Fujifilm 35mm f2 or the 18 55mm at 35mm? Which Should You Use?

[@Noealz]

People who borrow my camera always ask me how to zoom :(

[@VinoTriMulia]

They desperately rotate aperture ring and the picture gets brighter/darker lol

[@youngalwyn1124]

I zoom anytime I want. I don't need a camera.🙃😆

[@butter2099]

Lol yep "walk towards me" > blank stare

[@migneault62]

I love to leave my camera out for anyone to play with at family or friends events; So if having a zoom will let them take the picture they want, I'm glad to let the zoom on! But if it's poorly lit, and the zoom would make noisy pictures, then I let the 35mm with speed priority and I'm sure they'll won't just take noisy / blurry photos.

[@jessecohen1]

Don't let anyone use your camera!

[@sjorpha]

pretty sure the rattling noise from shaking the zoom lens when not attached to the camera is from the OIS system, not because of build quality or zoom elements etc.

[@migneault62]

I came here to say this, All my OIS lenses have that same noise... even the 50-140mm @ 2k$... so I doubt the noise comes from cheaper built lenses haha

[@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat]

yeah he just a big noob that makes video about stuff he have no clue.

[@INeedsMoneys]

@@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat ye i just realized that haha. What a knob

[@maxkitaev3524]

actually the only benefit of the zoom lens apart from ease of adjusting focal length is that it's much more silent compared to fuji 35mm. But that doesn't count in photography anyways.

[@bananapie2198]

@@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat except he takes awesome photos unlike the gearheads...so I prefer to watch him.

[@nerwin]

After shooting with the 35mm or any 50mm full frame equivalent for many years I find that I got bored with it and so I decided to use the 23mm instead! It's been a blast. Basically a new challenge. You are right though, my best images often come from primes rather than zooms as well.

[@TheIkaika777]

The Fuji F2 lenses are awesome and they really shine in Black and White photography.

[@JeremyGalloway]

18-55mm, no contest. It’s such a phenomenal lens. 35mm f2 is great too but far more limiting.

[@cosmogang]

Limitations are the catalyst for creativity

[@Lhommedeshautesplaines]

@@cosmogang So just buy an Iphone

[@j.m.w.5064]

@@Lhommedeshautesplaines Those ohones slip through my fingers. Then I'm really limited. Maybe that's maximising my creativity? 😬

[@photosofalric2691]

@@Lhommedeshautesplaines HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@The-Cat]

@@Lhommedeshautesplaines OOOOOOOOOOHH HHAHAHAHAHAHAHH EPIC WIN !

[@_xmj]

35mmf2 is my first prime after the kit lens. fun little lens. definitely worth having both.

[@smartlites]

I travelled to Greece with my X-T20, the 18-55, the 35/f2 and the 50-230mm. I found I used the 18-55mm 90% of the time. Good for people, good for scenery ESPECIALLY while on the run in vacation mode. The images are much sharper than many primes. I used the 35mm for portraits, flowers and indoor museums (portraits of statues and intricate ancient jewelry). The 50-230 I hardly used and only for close ups of animals. It is surprisingly good and inexpensive too. All my gear was stolen. I have replaced the X-t20 and this time sticking with the 18-55 and my Artisans 35mm F1.2 for bokeh shots. I find that the 18-55mm Fuji with basic iMac editing can get very sharp photos. For traveling, it is tough to beat the size, weight and quality combination. I got tired of looking like a wedding photographer when traveling.

[@josephineemarch]

I have both and I would recommend to have the 18-55mm if you’re into landscape. 35mm works well too, but, I’m constantly having problem whenever I want wider shots. I can move backwards to have wider shot with my 35mm but that also has limits. And if you’re into portraits and street, I recommend the 35mm.

[@NBPT428]

I have both. They are both great lenses. I enjoy the 35mm f/2 and try to default to it. It's faster, lighter and a fixed focal length forces you to work your composition more.

[@Jellybaby50]

I have both of these and I completely agree with you that I'm just a better photographer when using the prime! I LOVE how small the 35mm f2 is - it's also my favorite street length lens.

[@sciencepetr5179]

The shaking sound is the optical image stabilisation. Perfectly normal (and REALLY USEFUL)

[@ogonzilla]

Damn...now I broke it.

[@maxkitaev3524]

Sadly all the better fuji prime lenses don't have OIS. Zooms are just too slow.

[@IanSelvaraj]

I got myself a used xe-2 for a carry around and a fully manual 7artisans 25mm F/1.8 and I'm still blown away by this lens's sharpness wide open! the focus peaking and split image (love that since I used to do film photography with my Canon A-1) are a god send when using manual lenses; something even my Canon 5DMark3 doesn't have! Slows me down a lot, which to me is good and bad in different scenarios but for what I paid ($112 here in Singapore) this lens is an AMAZING performer! Flaring is almost non-existent and the 12 blade, de-clicked aperture ring is so smooth and sexy to turn! Definitely want an 18-55mm or when I can afford it, MAYBE the 16-80mm (although its probably gonna be a weighty boy to carry).

