Choosing The Right Lens - Mike Browne

A ‘better’ lens should mean better image quality, but does it? Does a better lens mean better photos? I don’t think it does so I’m testing my Fujinon 18-55 OIS lens against a Fujinon16-55 WR lens that cost over four times as much money to see what the difference is.
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Mike Browne

[@jonsummers9302]

Mike , you are the camera producers nightmare! You have the knowledge and understanding that ridicules the entire regime of " you need to buy this , upgrade now!!!! Or your photos will be shit ! " great , i applaud you .

[@juliangang8690]

What he just said!...Julian

[@TEAKUKAMBASSADOR]

I agree too! Down to earth common sense. That's our Mike!

[@RT-rt9rt]

Mike, Thanks for making us a better consumer. Appreciate your effort.

[@johncantrell614]

Mike, since you have paid for it anyway, it might be wiser to just keep the more expensive lens as a backup lens for your out of town workshops, just in case something happens to your cheaper lens again some day? Then you will never be without a lens again in case of another mishap.

[@overseer1361]

So much money and time spent on equipment and lenses that offer tiny improvements. We should all be more focused on using our own abilities to improve our photography, not let technology do it for us!

[@MikeBrowne]

YES - thanks Overseer 13 - MIKE :-)

[@ericgeorge5483]

Thank you Mike, I am so glad I take your advice!

[@joekohley4230]

Love what you do for photographers and the support your classes provide. I have always felt that the camera is only a tool...that the real image is created in your mind and your minds eye. Thanks for all you do. I watch you videos all the time. I have been an active photographer for over 40 years.I appreciate you truthfulness.

[@RickyHarline]

Love your approach to photography and your personality, Mike. Great video, thanks for the perspective.

[@danausec166]

another awesome video Mike..every time that I see a vid of this type from you, I settle down and quit looking at the newest, greatest gear out there..it is inspiring to see a pro creating top notch photos with (supposedly) low end equipment...it gives us hope...thanks again !

[@p_mouse8676]

I finally found your channel again. I lost it after years. I still love your practical approach to things. People seem to forget what it's all about. Endless discussions about gear.

[@emmgeevideo]

The 18-55 “kit” lens has been lauded by many as a superior lens. Fuji X-mount shooters are really lucky to have this option for great photo quality. I bought an X-T2 and later traded it for an X-T3. I bought the body only and purchased the 16-55. I have some other lenses but fell so much in love with the 16-55 that I rarely take it off. “Too sharp” has never crossed my mind. Having a fixed aperture with actual markings on the lens is a wonderful thing. I recently bought an X-E3 as a “walking around” camera. I bought it with the 18-55 lens. That combination is fantastic for going out and about and not carrying a lot of weight. It’s really good for “street photography” (or any photography where you don’t want to look like a professional photographer and everyone hides from you). I’ve done the side-by-side comparisons and it is amazing how close in quality the two lenses are for the “average” shot at f5.6. Your photos showed this well. But I submit this for your consideration: There is an old saying that you shouldn’t take a picture, you should make a picture. I think the 16-55 lens has a lot more options for the person who wants to “make” a picture. I’m lucky to be able to afford both. For someone on a budget, they can’t go wrong with the 18-55. For someone who shoots “auto” or close to it, the 18-55 will work very well. For the person who wants more options for creativity and does like the extra sharpness afforded by the 16-55, it is a better lens.

[@MultiMarooned]

Love your stuff Mike, mostly because your 'local' exploits are in areas I recognise. I live on the Isle of Wight. Before I retired I was a sign maker and, on this video, you are sitting outside a Lymington Harbour Coffee Shop where the blue signs behind you (and others in Quay Street) were done by me !!!!!! Thanks for the belated ad.................

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - and you're welcome Dave 🙏😊

[@TheBiggervern]

Thanks for the thoughtful comparison Mike. Makes the point very clearly that the kit is only a small part of the picture making process.

