Avoid These Prime Lens Mistakes...

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I sometimes carry two cameras, one with a 28mm, the other with 50mm. They are light and small, and I like just grabbing the one I need, when I need. Whenever I carry only one camera, it tends to be with the 18-55mm kit zoom, it just works. Either that or I'll just bring the 35mm and be satisfied with that. The trick with primes is to just focus (pun intended) on what you have on your camera, and forget anything else. It will save you from telling yourself that you could've got this shot, or that shot!… NO! focus on what you have, and work with that!… Done! Gwaaanmyooot! ✊🏿

[@patrick-resendiz]

Same here. 23 and 50 f2 with an XS10 and XT3 or just one of those bodies with the 16-80 for me.

[@lelandsmith2320]

Just picked up a 28mm 2.8 IS and take it on my day hikes. On a Canon crop (28 x 1.6 ) it is a 45mm equivalent normal lens. I also carry my 85mm 1.8. No need for more for what I am usually doing. I will eventually upgrade my 85mm to something with IS in the 85-105mm range. For handheld photography stabilization is a must. It greatly increases the number of keepers. On a car trip I will take 2 bodies so I don't have to change lenses. I have a 50mm 1.8 but leave it at home for macro with an extension tube. The other 2 lenses have much better quality.

[@DB-sd3cw]

@@lelandsmith2320 you shoot canon so you can't be taken seriously

[@RENO_K]

This is so true, prime lenses helped me with sport photography since I don't have to think about what mm zoom i need to use, it's great, i just focus and shoot, nothing much to it

[@delbert850]

Agree 100%. Chill out and shoot what you brung often helps, IMHO 🙂

[@estebanrighi8844]

I think it is with totally honest videos like this one that we beginners can learn a lot. Thanks Roman for being so transparent about your photography thinking process, it´s great value for the time!

[@JoaoAlmeida]

"Just because your prime shoots at f1.4 doesn't mean you have to shoot always at that aperture" Some people need to memorize that mantra!

[@Zetaphotography]

Dumb. Don't buy a 1.4 if you are not going to use it

[@JoaoAlmeida]

@@Zetaphotography The fact that you bought a 1.4 doesn't mean it needs to stay glued there

[@jozosaravanja1626]

@@Zetaphotography so by that logic I should shoot group of people or whole venue at f1.4 just because I have it. Doesn't matter half of people won't be in focus. Same with landscape. Just because my ultrawide can go to f2.8 means I should take all photos at f2.8.

[@lelandsmith2320]

@@jozosaravanja1626 Yep, for daylight fotos I get better sharpness and depth of field at f8 or more on a monopod. The 1.8 or 2.8 are only used for low light such is in a forest or on a cloudy day.

[@BrianHallmond]

Yessss! This stuffed up so many of my photos for so long. I shot on 9.0 yesterday and got awesome shots.

[@rewdotkim]

That last tip. 👏 My family finally had a chance to spend a weekend away, and knowing that while traveling I wanted to have as much flexibility and speed as possible, I only brought the 16-80mm f/4 on my X-T3. There were a few moments when I wish I had one of my f/2 primes, but looking back, especially in light of your experience and advice, I'm thrilled with the moments and scenes that I captured without having to futz about with changing lenses.

[@snapsbyfox]

good choice!

[@zacharymoran7596]

The point about having a go-to focal length I think is excellent advice. For me it’s my 16mm f/1.4 for the APS-C and the 20mm f/1.8 for full frame. My first lens was a 16-50mm APS-C kit lens, and I found 90% of my photos were wide open. Normally this is a “mistake”, but I found myself getting good with it and happy with the results. Zooming with my feet so to speak, to the point where I found myself kind of forgetting I even had zoom capabilities, unless I needed to crop into wildlife or something where 50mm just wasn’t enough. One thing I’ve come to suspect is that many people get into photography with phone cameras, where the focal length on the main camera is roughly 28mm. I’ve given this advice to people before: if you find yourself using that phone camera and thinking “I wish it was a *little* more cropped in”…. Grab a 35mm. If you find yourself thinking “I wish it was a *little* wider”… grab yourself a 24mm.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Dang that's crazy

[@traceybartlam7737]

Im curious if this is the Fuji 16-50 you talk about? I got a used x-t30 and it came with this lens - it’s cheap and plasticky and not worth a fat lot but it actually takes great sharp photos. I’d prefer the 18-55m as it’s a little better aperture (and not silver!) but this little cheap lens is quite honestly pretty damn good.

[@mattwhite847]

I'm totally guilty of only having my 50mm glued at f/1.2, thanks for the thoughts on f-stop overkill.

[@robertbreining]

Thank you for the insight Roman! I literally did what you described in some of your videos and changed from zoom lenses (covering 16mm to 300mm on a crop sensor) to literally one prime. Funnily enough when I screened my earlier pictures I found out that when I use a kit lens I tend to either completely zoom in or zoom out. Hence I decided to go for the middle and try something new (35mm). Weird, I know! But it was so refreshing! I recently thought about purchasing other kit lenses, but I think I'll hold out a little longer and stay with the one prime I have a little longer... There is so much to be discovered with just one focal length. And I completely pushed aside the thought 'which other pictures I could snap if I had some other lenses with me' and just try to master "seeing" just 35mm compositions and master the focal length. And it really doesn't limit you, but frees up potential. Sounds like reverse logic at first, but absolutely isn't. Don't know if that makes sense to you... Cheers, Rob

[@koolkutz7]

Best tip; just take 1 prime lens out with you at a time and see what you can create. Maybe start with a 50mm (full frame) or 33mm (aps-c) or 25mm (four thirds) and have fun experimenting. And as Roman says, don't always shoot with a wide open aperture just because you can!