[@dirtywater5336]

I have both and I use my 35 most of the time but I will be honest, I was selling the 18-55 short fo like the first 6 months I had it. It really is a fantastic lens, especially for being a kit lens. The OIS is just plain ridiculous. I was able to get sharp images down to 1/4 of a second! It's got the rugged build (Idk, my lens doesn't rattle like yours). On the contrary, I shoot a lot of landscapes and having the insurance of a weatherproof lens when I'm in inclement weather is big. I also like that it's smaller and lighter than the 18-55. Hiking with the f/2 series lenses (I also own the 23mm) is a dream. Everything fits into my hiking bag with lots of room to spare. Also, since it's small and inconspicuous, the 35 makes for a great street photography lens as well. I guess I would have to choose the 35 over the 18-55. Lighter, smaller, better image quality, lower aperture, and is weather sealed

[@sinclairgonsalves1418]

Do you use the 35mm when you go hiking?

[@dirtywater5336]

@@sinclairgonsalves1418 yeah. It has a very usable 50mm field of view (full frame equivalent)

[@AndyCan]

Totally agree with all this. I’ve got both and I’d be happy with just the 35. It’s great. Primes are best.

[@cameraman655]

I have both but, the hypothetical, "Desert Island" scenario where I could only have 1, the18-55 hands down. It's just so damned versatile.

[@cameraman655]

S Tra Humm....I ‘ve been making a living at taking photos for 30+ years, I think I know a versatile lens when I use one.

[@juansymontano]

S Tra some canon L lenses and nikons are f/4. Versatility is not just “bokeh”. That’s what the other youtube photographers and new breed photographers keep on selling.

[@krugmeup2162]

@@cameraman655 lol oops

[@lonnieclemens8028]

For hobbyist photographers I would recommend the 18-35 or the 18-55 lens. I went on a photoshoot in downtown Chicago and the 18-35 Nikkor lens is a must have. The 18mm enables the photographer to get the wide pictures of buildings and city scapes.

[@brucesmith9144]

Tried the 35 mm f/1.4 ... wow! Loved the close focus ability and shallower depth of field.

[@Iam18grey]

If I could only have one? The 18-55 for sure. It's hands down the best 'kit' lens I've ever used. It's the Swiss army lens. Doesn't do any one thing particularly amazingly but does everything well enough. That said I just spent 3 days shooting with only the Fuji f/2 lenses but I was lucky enough to have the time to swap them as needed. For ease of use and making sure you get the shot, you can't beat the 18-55.

[@furiousdriving]

I had the 35 a while and always used it as my go to, but was often frustrated that I didnt have the range and had missed shots - I moved to the X system from an X100 for the same reason! So I bought the 18-55 and have almost never taken it off since! That said, I shoot Nikon for work and the X-T20 tends to be a home day, no fuss carry around camera so that combo works

[@u2552]

" ~ most of online, small prints, I think any of lenses and all most of any camera systems are gonna be fine." and that's the truth.

[@RobFields]

I bought the 35mm 1.4, and haven't touched the kit lens in ages.

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

The 1.4 is on another league 👍

[@clarcksim]

the lens with soul

[@thaipepperlasvegas6693]

Same here.

[@triggerman925]

For travel, 18-55 hands down although I always bring along my 35mm 1.4 attached to my old X-E1 as "back-up". The 35 1.4 seems to perform better with the earlier X-trans sensors. But that's just me

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

I have had a Nikon Z50 for 18 months and love it, and my old lens with the adapter. I have one prime lens and it's a 50mm (75ish on my Z50). Very happy and settled I was until last Saturday when my son said ' do you want this, only used it once and if you don't take it I'll put it in the garage'. It is a Fuji X100 origenal. Hardly used. It has a prime 35mm equvilent. I really like it and it looks so nice. It sits on the dining room table for now, that way I can look at it last thing at night and first thing in the morning. I like the 35mm images as well, it's clear, sharp, and for me new. So, right now I prefer the 'new' old prime FujiX35mm. I can see it if I peer over the top of the laptop as I type this.

[@LevyCarneiro]

Thanks for using the metric system!

[@jeremymoorer7033]

Fuk the metric system

[@krugmeup2162]

@@jeremymoorer7033 lol yeah cos the developed world only uses it

[@TheoDahlemPickups]

@Thomas Grey I'm 187 cm tall. It's a great number. While most of the world agrees on making things easier when using metric, I can't see why sticking on std. should be wrong or more difficult. In 1991 I was desperately trying to purchase std. wrenches. To my surprise metric was EVERYWHERE. I finally found a Craftsman tool box in a warehouse. It was difficult to find it and it was more expensive.

[@okamivolgan]

​@@jeremymoorer7033 Guess what ?! the whole camera & lens industry is based on metric system , when he was talking about the 35mm ... the MM is millimeter which is metric ,and the reason to use metric not because camera manufacturers like metric system but because it's more ACCURATE.