[@MichealBacon]

Mike: Thank you so much for providing a comprehensive channel that is both informative and easy to understand for beginners like myself. Out of all the photography channels on KZbin that i have viewed, yours is easily head and shoulders above the rest. Thank you again for your wonderful videos and unique teaching style. Much love from Canada.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Legend 115. I'm delighted they're helping. Please take a look on my website (link below) where all the videos on KZbin are searchable by category and skill level and all have an accompanying free article with more info too. Some say it's easier to find what you need there rather than YT. If you sign up for my newsletter, I'll let you know the instant there's a new one and send you a weekly email where we'll revisit tips and techniques to encourage you to keep practicing. - MIKE :-) www.photographycourses.biz/videos

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Wonderfully explained. Many thanks.

[@robertmyers4390]

Totally agree Mike,,,, well done sir,,, thanks again, Bob

[@andyjgill5750]

Great stuff Mike, another top video!

[@HarshvardhanSaboo]

How come your are so awesome... I just love the way your teach photography...especially composition videos. You let us know the whole situation and then help us get the right composition. Thanks a lot for your videos. Your videos are Blessing for any budding photographer. I'm from India and I'm proud to be in the same time and world where your are teaching. I dont have words to explain my gratitude.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Harsh Vardhan Saboo - that's praise indeed ... MIKE :-)

[@darlenebalkcum2839]

Ditto

[@Sketchmee5]

Great video as always,Thanks Magnificent Mike!😍😍😍😍😍

[@MrYankee853]

I always look forward to any new videos from you Mike..of course I've watched your other ones over and over..you were my first "teacher" last year when I got back into photography..every time that I get an itch to buy new equipment, I just watch your videos when you use our kit lens and think "if it's good enough for Mike, I think I'm ok with what I have"..thanks for continuing to save me $ !

[@overhang88]

What a refreshing photography channel. This is the third video Ive watched and I have loved them all. Subscribed.

[@MikeBrowne]

Awesome, thank you Abdul. I'm running a weekly photo competitiongroup during Lockdown. almost 3000 photographers of all levels having a great time and supporting each other. I think you'll love it. Link below explains everything... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/photography-locked-down

[@malcolmpierce825]

Thank you! Great advice my friend!

[@BobEdwardsLiverpool]

You are so right in what you say Mike, I shoot events for a local newspaper and at all of the events I photograph I am along side newspaper photographers with Nikon D5 cameras with very expensive lenses. I however use a Nikon D300 and a D300s usually with an 18-200mm lens. When the photographs are published in our respective publications you would be hard pressed to differentiate between the cameras that took the image.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Bob Edwards. That sounds about right... MIKE :-)

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

Well, Bob, I think sometimes it's about "Mine is bigger than yours" from one photographer to another, just like cars and boats and houses :). I'm always thinking, if they need that for their confidence, let them do :).

[@axelpatsch5939]

or nuke buttons... ;-)

[@AramKaptein]

Thank you so much for the video, I have bin missing this type of video's.

[@robari2410]

One of your best educational videos not only about photography but about being a better consumer! Save money or spend it in real knowledge not just more equipment. Epic!

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Reb C, please do share it too so we can make more - Melissa

[@evian.]

Mike, you are fantastic. A real pleasure to watch.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Evian.. MIKE

[@murraydavidson2130]

Nice video, good message. I think that the "soft focus effect" in the portrait with the 16-55 WR versus a sharper result with the 18-55 may have been caused by the 1/40 shutter speed, handheld, combined with the lack of OIS in that lens.

[@davecarrera5970]

Hi Mike just starting out in proper picture taking. Glad found your channel and thank you for sharing

[@MikeBrowne]

Good to here Dave, take a look here for more support www.photographycourses.biz/courses

[@JoeyLake]

lovely video as always! thank you

[@guypurdy654]

Top marks, Mike, because it's refreshing to see an honest review about this as there are so many that push the expensive lenses and forget that the results are often artificial. If a photo can tell a story, has a pleasing composition that leads the eye and lighting that makes it feel alive almost 3D you have a winner.

