The Perfect Lens?

[@benbunch4159]

Don’t envy you dealing with location sound like this on your own. It’s kind of a miracle it works as well as it does. There’s a reason why even on modest pro video shoots one would have a dedicated sound person. TBH I think yours sounds great for the format.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Fantastic trip! :D I'm in Lanzarote now and all I see on the big epic locations are concrete mixers, telephone poles and rusty trash cans... Thanks for opening my eyes 😂

[@alastairtheduke]

Makes me happy when James puts out a new video!

[@baharam98]

Your mic can crackle all it wants, because you and your contents are so awesome that I never hear the crackle unless you point them out. Outstanding images. Your compositions have inspired me to become a better photographer. Thank you.

[@lalogonzalezmelgoza9424]

Your videos are my comfort place

[@AliasJimWirth]

I find it all interesting, James, when it is well thought out and comes from people such as yourself who have a boatload of experience, and success to back it all up. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your images. Always a pleasure.

[@josephschimmer302]

Looking forward to your book!

[@__spike__]

I really appreciate your videos. Your personality is a cheer:)

[@helmoh]

While you may think you are needlesly obsessing about 35, 40 or 50mm, all great artists have artistic phases. In 30 years time someone will say: ah yes, this is from his 40mm period. :p

[@MartinQvistTyron]

Hope you enjoyed the beauty of Denmark, despite the cold weather.

[@craiginthemud7086]

Hi James, if you fancied dusting off your g9 then the lumix 10-25 f1.7 would be just the lens your after 😉

[@benbunch4159]

I was just thinking that…

[@jonastruemper637]

James, thanks for the thoughts and the evaluation! For my part, I can tell you that I am NOT getting bored - quite the contrary! I am asking myself the same thing from time to time. And I think one of the reasons why it's so hard to answer this very question is exactly because these focal lengths are relatively similar - contrast to a wide-anglee and a telephoto, which are worlds apart. It seems to me we are optimizing in a very narrow space (in terms of optical appearance) and that just gets harder and harder the more narrow the space is. 🙂

[@RAL155]

Thank you! I am very interested in the topic "35 / 50 mm prime"!

[@dougmckillop9352]

They are piers I believe ( re your bridge question). Not boring at all to consider focal lengths. You don’t get such a good understanding of the effect on focal lengths on perspective and the feel of photos so much by always using zooms. Particularly interesting to examine if you prefer a selection of primes for the other benefits they bring including something more joyful in there use. Difficult to explain to anyone who doesn’t get it!

[@rutlegs]

Your sense of what constitutes a good composition is amazing to me.

[@bardofhighrenown]

The irony of a man from Wales not being able pronounce place's names is not lost on me. I think a lot about my focal length for the same reason. I want to carry as few lenses and do as few lens changes as humanly possible, nothing sucks the fun out of a shooting experience like needing to fumble around to change a lens out.

[@funkmasterkirk]

I shoot Sony and moved to Voigtlander lenses a while ago, 15mm, 40mm 1.2, APO 35 and APO 50. Really love the feel and look of them. I think you will like them too as you are wanting something with a little more work to get your photos without going to film. This is a good in between. Great images without going full manual film and without going full AI autofocus.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical which are an excellent Lens, compact, light and built like a tank with outstanding optical image quality, I can very highly recommend this Lens ! I can also very highly recommend the Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 Aspherical !

[@arminvogt8690]

Cannot make them fried eggs unseen. Thanks for the trip, James. Lovely!

[@rody396]

I totally know what you mean in terms of focal length! I shot with a Canon M50 with a Sigma 30mm 1.4 for a solid year and never ever felt the need to change lenses. I was dialled right in! Now I’m using a Nikon full frame with the Z 24-70mm F4 and it’s taking time to get used to…which sounds counter-intuitive!

[@TMM6900]

Interesting topic. Can't wait to watch it

[@localnavy433]

Don’t stop talking about the different focal lengths you are using because it has helped. I love it because it intrigues me

[@garryfavor7614]

Love your presentation style with a mix of super education then fun and humor. Keep at it !!!

[@sonketamm4302]

The most entertaining 'boring' video I've ever watched. And inspiring for my own choice of lenses as well ... just go on with this stuff, James! Thanks a lot.

[@sashaspano588]

really well said by Mads at about 11:00.

[@mjingj]

2x camera set up - 20mm on one body, for interior, wide angle and vlogging and 50mm on another body - everything else

[@billywindsock9597]

I'm with Mads, I look for the picture, not the focal length. Good pictures as always.

[@michaelmurray6500]

Love the video, just now watched it and that backround music is 10/10 my dude, I love it!

