WHICH FUJI LENSES TO BUY FIRST (Read Description)

[@rapolasg.555]

When the 18-55 costs only €200 when in a kit it makes absolutely no sense to not pick it - it costs €600 when bought separately. Also, you should first try a zoom lens and find out which focal lenghts do you use the most - then you buy the primes, assuming they are an advantage for the type of photography you do.

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

10:28 I think it's worth mentioning that if you do a lot of photography with your mobile phone, you're actually going to be most accustomed to the 18mm lens (27mm equivalent), seeing as the lenses on a lot of phones have a 27/28mm equivalent focal length. That's worth taking into consideration.

[@solarbody9061]

To all those who are not pros and not making money of photography, this is what I ended up with. I have a XT20 and have tried almost all fuji primes (18, 23, 27, 35, 50, 56, 55-200, Rok 12/2). I was mostly using the 18-55 & 35/2 because of it versatility and IQ and the rest were just sitting in the bag. So I kept the 18-55 & 35/2 and I use them all the time. I sold everything else and deposited $$ in my account ;). I also bought the cheaper 50-230 ($180) for occasional outdoor use, which is excellent. This is really all i needed. If you have less stuff, you kinda find a way to make it work.

[@dickmelsonlupot7697]

Is the 18-55 one of those kit lens offered?

[@mr1twister]

Dickmelson Lupot yes, it is.

[@Deminimis2]

I agree. I have just started out in the Fuji system and have bought the XT20 with the 18-55 kit lens. I have shot other systems and still have my Sony A7III full frame camera. I just wanted a lighter smaller kit to carry around. For myself I chose to start out with the zoom lens to help later determine what primes I may want to get. I am just currently shooting a lot with the 18-55 and studying my metadata to see what focal lengths I use the most for certain scenarios. It kind of gives me an idea of what focal lengths I use the most. When I started out in the Sony system I did as suggested in this video but like Solar Body ended up with lens unused sitting on the shelf and ended up selling them. I also hated going to an event trying to do a lens change to get a particular shot. Things just happen too fast. So right now I’ll just continue to shoot on my zoom. So far the 35mm is on my list along with the 16mm and the 55-200 zoom. But I’ll wait for a sale or a good used deal.

[@elizabethalvite]

Where do you guys buy and sell your cameras? I’m trying to sell my Canon 70D with a lens and get the Fuji XT3 - do you think as beginner I get XT3 or XT30? Thank you.

[@MulroePhoto]

I started with the XT-30 and 35-F2 this year, super happy with it. I see myself having 3 total lenses, but just had to start out with the 35F2. While debating between the F1.4 I realized the F2 is newer lighter faster cheaper and weather sealed. Was a no-brainer, fits perfectly on the XT-30

[@owenmanach1966]

The couple is so beautiful and their photos are gorgeous

[@Amadaghon]

Your video is the only video that answered correctly and clearly the size difference between a cropped frame (on Fuji) and full frame. Especially your points on street photography, EXCELLENT, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@kahnjugaming]

Here's mine. For street: I do 35mm f2 (It's the closest to what I see without having to recompose the shot, and it's valuable for street photog). For indoor, especially events: I do 16-55 (although I hate zoom lens because I find myself being lazy, it can't be beat for the flexibility as it covers all the focal lengths). For intimate shots: 90mm (Also great for commercial shots). For niche: 80mm macro (So good for detail shots). Money makers: 16-55mm, 50-140mm (You need to camera bodies for this). All of these are Fuji X Mount lenses. For FF equivalent, just multiply them by 1.52 😁 And yes, I'm a prime guy. Zoom lenses make me lazy. Also, zoom lenses make me feel guilty as I feel like I'm spying on people. Lol!

[@hiteshjoshi3148]

35mm full frame or crop sensor sir

[@ttoniross]

35mm all the way. I just switched from nikon to fuji and I'm saving for the 35mm f2 wr. Great comparison.

[@miguellee3]

The decision for me was easy: first 23mm 1.4, second 56mm 1.2, third 16mm 1.2. That’s what I bought... in that same order 👍

[@jradamsjr]

That is exactly the path I am on. Have the 18-55mm kit lens that came with X-T3 and recently bought the 23mm 1.4 and looking at the 56mm F1.2 as my next purchase. Was not as sure beyond that…but feel like the 56 is next - thanks!

[@JLStreetDoc]

16mm 1.2? Or did you mean 1.4?

[@fredriksvard2603]

1 50mm 2 16mm 3? Idk, macro, or telezoom if i was birding more, but really i doubt the 50 will ever come off. 56 - heavy, slow af, long focusing distance, i dont even shoot at 1,8 or 2,0 because of the over the top shallow dof and focusing difficulty.

[@Watchthekettle]

35 f2 for street and people ( good bokeh) rokinon 12mm f2 for wide 18-55 if you do mostly video ( image stabilisation )

[@notnygaard]

same for me but I prefer the 23mm f2 because I like it to have more context not only for street but also landscape etc. other than that: exact same set up

[@nhiendo3136]

You think 23mm is okay for video/film recording?