[@colin-4794]

Spot-on Mike! I like your presentation style, no gimmicks, just straight forward info and content. All the best for 2018

[@MikeBrowne]

You too Colin - MIKE :-)

[@wiffer64]

Mike, yet again a very good video which is delivered in terms I understand.

[@judereilly6673]

Great sir, I like the way you explain it. Very good tutorial.

[@davegomeau1212]

Mike thank you for all you share, good man.

[@paulhinchliffe7601]

Another great and informative video thanks mike

[@maheshmehta2017]

Happy New Year Mr MikeBrowne Nice to see you Back Sir 🌹👍

[@garypowell375]

Mike: this video is a good example of why I have so much appreciated your videos. You apply a common sense filter to photography and hardware. I have recommended your videos to many people..with the idea of trying to keep them from getting side tracked with irrelevancies and enjoy the process (not the pixel count) Since I am on a budget I was forced to shoot older lens and cameras... and have come to appreciate how well they can perform. (one of my favorite combinations is a d300 with the older 75 to 150E lens... an amazing lens for as little as 50 bucks on ebay) One of my favorite episodes is when you ripped your pants and did the post it note after the fact. You are one of us.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Gary. Yep I'm still good at ripping my pants, falling over in puddles, knocking stuff over... MIKE :-)

[@robertmyers4390]

Yep,,,,, got to agree Mike,,,,, well said mate thanks again, Bob

[@martinconrad9260]

Mike! You're back! I've missed your videos!

[@stephenmorgan6189]

When i moved to Fuji thought i needed the 16-55 but soon realised how good this kit one is, a previous video you did helped me with the decision when you had to buy the 16-55. Interesting view point about over sharpness. I also love using my old Olympus primes on the XT-2. Stephen

[@dhdoctors]

Kit is important, and finding the right kit is like finding that elusive great shot. Which is why we love photography. "Everything is effected by you" , is coming to all my shoots now great lesson!

[@jbxplores1347]

Mike, I need to make sure to watch your videos every time I'm contemplating buying new stuff. :-) Keep up the great work!

[@Stonecrusher333]

jbxplores spend the money you save on a road trip for photos.

[@jbxplores1347]

You know what: That's what I'm doing right now. I'm saving up for a trip to Africa with my daughter. For basically every expense that I might make, I compare how long I could travel for that money. A fancy lens could easily cost me weeks of traveling. Sometimes, we just need some perspective.

[@stavrosmarmaras3198]

Well said Mike, keep making great videos like this!

[@1spitfirepilot]

An intelligent and helpful assessment - thanks.

[@behramcooper3691]

I like the energy in all of your videos. So much to learn. As far as changing lenses is concerned, I bought myself a cheap ebay lens-flipper. Made my life so much easier.

[@woodencanoepictures]

Thank you for posting this. I, myself, am a fan of "kit" lenses for exactly the same reasons. I know people who are so caught up into getting the "next best thing," that they forget to ask themselves "why?" I completely agree that it's better to save that money and use it to learn something new or different about your photography.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Wooden Canoe Pictures - MIKE

[@jonsummers9302]

I was convinced my 28 70 kit lens was fine until i replaced it with a 24 70 carl zeis one. The difference is incredible. Over sharp lenses , ? Ha you my freind are having a laugh .

[@alanjones8579]

Great video Mike, and I agree with what you say wholeheartedly......

[@lytken]

Again a really brilliant video from you Mike 100 thanks for all you do for us that have so much to learn from you all the best to you Regards Thomas

[@Gorganahfikark]

Excellent video Mike, Thank you

[@MikeBrowne]

You're very welcome Andre

[@giaus_harty]

You bring such a unique perspective, worth watching just for that

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Christian, I appreciate your comment.

