The Fujifilm 16mm f/2.8 WR is NOT For Everyone | A Street Photography Review

[@gunairy]

What do you think, is it too wide? Do you have a copy of the 16mm in your own kit? Interested to hear what you all think.

[@albertsmith9315]

Have this lens and like it a lot. I've used a 24mm equivalent for over 40 years and know how to employ it. So when I went to Fujifilm, a 16mm was a must have. One neat trick which you can use time-to-time... With this lens and the camera set to 1:1 square aspect ratio, the edge to edge coverage will be the same as the 23mm when shooting the full image. So if you find the lens too wide for the scene, try shooting square.

[@gunairy]

Wow this is such a great tip cause I’ve been more and more interested in square comps lately. I was considering making a whole video shooting 1:1, so thanks!

[@stephengray1973]

I have the 16mm and the 35mm but I’m considering buying the 23mm. This is a great tip to get more out of my 16mm. Thanks.

[@MarcLerchs]

I love the simplicity of this video. Thank You for sharing and greetings from Belgium.

[@gunairy]

Thanks for watching! Really appreciate it. Hello from New York ☺️

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Gotta agree the 27 is my favourite lens ever

[@BangBangChicken]

Glad I found your videos Nick! Your work deserves way more subscribers.

[@gunairy]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@richardcarlson112]

Great sample photos. I have the f1.4 version and have often thought about getting the 2.8 for travel as I don't to carry a bigger bag. If you look at the sample photos in this video, you'll see that there is always something in the foreground even though it is not the focus of interest. For me, if the interest is mid-photo or further back and I have a blank foreground, the photo will usually fail. Photographers in their earlier years may struggle more with that but if you keep using the lens, it becomes intuitive and can be one of your best. I think you can shoot an entire holiday with a 16 and 35 or 23 for cropped sensors.

[@gunairy]

Thanks for your comment! I’ve loved this lens so far. The more I use it, the easier it is to ‘see’ in 16 (24mm). It’s been an excellent lens and so perfect for the smaller fujis.

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Yep, works better for the perception of depth

[@gerhardeirich6183]

Good, straight to the point, no faffing about or long intros :-)

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

My favourite lens for my XPro3. It is very high quality. Thanks for the review Nick.

[@gunairy]

For sure! It’s been a great lens so far. Really loving having it in my kit.

[@frankberlin8084]

Yes for me top. My x pro3 & 16mm & 18mm & 30mm ❤ for Holiday 😊😊

[@martinpickard5818]

Was tempted but went with the 18mm f1.4 to go side by side with my 33mm f1.4…. This channel is going to grow fast,love it.✌️

[@gunairy]

The 18 1.4 looks solid! Honestly I think the 33 might be my next lens too for night/concerts/portraits. Thanks a ton for watching!

[@martinpickard5818]

@@gunairy it is a fantastic lens….I’ll be checking the 75mm f1.2 viltrox next,looks 👌🏻 keep the vids man….

[@gunairy]

@@martinpickard5818 Will do! Thanks again!

[@pfifr]

Nice video dude, just picked one up myself. You affirmed everything I was already feeling about it. Also you've got some really nice shots as well. Cheers

[@gunairy]

Thanks! Really appreciate that. Have fun with the lens!

[@nqxba]

wow, looking at some of these images and compositions was mind-blowing. i've used a Canon zoom in my early work and i noticed i stuck to the 24mm equivalent end a lot. really informative video for someone committed to switching to Fuji and looking for something compact to complement an X-Pro3 or X-T5. thanks dude!

[@gunairy]

You got it! Glad I could help. Thanks a ton for watching!

[@johnfairweather9188]

Nice little lens but with soft corners.

[@gunairy]

I tend not to pay too much attention to that kind of thing, but it’s important to note too!

[@HaiTomVlog]

I really like this lens on my xe2. I mainly bought it for something to use for more wide-angle city shots and the size and weight are incredible.

[@gunairy]

It balances perfectly on Fuji’s rangefinder bodies for sure! Glad you’re enjoying!

[@winc06]

Galen Rowell used mostly a 24mm lens on his film Nikons and became one of the giants in landscape photography. And he used the cheaper ones because they were light and could be carried easily even up a rock face. Good focal length. However if you are restricted in where you can be like a trail, an overlook, a bridge, or in a travel group a zoom is essential because you can't zoom with your feet all the time.

[@gunairy]

I was huge on primes for so long, and I've been converted to using good zooms lately. For travel, sometimes you just can't beat having 50 focal lengths all in one.

