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A bit new to primes, where to start?

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Ad12

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Hello,

I’ve only ever used 2 primes, the 105mm sigma macro HSM OS (sharpest lens I’ve ever used), its macro mainly, can do plenty of other things. Mainly purchased for macro. I also used the EF canon nifty 50 1.8 STM, for people (although annoying without the eye AF).

I’m excited by the prospect of the Fuji primes, but I don’t know where to start! Looking at my Lightroom catalogue, i usually either shoot wide, so 17mm on my old Sigma, or at 400mm with my Tamron. I also use 50mm a lot on my 17-50.

The 23mm F2 could be fun, but its covered by the 18-55, and without OS, isn’t specially better in low light than the 18-55. Same for the 35 f2.

I’ve always used zooms, and change lenses a lot, but it frustrates me. I’d love to try some primes to challenge my creativity.

I thought the Samyang 12mm could be fun. It’s rare i go super wide, but that could be a nice lens. I know its MF, but with wide angle lenses DoF and focus peaking it could be ok. Or thinking just zoom 10-24.

I’m probably going to order the 27 f2.8 for the size alone, is it sharp? All new to me.
 
The 27mm is indeed sharp. Part of this is my deep affection for the 40mm field of view, but I find it a delightful lens and full of character. It has a major fault in not having an aperture ring, which makes it much less fun to use, but even that doesn't stop it from being an excellent companion for general purpose walkaround.

To start with primes, get a prime. For your first, pick the most general purpose one you feel comfortable with, rather than something with a more specific use, like a very wide angle, a big fast portrait lens, or a long macro lens. In Fuji that might mean one of the 23 mms, the 27mm, one of the 35mms, or even the 50mm f/2. Take your choice, buy the lens (secondhand if you feel unsure), put it on a camera and go out and shoot.

Shoot with just the prime. No changing lenses. No bag, no options, just you and your new third eye. Shoot everything: landscapes, portraits, architecture, cars, plants , the sky, street scenes. There is no "wrong lens" when this is your only lens. (Even if it is just temporarily as part of an exercise.) Do this for at least a week. A month is better. Really learn your lens. Not just what you see with it, but how you see with it. What do you look for with this eye? What subjects and approaches does it suggest?

You may discover that the whole third eye thing is not for you. But maybe it is. Or maybe a prime is a tool you want to have in your photographic toolbox.
 
Ad12 said:
Hello,

I’ve only ever used 2 primes, the 105mm sigma macro HSM OS (sharpest lens I’ve ever used), its macro mainly, can do plenty of other things. Mainly purchased for macro. I also used the EF canon nifty 50 1.8 STM, for people (although annoying without the eye AF).

I’m excited by the prospect of the Fuji primes, but I don’t know where to start! Looking at my Lightroom catalogue, i usually either shoot wide, so 17mm on my old Sigma, or at 400mm with my Tamron. I also use 50mm a lot on my 17-50.

The 23mm F2 could be fun, but its covered by the 18-55, and without OS, isn’t specially better in low light than the 18-55. Same for the 35 f2.

I’ve always used zooms, and change lenses a lot, but it frustrates me. I’d love to try some primes to challenge my creativity.

I thought the Samyang 12mm could be fun. It’s rare i go super wide, but that could be a nice lens. I know its MF, but with wide angle lenses DoF and focus peaking it could be ok. Or thinking just zoom 10-24.

I’m probably going to order the 27 f2.8 for the size alone, is it sharp? All new to me.
Click to expand...
Welcome to XF glass. I'm sure that you have heard how good it is. Your 18-55 is a nice lens (and it is not what we normally think of us a kit lens - it is far better than that).

But if you are talking about primes, don't worry so much about double coverage in your zooms, so think first along the lines of the 23, 35 and 50 F2s.

You want wide, so get the great little Sam / Rok 12. You will have to manual focus it, but that is easy with focus peaking and magnification. It is also the lens for Fuji X astro.

Or get the 16mm F2.8. (The 16 F1.4 may be one of the best 3 or 4 primes in the world.)