[@stephanierobinson3731]

Thanks for the advice

[@soydan5710]

I am not too new to photography but new to DSLRs. After watching tons of videos about lenses on KZbin I recently got a used Canon EF-S 18mm-135mm to go with my brand new Canon Rebel SL2. It is flexible enough zoom range and give me the shots I need. Also great for video work. Long story short I don't see a huge need for expensive lenses and I absolutely agree with your comments about newer vs. older lenses. You make most useful videos about teaching photography. Thank you!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Soydan, indeed you are correct. - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@850Tech]

Image Stabilization on a lens is really useful . Specially as I do hand held videos too

[@rayfoster9827]

great video as always mike. as an amature photographer i would be the first to admit that i have in the past been a little hung up about sharp images and equipment but just recently i have been using my 18.55 kit lens and found very little difference in image quality between 18.55mm kit lens and an expensive 17 40mm canon L lens. so your video mike will help me to get into the mind set of more images less aquipment better composition. thanks mike regards ray

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Ray. "more images less equipment better composition" is a great mantra - MIKE :-)

[@colettithekid]

Great video mate. I thought I’d watched all the videos on the 18-55... yours was one of the best!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Nicholas. Please share it around with other photographers as it'll help me make more videos like it... MIKE

[@kimberlysymonds7517]

I just recently discovered your KZbin channel... I have been enjoying watching your videos. You are extremely knowledgable

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you kimberly! please do share our videos too so we can make more - Melissa pp Mike

[@thevalleywalker]

great thoughts and video Mike.

[@SilentCougar]

Mike, I agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts. I love using older glass, Helios, Jupiter, Fujinon, Chinon, Carl Zeiss etc,, The prime lenses of older M42/PK/Nik F variants can produce fantastic images, with great clarity and sharpness. The best part here is the cost, you can buy 4 or 5 decent vintage lenses, plus the required adaptor, for the cost of 1 new kit lens price.

[@davidpowell5437]

Well, Thanks! You are by no means the first person to suggest that kit lenses can be "just as good", but your video is the first truly convincing demonstration of the claim that I have come across. Sure, it would be great to have first rate low light capability, but I wouldn't use it that often, I'd struggle to fund it and I'd hate to carry it all everywhere. Horses for courses they used to say. I would like to ask about your choice of tripod. I have actually had one of these for many years but ended up never taking it anywhere because it was too heavy/bulky. Oh, Happy New Year!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks David and Happy New Year to you too. Yep that old Benbo has been working hard for me for over 20 years and still going strong... MIKE :-)

[@justinclark1765]

Love it! Think you are spot-on with this.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Justin ... MB🙏😊

[@sharing-caring45]

God Bless you Mike, you are an excellent teacher.......full of life.....

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks again Dr. ShahZadah... MIKE

[@evelasq1]

I like your videos Mike. They are closely the same way I would shoot with my film and digital cameras. Cheers, Flood!

[@_The_Able_Gardener]

Another super video. Many thanks for sharing. I currently shoot with a Nikon D750 & my camera kit is nearly complete. The one last lens I would like is a 70-200mm. The thing is I am about to become a Dad for the first time and so as you can imagine money has become a little tighter. I have spent hours wandering which 70-200mm lens to buy but with this video you have put a few of my hangups to bed and I now feel much more comfortable and confident about the lens I will choose. So thank you for that. - Adam

[@MikeBrowne]

Congratulations Adam and you're welcome. Happy to help... MIKE :-)

[@tilerman]

A while ago i picked up an old 70-210mm F4 on the back of this video from Angry Photographer kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIPEhWenm7ZgjK8 I got mine from ebay for £120 and it was in pristine imaculate condition. No its not a 2.8 but thats no big deal for me. The pictures i get are amazing, really very nice indeed. I have young children also so £1500 plus lenses are out for me!

[@mandurahchess]

Adam Blackman Photography. Consider a 70-300. They have a varying maximum aperture, but a bit more reach. Doesn't have to be Nikon. I would insist on stabilisation though. Also, consider used. Someone will get Mike's at a huge discount from what he paid.

[@raminhashemi1946]

Unnaturally too sharp! WOW! A whole new concept that I had never thought of!

[@qadrir]

I have been reminding myself not to become a sheep gazing on this super duper sharpness wave. Totally agree I tend to work on my composition and not always want that crazy unreal sharpness, particularly when I m shooting videos. Thanks for keeping us all sane.

