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About to dive in: Is X-E3 + 35mm f1.4 a good 'single prime' camera choice?

Started Mar 21, 2018 | Discussions thread
jrscls Veteran Member • Posts: 6,436
Re: Mitakon for me, but perhaps not for you
1

tokumeino wrote:

I don't own any 35mm lens yet and I'm not an only-1-lens guy But I've read the whole thread because after buying a 23mm in kit, I now know I prefer 35mm as a versatile lens (I've used this FL a lot with other systems), so I'm after buying one.

So after reading all of these, including linked reviews, I'm now inclined to buy the Mitakon 35/0.95. My summary would be that (according to readings only) :

  • the Fuji 23/2 is a modern fast AF lens with a typical "clinical" sharp rendering, but it is not that fast after all (only 1 stop ahead of f/2.8). So if you're looking for versatility wrt aperture and DOF control, then it is not the best.
  • the Mikaton 35/0.95 is the most versatile when it comes do aperture control but much less when it comes to AF. But with the MF assistance Fuji offers, it can be OK. After all, that's only 1 ring to manage
  • the Fuji 35/1.4 is somewhere in between : not as good optically as the Mikaton, and not so fast AF-wise than the Fuji 23mm/2

The 1.4 is a kind of "no choice" : the best in no area, but a good allrounder and that's probably what you're after it you're looking for only one lens.

But in my case, already owning a kit zoom with a fast AF and FL control, I have to admit that the 1.4 would be the last in my list, first being the 0.95. After all, with a fast prime lens, I'm after versatility wrt aperture control and excellent IQ. In that case, the 0.95 excels in both areas.

If you are only going to have only one 35mm lens for Fuji, the 35 f/1.4 is my choice since it has AF, lightweight but nice build and that so called magical rendering. There is very little compromise to either the 35 f/2 (AF speed) or the Mitakon (faster aperture).

I tried the Mitakon and while a very nice lens, it is heavy for a 35mm lens and I missed the AF, so I would still want to compliment it with the Fuji 35 f/2 for when I needed the convenience of fast AF. Because of this, the 35 f/1.4 makes more sense to me as an only lens choice.

 jrscls's gear list:jrscls's gear list
Sony a1 Sony 1.4x Teleconverter (2016) Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 Sony FE 20mm F1.8G Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM +2 more
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