[@darrylbrian]

@@okamivolgan checkmate

[@tycoopinSEA]

Definitely both. As you say they can serve different purposes or the same purpose. I love the 35mm. Lives on my camera more than any other lens but I would not get rid of the 18-55 for exactly the reasons you stated. Great vid Omar!

[@Matteo_g-p2j]

Friends and parents show more enthusiasm for my photos if I'm using both the 18-55 and a prime (23 F2 in my case). If we are moving I use the zoom, but if we stop and stay in a limited area for a while, I switch to the prime

[@Drew_Eden]

I have the same lenses, and also the Samyang 12mm f2.0. I really like the 23 for street

[@CWReace]

When not using my 100-400mm for birds and such, I find myself mostly with either the 27mmF2.8 or 23mmF2 as the default lens on my X-T20 just because they emphasize the reason I switched to Fuji: something that's easy to carry and unobtrusive. Also, I very rarely shoot video, so stabilization is seldom an issue. If I can't zoom with my feet, I can always crop in LightRoom. :)

[@johnnydee7480]

I have both lenses, and they are the only ones that I have. I brought the 35f2 with me on vacation and left the kit lens at home. It’s my go to all the time, but the kit lens is terrific. I love the size of the 35f2 with my x-t30. It’s a small set up that is perfect for not looking like a news reporter 😂.

[@isaacsospedra3955]

I have the 18-55 and thinking to get 35f2, but Im afraid to spend money on a focal I already cover with the zoom lens. What's your feedback? I really appreciate your opinion. Thanks

[@johnnydee7480]

@@isaacsospedra3955 You will get more bokeh and light out of the 35f2 than the kit lens. I highly recommend the 35f2. It’s smaller, and it's fantastic for photography and b-roll video. The biggest con is it hunts a little bit for video. It’s not ideal for long video recordings where the person your filming is not static. I wouldn’t trust eye autofocus. Hopefully, Fuji will fix their Autofocus in a firmware update.

[@isaacsospedra3955]

@@johnnydee7480 I appreciate your comment! Thanks !

[@onnyxbei]

The one I use almost all the time is the 23mm (35mm equivalent). The other two would be the wide angle for landscapes or tight spaces and the tele zoom for sports and wildlife. I'd say get the prime for starters and go from there . . . but get both if you can.

[@ynnebbenny]

I have both. One thing I have noticed is that people on the outer edge of a group photo look wider/fatter when using the 18-55. That said, I fall into the lazy photographer category. The 18-55 is far better for taking with you on a holiday and you don't want to swap lenses. It also helps when you come to the realization, that people just don't look at a photo for more than 15 seconds, and don't really look at pixels and small differences in sharpness. My 27 and 35 primes usually sit idle. I should sell them.

[@zach.hanford]

I've never been a zoom guy. Shortly after getting my first camera I got a 35mm f1.8(Nikon APS-C) and I never looked back. Now I use either a 23mm f2(X100F) or the 56mm f1.2(X-Pro2). For me the big thing is consistency. I'm a wedding photographer and putting together a cohesive body of work is vital in my opinion. All of my shots are either 23 or 56. It makes the whole body of work come together rather than seeing 18, then 25, then 38, then 43, etc.

[@steveswanproductionstt6355]

I just started out in this field myself, I currently own the kit lens and the 56mm f1.2 I'm trying to determine my next purchase, had my eye on the 32mm but your comment got me thinking about the 23mm now. Decisions.

[@feeshka]

Had 35mm first, then realized I need a wide lens for photos and a stabilizer for videos, so the choice was obvious - bought 18-55. Both are good. 35mm is pure magic, 18-55 definitely more practical. Thanks for the video!

[@souravrahman2654]

Heyy mate ,do you have any suggestions on which one should I get as my first lens ?35mm or the 18 to 55 ? I won't do videography, only stills

[@feeshka]

sourav rahman definitely 35mm. In terms of image quality, but also build quality and overall emotions - without a doubt it’s way ahead the competition. I use it 95% of the time with stills. You won’t regret it!

[@souravrahman2654]

@@feeshka Thanks man . I'm buying the fuji xt20 tomorrow with the 35mm f2

[@vaidehiarts]

Using XT20 + 18-55 + 55-230 and a 35 f/2... It's the sweet spot for a budget prime. 18-55 as the on camera kit, and 35 when you want to put in a bit more effort... totally worth its cost and effort though.. It's a joy to use

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

I have the 18-55 kit lens on my XT20, and I love it. When I am out, I set the focal length to what I expect to be shooting e.g. 35mm for NYC street photography, 55mm for street portraits. Then, I see an interesting building across the street and zoom to 23mm or 18mm. I do try to avoid using the zoom to frame my pictures.

[@hannahc12345]

I recently bought the X-T30ii and LOVE IT. But I ended up getting it with the 15-45mm lens... I'm now regretting that and am trying to figure out if I want to get the 18-55mm or the 35mm... I want something that's good for traveling, portraits, macro photography (flowers, etc) and for when I go to Disneyland! I'm leaning towards the 35mm right now....