[@notnygaard]

@@nhiendo3136 sure! I use a tripod for stabilization. 23mm is a excellent field of view for stills and video imo

[@nhiendo3136]

fabi nygaard that’s cool to know. I still prefer nice bokeh and blur background cinematic look btw, therefore you think 23mm can handle that?

[@notnygaard]

@@nhiendo3136 the only thing to keep in mind is the fact it's a lens without stabilization (gimbal/tripod or a stabilized camera body like the x-h1 necessary) other than that you're good to go

[@06wv]

If choosing just one-The 35 f2 is hard to beat. So small, versatile focal length and great image quality too.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

It's funny. We bought this lens as one of our first few just to make sure we had something at that focal length, but without really thinking we'd love it. But it's, lately, become one of our favorite lenses. It's probably my third favorite, these days.

[@roni910]

Denae & Andrew what's your top three favourite lenses?

[@ehrarbose5600]

And cheap

[@mistermatsuda]

Agreed. Love that 35 and is practically stuck to the body of my X-T20.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

While the 35 f2 is a good lens at a affordable price, on a crop sensor it may not be wide enough or long enough to photograph your chosen subject. Not everyone will have the ability to go out and buy multiple cameras or lens, I have been using digital cameras for over 15 years, the cameras and glass that lose today was bought new and lightly used, man of the new cameras have been purchased on sale or at the end of the model year. Pick and choose your equipment wisely. What works for me may not work for you, depends on your photography skills, style and subject. Never buy a high end camera and put cheap glass on it.

[@ricanrolla85]

My 3 fuji XT3 lenses are the 56mm F1.2, 23mm F2.0 and the 50-140mm F2.8. That's honestly all you need to shoot anything with this camera. Good lens choices tho

[@patrick-resendiz]

I’m with you just got my first Fuji with the 23mm f2 56mm f1.2. Eyeing the 55-200 for nature.

[@barthestation]

Great video, really helpful. I completely agree with you. I have the 35mm, f1.4, and because I will be doing more (specifically) portraits, I am going for the 50 and the 23mm. I am glad your opinion confirm mine (peace of mind!)

[@DavidMBanes]

Great video. I've gone with 10-18mm(15-27) for my architecture/street, 27mm(40) as my compromise between equiv 35 and 50mm, alternate 'street', then 56mm (85mm) for out and about car shows etc. Taken a year to settle on these. Loved the Fujifilm 18mm F2 but the wide zoom is now covering that for me. So I'm set on one wide zoom and two primes that happen to be x2 apart.

[@TheCoomer]

Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 is a fantastic lens, I haven't really used my other lenses after getting it.

[@keithvlogs1]

the "MAIN" contributing factor to portrait distortion is the distance to your subject... and using the 90mm at a good distance will be the same as the 35mm in the same distance if you crop in... same distortion in the face.

[@mtollin2002]

Dude. Brilliant video., Very honest and very revealing. Especially shots of your daughter. Thank you. With much appreciation.

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

Years ago I switched from Canon to an X-T10 because I found myself not taking my camera on trips due to size. I picked the 27mm pancake lens and started to enjoy taking pictures again. I got some great vacation pictures with that first setup. But I think the 23mm would have been a better choice. I started to enjoy going full manual and I can't do that with the 27. But good review of these lenses.

[@sounavaghosh]

Nice video. Loved the fact that you actually showed samples, rather than just talking theoretically.

[@jonfletcher147]

One point that might be relevant to other makes but NOT Fuji....primes are sharper than zooms. That is simply not true with Fuji. I've tested the primes 35, 56 etc.....time and time again at 100 and 200% and the likes of the 16-55 and 50-140 2.8's are equally sharp to the zooms!! You simply cannot see any difference at all. Even my most used Fuji lens the 18-135 is so sharp I have to use negative sharpening I'm Lightroom!! It's a phenomenal zoom lens!!! I will say maybe the sharpest lens I've ever used us the 90 f2 although I sold it for the 50-140 as I'm a zoom type of guy.....but as I say that 50-140 is sooooo sharp! Even the 18-55.....Fuji simply don't make a bad lens! Even that old 18 f2......keep up the great work x

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Great point!

[@ansaditya]

I was really waiting for sumbody to say this one day as i was scared of being singled out .... There are times when i find my 18-55 a bit too sharp so much so that i apply some glow or negative sharpness to make it smoother ... Too much texture especially on rocks or walls can really be distracting and i have to smoothen them out to make it slightly soft

[@michaelzimmermann7734]

This might be true for your specific zoom copies but the copy-to-copy variation on zooms is inherently greater than primes so you have to be careful declaring one better than the other. Lensrentals had a really good article talking about zoom variation vs prime variation that was pretty informative.