[@seikibrian8641]

"just take 1 prime lens out with you at a time and see what you can create. Maybe start with a 50mm" It worked for Henri Cartier-Bresson. Every one of his photos that I've seen was taken with a 50mm mounted on a Leica.

[@colliescameraaction8944]

Yes it's tempting to shoot everything wide open to get the maximum bokeh. But it definitely doesn't work for lots of subjects. When i photography my fast-moving dogs, it's tempting to shoot at f/1.4 but then I get the problem of one eye in focus and a blurry snout. If I get my distance to subject and distance to background right, and stop the lens down to f4, i can still get some bokeh but the main things is my dogs look at their best as well.

[@CarlosTucker-sp4bj]

Hello bro i have just started as a wedding photographer i have sony a7 m3 and i have 28-70 f3.5 - 5.6 and now i am a bit confused which lens to buy 35mm/85mm or should i buy tamron 70-180 f2.8 bro can you please suggest??

[@ZinjaGaming]

​@@CarlosTucker-sp4bjbuy a zoom 24-70 f2.8 for versatility and a 85mm prime lens for portrait shoots..

[@allevinoantiquecafecomhist7748]

​​@@CarlosTucker-sp4bji prefer a 17-55 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 for portraits. But the Last one are heavy but more versátil than 85mm

[@bobsykes]

Your last two points really hit home. I finally know which lens is my “desert island” focal length (35mm f/1.4 full-frame, usually at f/5.6) and I never leave the house with more than one lens at a time. It’s just so much more fun!

[@iugerum]

I had the same experience, I also changed my styl of shoot and I only bring one prime with me. It also makes a lot of fun, with like the extremer ends. I took out my 16mm f2.8 out for street shooting, that I've only used for hiking. At the beginning it was really akward, but I got used to it and took really interesting pictures. I had to go closer to people, to close for my own liking, but it was really worth it. Today I experiment a lot, for my last trip I took my FD 200mm f4 with my X-T2 to a hiking trip and I got some awesome shots of capricorn. I was never a wildlife shooter, but man I made a lot of fun. I recommend it, take a prime you would never take for the event/hike/trip you want to go, get out of your comfort zone and have fun!

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

I think you’re right about bringing just one prime. I tend to get more keeper images that way as well. Thanks for your efforts with this video. Well done my friend.

[@des7638]

I’ve been shooting professionally for years but I always learn and get real value from your videos. Thank you!

[@steveaxcorcist2501]

Im been practicing focal lenght photography on my zoom lenses..and intend to move on to prime lenses soon, and I think this video gives a street straight insights that is better than theorotical rhetoric .. so its great. but why does your voice shiver that much! .. you are talking the entire lenght of the video in a shiver!

[@janmelantu7490]

I think the biggest advantage of shooting primes is stopping down and shooting at the hyperfocal distance. It’s definitely a lost art in the days of Autofocus but I think it’s a good creative practice, especially if you shoot street and landscape photography.

[@thejohnringo]

Thanks for the reminder.

[@RedmilesShark]

Will surely try that out!

[@MCMasterChef]

Can you explain what you mean to me, a beginner who is still learning the terminology?

[@janmelantu7490]

@@MCMasterChef So the hyperfocal distance is the closest distance something will be in focus while everything further away (out to infinity) is still in focus. The higher your f-number, the closer the hyperfocal distance is. Look at an old prime lens (like a Nikon E-Series 50mm). See how some of the larger f-numbers are different colors? See how there are differently colored notches on the focus ring? Those notches are your depth of field at the corresponding colored f-stop. So you can set your f-stop to a colored f-number, set your infinity to one colored notch, and the other colored notch is your hyperfocal distance. No need to fiddle around with making sure your focus is right, the physics of light means everything further away from the hyperfocal distance will be in focus.

[@MCMasterChef]

@@janmelantu7490 thanks so much!

[@EmilWall]

I ended up buying a second camera after shooting my first wedding because I noticed how switching lenses really added stress. Interesting to think about how even the possibility of shooting at different focal lengths adds cognitive load and how that could still be a problem even if switching camera is easier than switching lens on a single camera.

[@raksh9]

Depending on your style, you could shoot with two primes, one on each body. Maybe a 28 or 35, and a 50 or 85 on the other. Or a standard zoom on one body and a fast prime on the other.

[@colliescameraaction8944]

changing lenses isn't the most fun, but I think the biggest stress comes from having too many options and seeing too many compositions. After half an hour with one prime, the eye/brain becomes grooved to seeing at that focal length and, if it's all you've got, you can take away some of the stress that comes from too much choice in the bag

[@suehodnett6911]

I can definitely relate to this! I even bought several camera bodies for each lens so I didn't have to change them. Sticking with the 28mm now and life is simple again 👍🏻

[@JACF9796]

I’ve had the 28mm for awhile but never really paid attention to it, but lately it has been my go to lens when shooting out and about.

