I found manual focusing too difficult.
I gradually replaced my three adapted lenses with 23mm f/1.4, 56mm f/1.2, and 16mm f/1.4 auto focus Fuji lenses. I have never been happier.
"Nah, cheap lens" , I thought, but watched till the end. Your videos are entertaining and really make us follow your line of thought, laughing in between! Thanks man!
I would recommend the XF27mm, a small all around lens.
Yes! The tomato is back! The one fruit against which all lenses shall be measured!
It's crazy. Can you do more videos on these third party prime lens please?
yep , the 35mm was my first prime, just amazing!
Fuji 35 f2 is my go-to. Sold the 23 f2 because it was soft open up close. 35 killed it with shots of the kids. Picked up a used Minolta MD 50 1.7. it rocks dead center but damn.. it’s bad outside of that. Did make me want the 50 f2.
Hi Omar,
Did you ever make a video on how to take action shots/moving objects, sports?
How about Mitakon 35mm F0.95 Omar? I have my eyes on that lens for a while but still waiting for your review..Please
That lens Zonli aperture ring is not backwards. It’s up front and turns the same direction as Leitz lenses, that is, everyone else is backwards.
5:23 blaring the background " is something that the kit lens can't do". I think you can blur the background pretty much the same than the picture you are showing with the kit lens 18-55.
The one prime I'm going to try on my X-T2 is an old Canon 50mm 1.8 with adaptor. This video has me setting that up.
Yay brother.
The 35mm f2.0 is my best pick!!!:) I also have the 16mm f1.4 and that would be my wide prime considering it focuses down to just inches away
Loved the video!!! Thank you for the content!
So this might be a weird question for some
But i baught this camera for fishing to take pictures of my catches
It’ll mostly be on a beach with a lot of light exposure
The picture would be taken standing like 10-12 feet away from me
What lense would be good for that ?
If it came with the 18-55mm you're set! I love the 35mm f2 for what you're talking about
Shoutout to the Seiko SKX. Great watch.
Primes teach you you to walk forward and back and they are brilliant 😮….
You make a good point here, Omar. Thanks! Primes are fun. How about providing us your take on adapted lenses on Fuji?
Been watching your videos for a while now and they are very informative ,But I have a question for you, My photography knowledge is ZERO but I like what you have to say about the Fuji system,
But my question is this, Do you think it’s to complicated for a total beginner and please don’t say you can put the camera into auto mode with due respect that not an answer So what’s your answer
My friend.
So I bit the bullet and bought one ... yes a great lens for the price ... Negatives - found it wasn’t great for street portraits (any thoughts Omar?) ... just couldn’t get the manual focusing, exposure and DoF balance right, even with willing people and don’t get me on that blooming clip lens cap when you’ve got the hood on!! ... Overall though, I really like it, great value for money some images were stunning ... but am going to buy the Fuji 35mm as I’ve decided I really like primes! 😊
Have you tried zoom checking for manual focus? Hit the back wheel to zoom, focus, and zoom out. But yes. AF is best. Lol
Omar Gonzalez Photography Thanks for the speedy response! I’ll give that a go ... I think I am part of the problem - I’ve only taken it out 3 times and I expect to be Cartier-Bresson!! 😂 - (Actually the only reason I was little disappointed was I finally got the courage to walk up to strangers who, with the exception of one, all said yes! So I feel it was a real opportunity missed! ) - I also stepped up highlights and tones which in hindsight I don’t think was the right thing for me as generally I’m quite good in camera (well for a newbie!) - Tnx again ... love your channel!
Sorry highlights and shadows! 🤦🏽♂️
What do you think about 18-55mm?
My zonlai focus ring have a nice feel, not loose like yours. Maybe you should aware of some oil leaks from the lens
Love to see you review the Mitakon 35mm f0.95 Mark ll to see what you thought. Looks like fun but is a Chicom manual focus lens worth $600?
Great video Omar and perfect timing. About to get the xt3 and deciding on primes so excited, I’m skipping the kit lens as I’m a prime guy and only like zooms > 50mm. Thinking of going in this order 35f1.4, 16mm, 56f1.2. I find the f2 lenses seem silly because you could get the 16-55 f2.8 for similar price of 2 of those and iq looks better to me on that one. Whatever it’s all agonizing deciding ahhh look forward to following your Fuji path.
Thanks Chase. To me, size is a big factor in lens choice. Loving a small kit for travel/everyday. Some lenses start getting into DSLR size.
I couldn’t decide so I bought both lol …23 F2 …35 1.4 ha ha
How did that wheel get so mangled, and what about the rider?
I feel like a Canon FD 50mm would be a great first lens. The 28mm f2.8 looks great too, I want
Hello. Nice video. But I have one query. Are the zone focus markings are accurate?? Can they be relied on for zone focusing for street photography? Please help.