[@haydenhockly5561]

You could probably buy all 5 of the f2 lenses for the price of those two zooms.

[@navidn1353]

What an awsome video. If 18-55 is that sharp and since its a relatively fast lens (F2.8-4) too, what if one gets this lens as his/her first lens and uses a constant Focal Lenght, say 35mm, for a month for practicing and building a better connection with subjects. Thanks again for kindness👌

[@RandyPollock]

If you are buying your camera to shoot kids events at school, ball games, family vacations, church events...or basically any place like these where your area to shoot from is restricted, skip the primes and go straight to zooms. For many just getting into getting better images, missing the shot of their (insert kid, pet, family here) will make them regret a prime lens and even turn them off to using their camera because they felt they bought the wrong lens. If you are new to cameras and on a budget, I would hate for anyone to purchase the wrong prime lens and then be stuck with it for a year or two until they could buy another lens.

[@AlessioMichelini]

I agree with you, fixed focal lenses are the best, and not only for beginners. For years I've been a music photographers and I mostly used 3 lenses, 35mm, 50mm and 135mm, but probably 80% of those where done with the 35mm (Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L to be precise) on full frame, by far my favourite focal length.

[@nickgoogle4525]

One point to consider is that when you need to be quick (kids shots, sports...) you do not have time to change lenses. So a second body is needed -- but thus adding weight and clumsiness. In general I used to prefer fixed focal lenses, _but_ the 18-55 with image stabilisation is a good compromise between focal length and lens speed, so you do not have to swap out the lenses most of the time. I understand and agree with your thoughts of learning to photograph with a fixed focal length. But on the other side one has to remember that as soon as you get that first one has to move to find the right angle / perspective and second one needs to decide which part of the reality to crop out by choosing the corresponding focal length. Interestingly for most shots there are many views which are quite good and not one really better / worse than the other, but just different. For some one really has to nail the crop. In that case that's easily done afterwards at the computer. So better to leave a bit of space and be able to cut out / fine-tune later. I also could live with 35 and 85 (full-frame equivalent) lenses alone most of the time. But sometimes a wider angle is needed to capture the sky, the room or whatever. For everyday photography a longer focal length than around 90 mm is not needed IMO. One can always crop the picture a bit afterwards -- which will be _exactly_ the same like using a longer focal length (just by the compromise of giving up some resolution -- which in most cases is fine). But If I would just use one lens I would choose a 30 or 32 mm (if available). A 35 mm was my favourite and most used lens for a long time. I found that 1.4 f-stop was not beneficial too often and I sold that and got a 2.0 instead (for that specific lens it gave me lighter weight, but also better colors).

[@eduardolima3936]

very cool, I have the 23 f/2 and this the one I use a lot of everyday streets, landscape end portrait - It´s the boing 737 of Fuji.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I'm thinking about a two lens setup. 16-55mm f/2.8 because everyone says it's as sharp or sharper than the primes, and a 56mm f/1.2 for portraits and bokeh. $2k but it's all I'd probably ever need for a nice travel setup. Primes force better photographers, but also make people lazy to change lenses and don't get the shot they could have for not wanting to swap lenses. A zoom I think would make a great lens to make the best use of the small sensor because the frame can get filled best with just a twist. 22 years semi-pro and a prime nut talking. On my last toddler shoot, with a Zeiss 135mm f/2 on a Nikon FX body, I realized something. All the best image quality in the world doesn't mean crap when you can't get your subject in razor sharp focus quickly. Function may just win over absolute quality here, but everyone says with the 16-55mm you don't have to give up anything except 1 stop of light...and a little padding in your wallet, haha.

[@irfanchooify]

Very glad you still make video for Fuji user. I am very happy to get the xe-3 with 23mm , and a 35mm last year December, Very enjoy this combo when I outing with my family.

[@AmeriMutt76]

man, love your advice here, great video. I let out a big "WOOOP" when you got the the 35. I couldn't possibly agree more. Favorite. Stuck to one of my two cameras all the time. I have to add though, I'd throw the Rokinon 12mm F2 in there as a cheap, easy to use and learn lens. I know it's manual focus, I know it's crazy wide. Just stop it down, focus out a couple of feet and forget about the focus entirely. It is incredibly sharp and the depth of field on a 12mm is just huge at F11 or more. Or, shoot wide open and close to your subject (minimum focus of 8 inches!) and enter the often unknown world of wide angle bokeh. Did I mention how cheap it is? Thanks again Andrew, can't wait for the next one

[@Edit3dblu3]

I was having a really hard time deciding which lenses to start off with. This vlog gave me a lot of insight. Wish I could afford to have them all in my collection but I’m going to start with two and see where is takes me.Thanks for sharing again !

[@tl2935]

I went with the 35mm F2, 50mm F2, and 90mm F2 for portraits. I've heard such great things about the 16mm F1.4, so I'll be picking that up for wide-angle shots.