[@bebshack]

James! you are my inspiration! Thank you for all these amazing videos!!

[@johnclay7644]

informative 15mins+ James.

[@HartenDylan]

13:21 Please don't stop talking about this. I often struggle to find a focal length that I like, bouncing between 35, 50, and 85mm. I prefer slightly longer focal lengths, but with everyone saying "35mm is the lens every photographer should own" I have found its both inspiring and challenging to shoot on a focal length that isn't my preferred setup. The compositions and ultimately the decision making process over the last few videos have been fascinating to watch and has helped in my own experimentation. Please keep updating on your evaluation criteria as its a useful framework for self-evaluations. Cheers.

[@black_n_blue_2ss]

Didn't notice the eggs before you mentioned them... after that, could not help myself but focus on it.... thank you for that...

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

As someone else below said, go out with a 28mm on an old Nikon crop-sensor DSLR. Then see how long you last before you run back to the car and grab your Sony and all its lenses. Try to get the sound fixed as we'd all love to hear you screaming while trying to cope with just the 28mm. ;-)

[@appaketa]

Hi James, I don't often comment upon KZbin videos and have admired your videos for ages. However, I'm totally uninspired by a lot of your Denmark photos. I don't think I would ever show a lot of these if I took them. You did have all that magnificent grass around the lighthouse which looked amazing. Focal length? you're right, it's a bit meh.

[@AndyDay]

I got married on Ærø! Back when it was the cheapest, easiest place to get married in Europe. Amazing place. Only three letters in Ærø, two of which are not in the English alphabet. 😆

[@robinmartin1395]

Great photos, I loved the bridge! I live near the Chesapeake Bay bridge but you can’t get that close. Oh, an your safety hoop I think is a Lifebuoy but it’s called lots of things. My favorite is a life donut 😂

[@JeremyMeadesPhotographer]

I also use a Sony Alpha 7R IV and have over time settled on two primes, 35 mm and 50 mm. It wasn't a conscious thing, it just happened. I occasionally use a 16-28 mm zoom and even more rarely my 70-200 zoom. For me, the additional resolution means I can be a little more flexible over cropping during processing. Interesting video James.

[@dougreid1951]

The things which support the bridge deck are called "Piers" - see also "Abutment"

[@zenlife1200]

You have a fascination/fixation on focal lengths and I have one with aspect ratios lol. I like to shoot my images using the aspect ratio they will end up as. I'm not a shoot something and then crop it to a better image later, type photographer. If I was going to do that I might as well not bother framing up anything at all, just point in the general direction and crop it into an image later. That seems crazy to me 🤷‍♀I want to have as much of the image finalized in camera as possible. That's part of the reason I love digital over film. Each frame can be totally set up for the specific thing you're photographing. No more wishing you were using monochrome film when you're part way through a roll of colored slide film.

[@kevins8575]

Sounds like you need just a 35mm and employ slight crops from time to time. On the other hand, a 24-70 might be better.

[@MeAMuse]

Regarding your search.... Honestly you shouldn't go for 2 primes if those primes are 35mm and 50mm. Most people won't bother changing lenses for less than 2x their focal length. It's why you did not use 40mm. Most times the difference between 35mm and 50mm is a few steps. If it were me, I would go with 35mm for a 1 lens solution (although I have been shooting 28mm because part of me wants to buy a Leica Q2). If I were going with a 2 lens solution - I would be tempted to go 35mm, and either 85mm, or maybe even 90mm macro (as it gives additional options).

[@spektrograf]

Agreed on that. Went that way more than a decade ago and haven't looked back. 👍

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

I agree, 35mm and 50mm are too close. 35/85 and 24/50 are very popular sets.

[@MarchMeadow]

Primes lenses: 28mm, 50mm & 85mm hit the spot for me. I have a 70-300mm but hardly ever use it. All Nikon kit, all of it 10-20+ years old. Great video!

[@marvellous9652]

The photo at 0:23 looks great! I think it's taken at 50mm if I'm not wrong.

[@ddaavvee2796]

My favourite focal lenght is also 40mm, and I as well, will not shut up about it. I'm glad there's someone who as well, will not shut up about it.

[@adammiller2518]

Mads shoots in Composition Priority mode; James, in Focal Length Priority. It’s such an interesting consideration how they each approach the topic and it’s making me reconsider the way I think. Thanks, gents!

[@robertgrenader858]

Why not a medium range zoom like the Sigma 24-70 or 28-70 F/2.8???

[@Rios278]

Bought only recently a Voigtländer 40mm f2 for Nikon F mount... love that lens!

[@Exiledk]

It's called "Øresundsbroen". Very close to where I live.... How did you get access to the island at the start of the bridge?