You have a long way to go with Fuji glass and you will enjoy it. But starting out, get the 16 F2.8 to complement your 18-55. Then get the great little 55-200 to get you some easy reach while you save your money to buy the great 50-140 or 100-400.

And don't forget the most important lens for Fuji X shooters - the 16-55. But those more expensive zooms can wait.
 
Hello there, i also entered the Fuji world 6 months ago and i got the 27mm as my first lens (excluding the 18-55 "kit").

It is really sharp indeed even at 2.8, even at corners. Stopping down improves a bit the already very good performance to pretty much excellent. I picked it up mainly because i wanted to carry my X-T20 easy wherever i go without caring much about the focal length. Some love the 41mm equivalent some hate it. I am leaning more towards the former group.

I don't mind much about the lack of aperture ring because the lens is small enough to make the use of dials better for me at least. You don't lose any setting by using 1 dial for aperture so it is all good.

BUT, if you don't mind about portability as much as i did and you find the focal length awkward i would say you could pick the 23 or 35 (there is the XC 35mm which is cheaper than the XF version lacking aperture ring and WR) and be happy. On a sidenote the 50mm is said to be the best of these 3 but i think it is a bit too narrow for a first prime.

I think you cannot go wrong with any of these lenses as they all perform very well and are fun to use. You could set your kit lens to specific focal lengths and use each one for a few days before deciding which one works the best for you.
 
Greg7579 said:
Ad12 said:
Hello,

I’ve only ever used 2 primes, the 105mm sigma macro HSM OS (sharpest lens I’ve ever used), its macro mainly, can do plenty of other things. Mainly purchased for macro. I also used the EF canon nifty 50 1.8 STM, for people (although annoying without the eye AF).

I’m excited by the prospect of the Fuji primes, but I don’t know where to start! Looking at my Lightroom catalogue, i usually either shoot wide, so 17mm on my old Sigma, or at 400mm with my Tamron. I also use 50mm a lot on my 17-50.

The 23mm F2 could be fun, but its covered by the 18-55, and without OS, isn’t specially better in low light than the 18-55. Same for the 35 f2.

I’ve always used zooms, and change lenses a lot, but it frustrates me. I’d love to try some primes to challenge my creativity.

I thought the Samyang 12mm could be fun. It’s rare i go super wide, but that could be a nice lens. I know its MF, but with wide angle lenses DoF and focus peaking it could be ok. Or thinking just zoom 10-24.

I’m probably going to order the 27 f2.8 for the size alone, is it sharp? All new to me.
Click to expand...
Welcome to XF glass. I'm sure that you have heard how good it is. Your 18-55 is a nice lens (and it is not what we normally think of us a kit lens - it is far better than that).

But if you are talking about primes, don't worry so much about double coverage in your zooms, so think first along the lines of the 23, 35 and 50 F2s.

You want wide, so get the great little Sam / Rok 12. You will have to manual focus it, but that is easy with focus peaking and magnification. It is also the lens for Fuji X astro.

Or get the 16mm F2.8. (The 16 F1.4 may be one of the best 3 or 4 primes in the world.)

You have a long way to go with Fuji glass and you will enjoy it. But starting out, get the 16 F2.8 to complement your 18-55. Then get the great little 55-200 to get you some easy reach while you save your money to buy the great 50-140 or 100-400.

And don't forget the most important lens for Fuji X shooters - the 16-55. But those more expensive zooms can wait.
Click to expand...
Thanks for both replies! Regarding the 16-55, I’m used to shooting a 17-50 f2.8 with OS. I feel without the OS on the 16-55, it will lose value for what I’d want the aperture for. I’m also not sure how it would feel on my t30.
 
What is your motivation to get a prime? Use that as a guide to help with your decision.

There's nothing wrong with duplication of focal lengths covered by a zoom. For instance, the 18-55 is a really great lens with OIS. What would a lens like a 23mm prime give you that couldn't be done with the zoom? I have used both the 23 f2 and the 23 f1.4. The f2 is a nice lens, but to get an extra stop I give up OIS and in most instances the difference would be marginal. Going with the f1.4, though, brings another dimension to the images not provided by the 18-55.