[@mikecrawshaw9727]

Great informative video Mike. Good to see that it's not all about the equipment.. it's about the person behind it!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Mike Crawshaw. Cameras don't take pictures - the person behind it does... MIKE

[@drewsbenmad]

Mike you are my Hero. I never really thought about an image being too sharp but you are totally right, The sharp flat screens you speak of also hurt my eyes and now I know why, it's not natural. I will be taking a closer look at my kit using your less is more insight. Thank you Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Drew :) -Melissa pp Mike

[@MistrBlistr]

Missed you, man. Glad to see you again.

[@apierc1]

Thanks for another great video Mike. It would also be nice to have a little comparison section here on the 2.8 at the longer focal length vs the smaller lens at 5.6 (it's smallest f stop) for the same shot, show a bit what the extra money gets.

[@rom-media6800]

Thank you for this video Mike! The kit you use is only a tool to create a vision. As long as you can m communicate the vision, who cares what equipment you use! Cheers!

[@MikeBrowne]

"The kit you use is only a tool to create a vision" YES - MIKE

[@jeffallinson8089]

100% Agree Mike. The 18-55 is the one I would have as it would suit my needs completely. I don't need the water resistance or 2.8 throughout. Great video as per usual Mike. Your effort is as always very much appreciated.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks again Jeff

[@waynebritton5596]

Hi Mike. Totally agree. Many kit lenses are perfectly adequate in most instances. Some other lenses are horrendously expensive and only offer faster/wider apertures. Personally I use mainly my kit lens and a telephoto which covers most of my requirements. I purchased an inexpensive adapter ring so I could use a couple of my old film SLR prime lenses (50mm and 135mm). Both are manual so I have to guess exposure, but the results are stunning and I only have to tweak either the shutter speed or ISO after choosing the required aperture to get the right exposure.

[@kunaldas1]

Excellent insight sir

[@AT-sf3wq]

Love that Fuji!! Waiting to get a chance to try one :)

[@mudgie069]

The 18-55 is F/2.8/4 not F/2.8/5.6 as mentioned in the video. The biggest advantage for me of the 16-55 is the extra 2mm on the wide end, doesn't sound much but it's amazing how much more you can capture. Just for reference though, I'd take the 18-55 because of price/performance is as good if not better than that of the 16-55.

[@sampadmanaban7544]

Hi Mike you brought out something very important that is more expensive lenses doesn’t mean better pictures. Excellent video Mike keep it up. Wish I was in the UK so that we could meet.... may be some day ... Cheers

[@gopinathankumar174]

Lovely comparison. I like it.

[@VickyGYT]

Very informative with a proof. How about doing more of such videos for different types of lenses? Always love your videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Vikram. I can only talk about the kit i have and TBH, I'm not great at kit reviews because I'm not that interested in it. As long as i can capture a moment and create a vision I don't really care what is used to do it... MIKE

[@jeffreybeigie5244]

Mike, One thing I noticed when you were showing the images on LR, is that they had different histograms. The colors on the kit lens seemed more pronounced then on the more expensive lens. The curves for each color looked different between the two. I think it is the color profile that is looking different to you. But at the very least it gives a quantifiable way to compare the two images.

[@ilesmic]

Mike- Great video-- I think the better argument here is not that the expensive lens is too sharp is that the cheaper lens takes as good a picture as the expensive lens. The sharpness detail you are talking about does not really show on the video. Thanks for all of the content you put out.