[@agounaro]

Nice Seiko Alpinist! You must be a watch nerd to have one of those. And I agree, both lenses are worth having. I find I like the 18-55 for general photography, family or travel, but love the 35mm when trying to do "arty" photography. I find I end up with tighter, cleaner compositions when I use it as it forces me to think about what to include and exclude from my frame. With the zoom, it's too easy to just zoom out and get it all in instead of picking out the strongest elements in a scene

[@ogonzilla]

Cheap watch nerd. 😉 Great lens use.

[@agounaro]

@@ogonzilla Anything more than a $10 Casio is a luxury ;-)

[@ourtvchannel]

I have been taking photos with a "real" camera since 1973. For the vast majority of the time with film, it was with a 50mm F1.4. Those photos went in albums and, for the digital years, were rarely seen. I decided to buy a fast scanner and get the whole film photo collection onto digital storage so they were as easy to view as my digital photos. Although I have many different GMaster lenses, zooms , primes, and power zooms, I was shocked by how good my own photos over the years were with just one focus length. I recently went to Helsinki and took just one prime, a 50mm f2.5 on a ZVE1. I wanted a small video first setup. The results were wonderful compared to my usual Zoom options. It goes against common sense to "limit" yourself, but it does work.

[@5AM-9PM]

After years of shooting with several interchangable lens camera from different manufacturers, I would say 23f2 is the most lazy lens I have ever used. You can slap it on your camera and forget about your other lens. It has good and versatile focal length (35mm equiv.), small and lightweight package, fast and reliable AF as well as acceptble background blur. Even zooming is not needed. Don't bother choosing focal length. Just pointing, framing and pressing shutter release button are enough for taking a great photo. So it stays mounting on my X-T20 most of the time. I just take it off for Nikon 17-55f2.8 or Nikon 70-200f2.8 sometimes, mostly when used as backup camera for my Nikon DSLR. But when used as a EDC/traveling/walkaround camera, the 23f2 mounts on my camera most of the time.

[@petergombos9442]

I've decided to buy the XT20 with 35 f2 prime and I'm loving it so far :)

[@jojoaugustus1383]

Hey, are you still happy 4 years later ? I just got myself the XT20 and I wondered if the 35 f2 is a noisy lens when you focus ! Could you please tell me ?

[@petergombos9442]

@@jojoaugustus1383 I love the lens, I still use it quite often. I mainly do street photography so for me the noise of the focus is not a problem at all. I also own a 23mm f2 but I prefer the 35

[@jojoaugustus1383]

@@petergombos9442 thanks for your fast answer. I was kinda torn between the 35mm 1.4 or 2. I now have an answer. Plus, the 35mm f/2 is WR and the AF is faster :)

[@hirumieru1]

My reason to have prime lens is the large aperture. That is why I bought 35 mm f1.4

[@airgliderz]

Clearly the 35mm F1.4 It is faster and one of the sharpest lenses made. It's imagery is magical and bokeh rocks. And on the Fiji XT3 focus is fast, locks right on, no hunting and isverry accurate even wide open. The 35mm f1.4 focus is much improved with the XT3 compared to when I had it on my xt1

[@robertcudlipp3832]

The same reasoning would apply to the 23 1.4 and I , personal preference for sure, is wider field of view.

[@V3ryM3tal]

I have both and I think that's the way to go, but if I HAD to pick one, 35 f2. It's attached to my camera 85% of the time. When I do portraiture I reach for the 56, and the 18-55 has been really good for events/ reportage style stuff.

[@RayaKee]

Who's here after Fujifilm released the new 35mm f2 XC?

[@olaiamusic1]

yep, just got one and I'm pretty happy :)

[@stanisawniedzwiecki5005]

And what you decided to buy or use? :)

[@stanisawniedzwiecki5005]

I bought it, I am waiting for parcel

[@BohemDilenci]

Can you tell me friends which one I should chose? I dont have a big budget so I have to move careful. Does f2 XC is similiar to XF f2 or not? Shall I buy XC?

[@stanisawniedzwiecki5005]

@@BohemDilenci xc35f2 is almost like XF. If you don't want take photos in the rain you can buy xc :D

[@OttosTheName]

This video was super useful around the time I bought my X-T3 and had to pick a lens. I went for the 18-55 and have been very content. Had it for 2 years and can only say it's crazy good and I would never *need* anything else... I'll probably pick up the 35mm f2 at some point though.

[@pastagala233]

When to expect the Omar Gonzales comedy show ? You make me smile soo easily !

[@calvinatdrifterstudio8438]

18-55 is just a magical lens and it's slightly soft character is phenomenal for video

[@benjmedina1607]

Have both and I use each for the same reasons that you said. It's more fun to shoot with the 35mm f2 as I feel that I work for the shots harder. I was able to go to a 2 and a half week trip while exclusively using the 35mm f2 only; it was fine. I went back to using a zoom because of the versatility; had to upgrade from 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 to 18-55mm f2.8-4 for better image quality and the image stabilization, it's definitely worth it. If I'll only have to bring one: the safer choice will be the 18-55mm but since the 35mm f2 is small, I'll just carry it with me.