To me, the two primes that give you the biggest difference in look from zooms are the 16mm f1.4 and the 56mm f1.2. Both are in the "magic lens" category for me; qualifying as all time favorite lenses. The list includes the Canon 135L, the Leica Summicron 50 and 90 and the Mamiya RB67 150mm soft focus.
 
The 35mm f2 is much better in low light than the 18-55 f4, esp for anything that moves. It's ~2 stops faster.

If you don't think enough difference, go for a 1.4... 3 stops faster.

Still not enough? Maybe go for the 35mm .095 speedmaster.

As for the 12mm or 10-24...that's a tough question... I have the 18-55 and the 12mm ...and both are great... but I've considered getting the 10-24 so I stop changing lenses...

Total weight of just bringing the 10-24mm out would be less than the 12mm and 18-55 combined also...

yeah tough decision on that.
 
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35 1.4 would by my recommendation. Not to wide, not to narrow, shallow depth of Feild when you need it. Sharp.

23mm f2 is a good bet too, it has very nice rendering IMO.
 
If you like sharp, the 50mm F2 WR is a good bet. Mine is plenty sharp, small, light, and weather resistant. Autofocus is silent and pretty quick.
 
Ad12 said:
Hello,

I’ve only ever used 2 primes, the 105mm sigma macro HSM OS (sharpest lens I’ve ever used), its macro mainly, can do plenty of other things. Mainly purchased for macro. I also used the EF canon nifty 50 1.8 STM, for people (although annoying without the eye AF).

I’m excited by the prospect of the Fuji primes, but I don’t know where to start! Looking at my Lightroom catalogue, i usually either shoot wide, so 17mm on my old Sigma, or at 400mm with my Tamron. I also use 50mm a lot on my 17-50.

The 23mm F2 could be fun, but its covered by the 18-55, and without OS, isn’t specially better in low light than the 18-55. Same for the 35 f2.

I’ve always used zooms, and change lenses a lot, but it frustrates me. I’d love to try some primes to challenge my creativity.

I thought the Samyang 12mm could be fun. It’s rare i go super wide, but that could be a nice lens. I know its MF, but with wide angle lenses DoF and focus peaking it could be ok. Or thinking just zoom 10-24.

I’m probably going to order the 27 f2.8 for the size alone, is it sharp? All new to me.
Click to expand...
I’d suggest picking one or two primes based on focal length. All the Fuji lenses are sharp. My favorite wide - an underrated lens in my opinion - is the 14mm. An oldie but a goodie as they say. If you like 50mm go for the 35f1.4, a spectacular lens and very sharp.
 
What do you photograph? Start there.
 
Struggling to find my balance of my systems! DSLR i never carried except for serious stuff, BiF, wildlife. Compact i hated no VF, bad wide angle. I got XT30 as my carry around, which i am carrying everywhere. But I’m coming to realise its better than my DSLR! for portraits, family, even landscapes with the EVF!!! I do though, LOVE the Tamron 100-400, and I can carry the DSLR and 100-400 with three fingers inside the grip by my side, it balances PERFECTLY. So I’m thinking, DSLR for 100-400, Fuji for all other.

I’m thinking the 27mm for the weight and size could be so good!! I’m starting to think based on the above this. However, last year i went to a coastal sanctuary filled with puffins and amazing wildlife, and the landscape was amazing too. I was switching between the lenses, 100-400, 17-50, and 10-18. I needed three, as the ef-s 10-18 annoyed the hell out of me, 18mm wasn’t versatile enough. The 10-24 range of the XF seems perfect.

So i am envisaging This on my next trip out;

DSLR, Tamron 100-400 , body 1

XT30, 10-24, body 2.

My 18-55 for general walk around, the 27mm for super light, and I’d love to explore creativity with others primes. I like macro, so that will remain DSLR looking at the price of the Fuji macro!

I’ve read the 1.4’s are very slow to focus and loud, and that the f2’s may be better. The advice above sounds useful, 35mm seems like a good general range. I can use it for all sorts, even portraits!
 
