My Go To Fujifilm X Series Lenses
Hi everyone!
Today I did a free live session on Fujifilm Tips and Tricks. We unfortunately ran out of time, and I didn't have a chance to share my fave lenses for different genres of photography. SO! I thought, that sounded like a good blog post!
This is all based on what I shoot, how I like to work and what my goals are. I won't talk about how sharp a lens is, or what kind of distortion it may have. This is purely about how I select a lens. With that said, I am a minimalist. When I bought my X-T1 in 2014, I started with just the 35mm f/1.4. To this day I still use that lens on just about every portrait shoot and many other sessions. Over the years I've slowly built up a kit of primes. Occasionally renting other things as I need them.
Why Primes?
For as long as I can remember taking photos, I have almost always used prime lenses. Going back to learning on my father's Nikon fTn with a 50mm f/1.4. It's always been a part of me. There are benefits to primes and drawbacks to primes.
Benefits of Primes
- Fast Apertures (f/1.2, f/2.8, etc..)
- Smaller (typically)
- Easier to Travel with
- Helps to create that lovely bokeh many of us love
- You have to move around more!
Drawbacks of Primes
- You have to move around more!
- You may not reach what you want to photograph
For me, I don't mind moving at all. Actually. I think of that as an advantage because it pushes me to move and seek out different angles and perspectives.
Zoom lenses are great! I've used many of them over the years. They've just never worked for my flow, consistently; how I like to shoot. As someone who does love to travel, they're just too big! At least for me.
Most of the time I carry just 1-2 lenses. My bare minimum kit would be the 23mm f/2 WR, 35mm f/1.4 & 56mm f/1.2. If I'm going out for a day of Street photography, then I'd only take the 23mm. If I'm going to a portrait shoot, it's the 35mm and 56mm.
LANDSCAPE
What I use:
- 14mm f/2.8
- 23mm f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 35mm f/1.4
Other options to consider:
- 16mm f/1.4 or 16mm f/2.8 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 23mm f 1.4
- 35mm f/2 WR
- 10-24mm f/4
STREET
I recommend the following focal lengths for street photography. These are the classics, they put us into the scene and don't distort the perception of the story.
- Fujifilm X100 Series Camera (any) - includes 23mm f/2 Lens
- 23mm f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 35mm f/1.4 or f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
PORTRAIT
- 35mm f/1.4 or f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 56mm f/1.2
- 90mm f/2 Macro
TRAVEL
What I Use:
- 14mm f/2.8
- 23mm f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 35mm f/1.4
Other Options:
- 16mm f/1.4 or 16mm f/2.8 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 23mm f 1.4
- 35mm f/2 WR (Weather Resistant)
- 10-24mm f/4
- 16-55mm f/2.8
- 50-140mm f/2.8
There are a ton of other options on the market, some of which may be less expensive. I tend to prefer lenses that have a faster aperture, allowing more light.
Hopefully these examples provide a little inspiration and suggestions for potential lenses to add to your kit!
Check out my Gear Page for links to my Amazon shop and more.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to post any questions below!