[@anthonyhedger4301]

Hey Mike Another great video buddy and thank you. I found it very interesting that there wasn’t much difference between the shots. So, the money saved on the lesser priced lens would go towards one or more of your wonderful courses you have on offer. Get in.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Anthony Hedger. - MIKE

[@peterscott5947]

Hi Mike, i am an enthusiast / hobbyist and also have the XT1 with the 18-55, i love this camera and with the (WYSIWYG) has helped me move on from shooting in Auto Mode. As to your video i was uplifted with your comparison test, ie, how much we can save on lenses, you are the first pro photographer, and i watch many on youtube to mention the lens sharpness issue !!, to be truthful both lense images looked pretty much the same to me, but my eyes are several decades old now !!. Also i have become interested in close up photography but fuji prime lenses are quite steep pricewise for me, so i bought the metabones fuji/nikon adapter and bought old Ai - S Nikon 24mm, 50mm and 105mm micro lenses, with a 52.5mm macro tube, all on ebay in great condition ( all manual lenses, but that's not a problem as i will be shooting closeup in manual ). With the the 105 & tube i can get a 1:1 ratio, all this for about half the price of the fuji 60mm macro, excuse me for going on, but a big thank you for all your great informative videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Peter... MIKE :-)

[@GreenMorningDragonProductions]

Through the experience of learning photography, I've grown to love my Pentax Q system 23-70mm kit zoom the most, even though I own all the lenses in the system and it is the cheapest of the 4 autofocus lenses, and the one that gets the least love (although Larry Becker at B&H liked it, too). This video validates my opinion, and lets me know I'm not a (complete) know-nothing.

[@TheHajilen]

Hi Sir im a learning a lots from you..Thank you so much..😊

[@dougdavies1089]

Had the 18 55mm f2.8 as part of my fuji x-t20 kit and as you say mike its an excellent lens for a kit lens great for walkabout photography its so versatile

[@stephengatley8144]

In all honesty for the price of the 16-55 2.8 you can get the 18-55 & 55-200! & the versatility goes up significantly!.

[@MikeBrowne]

Agreed Stephen. - MIKE

[@chrisdavid1410]

It's great to hear common sense in these matters. It disappoints many if us when we hear that same old song singing you need to upgrade. A lot of photographers are happy with good cost lens.

[@MikeBrowne]

🙏 K.L. Yep, upgrading kit rarely makes any difference to how interesting the images are. Anyone shooting pre 1980's had the most basic of cameras and some of them took stunning images - Cariter-Bresson etc... It's much better and cheaper to upgrade our skills than our kit... MIKE

[@virtualworld7426]

Thank you

[@wallywaller11]

Mike, thanks for the clarification between lens, it make great sense to use the equipment and not just buy some coz its more money. Great video keep it up

[@makemarker]

I love your modesty and how real you come across on the subject. While we all know the perks of high end gear, lenses, etc, we all forget that it is the photo that ultimately wins. Same things with instruments where you can get for example a great drummer to play the hell out of a cheap drum kit.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you makemarker, really love your comment - Melissa pp Mike

[@kingweddingmedia]

Great video Mike again! I recently returned a brilliant sigma art lens purely because I wasn't using it enough to justify having it - it certainly is an expensive hobby but as you've said many a times the person behind the camera is the most important part of photography!

[@anneharwood943]

I wish I’d watched this BEFORE my husband and I spent way too much money on a couple of lenses!!! I asked for some advice from a photographer on Facebook, and now I feel as though he was really a “photographer snob.” On the other hand, I met another wonderful photographer who has done loads of beautiful work and has encouraged me to buy what works best for me and makes me happy. I have a very nice macro lens that has a wide aperture, but for everyday fun and versatility, I bought a zoom lens. Also, I’ve looked back at old photos using a “kit” lens, and I have many great shots. But, as you point out, learning about light, composition, and practicing have much more value than buying the latest and greatest!

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes sadly there are quite a lot of "“photographer snobs” about @Anne Harwood... MIKE

[@tomclemons344]

Very much enjoyed your video. BTW, hope you got your glasses you left on the table at start of video.