Ad12 said:
Struggling to find my balance of my systems! DSLR i never carried except for serious stuff, BiF, wildlife. Compact i hated no VF, bad wide angle. I got XT30 as my carry around, which i am carrying everywhere. But I’m coming to realise its better than my DSLR! for portraits, family, even landscapes with the EVF!!! I do though, LOVE the Tamron 100-400, and I can carry the DSLR and 100-400 with three fingers inside the grip by my side, it balances PERFECTLY. So I’m thinking, DSLR for 100-400, Fuji for all other.

I’m thinking the 27mm for the weight and size could be so good!! I’m starting to think based on the above this. However, last year i went to a coastal sanctuary filled with puffins and amazing wildlife, and the landscape was amazing too. I was switching between the lenses, 100-400, 17-50, and 10-18. I needed three, as the ef-s 10-18 annoyed the hell out of me, 18mm wasn’t versatile enough. The 10-24 range of the XF seems perfect.

So i am envisaging This on my next trip out;

DSLR, Tamron 100-400 , body 1

XT30, 10-24, body 2.

My 18-55 for general walk around, the 27mm for super light, and I’d love to explore creativity with others primes. I like macro, so that will remain DSLR looking at the price of the Fuji macro!

I’ve read the 1.4’s are very slow to focus and loud, and that the f2’s may be better. The advice above sounds useful, 35mm seems like a good general range. I can use it for all sorts, even portraits!
Click to expand...
I love your dilemma. You are thinking through what to use when, why and for what. That adds to the passion and makes you hungry to shoot.

That also makes you a photographer and one with some flexibility. It gives you room to grow as you move along and get some more freedom to buy expensive glass that you dream about (like that 80 macro).

I think you will love walking around with that pancake or the nice little 18-55. The 10-24 will work wonders for you on travel.

You have some good options and have made some good choices.
 
Greg7579 said:
Ad12 said:
Struggling to find my balance of my systems! DSLR i never carried except for serious stuff, BiF, wildlife. Compact i hated no VF, bad wide angle. I got XT30 as my carry around, which i am carrying everywhere. But I’m coming to realise its better than my DSLR! for portraits, family, even landscapes with the EVF!!! I do though, LOVE the Tamron 100-400, and I can carry the DSLR and 100-400 with three fingers inside the grip by my side, it balances PERFECTLY. So I’m thinking, DSLR for 100-400, Fuji for all other.

I’m thinking the 27mm for the weight and size could be so good!! I’m starting to think based on the above this. However, last year i went to a coastal sanctuary filled with puffins and amazing wildlife, and the landscape was amazing too. I was switching between the lenses, 100-400, 17-50, and 10-18. I needed three, as the ef-s 10-18 annoyed the hell out of me, 18mm wasn’t versatile enough. The 10-24 range of the XF seems perfect.

So i am envisaging This on my next trip out;

DSLR, Tamron 100-400 , body 1

XT30, 10-24, body 2.

My 18-55 for general walk around, the 27mm for super light, and I’d love to explore creativity with others primes. I like macro, so that will remain DSLR looking at the price of the Fuji macro!

I’ve read the 1.4’s are very slow to focus and loud, and that the f2’s may be better. The advice above sounds useful, 35mm seems like a good general range. I can use it for all sorts, even portraits!
Click to expand...
I love your dilemma. You are thinking through what to use when, why and for what. That adds to the passion and makes you hungry to shoot.

That also makes you a photographer and one with some flexibility. It gives you room to grow as you move along and get some more freedom to buy expensive glass that you dream about (like that 80 macro).

I think you will love walking around with that pancake or the nice little 18-55. The 10-24 will work wonders for you on travel.

You have some good options and have made some good choices.
Click to expand...
Haha yes, definitely thinking it through! I don’t spend often, but usually it’s moderately expensive and well thought out!

I’ve been reading even since my last post, and actually I think I have a plan!!