[@illdee04]

Those are the lenses i want. Just those ... I only have the kit 18-55 and the 35f2. Dont know which one i should go for next, 50f2 or 90f2. For the 90 i actually have to wait longer because i need to save up since its expensive. But i have enough for the 50. Maybe i should wait. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tl2935]

@@illdee04 I actually ended up selling my 50mm. It didn’t “wow” me like I thought it would. I saved up for the 56mm and I’m much happier with it. It’s actually my favorite focal length. The 90mm is my all time favorite, though. I suggest trying the 50 and see if it works for you.

[@jgranseth]

Great video! My first two XF lenses were the 35mm 1.4 and the 18mm f2. Got them for my X-E1 back in 2012. Still use them regularly :)

[@texasbesterrapper8072]

very very helpful if you are getting into the fuji x system and want to buy a lense. after watching this video i went for the 23mm f2 and did not regret it.

[@hand-heldblender8107]

My last acquired prime Fuji lens is the 23mmf2. I bought it after 90mmf2, 56mmf1.2, 16mmf1.4, Zeiss 12mmf2.8 and Samyang 8mm fish-eye. The first moment when I took it and used it, I knew that it should have had it as first prime.

[@themousemafia]

Really like your comment about Prime lenses, I’ve just moved over to Fuji from Canon and I’ve switched from zoom to prime at the same time: 60 2.4 (for portraits/macro), 35 1.4 and 16 1.4 (inspired by how much you love that lens!). An X100T already covers a very loved 23 mm length!

[@JHuffPhoto]

Agree 100%. I just had a little bit higher budget so I got the 56 f1.2 (amazing) and am getting ready to order the 23 f1.4 in a few days. I have a Nikon 35 f1.8 that I adapted to my Fuji but haven't really had a chance to use it much yet. I actually went with the kit zoom when I bought my XT2 since it was so cheap to do so. I also bought the 55-200 to complement it but it is gonna pretty much be all primes from here on out.

[@joeestabrooks5410]

This is a good rundown on the Fuji lineup. On a whim I unloaded my Canon full frame kit and ordered an X-T3 and the equivalent XF lenses. There are definitely fewer Fuji options (not necessarily a bad thing). I picked up the 23mm and 35mm f/2, the 10-24mm, and I'm debating the 50mm f/2 or the 56mm. Weight and speed will likely be more important to me than 2/3 stops of light.

[@bunmeng007]

Having all the fujicrons, if i were to start over again, I’d start with 23mm first, then 50mm. Then get 16mm (if shoot sth wide) or 70-300 (for telephoto)

[@YuriXRamirez]

I have watched this video more times than I would ever admit- it’s that good. Just entered the world of Fuji with an xt2, I love the camera and I’m looking for a good first lens. I think the 35mm is going to be it.

[@marion_roberts]

I love the fuji 35mm. It's the closest representation of what my eyes see. All I need to do is make a rectangle shape with my hands at about a palm's length and that's the shot I'll get, including the distance of bg elements.

[@mdedios3517]

Thank you for your advise! I had to watch this video 3 times! I got my XT20 as a Xmas gift along with the 50mm F2 and I love it for portraits as you said. I need something that can be used at a family gathering or a small birthday party and you’ve helped me made my decision! I am going with the 23 mm.

[@neeravnaik]

Great little video!! I had got the 35 mm too but would have probably gone for 23 mm if I would do it again. 23 mm is better for Street and general purpose documentary work on travel. 35 mm feels better suited for more Art kind of shoots where you choose more carefully. I got 16 mm f1.4 later so I have a good wide angle now

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

How are you liking that 16mm 1.4?

[@neeravnaik]

Denae & Andrew it is really great!! Loving it for macro shots also

[@anskischoetter7268]

Great videos thx 😊 well after shooting with my dads nikon d5000 i wanted my first own camera and i did chose the fuji x100f with the 23 f2 fix lens and i need to say it was the perfect choice because the hole camera forces me to concentrate on my subject and my settings so that now after 1 year with it i learned so much and my pictures are getting better and better 😁

[@HappyGrl41]

A little late to the party here but I really like this video as it does show the field of view for each lens. Very helpful. I did purchase the 23mm f2 and it is sharp but I don't find it sharper than the 18-55mm kit lens that came with my XT-2 which is crazy but perhaps it's the copy I have. Anyway, I returned the 23mm. I didn't like how close I had to get to my subject. Sometimes you can't get close and sometimes you don't want to. Contrast that with the Olympus 17mm lens on a Panasonic GX85 with no anti-aliasing filter and the jpg pictures are sharper. Without research, I don't know how much sharpening each camera is applying. I don't have a suitable photo application on this PC so I didn't compare raw but I will be doing that and there will probably different results. PS, I really love your channel.

[@mattcero1]

Great subject for sure here. If I had to only have one lens for my X-S10 it would be my Viltrox 23. The 35mm (approx) equivalent is universally well performing for pictures, video and podcasting. The 35mm equivalent focal length is a must and then of course the nifty 50!