[@ArberBaqaj]

That's not Öresundsbron, Öresundsbron has traintrax going under =)

[@benjamindover4337]

Good stuff

[@DOM_4GOOD]

always good videos ! thanks BTW, nice 2 eggs cords on your coat ;)

[@yankadi64]

So all you need is a Fuji X100V (full frame equiv 35mm) + the TCL adapter (full frame equiv 50mm). Nice compact setup.

[@TheArtist441]

I'm also currently obsessing over which focal length is best for me. To me it is all about the perspective each lens produces rather than at which distance I can shoot from or having to move closer or further. 40mm or 50mm is currently the two I'm comparing but haven't made up my mind between the two. It can drive one insane! Or maybe there's and easier answer, there's not enough difference between the two, just choose one and go with it

[@kqschwarz]

40 mm is my favorite focal length also. My previous most favorite lens was the Zeiss Batis 40 f2. My current most favorite is the Sony 50 f1.2. I would prefer the Sony to be 40 mm, but I am acquiescing 50 mm to get the f1.2 aperture, which is beyond incredible. Either way, you can't go wrong with either lens. That said, there is no way to "test which focal length one prefers" when using a zoom lens. The whole point of the single focal length "prime" lens is to restrict the user to one focal length. Once restricted, most photographers quickly begin to "see" compositions in that focal length. As a result, most photographers do not feel "constricted" by the one focal length, as all their pre-visualized compositions are already in that focal length. It is not possible to mimic the effect a prime lens has on the photographer with a zoom. Furthermore, doing post-shoot database analysis of the most frequent focal lengths used at a given location is also not a good measure of one's "favorite" focal length, as those analyses do not take into account the subject matter and the fact that it is not possible to emulate the pre-visualization changes that occur when using a prime lens. All the best.

[@GemmaHentsch]

What about the Tamron 2.8mm 20-40mm on a cropped sensor would be equivalent of 30-60 F4?

[@juliusmeid361]

Try the voigtländer 40mm. Not a perfect lense but a lot of character and a bit of that manual feeling you liked with the M11. I myself got an 50mm apo lanthar from voigtländer and consider it the best lense I have ever shot. Sadly it's a bit too sharp for portraiture work .... But then again there are ways to get rid of that sharpness when needed. Btw I don't think that the topic of focal length is a boring one. I think if you found your focal length and shoot with it, it will add a lot to your style and make your work more cohesive. Keep up the good videos! I really enjoy your channel!

[@pascalvangerven5769]

Isn't that the one he has in his hand on the thumbnail of the video (around 1:18 in the video)? Not sure why he doesn't mention it. Great lens, by the way.

[@Zobeid]

Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f1.2 is magic, if you spend a little time to learn its magical ways.

[@stevemccrory9130]

Looks like the eggs on your jacket are rubbing onto your beard a little. The bridge in this video is also quite interesting in that it is 2 types of bridge in one. The parts closer to shore at either end are the "beam bridge" design, and the centre is of a "cable-stayed" construction.

[@mcspanky9296]

I wasn't bored by this video I just did the same thing. I'm currently running with the r7 18mm-150mm kit lens. I looked at a hand full of photos on it and they're between 18-50mm. So I am currently looking at the canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS lens for my R7.

[@jonstout7635]

I forced myself to not be so distracted by the fried eggs you mentioned, and after paying attention to the content - I am sold on shooting more in the 35-50mm range. You have done really well in finding creative shots with the beach huts. My son has a good selection of prime lenses to borrow, so I can play around with 35, 40 or 50 without cheating or using any zoom. Cheers!

[@DarinSimmons]

James, there is that "perfect lens" you are talking about, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7. Of course, you'd have to come back to the MFT side though. :) (Yes, I'm aware that it's not the same as "your" FF perfect lens but I couldn't miss an opportunity to "invite you back" to MFT Land). Love the content, enjoy the short and long trip videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@JasondePlater]

I'm primarily a 50mm guy however there are certain locations where 35mm just feels right. The only way to stop comparing them is to only bring one lens with you. However, 50mm is still my desert island lens because I often shoot vertical orientation and I don't like 35mm shot vertically at all. 50mm is pleasing when shot horizontal or vertical and it's the lens I can pre visualise with the easiest.

[@clarkejones8090]

That is interesting to me ,Jason. Your finding that 35mm does not work as well as 50mm in vertical orientation. I had not considered this. Cheers.

[@JasondePlater]

@@clarkejones8090 Hope it helps!