[@SourPlanet]

Fwiw, I think the paradox of choice with zooms becomes much less pronounced when you don't think of it as "50 different focal lengths." It's actually like 3 to 5, typically. Like when I head out with a 16-35... I have a 16, 24, 28, and 35 prime in my bag. They just happen to exist in one lens. I'd never shoot at 17 or 33, etc. That's how "50" focal lengths happen and the zoom becomes creatively paralyzing and distracting in the moment. Beyond that, I "put on the prime" for the session or day. The zoom lives at 24, for instance. I don't "switch primes" unless I'm going to miss a shot. If I need 16, I walk. If I need 35, I walk. If 24 isn't wide enough because there's a wall in my way... Then I "put on" the 16. All just examples.. but kinda worth noting. Otherwise yeah, I agree zooms can be a bit big and cumbersome for street. They're intended for covering bases but street is like... Your body is the composition and you just frame up for where you place it ha. Zooms mess with that pure simplicity.

[@gunairy]

Yeah true enough about not using every focal length in a zoom. I find it way easier to compose with primes because the distraction is gone, but treating zooms kind of like primes is a cool way to think about it.

[@markbeard9194]

Excellent video, I now love the 24mm full frame equivalent but it took me quite a while to get used to it but am glad I persevered - just subscribed 👍

[@gunairy]

Thanks! Glad to have you onboard! Yep it definitely takes some getting used to. I’m still learning how to use it myself!

[@fuelediowa]

Great photography, Solid Video, Great information. I can subscribe to this. LOL Great video Nick

[@gunairy]

Hey thanks a ton! I appreciate the support!

[@sophievautour8573]

How did you feel about using it in low light?

[@gunairy]

I haven’t used it a ton in low light, but it works fine. Of course faster is better but I honestly don’t mind grain and I shoot a lot of backlit stuff at night so it’s pretty workable

[@sunclimber7428]

What bag you using there??!! Looks perfect for what I’m looking for.

[@gunairy]

This is the Hex Ranger Mini Sling. I get a lot of questions about it haha. It's cheap and great if you have a small camera setup.

[@SENTIENT.7]

Great video - I'm sold. PS - What kinda bag are you using? I need something less bulky. Thanks

[@gunairy]

I get questions on that bag more than anything else haha. It's the Hex mini ranger sling. Super cheap and great for small cameras.

[@SENTIENT.7]

@@gunairy HAHAHA awesome thank you!

[@jonathanlogan6953]

Zoom lenses usually feel more like 3-4 lenses, not dozens of different focal lengths. On my 16-55mm, I mostly use 16, 23, and 35mm. On my 50-140mm, i mostly use 50, 90, and 140mm.

[@gunairy]

I can see that argument! I might have been a little exaggerative. I just like primes a lot better. and I will say that on my 18-55 I do tend to use either 18-35 or zoom all the way to 55. Don't really touch the 35-55 range haha.

[@limwwlderek4261]

Hi Nick, what is the sling bag used in the video?

[@gunairy]

I get this question all the time! It's the Hex mini ranger sling. Great bag.

[@yogapraditya3450]

for me this is the perfect lens for street photography, better than 23 f 2.0

[@ryansvlogz]

Would you mind sharing your recipe you used for the Golden Gate Bridge Photos?

[@gunairy]

I would totally share if it was a recipe, but it was actually edited in Lightroom after the fact. I believe I used classic neg as the base for those though.

[@alanc6416]

I hope Fuji release a new F2 WR LM version of this 16mm or 18mm lens and under 200g. Because the new XF16-50 at 240g makes this lens redundant. Maybe the 18mm Mkii with WR and LM? That would be awesome. That being said, it doesn’t have to be pancake if the IQ is improved though.

[@gunairy]

Yeah! I agree. I think the pancakes are awesome, but don't really care much about the size if we're talking about that vs. the f/2 lenses that are super tiny already. I don't think the 16 is entirely redundant. That new zoom is pricey; plus regardless of the weight, it's still quite a bit larger. Plus plenty of people already own the 16 and don't plan on buying the new zoom, right? I see where you're coming from, though. On the other hand, I'm tempted to pick up the 16-50 myself and get rid of both my Sigma 18-50 and this 16mm, haha.

[@alanc6416]

@@gunairy yes the new kit is pretty expensive on its own, because i just got it as part of a kit and came to this conclusion. It was still expensive as a kit but much more reasonable it I guess

[@gunairy]

@@alanc6416 Yeah you definitely get a deal on it if you buy a body too.

[@tulasnaps]

Waiting for a 1.4 LM version of this lens 🙏🏾

[@gunairy]

Nice! You do a lot of night photography?

[@tulasnaps]

@@gunairy i do sometimes or lowlight in general. but i noticed with the new fuji lenses (LM versions) the glass overall is redone. color rendition is insane and they have clinical sharpness. I own the 18 1.4 lm and it never leaves my cam...literally

[@gunairy]

@@tulasnaps I see, I’d like to try out that 18 1.4. It sounds like a great lens

[@kuroexmachina]

1000th sub

[@gunairy]

Thanks for following along!