[@rabihghannam5721]

Awesome video! This is all you needed to know if you're getting into the fuji system. I watched this before i bought my xt3 and now i watched again before buying my next lens!

[@jliang70]

I have 4 fuji lenses in my collection , 27mm F2.8, 18-55 mm F2.8-4.0, 50 mm f2.0, and 90 mm F2.0. With Fuji camera I am also using various vintage lenses like Nikkor 105mm /F2.5, Hellios 58mm /F2.0, Yashinon 50 mm /F2.0, and for sports and wild shooting I am using a Canon 300mm /F4 with Viltrox adapter. Fuji really should bring out a more affordable prime lens around 200mm or longer . Their 200mm F2 lens is an excellent lens but around $8000 is just too expensive.

[@rob1261a]

Hi, very good helpful video. However, I do disagree. Zooms are so much more convenient and flexible. Most people don’t want to carry multiple lenses around. And I feel there are some excellent zooms out there. I really like the Fuji XF 18-55/f2.8-4. Thanks.

[@jorgeiturbe953]

My fuji came with an 18-55 lens and to find out which lens to buy, I went out with the zoom stuck at 23, 35 or 50... The first day I hated it

[@kinga.gerstner]

This is the best lens comparison video I've seen to be honest. Super helpful, found all the info that I was looking for. I recently switched to Fuji and I own a 23 mm lens right now (and I absolutely love it) but I used to take a lot more portraits with my previous camera and lens so I think I'll get the 35 mm next. Subscribed:) Thank you!

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

I'm still loving the much maligned XF18mm f2.0 one of a pair of primes I purchased with my first X body the minimum focus ability is a bonus. I'm fortunate to own all the XF primes apart from the XF200mm f2.0 but maybe one day ?

[@thomashill5768]

Always find it interesting seeing which lenses people went for first and their own little road map of lenses that they then pursued. My order of lenses went 35mmf2, Samyang 12mmf2, 50-230mm and then 60mm f2.4. My next acquisitions are hopefully going to be the 16mmf1.4 then the 90f2 and then hopefully I will be satiated....that 56f1.2 tho

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Haha. Yeah, I've always struggled between the 521.2 and the 90f2. I just have to stick with the 52 because 90 is just so restrictive. But I prefer the IQ of the 90.

[@thomashill5768]

Denae & Andrew my reasoning is that I'm rarely taking photos of just one person (some combination of wife, dog, baby...) so the 1.2 would be wasted on me and I'm very fond of how the 60 renders portraits. So the 90 comes first on the list. If I'm being honest I would like them all though...

[@JoelOman1980]

I recently had to sell my old Fuji system because of financial reasons, but later this year I'm thinking of getting into the photography game again, specifically these focal lenghts. So the XF23 and XF50 will probably be the ones I'm most interested in, doing most of my shots of the family, especially the kids. Thank you, you're an excellent "companion" in the lens-jungle!

[@DrAlejo002]

Extremely useful: appreciate you stayed focused on the f.2 as these are more affordable and, as in the case of the 35 f.2, it is weatherproof increasing durability. I have the 35 and the 23 f.2 and I am thinking of a zoom lens to travel lighter. Maybe the 16-55 2.8. Thanks and looking forward to your next videos.

[@amienander4046]

Very good explanation. Now I'm convinced to get the 35mm F2 for my first prime lense. 😊

[@itacatv2146]

All I need is 3 lenses. A mid range fast stabilised zoom (Fuji 18-55 is ok), a fast 50mm or 35 mm prime (1.8 or 1.4) and a 10mm or 12mm wide angle. That’s all. You can do almost everything with those 3. Of course those are APS-C focal ranges. If you’re into wildlife or sports, you might need something longer, but I’m not.

[@trentonuk9865]

Superb video explaining what the jargon means in terms of results. Extremely helpful to me in deciding what to buy when starting out with Fuji's X system. Bought an XT-1 for peanuts and eventually decided on the 35mm 2.0 and the 16mm 2.8. I really agree with the emphasis you put on composition and your comments about prime as opposed to zoom lenses. I initially bought the Fujifilm 16 - 55 zoom, then returned it and swopped it for the 35 and 16mm, it being much too bulky and heavy for my purposes. I'm now considering which tele to get, and that one possibly will be a zoom.

[@lennycarter7885]

I've been a beginner for too long. You've answered all the questions I had in mind. Thanks!