[@StewartMarsden]

Totally agree Mike, One of my favourite lenses is my 28-155 kit lens (for Pentax). Its a brute of a lens, super quick to focus, with a clutch, so I can override the auto if I want with a quick pull back. Also its WR, so when I kick my tripod over and it goes in the Thames its fine, or sill beer on it as I've done a few times, also I shoot street and prefer longer DOF so I don't need the "pro wide apature" f6.3 this bad boy is a beast and it was only £45 second hand. I also have loads of old school manual glass ecause like you say, it just feels right to the eye

[@MrMoonpie001]

Mike, enjoy your videos! I am new to photography and on a budget. I use the heck out of the 18-55 kit lens but do see the need for possibly two other lenses, something that has some zoom and perhaps a 55 or 35 mm for macro or portraits. Outside of that, I think I will be happy for sometime working with this. I am shooting with a Nikon D5200 crop camera, it is an older one but got it new for very little money. I appreciate all the details you speak of in your videos, they have really helped me with composition and lighting issues the most. Moonpie

[@Hanzimann1]

Some good points, but I think that light transmission in a lens can be important to look at (and not just aperture). If the lens is meant to be used for low light photography it might be pretty important, since cranking up the ISO might end up ruining the detail. Light transmission is normally a lot higher in primes, and this makes them a good choice in those situations (in my opinion).

[@philipandreicuk5356]

Just watched this video and may I add that back in the ( swinging ) 60's we used to use soft focus filters or a stocking over the lens to soften the image especially when taking portraiture, now its all about how sharp is the lens. Also what was in vogue at the time was "grain" the more grainy you could make your photos the cooler they where. I think trends and traits just come and go BUT good photos will stand the test of time and last forever

[@conawayjb]

I wish I could mash the like button 100 times, I couldn't agree more about the Fuji glass. The 18-55 and 55-200 are just amazing period, especially for their size. I was always a die hard canon fan because of their color rendering, never liked the nikon files but once I switched to fuji I was really amazed and the glass you get for the money is incredible and the size and weight is a major bonus!

[@MattisProbably]

It's absolutely about what you need. Spending a ton of money doesn't make you a good photographer, it just makes taking great photos easier. You still need to know what you are doing. My latest purchase was the Sigma 100-400 f/5-6.3, I was looking for something longer than 200mm for my animal photography. It cost me about 800€. I could have spent more, I could have spent less. I simply got this lens because it fits my needs. I did my reasearch before buying it and I'm happy with it. It does exactly what I need. This lens might be a bad example for what you are talking about though because when you go longer than 200mm the lenses become very expensive very quickly...

[@Zeeem99]

Another interesting and enjoyable video Mike, thanks. I slightly disagree with you on this one. When I first started out as a professional photographer with limited budget I used consumer lenses and got good results. I eventually started replacing my lenses with "professional" lenses and got.......good results. The major,and for me a big major difference, was that the better lenses give me consistently better results. Better focusing in low light especially when I need to capture that fleeting moment, better depth of field, better image stabilization, better tonal range and yes, most importantly, sharp, sharp and sharp! So I guess it comes down to what you want to use the lens for. Personally I don't think I can work with a kit lens at a professional gig, I've got so used to using the better lenses. They do make a difference.

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

I'm absolutely with you about the 18-55mm kit lens. I switched from Nikon (D800 with 24-70/2.8) to Fuji (X-T2 with 18-55mm) and I did that because of the size and weight of the gear. Now I'm carrying about 800g instead of 2 kg of weight and I really don't see a lot of difference in my shots. I decided to buy the 18-55mm after you recommended it in one of your videos. Btw have a great and healthy new year and take care :).

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Michael - you too buddy - MIKE :-)

[@sterby1]

I recently (2-3 months ago) upgraded to a constant f/2.8 zoom from a lighter constant f/4 lens. I like the old one, it is light, has excellent image quality, except at the wide end the corners were unappealing. The new one is excellent but much more heavier, gives me extra light and the corners are much nicer looking, even though the f/4 had a sharper image all-around. Plus it has WR which for me a welcome feature. I will stay with the heavier f/2.8 but still keep the old f/4 around just for a lighter travel kit. As far as sharpness goes, the center is crazy sharp on the new lens as well as on the old one, but the new one has a nicer, more smooth falloff in sharpness to the corners and nice smooth boke. It is a very nice lens for portraits and stopped down it is sharp throughout the frame with good depth and a touch of "dreaminess". I think I found the right lens for my usual shooting style. Happy New Year!