[@AndrewWacker]

Regarding how you find out what your favorite focal length is: I recently bought an X-T3 with 16-80 as I'm getting back into photography after some years. I've been struggling to decide which prime to get first, so I've been intentionally setting my zoom to precise focal lengths when I shoot. Very convenient that the 16-80 is labeled at 16, 23, 35, and 50 (surely they did that on purpose). As I suspected I'm most comfortable with the 35mm focal length - my favorite lens from my Canon setup was my 50mm f1.4. That said, I've enjoyed trying out 23mm and figuring out how to use it. 35mm full frame equiv is just not something I used very often, so the challenge is very welcome and forcing me to think differently.

[@spooksmagee]

I've found I like working at either end of the prime spectrum. I recently sold a bunch of Fuji kit (rip xt3) and picked up a x100v for a dedicated hiking, street and travel camera. I also bought a used Nikon d7500 (apsc) and use long primes on it; usually the 85mm. Whenever I want to do some "serious photography" I'll bring both and it's really fun to have the 35mm and 125mm equivalents to work with. Forces me to get creative.

[@leilasmama01]

I watch a LOT of videos on photography and yours are some of my favorites! Thank you! ❤️

[@seanms35]

With primes, I’d recommend sticking to 2 lengths: one 24/28/35 and one 50/75/90. For me, I’m using 1 for most of the day and then swap to the other for a few shots to show a different perspective. I like a 28 & 50mm combo.

[@barryobrien1890]

I guess that's why they call super zoom lenses travel zooms. I tend to use a high f stop when photographing groups so nobody gets pissed off about being out of focus. Great content. I admire those street photographers that shoot everything with a fixed lens. It becomes part of your style. Great content. Thanks

[@snapsbyfox]

cheers!

[@zach.hanford]

Your last point is the exact reason why the X100 series is so beloved. I have an absolute ton of gear but when I go on vacation or walk around shooting personal work I almost always choose my X100F without hesitation(even though I prefer the 35mm over the 23mm). The camera is so small and easy to carry everywhere, and in a weird way being stuck with one focal length feels oddly liberating.

[@larrynguyen85]

Great point about taking only one prime out instead of multiple. I went on a holiday in Italy with three primes and ended up only using one (the 16mm f1.4) pretty much the whole time. I think it's worth mentioning that the 16mm f1.4 is a hugely versatile lens, so if you are traveling, I would bring the focal length you're most comfortable with and has a little bit of versatility. For instance, I wouldn't recommend lugging around the 200mm f2 "great white sharp" if you're street shooting all day!

[@RockWILK]

This is a great perspective. The only time I carry multiple primes with me, is if I'm shooting a movie, or a documentary, and I'm in a controlled environment, and everything is planned out, and I know exactly what I'm going for. But if I'm just running around for fun, or traveling, I probably wind up taking my zoom. Having said that, I really enjoy running around with only a 50mm as well, or a 35, so I guess it really depends upon how you feel on that particular day, but I totally agree that it's better to leave the house with one prime if you don't have a specific plan, and if you don't want to carry a zoom lens. Carrying multiple primes when you're just running around running and gunning, will make your head explode. :-)

[@photographicamateur]

Very enlightening video - thanks for that. Over the years I have identified two distinctly different situations. I am going on a photowalk in a place where I can easily get back to like my home town, then I carry a prime 50 mm lens. When I am traveling to new places I use a 24-200 mm to satisfy the need to initially take it all in. If I have a chance to linger, the 50 mm goes back on. I fully agree with having only one prime with you frees you up from techbased decisions. I tend to revert back to my analog practice of using fixed manual focus ( although sadly my Nikon Z 5 lacks any markings for depth of field ) and using the camera in manual mode.

[@colliescameraaction8944]

Really good advice - and very well explained. Transitioning from zooms to primes is exciting but daunting. I've mostly been shooting low-light landscapes at around 20-35mm on a tripod, but I'm also a nightscape/milky way shooter, so I've always agonised over whether I should have a set of wide fast primes and a slow F4 wide zoom, or just get a 2.8 zoom, ditch the primes, and push the ISO up for astro work. Anyway, the agonising is over and I've ditched the zoom idea as I felt it was making me a bit lazy in terms of working the angles and perspectives more. And that's easier (and necessary) with a small light prime and a light kit overall. The daunting part is the idea of leaving some of the primes behind and just going out with one prime. With landscapes there isn't always the option of becoming familiar with a location in advance (unless its local), and you never know whether the sky will be interesting, or whether you'll find an amazing foreground and want ultra wide.

[@wheezzy101]

I had the exact same experience recently taking a trip to the pacific northwest in the US. Constantly switching between my 18, 56 and 90 and I found myself not really taking in the scenes because I was so busy switching lenses. I also ended up leaving all the caps off in my bag to make it quicker. Since that trip I picked up the xf 16-55 to use on hiking trips so I don't have to worry about switching lenses. I have my 18mm, (waiting on the 33mm) and the 56mm for when I am going for a specific look. But when going to new locations like a vacation I will be sticking with the zoom. I also took a canonet with me to shoot some film and those photos have so much more meaning to me after getting them developed because I remember the thought and effort put into each photo since I only had a limited amount of shots per roll of film. That has got me wanting to really slow down my digital flow to mimic the film flow and put more thought into my shots before actually taking a shot.