[@curiousobserver5332]

I appreciate you so much. You are honest, relatable, humorous and share great info. I have both. My Fuji xT3 is my fun, travel kiddo school events camera. Love the fixed WAY MORE, but I'm limited when space is an issue. Not a fan of a 4.0 aperture or anything that has an aperture that changes. Your assessment is SO real. You can't pick one. Depends on what you shoot. For me it is space. At 50mm.....I can't get the shot sometimes...50mm is not wide enough.

[@ogonzilla]

AGREED....50mm is my favorite way to shoot but it can't do everything, especially when traveling somewhere new. Thanks for watching!

[@boris.dupont]

Cool review, man, thanks! After I got addicted to my X100 I decided that 'one camera one lens' is definitely the best concept for me so my 35mm f2 is stuck on my X-pro1 and I've got all I need

[@clintondavis3363]

I love the 50mm equivalent because I started out on a Pentax K1000 and Leica M3 with a 50mm 2.0 lens. The cameras were compact and easy to use, 'though the M3 was a little slower with the outboard metering and focus method. When I moved to Nikon, ... I got my first zoom and at first I was working the wide 28mm and tele 85mm ends (3.5-4.5), but soon enough I started recognizing the perspectives of focal lengths. It wasn't long before I was zooming in an out with my feet, but choosing a wide, normal, or tele setting for the perspective. I did worry about image quality so I read up on the zoom lens and made decisions based on the lens quality at a certain aperture and focal length. Sometimes, you sacrifice lens performance for the sake of getting the perspective and composition that you want - to me, ... those components trump sharpness. My photo journey carried on and I have a selection of zoom and prime lens. I use a Fuji x100t and enjoy it because it does remind me of the days when I lugged around a camera with a relatively fast 50mm lens. Of course, you can be lazy with a zoom lens, but if you are thinking photographically, ... a good quality zoom gives you options to capture images effectively and efficiently. If you have time to work scenes, ... then a fixed lens may make you work more to get your photograph. However, if you have only your zoom lens, ... and you see a great photograph, ... there's nothing keeping you from treating that zoom as a fixed lens. The other big consideration is speed of the lens. The improved high ISO performance of digital cameras doesn't make this quite as important, though. If I'm shooting a club scene, or night shots with no flash, ... I want that prime's larger aperture, preferable a 1.4. With image stabilization on many zooms, you can get away with some hand-holding but it won't help with subject movement. Distortion and depth of field are also considerations that must be taken into account. Omar, ... you like those blurred out backgrounds to separate figure-ground. I love that also, for portraits and for some scenes where I want my subject to pop out of a busy background. Using blurred backgrounds in a great tool for managing backgrounds that are fighting for attention. You can also use color and light patterns of completely blurred out backgrounds to draw attention to your subject. Anyway, ... I will usually have a zoom on my camera and carry a number of fixed lenses for specific purposes. And, ... of course, my little x100t is along for the ride, reminiscent of the days when I carried my Pentax K1000 everywhere!

[@angylc5310]

Traveling only with the 35f2 (+ a Samyang 12f2, for astro...). My 35 is on my xt2 most of the time, it does everything!! :)

[@FeelINi1]

Yes, I have the same 35\2 & 12\2. The optimal

[@jerryklinow5192]

Nice job giving a practical review of the lenses without the snob factor! It's always about what works for the user. Case in point: the old Nikkor 43~86 mm short zoom. Incredibly convenient lens, used to take so many iconic pictures from the sixties and seventies but not really up to snuff, optically speaking. What makes a great photograph is not the camera or lens used, it's that it was shot at the right moment!

[@chuckashton9688]

For me it's the 35mm F1.4. My favorite Fuji lens.

[@boris.dupont]

Great lens and shallow depth of field no question but bigger noisy kinda slow and more expensive. The f2 is small compact fast silent and inexpensive. But both are excellent actually 😉

[@dirtywater5336]

@Memeorandum of Understanding Most lenses get soft when shot wide open and up close. Small price to pay for a smaller, lighter lens with faster AF at half the price in my opinion.

[@chrissoclone]

The only native lens I own at this moment, perfect lens for me.

[@airgliderz]

Yes, one of the sharpest lenses made, plus its imagery is magical. Plus it fast. On my Fuji XT3 the 35mm F1.4 lense focuses very fast and hunting is gone that i would see on the XT1, awsome lense especially on the xt3

[@tonypc84]

I traded my f2 for the f1.4 for an even exchange. Lots of hype for the fujinon, but I love the little old lens!