[@simonefaluschi3940]

I love the 16mm, I actually have both the 1.4 and 2.8, and the reason for which I am thinking to sell the 2.8 is just because I use so much its big brother. But it matches perfectly my x-e4, then I am pending the decision.

[@gunairy]

No harm in keeping both if you've got the space! I've heard good things about the 1.4 version. Glad you're liking it!

[@zekirami1145]

Good video I do have 27mm I thinking 🤔 to buy the 16mm f 2.8 but if you think the 27mm better so I'll keep 27 not buy th 16 .. thanks I also have the Sigma 56mm I hope u do video for this lenes

[@gunairy]

The 16mm is fantastic too, it’s just pretty wide for street. I recommend having them both if you see yourself using the wider prime a lot! Otherwise, you can always stick with what you’ve got.

[@jmtphotographymedia]

Get both. The 16mm and 27 is my favorite pair.

[@cyrfung]

Some of the shots are really great. Nice work. I usually just bring one prime if it's not a special occasion. Usually 35mm or 50mm equiv. I sometimes wish I have a 24mm equiv for playing around with shooting from the hip, but I think it's too wide if that's all I have for the day.

[@gunairy]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! Totally agree. I don’t think I’d be able to go out with just this lens on me!

[@jacek.radunc]

what model of photo bag is shown in the video?

[@gunairy]

That’s the Hex mini sling! It’s been great

[@bill3117]

I kind of like a small bit off-level look. I think it adds a little action to the photo. I tend to use smaller range zoom lenses for events, but for street my f/2 primes.

[@gunairy]

Agreed, once in a while it can add to an image!

[@TomásHerreraBustos]

hi, what is the bag that apear in the video'?

[@gunairy]

That’s the Hex ranger sling. It’s the smaller version!

[@paceyombex]

The 16 has always been the "ugly duckling" of the Fujicron line (some don't even consider it a member of that line), but since it says Fujinon on the lens, you know it's a guarantee for quality. I have no use for a prime that wide, but some people do. You clearly showed how to work that lens with some of your shots here!

[@gunairy]

Yes! Almost part of the family but not 100%. I think Fuji knew they needed something in that same form factor that was a little wider than 23. I find myself cropping a bit more with it, but it’s been a great tool overall. Thanks for your comment!

[@paceyombex]

@@gunairy Yeah, that's why I'm stuck with my OG 35mm since to me it's "just right" for most cases, so I usually crop less. I'm thinking about replacing that dinosaur for both 23 and 50 f/2 (or Sigma 56) for a more specialized role tho, since 35mm sometimes could felt a bit lacking, it's not wide nor tight enough. But I guess that's why they called it the nifty fifty, a jack of all trade.

[@gunairy]

@@paceyombex take a look at the 27mm pancake too! It has no right to be as sharp as it is, and I find that ~40mm is a perfect walk around/do it all length for me. Especially with street. And the x100v ish p&s experience can’t be beat if you’re on a rangefinder.

[@paceyombex]

@@gunairy I've always wanted to pick the 27mm as a "body cap" for my X-E3. I've never tried it before (i trust the fujinon on the lens) but the form factor really intrigued me. My problem is that it's a bit tooclose in terms of focal length with prime lens that I have. If I have a spare money I'll definitely pull the trigger on that one.

[@kidkante]

Eric KIm has hypebeasted street photography to the point where it's no longer about the photos, just the gear and vlogs.

[@gunairy]

I'm not familiar with Eric Kim. Gear plays an important role in our work and warrants careful consideration, but it definitely shouldn't take precedence over actually getting out there to take photos.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

The 50mm on Fuji X-Mount is a 75mm. 50X1.5= 75

[@gunairy]

I understand, the 56mm is closer to a true 85mm. The 35 is also technically a 52.5, but it’s quicker to explain the f/2s in general terms and 10mm is less noticeable at the telephoto end.

[@brownbear100]

Really great, cheap lens. Wider than the 16 1.4, could even be 15mm before the distortion is corrected. Sharper than that lens, too. I like this as a walk around street, it was great to have for a London trip. But almost not quite wide enough unless you work it - it's better to get close to the subject or object in the foreground. I pair it with the 30mm 2.8, as I didn't really like the AF of either versions of the 27 2.8. Also I like faster primes, so if I have one main prime that's a bit bigger, but space is at a premium, this 16 will still slip in a pocket. Not a lens I use too often, but appreciate that it's there. Oh and I find the lens hood to be one of Fuji's best. Clicks right into place whether regular or reversed. But I keep it mounted all the time since it's so compact.

[@kieronseth]

Turn the background music down!

[@gunairy]

Thanks for the feedback!