[@Zetaphotography]

Point and Shoot 28mm Summarit and I don't miss anything. Obviously if you spend time switching lenses then you don't know what you are doing and didn't see it ahead of time.

[@treharris1677]

Beginner here and this advice was MUCH appreciated!!!

[@paceyombex]

My current dilemma about prime lens right now is to decide which "standard" lens to choose: 23mm, 27mm, or 35mm. 23mm f2 for its fast AF, 27mm f2.8 for its pancake-ness, and 35 f1.4 for its fast aperture.

[@namkyukimpark]

I appreciate all the topics you covered in this video. Especially felt the same way when contemplating which prime to take with me. I prefer going light and hate hauling around more than I need. I also have a dilemma about whether to take the lens hood or to go go without. Would like to hear your thoughts. Cheers

[@TheDOS]

As an armature, super agree with your last tip. Intentionally limit yourself to one prime on a given trip/section. Not only will it help you with FOMO since you’re more likely to catch shots for your focal length and more easily forgive yourself for missing those that don’t fit, but it will also help you get comfortable with that focal length when using a zoom. So if/when you pick up your zoom, you will be able to use it more deliberately, artistically, and confidently because you know what you are looking for rather than just “being lazy zooming with your lens rather than feet” (which is not the same thing of course, it’s a flawed saying).

[@andreasmotzkus6181]

If I come to an unknown location I have the following in my bag: X-T30 with 23mm/f2 and a X-T2 with 16-80m/f4. First half of the time the "zoom camera" has to rest in the bag. Even if the 23mm are contained in the zoom range, an X-T30 with the little 23mm gem is sooo much less obtrusive, that you will still need it. And it is the prime I can handle somnambulisticly. Thx Roman for the good and well thought recommendations !

[@williamfrancecamera]

Thats interesting. From a photography perspective I really agree with what you say about the F8 photo being more pleasing, but from a cinematography perspective I'd argue it'd be much nicer to focus pull from one focus plain to another using an F2 stop. Differences in creativity and form I guess.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Two Cameras, X100V & XT3 with 18/55 works for me around the Streets and to be fair the XT3 only comes out of my bag if I feel I really need it. Good thought patterns on this chat Roman.

[@thejohnringo]

How sensible! I'm taking the suggestions to heart.

[@MeAMuse]

Travel photography more than any other photography is best if you never have to change lenses. Having 2 bodies though… game changer. Just walk around with a sling bag, one camera out… the other ready for when things change. My favs are to have 16-35mm and a 85mm, or a superzoom and a 35mm prime. I also think your only going out with 1 prime thing can be adapted in this way… one of my favorite load outs is taking a 35mm on one camera and an 85mm or 90mm macro on the other. Once you learn to have a favorite focal length… learn another that’s at least double the first…. (But you definitely need 2 cameras if you want to do that). In fact unless I am going for landscape photography or something else that is generally not time dependent I condone picking 1 lens and just going for it… one of my favorites for places I go often (beaches with the dog at weekends etc) is a 100-400mm simply because at that focal length things are always different.

[@mjztx]

I got an XT20 recently with a 16-50mm to try fuji for street/travel/personal shooting (instead of Canon for professional work). I got the 35mm F2 and love it. I've been considering getting another prime, but keep going back to what you're saying in this video... how many primes do I need to really take on one outing. On one outing, the 35mm was tight so I switched to the 16-50mm. I wasn't needing the fast aperture so that worked. I have considered the 16 2.8 or the 18 f2 for my next prime, but can't really decide if its even worth it when I have the 16-50mm. For the style of shooting i'm after, I'm not really needing that fast of a lens anyways. So, guess I'm saying, simple is better :)

[@Femchan]

Since the start of lockdown last year I've mostly run around with just my 27mm: it's very discrete so I don't have to worry as much (my area is not all that safe). Combined with my X-T10 it fits in a (sideways) fannypack or the front of a backpack. It holds up well enough with manual focus, quick, easy! I used to tote a cheap plastic film camera so acting the bendy weirdo to get the right shot isn't that big of a problem. Alternatively I'll use the Samyang 12mm (hood on backwards when inside my bag), it's a bit of an odd duck but can do wonderful things with odd weather. Fun to experiment with! The XF18-55mm makes a great travel companion and the XC50-230mm is surprisingly decent as well (particularly for its price-point) but when you combine the two in a daypack with other accessories, it can get annoying. Would love to try some of the other zooms to see which one is the best allrounder. I suppose one of the 23's could make a good travel prime but I haven't tried any of those.

[@lelandsmith2320]

After a week in Mexico City (2 thumbs up!) I bought a Canon SL1 and 24mm and 40mm pancakes. Lots of convenience and less showy. Someday I might get an SL2 or a m50 or m5 for similar trips.

[@milletmongoose]

I take two primes with me, a wider 28mm equiv and a 85mm equiv (18mm and 56mm respectively). I pick an area and walk it through twice, once with the wide for establishing shots and very close up subject photography, then back again with the short telephoto for tighter subject photography and creamy bokeh. That way, I only change my lenses once and I still feel like I've had a good session.