[@hiteshjoshi3148]

to be honest i really like 23mm & 27mm potriats going close it captures real emotions, the personally like the little noise also , plus little context also gives photo a story

[@AlSnoopsReid]

I was extremely pleased to have stumbled across your video, having recently purchased an X-T20, . It came with the half way decent 18-55 f2.8-4, but I wanted to buy a good prime lens for street shooting. I sold all my M4/3 gear to move up to the larger sensor, so there are still funds available to allow me to buy probably two lenses (if I can find good used items). I think that the 18mm and 35mm focal lengths are the way forward for me. I would just like to complement you on your English language skills. With today's reluctance to use good vocabulary and diction, it is a pleasure to listen to someone who makes the effort to use the language as it is meant to be used. Btw, I am a 65 year old Scotsman (living in Wales) so, as you can see, I am a real globetrotter. Keep up the great work!!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Al. BTW, that 18mm-55 is more than halfway decent. It's pretty phenomenal. I fact, I'd go so far to say I prefer it over the 18mm f2 prime at the 18mm. If it were me I'd stick with that for wide over the 18mm.

[@AlSnoopsReid]

Thanks for that, perhaps I'll replace my travel worn filter set instead of the second lens.😁

[@-grey]

in this day I suggest starting with a 35mm equiv. People are used to shooting the 28mm on their phone. 35mm will give them a similar performance, but while still feeling different from using their phone.

[@tc2703]

So right. Been an amateur for a long time but my learning took off when I glued a Nikon 35 1.8 to Nikon body.

[@grimacemcccheese]

Love the lens choices. I have actually been shooting some environmental portraits at around 90mm equivalent and I love the look the compression provides.

[@jesseyules]

I'd recommend students get a zoom lens first. After about a year of shooting many will realize they either prefer shooting wide or close. Then they can choose a world-class prime based on their preference.

[@StewartBairdPhoto]

Nice overview, thanks. I started my Fuji "life" with 23mm f2

[@davidmorrie631]

I bought the 90mm as my first lens after the 18-55 kit lens I love it so much

[@problemat1que]

Not a bad choice, the zoom at 18 is plenty usable and still looks nice at 55 (though it could be sharper). At 90, you're making a real addition. I have a manual 90 F2.5 and love it dearly, though I think I'll have to splurge on the XF one day. :)

[@mistermatsuda]

I have 2 Fuji lenses. The 35/2 and the 16/2.8 as an everyday walk around kit. I sometimes add an adapted Minolta Rokkor PG 58mm f1.4 to make a 3 lens kit. If I need anything more than that, I use my Sony FF.

[@KenCheng]

just to throw this out there, another consideration that can be had... rather cheap (in the used market), is the 27mm F2.8 "pancake" lens. Its got some downsides (like loud AF and a stop slower), but it sits right in between the 23mm F2 (which I also have) and the 35mm F2, but the best part is the size! Combined with my X-T20, it makes it (coat) pocketable! I absolutely love it for street photography and I'm finding myself using it more and more over the 23mm F2

[@angelabensted4719]

Fantastic overview. Wish I'd had something like this to refer to when buying my first lenses. I particularly appreciated the discussion around compression and the impact of longer focal lengths on faces. I always learn something new from your videos - thanks! (But no 16mm? That's top of my wish-list thanks to your reviews.)

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

This was just about the f2 lenses as "beginner" lenses. Not where I'd mention the 16 1.4, though it does pain me to leave it out. ;)

[@Joep00]

Great comparison! 35 f2 for the win:)!

[@fatpenguin1360]

I got the 23 f2 as my first lens and hated it. Everything felt boring. I got the 56 & 35 and now I’m loving every shot.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

You agree with my wife on that point. :)

[@caerphoto]

I think that's part of the challenge of 35mm-e - it's an "invisible" focal length, in that it doesn't impart much of a "look" to your pictures. You have to really work hard to make interesting shots with it. Longer lenses have a kind of built-in "cinematic" look, while wider lenses tend to enhance the "dramatic" look. 35 is just in the middle being unobtrusive.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Great points Andy.

[@problemat1que]

I love the look of my 23. F1.4 though. The barber shop environmental shots is the look I go for with it.

[@fatpenguin1360]

I agree with you Andy, but this is my first entry into photography and the 35 allows me to really feel the composition a lot easier. I kept the 23 and I plan to use it in the future, but for now the 35 or 56 lets me really notice the art and allows me to learn easier while I grow.

[@pablors6718]

All the photos was taken with the XT2 Sensor ?! GREAT! Im buying the X T20 so im happy with it.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

I have just jumped back into Fuji (left Olympus and Nikon DSLRs) with a used XT-10 and the 18mm f2 and I LOVE it. One of the more compact and cheaper Fuji lenses, it's great for learning the Fuji system and mastering photography fundamentals. But to each their own - the 35mm equiv focal length does not suit me as I definitely prefer shooting wider. I was hesitant as there were a lot of neg reviews about sharpness of the 18mm but I am very happy with this setup.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

If you like the 18mm, you need to try the 16mm 1.4. It's my favorite lens I've ever shot with.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

I'm sure it is - but even well used, it's more than my entire kit combined! I'll be curious about the new ultra compact 16mm they're launching.