Travel kit:

Fujifilm x-t30

xf 10-24

xf 35mm f1.4

xf 55-200

It has wide, old cities, landscape, towns, cathedrals, also the 35mm equiv at the long end. 55-200 for some reach. Then, 35mm for middle focal length, and the 1.4 for low light where people are moving and the OS becomes less useful. Plus it gives a nice 50mm equivalent! Maybe 27mm 2.8 too.

Canon DSLR, 100-400 for wildlife, BiF, etc, plus 105mm macro sigma. Sell the rest of the Canon lenses to fund my fuji purchases.

SO actually, despite the 35mmf2 getting better reviews, I’m thinking the 35mm 1.4 as suggested above, could be the ideal first prime?

Really appreciate all the comments to help the thought process.
 
35 F1.4 " magic " lens - hands down

for zoom the 50-140 is by FAR the best

for landscapes the 16 if you are doing close work or the 14 for general sweeping vistas

( I liked the 14 some folks say the 16 is their favorite lens ever )

I would forget about the other zooms..... Fuji strong selling point is their primes
 
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IMO, mixing different systems that offer more or less the same IQ potential and same lens park is not good. Adjusting operational approach, different ergonomics, etc, can be challenging.

One thing would be to combine say APSC with MF.

Why not:

1. Get a small DSLR to expand current system.

2. Move systems altogether.
 
Happy owner of many Fuji zooms and now a set of XF small primes what I can say is in pure terms of IQ it is a bit night and day

Yes the sharpness is better the contrast is much better the homogeneity as well

Most important a fixed FL oblige you to move according to the frame you desire, thus creating the best perspecrive for your frame. This leads to very dynamic frame.

Intead with zoom you work a bit like a vaccum cleaner filling your sensor.
 
Greg7579 said:
your zooms, so think first along the lines of the 23, 35 and 50 F2s.

You have a long way to go with Fuji glass and you will enjoy it. But starting out, get the 16 F2.8 to complement your 18-55. Then get the great little 55-200 to get you some easy reach while you save your money to buy the great 50-140 or 100-400.
Click to expand...
Hi, I second what Greg suggests. My prime trio is 16/f2.8, 23/f2 and 50/f2. The 23/f2 is so good I can crop to fill the 35 gap. For walks and visits, I often use this trio: one on the camera, two in a military style pouch on my belt (small, light, unobtrusive and easy to change).
 
biza43 said:
One thing would be to combine say APSC with MF.
Click to expand...
Well heck yes. But the OP made no indication thst he was even thinking about spending that kind of money. That is a big move.

I would recommend that on every thread but I only do it when the OP hints at an interest.
 
biza43 said:
IMO, mixing different systems that offer more or less the same IQ potential and same lens park is not good. Adjusting operational approach, different ergonomics, etc, can be challenging.

One thing would be to combine say APSC with MF.

Why not:

1. Get a small DSLR to expand current system.

2. Move systems altogether.
Click to expand...
In general I agree. However, my DSLR and 100-400 lens is a great fit. Canon sadly have no options of interest to me in a smaller form factor. The m6ii without an EVF was the deathblow. So whilst my DSLR and X-T30 are the same size sensor, they are quite different I feel.

It's not a case of two same sensor cameras, more so, one DSLR, one mirrorless, I enjoy the benefits of both in different situations.

I recall holding an X-T3 once after the T30, and recall preferring the 30. Never held an XH1 though, which is probably better fit for the big lens.

Also, the Canon and Fuji ergonomics are different. I appreciate both. I'm still unsure how to proceed. I think one or two Fuji lenses, get a real feel for it, and decide how to proceed. I don't want to immediately sell all my Canon gear based on the, whilst great, 18-55 2.8-4. Plus, the Tamron 100-400 is incredibly sharp and was about £700, whilst the Fuji 400mm is bigger, heavier, and about £1200.

For now, I have purchased a lowpro backpack, which fits in the top section my T-30 easily, for quick access, with my wrist strap quick release i just got. And the main section, I can chuck the 800d, relatively light, with the 100-400 Tamron.

I need to experiment a bit with lenses to decide how far to jump. I've not sold yet my 17-50, 10-18, 55-250, 50 1.8, 105 macro, either. I think i have some nostalgia though, too!
 
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