[@AntonisDeligiannis]

I fully agree about having only one prime in your bag when you go out. Many times I ended up changing lens instead of shooting photos..!

[@JosefFoti]

I think the last point is true even in wedding photography. If you take 2 bodies and a 35mm and 85mm primes, you can shoot pretty much everything and there is no reason to miss shots. However, if you also take your 24mm and 50mm primes with you, you just keep thinking "well, what if..." and you overthink stuff. So I completely agree. And in street photography, I usually only take one prime, rarely two, that's usually when I shoot in Prague and I plan to also shoot in the underground, that's when I take my 24mm that's very useful in the tight space.

[@vaughnharp06]

Very good advice at the end in regards to switching up lenses constantly. I find I’m able to be more creative and less distracted when I’m sticking to one focal length or range, and learning to be okay with that allows me to see better compositions. Great work as always, keep it up!! 🙌🏻🤙🏻

[@Xgil2Play]

At first glance, I preferred the f2 picture because it has a better composition. I didn't even notice how blurred the foreground was. Had the foreground been leveled with the subject, it would have been the best of the 2. Thank you for providing tips and knowledge on this subject, it really does help.

[@_t_f_]

I personally prefer the f2 image. Admittedly, my style is typically very out-of-the-box, jarring representations of what I'm shooting. Although I do like his tip and I will practice shooting more realistic apertures when that's the style of image that I'm looking for.

[@alexmcdonald5708]

Good video mate! I think not having the money to buy lots of lenses is really where you shine when it comes to getting used to a single lens. I did my 30mm sigma to death for years on my Canon. As for multiple primes on my Xh2s agree having more than 1 or 2 does make you want to change more often and doesnt free you up. But some good combos which would really offer some variety are; Viltrox 27mm + Fuji 90 F2 Fuji 16mm + Fuji 33 (or similar focal length) Having something like the 16mm with ultra close focussing distance and a nice wide field of view would make for some dope shots of trams and in close quarters such as alleyways. Packing a Fuji 90, or Viltrox 75 will give you a relatively compact lens with fast apertures and a long focal length for some incredible tight shots at a distance. 90f2 is also less confronting than the 50-140 and really be a good alternative. Similarly the Viltrox 13mm paired with a middle of the range focal length.

[@OsterlundArchitect]

Sunny 16! Better colors, better composition, complete images. I usually leave it at f8, but if there's enough light, or if I have a tripod, I'll slow it way down.

[@sonderbass]

Ahhhh, just the video I needed as I’m in the market for a new prime :)

[@snapsbyfox]

sweet!

[@jonastruemper637]

I can so much relate, Roman! After many years of only using primes, I got pretty frustrated about that paradoxic "luxury of choice" as well. So I ended up getting a zoom again (and selling one prime) for these situations where I can't make up my mind beforehand which prime it's going to be. And it's so much better - same rule for me: bring 1 lens - prime or zoom, but decide before.

[@snapsbyfox]

i think everyone goes through the stage typically after getting a ton of gear… they realise the more gear they have the more it can get in the way haha

[@jonastruemper637]

@@snapsbyfox absolutely -- unless you can't afford it, it's easy to get caught up in gear. :-) and when you realize that, it can be so liberating to sell it again. maybe another mistake to be made here: not selling gear (including primes) that is preoccupying your mind rather than helping.

[@wilfs1196]

Hi Roman, I'm a first time (not last) of your videos. I see the same question repeated on various websites & forums, "which prime should I buy?" Answer for me was after a day or part thereof of shooting, I bring up the EXF files on my photos to see if there is a pattern & there is one. I use my Fuji 18-55 & have found that I average between 23 & 35 mm on my XT-3 & recently acquired XE-4, leaning towards the 23 mm end. Going back to watch more Fox videos.

[@rumblebunz8081]

wish i saw this sooner! i found out i take better shots with primes due to everything you’ve mentioned. now i sold all my primes and going back to zoom with the mentality of using primes…at least i kept one of my zooms i am in love with so i didn’t waste too much money 😅

[@AmauryDescours]

Loads of good tips in this video, Roman! I love the one about having different primes in your bag is the surest way to be disconnected from your scene and your subjects. So true, but until recently I had very difficult times to actually admit it myself! And yet, « less is more ». Definitely!

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I agree entirely with you on the last point you raised . I have always been drawn to 50mm because of shooting film in the street . When I acquired my first digital camera with a kit zoom I found that I was using it mostly around 50mm reach , but occasionally I opted for other focal lengths , but was missing shots unless I kept the lens at one section or other. Today I still use a kit zoom a lot because it is small and compact , but I have been drawn towards 35mm over time when doing street work . I know that I have a choice of some really good alternatives , but the arrival of new zooms are competing with the choice of primes . The reason is simple . New zooms are great at image quality and match that of certain primes . Second, 50mm old school focal lengths are still some of the best options over 35mm. Like you, I rarely care about fast apertures unless doing portrait work, so anything from f4 to f8 works perfectly . What is frustrating is that I tend to pick my phone for a lot of street topics because it is with me, but when I have the camera and can use a tilt screen it is a joy to use and delivers the shots I want. In a word or two - use it or loose it.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Hi Carmen, 35 mm or 28 mm (50 mm for some) have been the lenses of choice for many street photographers. [PS: there also some old school 35 mm ;o)] Maximum aperture is one thing in favor of prime lenses but that is not their only plus. They are compact and discreet. Always using the same focal lens gives a particular coherence to a body of images. Using the same prime allows you to memorize its frame (angle of view) which means that we some training you do not need to bring the camera to your eye to see the framed photographed. This allows you to anticipate... a key factor in most photography, definitely in street photography. Set on hyperfocal distance at f 5.6 or f 8 you do not have to worry about focusing. The wider the lens the greater the perceived depth of field.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