[@Motiman]

We need more videos like this in which you compare the lens with 18-55 at that zoom level

[@markriley7472]

You nailed it when you say that a Prime lens makes you think more about composition and subject matter. I love small lenses too-the pancake lenses are very appealing. Great videos, always a pleasure to watch, and you help others see that photography can be fun and enjoyable using these fixed focal length lenses! Zoom lenses are useful, but have made me lazy for so long and never really given me any satisfaction!! I prefer the compactness, quality and creativity factor you get from a Prime lens and the little extra effort to get much more pleasing photos is always worth it!

[@mikeburns1725]

I'm as decisive as you are. I have both.... and the 16mm f2.8 and the 50mm f2. Primes for photos and zoom for video. Best thing about this lineup is that I have one on my X-T3 and carry the other 3 in a really small bag. BTW, your videos are awesome.

[@butter2099]

Depends so much on where I'm going and what I'm doing. But I only use that kit zoom for video, and the ois is fantastic

[@barrycohen311]

Omar, you is the man! I have the 35mm f/2 and the super cheapo XC 16-50 kit lens. I much prefer primes in general, so the 35mm is the clear winner for me. The 16-50mm is just a decent kit lens, nothing earth shattering about it. The 35mm is one of my favorite lenses! And I shoot with a lot of vintage adapted glass, including Leica and Zeiss.

[@ogonzilla]

It's incredible for the price.

[@patkeen8668]

You always do a great job combining various elements...practical, technical, fun, artistic. Plus your humor! Nice job & thanks.

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks so much!

[@JLCB20]

The only 2 Fuji lenses I own with the XT20. Got it all because of you. Big fan of your channel.

[@heartist2010]

My first Fujinon was 35mm f2 on X-T1. Loved it and am still loving it. But 18-55mm was needed in about a year later for video and my cousin's wedding. I have 35mm f2 or 16mm f1.4 on my X-T2 now most of the time but "needed" 18-55mm sometimes for video and events.. So one lens you "need" will be 18-55mm but it is 35 f2 and 16 f1.4 that gets my love and make me go out and shoot. I mean there are things I "have to shoot" with 18-55 but I always "love to shoot" with 35 and 16.

[@ogonzilla]

Well said. Need vs Love.

[@stevechrisman3185]

Primes are elegant .... and liberating. An interesting exercise is to go back thru the images shot with your zoom and determine what focal length most were shot at. Then try a prime near that focal length.

[@SCEmissary]

Really nice to get a non-technical review. Especially that the way you shoot and thus your scene differs between the lenses is something that I didn't really think about before.

[@sergeyvasilishin5761]

It's actually when you use 18-135 Fuji lens you understand it's a best lens for vacation etc..but I also have 35 mm in F2 and F1.4 variety and for me 1.4 is simply the best for available light lens photography

[@lastonmars]

I went with 35mm f2 for my first lens. No regrets at all !

[@walterbulyga2588]

The 18-55 is one of the best zooms I have used The IS makes it even greater. If you have an XH1 then go with the 35f2 as well. For travel a little wider is better so the 27mmf2.8 can't be beat for weight and compactness. So the 35mmF2 is a little redundant. or not

[@ryanthomas9306]

On vacation, I brought the 16-55, kit lens, and the 35 f2. The 35 f2 produced my favorite images

[@ryanthomas9306]

The 18-55 had bad purple fringing on the long end when I compared it to the 16-55

[@bademoderndesigns5962]

When you are giving example to the built quality, the shaky noise you get while handling 18-55mm was because of the elements of OIS, and it is perfectly normal and it should give that noise to do its trick. Just for your information. By the way, great review!

[@andrewhankermeyer6009]

I have a problem of sleep purchasing at 3am and literally purchased both the night before I saw this video. So glad you said answer was both.

[@garymanning4578]

Hi my orange friend. The 35 f2 is superb and you need both. Perhaps not the 18-55 but the new 16-80. I have mine on pre order. I need 24 and 80. The standard zoom, although brilliant, is a bit soft at 55 and overall not a great range. Don’t enjoy 18mm, never liked 28 in the past on full frame. Always used 24 (16mm fuji). Just love the wider aspect. Loving your presentation. Bit worried about your adulteress relationship with Sony and worried that we will get less videos from you as you spend days trying to change the colours to something related to real life. Keep up the most enjoyable channel on youtube. G

[@feyyazogunc1868]

Nobody explained better than you, After every video I wacht, I love photography more. Best part of having fun is capturing toda, enJOYing tomorrow.

[@mariobravo8253]

16mm f2.8 & 35mm f2 - I settled on this combo. Great 👍 for story telling

[@carmenfissenden2530]

Both are great lenses . But the question was if limited to just one then it would be the zoom - right ! Well, it would certainly do more things but that is it’s weakness . You see; having just one lens and having to move closer or further away actually achieves more in general , as the focus and concentration is on one choice and one choice only. The next point of choosing a prime over a zoom is that it creates a style that can be developed to enable others to recognise your work without seeing your name . Finally , you really get to know that lens and what it will do before raising the camera to your eye. By reducing the conflict of selecting which part of the zoom to use and the fact the prime is lighter and faster than the zoom , it means that you can keep your kit small and light and that is what you will want if travelling . Unlike fixed lens options with some cameras, having an interchangeable body leaves the photographer to choose which prime range works best for the individual

[@carmenfissenden2530]

Great video Omar . Thanks for sharing

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I saw this two years ago , but it is always a reoccurring issue and an invaluable reminder to evaluate what is truly important - flexibility or connivance over something more intrinsic and desirable and possibly artistic in the right hands for those who want to be minimalistic . There is no right or wrong choice . But less is often more I am reminded ha ha .