[@kodek2000]

I really like your pictures. I also do agree with most of your thoughts about focal lenght and framing-DOF but I believe you can not fully explain those things to newbies. They just have to get out there and shoot and look at there results. Oh, and don't think about fixing stuff in post while your shooting. Just try to make a perfect shot in-camera.

[@peasantrobot]

The presets are amazing! You say something in this movie, but don't ask me what, couldn't pay attention. The skin tones shot inside are perfect! Those from outside are different but very much Ektar-like, in my opinion. Which I also like. I think many clients are for this punchy look for their photos (I'm sick of those faded-green pictures from weddings). Amazing work!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks! I'm also very much sick of the faded look. #trends :)

[@taweewatintaladchum41]

Just saw your video pop-up in my suggestion and after watching it, brilliant even though I'm using Canon EOS M6 but I can use your very useful information. Thank You for make an neat effort to the video I'm very appreciate it.

[@diegon2020]

I think primes are great for the low light. y, but for me i love having just a suble out of focus, and you cant beat the versatility of having more options right on the go, specially for street photography, just not having to carry around multiple lenses is freeing. i treat my photos like illustrations almost, i dont like to isolate the subject of their enviroment, it almost defeats the purpose, why not just shoot in studio if everything behind the subject is gonna be a blur. I think a lot of people are gonna miss that oportunity of getting more of that enviroment if they just shoot with primes.

[@demonsaint1296]

Post is a little old but... Any of the f2 are good. Just a preference on the focal length. Landscape, all a rounder, or portrait. Improve your skills move on to something more “focused”.

[@natekong3596]

Another important missing information about the 90 mm is that it lacks image stabilization. So at 130 mm, you don't want to shoot with ss slower than 1/130s hand-holding, which means this lens is most ideal when shooting portrait in good light. It's a specialized lens indeed.

[@jliang70]

I think you are overstating the importance of image stablization at that focal length, I have shot with 300mm Canon lens hand held using a fuji body at 1/60s without problem. 90mm is heavier than most of other fuji prime lens and it makes the camera lens heavy when you attached ti the camera body. I have actually use this lens for portrait, event and also street photography.

[@perry.normal]

Very helpful video -- thank you! I have the 23 f2 (which I love) and I want to get really nice portrait lens for my X-E3. Watching this video & your comparison between the f2 Fuji lineup vs the faster lens lineup has me convinced the 50 f2 will be a good buy.

[@OswaldoLafee]

Came for the Fuji and stayed because of the beautiful family pics ! Thanks for your videos I’m a hybrid Sony A6400 and a t 30 shooter

[@noleftturnunstoned]

I say get the 18-55 as a kit and save a little money. It's amazingly sharp, and benefits from having optical stabilization. I have purchased the 23mm F2, and a Rokinon 12mm F2 for landscapes. I hate the 12mm.

[@grantnewton5705]

Why do you hate the 12mm? Just wondering..

[@istvanmeszaros4112]

I have that as well, it works really only with big panoramas. I use it for astrophotography... for that I like it.

[@CleanLivingClara]

I agree that 50mm (35 on crop) gives you a better head and shoulders / medium close up shots. Only difference I'd say is actual headshots as there's so little amount (if any) of the body in shot and wider lens will make the neck very skinny and nose bigger. So I'd use 90mm for those. If I can take bit more old school portraits with shoulders and tiny bit of head room then 50mm is much better as I find that 90mm compresses the neck from that distance. I guess it's all about the size you need and the distance you choose :) - Great video, thank you! (we use fuji on our vlog.)

[@kevhino]

Awesome video! I picked up a X-T20 2 months ago and definitely needed to see this.

[@vincetheboxingdude08]

Thanks for the upload. Really enjoyed this vid. I don't even shoot Fuji, but still alot of valuable information about photography in general.

[@TheLunarFX]

I had a Fuji X100T. I LOVED THAT CAMERA but it made me want more. More lenses, SO. I swapped to a X-T1 and got the 27mm pancake lens so that it would be just as stowable as the X100T. I then got the 30mm f/2 WR. No mistake there. The 56mm or 50mm are next on the list.

[@joetreadonme]

The 50mm f2 probably has the best IQ of all the f2 lenses I'm the series. It is very good. I would recommend saving $300 and going for the 50 f2 over the 56 f1 2

[@Qlicky]

I do photography for a living and my most used lens is 35 1.4 (In my case Sigma on a Canon body). Its just such an amazing all-arounder. Its not ideal for portraits, but if you learn how it behaves at certain distances It can do a lot more than just do the job. Ive got 85 1.2 which I love, but a lot of the times its just too long for the photography I do. Personally, I would start with a 50 f2 (35 on crop). You will very soon know do you need to go wider or closer, and no, zoom will not give you that, however logical that may sound.