I usually carry One of My Primes (24mm f2.8 or 50mm f1.8) as a complement thinking about "light sharpiness", if required. I mean, for landscape scenery, it will be the 24 together with the 10-20mm f3.5 or the 55-250mm f4-5.6 And, for street, the 50 together with the 18-55 f4-5.6 This works well for me, avoiding the "mind limitations" and/or "wrong addictions" so well explained by you! Very good video and sincere opinions from you, as well. See ya, blue skies 📷🤙

[@mosesp6200]

In my opinion that realistic bokeh thing is just a style thing like all that color editing stuff... Photography is in most cases not about rebuilding reality and what you really see/saw but about showing a reality that you created.

[@snapsbyfox]

very fair point! i guess what looks jarring to me might look pleasing to someone else

[@BrunoChalifour]

What is "realistic" bokeh anyway??

[@ABC-sc2ip]

Prime kit (full frame): 24-50-100 (or 135). Aperture glued to 5.6/8 unless shallow DOF is crucial for the image. The 50 is on the camera be default. The 24 comes out when I need foreground in the shot, shooting in tight spaces, or need to include architecture/background or groups into the frame for scale or context. The 100 comes out for portraits, reaching a composition I can't by moving my feet with the 50, and for compressing foreground and background. If I'm shooting a fast-moving event like a parade or protest, I use two bodies with the 24 and 50 on the bodies and the 100 in the waist bag.

[@jmtphotographymedia]

Totally agree with this. Although I love a zoom for event work I prefer two primes. 16 f2.8/35 f2 or 23 f2 /50 f2. In both setup. One is typically the main driver and does 90% of the work (16 / 23) and the other asks a telephoto/portrait lens when it happens to arise.

[@arp4674]

Great teaching style. I specially liked the aperture advice and the example illustrated the idea clearly.

[@BlancGivre]

Great video, Roman. You're a great teacher.

[@harvymckiernan93]

Excellent video. I've lost count the number of times I've spent dithering over my kit bag thinking, which lens I'm going to challenge myself with today..

[@TK421-53]

Solid advice, everybody should listen to the bit after 14:03 especially.

[@jpr-tech]

Thanks for the video. YOU READ MY MIND... or what has been on my mind recently. Lately, I've been using 1 PRIME lens each shooting day. I decide on the focal length, slap it on my X-H1 and that is it! As of late, I've been into the 50mm range using the new 7artisans 50mm f0.95. It's a beefy lens, but it is super sharp stopped down (like you said in the video, don't need to shoot wide open all the time). My last video shoot gave me good results.

[@subrotomitra]

your maturity is amazing!! refreshing

[@jeffreythemeditator]

unrelated note: a while back you said you had something like 1500 photos in your Lightroom library. Meanwhile, I had close to 15000. I commented, and you said that you culled ruthlessly otherwise it quickly became unmanageable. I thought: I will do likewise. Now, after two days of ruthlessness, I have culled 10,780 pictures. Down to a few thousand. for now.

[@shutternomad90]

What people do miss when talking about zoom v prime is compression. When you zoom in and out you're compressing and expanding the entire frame. But when you walk forward and backward with a prime lens the compression stays the same. Hence walking forward and backward with a prime is not the same as zooming in and out. Focal length makes a huge difference.

[@100adventurer]

Totally agree!

[@just_eirik]

I totally agree with not taking tons of lenses with you. But at the same time I “cheat” by having 2 cameras, each with a lens on it. Switching cameras with lenses on them is so much faster than switching lenses on one camera. And Fuji cameras and lenses are so small and light that it’s not too hard to carry around 2 cameras + 2 lenses.

[@rogerwalton8160]

Lightroom users can very easily find their 'favourite" focal length by using the metadata filter to show focal lengths used for all photos.

[@meatbyproducts]

Unless they use old school glass without data

[@alessandracajucom9769]

I badly needed, thank you so so muchhh!

[@michaelschmitt5413]

Nice video and interesting. I preferred the f8 version of the bridge for the same reasons you mentioned. For street photography, if I shoot with a prime, I prefer the 23mm on a Fuji X-T20 (or shoot my X100T). That being said, I prefer my 18-55mm zoom. I can get everything I want with it. I own the 16-55mm, but don't like how large it is (even if I use my X-T2). I mostly shoot at f5.6 or 8, so I don't need the f2.8 that the 16-55mm provides. Keep these videos coming !!!