[@Nordic_Lite]

This is the best and most to the point commentary. Getting really to the essence of the dilemma. And it took me back to question of the year (MY question, that is :) ) - Wouldn't I be happier and more free with mere x100v in my hands?...)

[@Nordic_Lite]

@@carmenfissenden2530 Thank you for putting it just enough briefly and eloquently!)

[@anbar5675]

Never liked zooms (since 1985), so I own only 4 primes. Fuji X-T 30 cameras are so small and light that allows me to carry 2 bodies, with 14/2,8 - 23/1,4 and 56/1.2. The 27/2,8 is always in my pocket ready to take action if unobtrusivity is needed.

[@robertthompson240]

No question. If you can only have one lens, you’ll want the versatility for as many situations as possible. Therefore the 18-55mm is the best choice.

[@wilfs1196]

I have both but have to admit that the 18-55 gets more use than the 35 f2. That's how I started with Fuji , but have since added a couple more lens (24/1.4 WR LM, 16-55 & 70-300) .There isn't one that I give priority too as I do not have a particular shooting genre. It's whatever strikes me at the moment or what ever pops up.

[@amonGustavo07]

If you’re a bit serious, a prime is the must have. I literally have only gone out with a prime 35mm for the past year.

[@gtaliano]

As a Canon APSC DSLR shooter, I was about to buy canon´s 35 F2 IS, but it was waaay expensive in my country. So was the 17-55 F2.8 . So I bought The Sigma 30 F1.4 ART. It´s not cheap, but it's F1.4. I Now tend to use it a lot and leave the 18-135 usm nano in my bag. That 18-135 is lightning fast to focus and very convenient to avoid lens changing in dusty environments, but it's too dark in some situations where you can´t use a Flash. I guess that if I were a Fuji shooter, I would have the 1680 F4 and the 23 F2 or 35 F2.

[@ProcyonEnt]

I had the exact same dilemma. Just recently got the X-T20 with a 35mm lens. I was going for the bokeh, but the size was also a factor. I was already used to shooting 50mm on my compact analog, so no zoom was no biggie.

[@Usulik]

My opinion is: if you need "results" without the possibility of "repeating the session" (holidays, weddings, ...) a zoom is recommended, but if you want enjoy the photography, without deadlines and without demanding results, I prefer a prime: quality is better, it's more fun... and you learn more. The 35mm(50mm in FF) It's a great focal for street photography in which you want to give prominence to people. Ah! I have them both :p . (Excuse my english, i am from Spain).

[@zumx3]

I was just thinking about this last night! I asked myself what would the pros and cons of having a 35mm! it’s like you were in my head!

[@peterdavies9166]

I've had my X-T20 for a few years now and chose to buy it as a kit with the XF18-55 (it was a great deal). I've loved the combination and only recently thought about adding a 35mm lens. I was thinking about going for the XC35 f2.0 because the reviews all indicate that the optics are as good as the XF lens but it's much cheaper. My wife then surprised me for my birthday in early Feb by buying me the XF35 f1.4R. At first I was a bit ticked off with her for spending so much...... but not any more! It's a wonderful lens and it now rarely leaves my camera. However, for travel and family events, the XF18-55 will still provide the flexibility that I sometimes like to have.

[@Ponskippa]

I sold the 18-55 kit, and missed it so I bought it again

[@HR-wd6cw]

One has to ask the question: do I want IQ or convenience. I think both are good options, although at least with my copy (and I think this is common with the 18-55 in general) I had a lot of fringing in many images. Fixable in post, but annoying. I'd say if I had to pick one of the two, I'd get the 35mm for optics and you do have a fixed f/2 aperture. The 18-55 is fine if you get it as a kit, but I personally would not buy the lens new (at the $700 asking price). I don't think it's the best option out there for that money (if you get it used for half that or as a kit -- which usually makes the lens about $300 anyway), that's a different story). But I think you would buy the 35mm f/2 for the same reason you might buy a 50 1.8 even though you already own a 24-70 2.8 or f/4 for example. For the image quality and constant aperture. One also needs to look at both differently -- as they really are two different tools that can do the same thing, but the f/2 35mm is clearly if you favor image quality over convenience (between the two). That's really what you have to ask yourself when deciding between a zoom or a set of primes.... Regardless of the brand, thereis' also something "magical" about fast primes, and usually that's the quality of bokeh, which some zooms cannot achieve (either they're too slow -- like f/2.8 or f/4) and/or the optics just aren't there or can't compete with the prime lens (because a zoom is generally more optically complex than a prime).