[@alexandermenzies9954]

I think you're right, James. Well, Jutland seems to be 35 to 50 territory. West Stadil Fjord with its swamp/wetlands and the wonderful EE138 memorial site all benefit from the detail of those focal lengths. The beach huts, holiday cottages and Atlantic Wall in that extended region have the right amount of isolation while obviously showing the human interactions of the region. Your shots were lovely.

[@ophoto.peterorban]

I think that lens is the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 for APSC cameras!

[@benferris6472]

Finally james smiled in the tumbnail! Its like a miracle Edit: im irish i wouldent know, but id like to see what the danish think of your pronounciation, Thank god i dont need pronounce foreign names of places often.

[@irishdavey1]

Recently I got a vintage 28mm (Vivitar OM- £20- very sharp!) to use with my Fuji XT2. Works out at 42mm with the crop. Maybe worth a play?

[@glennsak]

On a pier it is called "pilings." I would imagine the same nomenclature for a bridge over water.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

I'm really enjoying your vids! Great job. I like the waffling intermingled with useful hints and opinions. One thing has me confused. Why are the highlights so... bright or even blown out? The sky has no detail at all. Maybe it's just the wether playign a trick here.

[@XylophonEichel]

Really don’t get your worries. Put on the 24-70 GM2 and you are golden. I tested against my Voigtlander 50mm f/2 apo and it’s really only slightly sharper. The 24-70 is not that much larger and heavier. That really seems like a case where we as humans just like to have a „problem“ to constantly think about.

[@knarfmo]

In case no one has said this… They are called bridge piers in the US; not sure if it’s the same in the UK.

[@MrOzyLight]

Please continue with the focal lenght. It looks like we are following a personal quest, that's really interesting !

[@wilsmuts]

Love your work mate! When are you coming to New Zealand? Do you exculsively shoot landscape? Or is there a place for portrait while shooting landscapes?

[@DavidSenteno]

50mm is my favorite prime lens. I can do Landscape and Portrait with that same lens. Although my first venture with landscape and a 50mm was a complete failure. It did take some getting used to not having a zoom.

[@kqschwarz]

They're called "pylons". Love your videos. All the best.

[@mikoajsygnarowicz1616]

This is actually really helpful! Thank you! I want to buy panckake lens for sonny either 35mm(zeiss) 2.8 or 40mm 2.5 for sonny and I am thinking 35 will be better options also can save quite a lot getting 2nd hand one!

[@lapoupadotcom]

I'd really like to try the Zeiss Sonnar 35mm (and the 55mm also), as it features an optical design that was impossible to implement for SLR/DSLR cameras. Also, the 35mm is actually smaller than the 40mm f/2.5!

[@clarkejones8090]

Lovely photos, thank you. Not at all bored with thinking about focal length . For the reasons you articulated. What delivers or tends to produce the most pleasing , most "natural" images? And ,with this in mind ,can I limit my lens set to one or two ? Cheers.

[@mattg8888]

Two prime is what I kinda do. I mostly shoot with my 35equiv and sometimes use a 50mm adapter. My zoom hasn't been used much lately.

[@ianeverett2020]

I thought your comment which suggested concern that the photographs would be of 'of huts' rather than 'about huts' was a terrific insight into what good photographers should aim for - about rather than of. Its what I took away anyway!

[@lukecerritelli]

I do think 40mm is the Goldilocks focal length. I just wish there were more 40 ish mm primes

[@ericphilpott9468]

Maybe the problem is that the good primes in this range are all either 35mm or 50-55mm. If there was a really good 40mm f1.4, I bet that would be your “one prime setup.” (with all due respect, I’m not sure a voigtlander qualifies)

[@peetje28021970]

Just use the 35 and crop when needed.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I recently purchased a Fuji film camera and I've just upgraded to the XT5 and I still only have two lenses. I have a 23 mm and 35 mm which is 35 and 50mm and less is more sometimes having less lenses get you to create more and I'm really loving this experience and it's a bit of a throwback to when I started. Does that mean I miss having a wide-angle lens yes doesn't miss somethings because I don't have a zoom yes but I reckon I would still be shooting 90% of my work with these two lenses

[@RJCichocki]

I've been shooting primes mostly post pandemic. My most used is 50mm and 35mm

[@huwmorgan51]

On the subject of lenses, I find the Sony 28-60 to be a very workable lens. It’s very light and sharp, although a bit on the slow side.

[@jacob.munkhammar]

If you are looking for a prime setup, I think that a two prime setup (35 + 50 mm) is VERY different from using a zoom @ 35 and 50. Changing lens every third shot is somewhat tiring… And also, if you feel that you could have taken most of those images at any focal length in the 35-50 range, why have two lenses? A 40 mm should be a good compromise. (I think?) Come to think of it: Don’t you have a 27 mm on your Fujifilm X-Pro 3? That's a 40 mm equivalent. It should be able to test this theory.