[@snapsbyfox]

18-55 is an amazing lens for the money. search for my mate here on YT by name of Gareth Danks who recently made a video comparing 16-55 and 18-55….. not much in it at all. cheers

[@christopherberry8519]

I take the opposite view of primes... I only take one lens with me - I'll usually pick a prime based on the light. My favorite lens that I borrowed for this was an 85mm on a crop body. Suddenly everything was about perspective and light and with a max f/1.8 aperture, I was stopping down to get better contrast!!! I've taken a 50mm f/1.4 on walkabout but always ended up with wanting a tripod at night (yeah you push extremes with that one). These days, shooting full frame, I leave the 24-105 f/4 IS on the body as because of it's good close-up ability. My 100mm macro is literally for product photography - but I appreciate that it's plastic and lighter! Maybe I should take that on walkabout... red rings and macro!

[@jannisbmrt]

I don't know if many cameras have that but my A7III has an apsc mode, which you can simple turn on to crop into the image. So if I shoot with 28mm I can quickly jump to like 44mm, which is probably my favourite.

[@shaunsanders5401]

It's great fun going out with just one prime. I love my 50 mm lens. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@mattg8888]

1. I like the f8 image better. 2. One of THE best experiences I have ever had was when I first tried street photography in Stuttgart and only brought my old EOS 100D with a 24mm 2.8 pancake. I often zone focused and never switched lenses and got some of my best pictures I ever took and it taught me so much and pushed me. So yeah...that is basically why I now have an x100 and recently even shot (after the real photographer was gone) the evening part of a wedding with that. You gotta get close, move down for children, shoot through heads to frame someone else, etc.,but it is totally worth it. However, you gotta also go through a phase of frustration when stuff just doesn't work like it does with a zoom

[@Nicole-zr1me]

I’ve done so many of these things 😂 After buying a peak design strap I realized I never wanted to bring my camera with my zoom out partially because it was uncomfortable to carry. Now I’m definitely gonna go with either a prime or the zoom like u said. So much easier.

[@joeltunnah]

What camera are you using. Maybe a lighter kit like a m4/3 would be more fun and comfortable? I sold my full frame digital stuff off because of the size and weight. My neck feels so much better.😉

[@Richard-xj5ye]

Try an Op/Tech USA sling strap. It sits diagonally across the body and you can walk with it for hours. Because of the design it can be brought up to eye level instantly with one hand. It can also convert back into a standard neck strap if you wish.

[@Nicole-zr1me]

@@Richard-xj5ye great thanks!

[@Nicole-zr1me]

@@joeltunnah that’s a great idea, thanks!

[@marc.ristau]

What I see in a scene is completely different than what I see on a photograph. I have two eyes and parallax movements to get depth perception in reality. On a non moving 2d image, both won’t work, so out of focus blur is the next best thing to create a sense of place. It shouldn’t be overdone, but many tend to forget that when in pursuit of the sharpest images possible.

[@Roysphotos8]

I walk with 3 primes 24, 50, 85. I carry it ina sling. Whether its edc or travel it works for me.

[@nore8141]

I was on a Cruise 8 months ago and brought 4 lenses and used 1 maybe 2 lens. My go to lens was the sigma 56mm. Great video subscribed yesterday thanks for the content

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

I can so relate to your last issue...making a choice in a new environment with so much imagery and possibility being thrown at you. It can really ruin your time and become cumbersome and stressful. You just sold me on the 16-55. My new rule of thumb when traveling some place new will be to bring an all purpose zoom for daytime and a 35mm 1.4 prime at night. I am new to mirrorless. This was the rule when I shot with DSLR because of weight.

[@marcglaudemans637]

I did exactly the same on my last trip and it worked. I prefer the 35mm for its being light and small, but whenever we just went out without knowing what to expect I took the 16-55 and could cover almost everything. Last year I brought the 35mm1.4 and the Samyang 12mm2.0 to Berlin. This was actually a super combination for city trips. They are both small and light and the difference in field of view is vast, so never a real struggle which lens to use.

[@rlclark50]

13:00 "I was treating these three primes as one awkward, convoluted zoom lens which had to be changed every 10 seconds." Ah man, been there and done that. Great advice on just committing to one lens and getting what you can with it rather than just taking everything for every composition possible.

[@jimmoran7365]

Each day a single prime…but return to same space another day with a different prime. When you see the long shot you need to get … come back a third day. If you are in the location once only … you know what your go to lens is, take it and ENJOY seeing what you can do. Don’t notice all the things you can’t do. Life is too short to worry about what you can’t shoot..

[@paramidge8935]

Using the word 'one' in the right context didn't make you sound posh (for whatever that is worth). It did make you sound fluent in the language which is great for the viewer. Really appreciate your work by the way - the entertaining and well considered information and many of the images. Thanks.

[@luzr6613]

I get your argument - it makes sense on the premises that matter to you. I do think that it's all perfectly reasonable when you have knowledge of the location. I don't think you'd make the mistake of insisting, however, that there's some sort of immutable formula at play regarding what gets carried. Because i always carry a camera everywhere i go, it wears a superzoom and i've got a macro in my pocket - that's my EDC and scouting kit. When i go out specifically to shoot, it all depends on location. Sometimes it's a trio of zooms, sometimes it's half a dozen primes, sometimes it's just a couple of lenses, sometimes.... If i were primarily an urban shooter, maybe things would be different.