[@sebastiantorres890]

The F2s are great lenses, no doubt about it! I started my Fuji road with the 23 and 50 but I could not resist the option of a better background blur. I ended up selling the F2s and getting the 1.4 and 1.2. Now I have the 35 1.4, 56 1.2, 16-55 f2.8 and Samyang 12 f2. I love to use primes (35 and 56). I only use the 16-55 when I need quick flexibility. Fantastic zoom lens!

[@kristiejochim9089]

Sebastián Torres how is the focus speed of the 35 1.4 and which camera body do you have? I photograph kids all the time so I’m curious about the speed. Thanks

[@kaatdebusscher4522]

If I could only have one I'd go for the 23mm f1.4. Magic lens.

[@maxkitaev3524]

too wide. 35mm is perfect. 23mm is lying at my desk with no use. Just once in a while.

[@jeremylueders9606]

We just started using the 35mm and we love it! Night and day over the kit lens.

[@InsideSomething]

I forced myself to start learning on photography by not buying the camera kit thats comes with the 18-55. I got the 35 f2 instead. After few years of not using zoom I now own 16 18 23 35 50 56 90. Recently I got the 16-55 and the experience is so weird... I actually find it alot harder to use and compose than a prime. I think out of all the lenses 35 f2 is a must have, it marries to the fuji body perfectly.

[@boris.dupont]

I agree with you and I love Fuji's f2 trinity and the 16mm f2.8 too. Great choice man!

[@aisucream]

I got the 35mm f2 and I absolutely love it! My images looked so much better. Though I am considering to get the 18-55mm as I don't like the kit lens I have (16-50mm)

[@TommyDj86r4]

Your video tests are amazing! My question is: is it possible to test a zoom lens Fuji XF 55-200 mm? I interessted in this lens and I would like to use it during my vacation. But I also would like to see how this lens is good in portrait photoes, and how good DOF separation it has.

[@GeorgeOu]

For most indoor shots, the aperture difference means shooting at ISO 2000 or ISO 6000. That's a massive difference in quality.

[@THEJOKEYJOKER]

in low light yes but outdoors with plenty of light not really

[@robbiesurace912]

New to photography and bought the x-t20 because of your review's I love the camera and your ongoing video's help make using the camera an absolute joy keep up the enthusiasm and thanks

[@TimNabong]

I bought both... And I'm liking the 35mm more

[@wei.art.studio]

I use exactly those two lenses for my KZbin videos and I love both lenses!

[@wei.art.studio]

I'm a bit more in love with those 35mm f2 close up shots but most of the time I use both lenses for one videos

[@wilsonpalmpre]

@@wei.art.studio i also own both and I love the 35mm more. I think it gives sharper images. On the other hand if the object keeps moving ❨e.g. kids or pets) a zoom lens or wide angle lens are more suitable.

[@miguelangelromero2130]

Me gusta el 18-55mm, me sorprendió lo bien q rinde. Me gustan los lentes de 50mm pero éste y el Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 me encantan. Cada uno tiene su encanto particular.

[@rendem8]

Thanks for the fun video. One more thing pro the primes. They are usually optically corrected against distorsions. The kit zoom pictures even with automatic software distorsion correction can be really ugly.

[@BobEstremera]

Not for nuthin' but when I got my XT20, I purchased the 35mm f2 because it was hailed as if it was the next best thing to a 50mm Leica. When I started using it however, I actually got angry at Fuji for shoving this completely under-engineered piece of glass on their loyal customers. Yes, I get that the camera can fix the near fish-eye native distortion on this lens. But, as someone who did a lot of photography in NYC, it was very disconcerting to see the bowing and arching of straight lines through the viewfinder. Why a 35mm should have such massive distortion when their wider, 23mm does not is beyond me. I traded it in for the 27mm which is much more controlled and very sharp. When I was in Cuba, shooting in the streets, I usually just left my 15-55 at the 35mm mark and loved the results. Of course, if you HAVE to have that f2 for all the obvious reasons, I get it. But man, that 35 is really under-engineered.

[@Optidorf]

While I mostly shoot street photography with my 35mm, the versatility of a zoom lens may not be so easily dismissed. When photographing lines, shapes and other related styles a zoom lens may come in handy to shoot a fitting picture which simply is not possible with one prime lens.

[@simonwilliams2109]

Just bought the 18-55 (Long time pentax shooter). Man, great "kit" lens, mounting on my recently purchased s/h X-E3, small, light really good IQ. And A$250!

[@ashgriffis]

I totally agree with what you were saying about using a prime to grab better composition images. I also feel I try harder to take better shots if Im forced to position my body instead of zooming.

[@andrecoelho2450]

Back in 2017 when I switched to Fuji I bought a Xpro1 with the 18-55. The lens is stellar, by far the best zoom I ever had. After some time I got amazed by shooting with primes and as the 18-55 was collecting dust I gave it along with my XM1 to my mom, hadn't had the guts to sell it...