Fuji 18-55mm F2.8-4 good for street photography?

[MatusMY]

Hello everyone. Ive already posted a few threads about good Street Photography lenses, and I was thinking if the 18-55mm would be good. Currently I only own the 16-50 lens and dI'm thinking about buying the 35 F1.4/2 and I thought if the 18-55 would be good for that and would be major replacement of my 16-50 in one package.

How good is the bokeh and depth of field? (Can you please post some example photos so I can see)

 

[WhoisDoubleA]

I concur with AaronX on all points about Street Photography. I am also using my 16-50 for street, long enough to determine my best focal length in order to buy the right prime for me.

The reason that it, or another zoom is not ideal is that it is difficult to zone focus when there is lens creep. In many cases I prefer to set my focus at a certain distance at a certain FL in order to be ready with the shot instantly. I will have Aperture set at f8, and set focus on a wall or tree 12 feet away, which gives me a DOF from about 8’ to infinity. That way I can walk up to a scene (or it walk up on me) and I have nothing to do but point and shoot.

I have come to really like my 16-50. It is light and snappy and the IQ, at least my copy, is really good. I won’t be replacing it with the 18-55 until I break it! The lens creep is a bummer for street but it has a fast AF that is working well for me

BTW the X-T20 is great for street!

 

[SushiCub]

I personally think 16-50mm is perfectly good for street photography. I've been laughed by some in the threads of street photographers because I use 18-55mm - for them, it must be done by prime lenses, I suppose. As if we cared that much of what lens was used when we look at actual images?? I also have 23mm f2 (also 35mm f.95 only because it was a holiday gift) because it can handle images better in evening but unless it is too dark, I still keep going back to 18-55mm - and if you like B&W images, noise level/sharpness from 16-50mm isn't a huge issue.

 

[Rich Niemeyer]

I agree with the others. Your present lens should work fine. The 18-55mm is a stellar lens, at least mine is, but I doubt it would bring much more to the table for your particular interest. Perhaps a little longer lens may suit you better in the future, but for now what you are using is fine. My version of the 35mm f1.4 is also exceptional. Very sharp and fast.

 

[Vic Chapman]

Your 16-50mm at f5.6 or smaller will do fine - it is smaller and less noticeable than the 18-55mm so that is in its favour.

A 23mm prime is better IMO. My own preference is for 16mm but I own and use the 14mm for 95% of my dedicated street shooting. At most other times the 16-55mm f2.8 / 90mm f2 pairing is my choice for general photography including street in a wide touristy area like a square or piazza.

Using a prime gives you one less thing to think about (zooming) and you'll miss fewer shots.

All with X-Pro1 + 14mm f2.8 @ hyperfocal.

































Vic

--
The sky is full of holes that let the rain get in, the holes are very small - that's why the rain is thin.
Spike Milligan. Writer, comedian, poet, Goon. 1918 - 2002

 

[WhoisDoubleA]

Wow, Vic, just awesome!

 

[Rich Niemeyer]

Great images! Did you use Acros? Contrast and the high key character is terrific.

 

[slimandy]

I like my 18-55 for travel and street if I'm trying to capture life as I see it, but to be more artistic I prefer to go wide to play with perspective or long to pick out detail. I'm not worried about bokeh for street; I don't go much for shallow dof for street, and when I do the bokeh is good enough. It's not my main concern.

 

[Bobo Hodls]

Wow, Vic, just awesome!

HEY! I wanted to say that first!



Compellingly engaging, Vic. And just plain wonderful work.

 

[TEAS]

yes

 

[SushiCub]

Fantastic images - my role model!!

 

[WhoisDoubleA]

Vic, I realize this is fodder for another thread but how do you process your B/W images, generally? I love the look!

 

[Rmcp20]

Great images! Did you use Acros? Contrast and the high key character is terrific.

 

[Vic Chapman]

Great images! Did you use Acros? Contrast and the high key character is terrific.

 

[Vic Chapman]

Vic, I realize this is fodder for another thread but how do you process your B/W images, generally? I love the look!

Thanks muchly.

See reply to Rich above. Maybe the secret is Nik Colour FX tonal contrast filter for depth and reduced sepia toning for old fabric print richness in Silver FX

Vic

--
The sky is full of holes that let the rain get in, the holes are very small - that's why the rain is thin.
Spike Milligan. Writer, comedian, poet, Goon. 1918 - 2002

 

[EstebanDido]

I've just came back from a trip to south America, I took the X-T2 with 18-55, 23 f/2 and 35 f/2, as it turns out, 90% of the time, I used the 18-55, it has great IQ, is not too big, and covers a perfect range for street photography and indoor events (parties).

Here is an example take with the 18-55

 

[Truman Prevatt]

Hello everyone. Ive already posted a few threads about good Street Photography lenses, and I was thinking if the 18-55mm would be good. Currently I only own the 16-50 lens and dI'm thinking about buying the 35 F1.4/2 and I thought if the 18-55 would be good for that and would be major replacement of my 16-50 in one package.

How good is the bokeh and depth of field? (Can you please post some example photos so I can see)

Street photography is as varied as to the approach as those who do it. W. Eugene Smith, Henry Cartier-Bresson, Gary Winogrand all approached it differently. Smith and HCB used a normal 50 mm while Winogrand alwayse used a 28. Smith’s style was to isolate and focus on a single topic while Winogrand were much more environmental.

Different - they all produced masterful works. So first before you pick a lens - find your style or styles. You can use any focal length. But master one first that supports your style. Different focal lengths will work better for different styles.

Since Pbase doesn’t always upload the EXIF Nikon D800E at about 170 mm.

Pro2 56 f1.2

Nikon D800E 50 f1.4

Nikon D 800 E 85 f 1.8

Pro2 35 f.4

--
Truman
www.pbase.com/tprevatt

 

[madhav56]

Yes it is.

But why would one want to replace 16-50, except maybe for its weight (called the brick) and speed (slower by half a stop).

Couple of 18-55 samples for you:







---
Madhav Bodas

Madhav Bodas’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[Ulrik Christiansen]

Hello everyone. Ive already posted a few threads about good Street Photography lenses, and I was thinking if the 18-55mm would be good. Currently I only own the 16-50 lens and dI'm thinking about buying the 35 F1.4/2 and I thought if the 18-55 would be good for that and would be major replacement of my 16-50 in one package.

How good is the bokeh and depth of field? (Can you please post some example photos so I can see)

I am absolutely pleased with my copy of the 18-55. I don't know how it holds up to the 16-50, but from my experience, I like the size and build for travel usage. The OIS is also awesome I think - just remember to switch it off when not needed.

If I want serious bokey stuff, I often use other lenses, but I am really not disappointed using this lens for various street shots. I am just a casual photographer, not pro-like at all.















--
Best regards,
Ulrik Christiansen

Ulrik Christiansen’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

 

[uniball]

Use your 16-50. For street you won't gain much buying the 18-55. If anything you may lose more than you gain. The 18-55 is heavier and it's aperture ring unintentionally changes position constantly. The 23/2 or 35/2 would be much better choices if you're experiencing a GAS attack.