[@Leondrian]

Really like this video! I've picked up some great advice easily from the example with the bridge. I totally agree with taking one prime on a photowalk. I done that mistake a couple of times. Last photowalk I brought two cameras, analog medium format and a X100V, but I kept the same equivalent focal length to not mess up my brain while finding compositions. That's a great lesson and I'm really thankful that you brought that up, so others can benefit. Thanks /Robert

[@robertmcfetridge3480]

Love my rokinon 8mm but I don’t get enough opportunities to use it. Appreciated your comments about maximum apertures.

[@root9065]

I'm learning a lot from you bud. Thanks for doing this.

[@petercordingley927]

Hi Roman, great video! I did a similar choice just last week when I visited Chichester and Bosham Quay. I took the 23, 27 and 35 on an X-M1, X-T1, X-T2 and also had my X70. I was constantly swapping between cameras and didn't enjoy the trip. I will do as you say, just take the camera and lens I'm most happy using. Too much gear, no idea...

[@snapsbyfox]

haha we all go through this

[@joeltunnah]

Great hearing your thoughts on this. I’ve never brought more than on prime with me anywhere, mostly due to laziness or the inconvenience of it, but also because as you said I tend to focus on just what’s in front of me. I rarely find far away street photos interesting, so the 28-50mm equivalent range is all I care about. I notice when I carry a zoom like a 24-70mm equivalent, I come home with half of the shots at 70mm. I really need to work on not letting the zoom do the work for me of getting close to the scene. Those are the most rewarding street photos, IMO.

[@brandonprescott5753]

When traveling I prefer to take my 18-55mm and 55-200mm with my XT3 as I do not want to be restricted to a specific focal range. Having said that most of the other time it is my 35mm f2 that sits most on my camera.

[@koolkutz7]

Nice set-up :-)

[@robinschaeffer6252]

Bring the 28 and 50, and keep the 35 on the camera when you go out. Only change to the 50 when cropping the 35 won't give you the quality you need. Only change to the 28 when backing up won't offer the same image for the same field of view. Back in the 70's I swapped out the "normal" 50mm lens for a 35mm lens because I found myself backing up to take the pictures my mind was visualizing. The 28 and 50 are relatively small and would fit in a jacket pocket. I would also add a small telephoto (135mm), but then I carry a small cheap "camera" bag I can reach into (a small waterproof cooler bag) I find it handier than a backpack.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing...yes changing lenses frequently seems a waste of time & you may miss a shot...I always have one prime 50mm & one telephoto lens just in case I cannot get closer to what I want to photograph... cheers 😀

[@curt300s]

Well said. You explained what I have been feeling for a long time.

[@conchscooter]

Very helpful. Thank you. One prime makes sense. My 24-64 mm zoom suddenly also makes sense!

[@Blinddenial]

Thanks. This helps a lot with my photography journey :)

[@raymeedc]

EyE do the same thing. When I go out street shooting, I do so with one body/one lens. I may go out through the same territories with a different prime some other day to see what EyE might see in a differ rent weigh, but I only put one into play per day ~

[@kirkhoover4609]

GREAT video! Excellent tips as always. Let me say that the most valuable part of this video, for me, was the Squarespace ad. I use them for my site, but hadn't really thought of partially "dumping" social media. I'm gonna try a "redirecting" approach. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

[@supremeuppercut]

Another great one. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

I had the same problem carrying both a film camera and my Fuji camera. Too many choices takes my focus off the composition too. So I trimmed down to my Fuji camera with my default 35mm 1.4(for interior, bokeh, and normal shots) and 50mm f2(for tight distant, wide street, people shots) lens, and I can go back to focus on composition and enjoying my trip..

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Well to add to this topic, Ive got xpro2 with 18-55, 35(1.4) and used to have 55-200 also but stopped using all of that once I bought Fujifilm x70 (18mm). Having tiny pocketable camera is so liberating its crazy, I took it recently on my trip to Skye and Highland and loved it. Tired of bulky cameras. Now wondering if I should sell them all and just leave x70... Only thing is that for videos is not good at all and to find a compact camera with wide small lens good for anything is near impossible. From Fuji lineup there is nothing, from Sony maybe ZV-1. Anyway. Good video mate.

[@pr4y]

Using eos RP body while traveling and needing light and small with RF 50mm 1.8 and 16mm 2.8. Those are so small fitting in my pocket. Sometimes I crop the 16 as if I’m shooting in apsc. If I don’t want to carry 2 lenses I’m only taking the 35 1.8….. My beloved 24-70 2.8 is not used anymore because to heavy and big. I do prefer carrying two bodies instead with 35 and 85, or 24 and 50

[@orangepeel79]

Yeah. I've had 23, 35, 50. Found myself circling back to shoot 35mm 90% of the time. As a result I'm selling 23 & 50mm and going to try leave a 35mm on my xt3 for walkabouts with the 16-80mm as back up / other projects I'm thinking of.

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

good video - I carry an 18 - 150 and one 28 mm prime. I'm usually out all day so the prime goes on at night and for me it works. But I like the comments where you carry two cameras with a prime on each - that's a great suggestion too....

[@barryspotts9850]

I've got some good results with the 18mm to 135mm, but I understand the power of prime... I lose quite a bit in field of focus, and aperture in low light situations, but it is handy for many outside applications..