[@BreffitusMaximus]

Hi, great video especially for me who's fairly new to the technicalities of so many lenses and lens types. I have been considering getting the Fujifilm XT-4 and will be taking mainly, street, portrait and travel photos as well as videos. I will be taking some for my new business for promo (fashion brand) headwear and t shirts. I was thinking of the 23mm and 50mm what do you think? Sorry for a huge comment but great video!

[@johnellard]

For my X-Pro2 I have the following. 55-200mm, 56mm f1.2, 35mm f2, Rokinon 12mm f2. Covers all the bases I find, may get the 23mm f1.4 in future.

[@Smoothblue90]

Love your videos. Praying for your health.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Tim. Health has been a LOT better lately. Hope you are well also.

[@tatteredtimmy]

i decided to get the 35mm1.4 and 23mm f2 and try both apperatures

[@marcmm6655]

tim613 good choice... i thought about the same but ended up with 23mm f2 and 50mm f2. Hope you enjoy it as mich as I do 📷

[@tatteredtimmy]

i got the 50mm f2 as well and its great, havent been disappointed with any fuji lens i bought lol

[@dndx5]

I first watched your other video were you slap in the hands your past you (present you in this video) about saying that zoom lenses make lazy photographers, good on you to correct yourself in public like this, it is not very common to see!. I always encourage people who just started approaching photography to get a zoom lense, the wider range they can find in the market so they can have a taste of what visually means to use a 17 versus a 200, that's how I learnt and I never became lazy about sticking to my lens decission and moving around to get correct framing. Maybe some people is already lazy and they approach photography the same way they approach life...who knows. That been said your videos are lovely and I'm enjoying and learning lots of stuff watching them, keep them coming please!

[@CmStormKwosr12]

Loved the vid! Really helped me to decide what lenses i should begin with. Keep up the good work.

[@ninodjuras]

I appreciate compact size and fast AF. 1. 27mm f2.8 2. 16mm f2.8 3. 50mm f2

[@iamfilipemartins]

Great video for Fuji users :) I'm about to buy the 35mm but still undecided between the f1.4 or the f2 version? What are your thoughts about the f1.4 version? I'm not expecting to need super autofocus speed because my subjects will be in a "controlled" environment.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Well, a lot of people claim the f2 is not nearly as sharp. I've never directly compared that so I can't say personally. That aside, it just depends on what you value more, lower light capability vs smaller size, weather sealing, and lower price. The autofocus speed is imperceptible (something people commonly bring up that bothers me a bit since it's so nominal a difference).

[@iamfilipemartins]

Thanks a lot for the quick feedback! I would definitely value more the extra low light capability vs size & WR and at the moment I can get the f1.4 for a small difference in price.

[@sikauf92]

Have seen some of your vids and they are pretty good. Awesome content, keep going!!

[@juancarlosfimbres1980]

Thank you for the video! So… 23mm over the 27mm pancake? Assuming I’ll later buy the 18mm or 16mm… Which one should I go for first?

[@dannyslea]

If you wanted a fuji because it is smaller than a DSLR then I would think the 18-55 lens would be one of the first ones to get. The images are sharp, the lens is compact and it's cheap.

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I had viewed this video a good while back, and came back to it to help a friend who's looking to buy a wide Fuji lens. Correct me if I'm wrong, when it comes to lenses on crop sensor cameras like Fujis X series, that the difference is "field of view" as opposed to "focal length". Therefore, the distortion of a 35mm lens is the same on crop sensor as it is on full frame. So the 35mm f2 still has 35mm distortion; right?

[@Ttjam1]

A reply to a two year old post but this might help others. Distortion is only a function of distance from subject. A 35mm on full frame “seems” to have more distortion than on crop only because you would stand further back to get the same framing (subject taking up same amount of the picture). Further subject distance equals more distortion, I.e. background aspects become larger. Another difference between same lens on different sensors: a 35mm f/2 will have more depth of field on a crop sensor than on full frame, all else being equal. But the light gathering properties will be the same - that is they will result in the same shutter speed, aperture and ISO combination to create the correct exposure. That’s why it’s wrong to say f1.4 is “equivalent” to about f/2 on full frame - that is true only of the depth of field properties.

[@bunmeng007]

If i can start over again, i’d pick xf23mm first, then 50mm. My 35mm just sit in the shelves lately.

[@swissheartydogs]

Fuji + prefect primes: 16mm f1.4 + 56mm f1.2 + 80mm f2.8

[@akisasaki6661]

Your videos on Fuji lenses are the BEST!

[@roman2374]

Now you don’t have to chose between the 23 and 35 mm! Just get the 27mm F2.8 II and you have a super slim lightweight length at an incredibly versatile focal length, and then when you’re ready to get a second you’ll know if you want to go 18mm or 50mm for your second lens. You’re saying wide is good for active children, I actually prefer going in the direction of 50mm so I can keep a bit more distance so my kids don’t become as aware of the camera being in their face. But half the time the 27mm doesn’t leave the body anyways, it’s so lightweight and easy to get into any bag!