[@BenjyBraude]

Your jacket pulls look like eggs, and I simply cannot unsee that. Spectacular video as always, 40mm egg man.

[@BenjyBraude]

Replying to myself here. I commented this about 1 minute before you acknowledged it yourself. Carry on.

[@denizumut1]

1:28 technically, they exist. sigma 18-35 f1.8 on a crop system 13:47 james i would like to suggest you to try something like 56mm, 58mm or 60mm (full frame). during my analogue times, i was using helios 58mm and never felt need for another lens, now i'm on digital without any lens equal to 58mm (except my kit zoom lens) and yearning to get a 35mm (56mm equivalent because im on crop sensor)

[@Subfrequenz]

I've got Minolta and Helios 58mm lenses. Use them on my film cameras and also on my Sony A7RII. It's a great focal length. If they brought out an autofocus 58mm 1.4 lens I'd love it!

[@Voeunven123]

Ohhh nice !!!!!

[@mitchell2719]

I'm a big fan of my Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 on my a7iv! If you want a "perfect" lens that fits with your recent trend of more analogue feeling, their 35mm f/2 APO and 50mm f/2 APO would suit your needs really well :D

[@noenken]

I have the 1.2 35 and 50 (as stills editions) as well and I don't think there is much difference between those and the APOs from f/2 onwards. Just great lenses. 👍

[@xBenjourx]

I'd even suggest the 40mm f/1.2. It's on my A7iii 99% of the time...

[@davehemprich-bennett9336]

If you’re after a setup based around primes and most of your favourite images were taken at 35mm, apart from some that were at 50mm… couldn’t you use the Leica Q2-type philosophy of putting a great 35mm lens on your high megapixel camera, then cropping a bit when needed?

[@grumpyrocker]

I like around 40mm (27mm on my Fuji) and telephoto ranges. Not a great fan of wider. I'd love to get a Ricoh GR IIIx, but they are so expensive.

[@mikeackYT]

James, I always love your videos, but this one was something special. Why? Because the pulls on your jacket look like eggs and that's just plain fun :D But in all seriousness, keep up the amazing content! Edit: I just made it to the point where you mention the eggs! LOL LOVE IT!

[@klausmoritzpeitzsch690]

13:32 "One prime setup" And this is why you should never try a Hasselblad 500C/M (or later) medium format film camera with a 1:3.5/60mm Zeiss lens. Never! ...or should you? 😀

[@Smeeble09]

You mentioned about struggling to get a lone hut at 35-50mm, if you'd gone further back and zoomed in with a longer lens would it help isolate a hut more, or is it just something you can't get around? Not sure if there's something there to make a future video out of, I'm very much a newcomer to proper photography, thanks.

[@WasatchBDC]

I do wish lenses like the tri-elmar 28-35-50 were more common. I'd like the structure of only having 3 specific focal lengths (i.e., not a true zoom)

[@benbunch4159]

We just all need to be walking around with bolex style rotating front mounts with three primes suck on the front. Ok in theory someone could actually make that for something like F-mount or EF to M43rds...

[@SamandSteve]

DJI mics are great. Enjoy.

[@HR-wd6cw]

I'd say for me, if I was to do a prime setup for landscape, probably a 24, 35 and 50. If I'm looking for a more universal prime set up, then maybe a 35, 50 and 85 (85 being for portraits). I know that many people would say wide angle, and I'd agree to a point, but I think sometimes wide-angles are also over-used in landscape a bit. They have their place, but I'm starting to like the idea of going in a bit more a little more detail, rather than just trying to get the overall scene, and that's where something like a 24 or 35 I think comes in to play. They're still "wide" but they also let you isolate subjects a little more.

[@ArberBaqaj]

@jamespopsey I have the same jacket but blue and my daughter sais the same things about it having eggs on =) great video as always!

[@larstoftegaard897]

James have you considered Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 ? I know you say you hate zooms - but this lens seems to do it all

[@oscarviamonte1156]

There is a Zeiss 40mm f2 you should try that

[@davidskinner274]

I go through phases of being a focal length nerd to, James, don't worry about it, haha

[@CompleteProducer]

your jacket strings keep making me think of fried eggs

[@CompleteProducer]

wow...i just saw that part in the video where you brought it up hahahah

[@TMM6900]

Finding the perfect focal length will always be the dream and goal. This is what keeps me in this expensive hobby... We can be philosophers together talking about the perfect focal length! We love grouping things, maybe that's why we are interested in this topic? Instead of zooming around