First prime: XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR or XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro Lens ?

I have an X-T2 and the 18-55 and want to get a prime lens.

Primarily it would be for daytime and nighttime street photography around NYC.

The macro is a bit wider and adds some close-focusing versatility, but the 33mm gives me the versatility of 2 more stops. It's hard to decide what to prioritize, and even harder now that the 33 just went on sale.

Any wisdom is appreciated.

Dave

ntldbg wrote:

I have an X-T2 and the 18-55 and want to get a prime lens.

Primarily it would be for daytime and nighttime street photography around NYC.

The macro is a bit wider and adds some close-focusing versatility, but the 33mm gives me the versatility of 2 more stops. It's hard to decide what to prioritize, and even harder now that the 33 just went on sale.

Any wisdom is appreciated.

Dave

Since you mention street photography and nighttime I would say go for the 33mm 1.4 . It is phenomenal for that purpose. You can always use a macro tube if you want to do some more close - focusing (albeit annoying to use and not true macro) but you cannot shoot at 1.4 with the 30mm. Make your choice while considering how important is close - focusing to you. If it is just "nice to have" go for the 33mm

33mm f1.4 or even the older 35mm f1.4...

Seems like quite an expensive choice, no?

There are other options too, depending on how much you want to spend. For a first prime I’m not sure I’d spend that much, but then again you can eliminate the “what if” questions by getting the most expensive choice (and, if you’re happy, why not?).

Budget:

Viltrox 33mm F1.4 (doesn’t seem great but it’s cheap)

Sigma 30mm F1.4 (slightly better than viltrox but wider)

Mid:

XF 35 F2 (fast AF and WR)

XF 35mm F1.4 (great for low light shots with character)

High:

XF 30mm F2.8 (price wise it’s fairly high since it’s new)

XF 33mm F1.4 (the best, but you pay in price and size Vs the other Fujis)

I own the two Fuji 35mm primes and for low light I’d recommend getting a used XF 35mm F1.4 from MPB or KEH or somewhere with a returns policy. Plus you could sell it for similar to what you paid if you don’t like it, but you probably will

ntldbg wrote:

I have an X-T2 and the 18-55 and want to get a prime lens.

Primarily it would be for daytime and nighttime street photography around NYC.

The macro is a bit wider and adds some close-focusing versatility, but the 33mm gives me the versatility of 2 more stops. It's hard to decide what to prioritize, and even harder now that the 33 just went on sale.

Any wisdom is appreciated.

Dave

Hi,

Two very different lenses......  I have the 30/2.8 Macro and like it, but it's the last lens I'd choose for street - not that I do street.  Do you think you'd be using it's macro capabilities in your street work?  It isn't a genre associated with close-ups.  And close-up work is very difficult in low light.

I suspect I'd choose the 33/1.4 or more likely the 23/1.4, but both are large and expensive options.  If you wanted a more economic and more discreet choice, how about the 23/2 or the 27/2.8, though it's no faster than the XF30 Macro, or the old 35/1.4?

Regards, Rod

Only you can decide what is more important to you: 2 stops or close-focus.

I have the 30mm, I like it but my "street" photography would be flowers, food, door knobs or wine labels and even then it's a bit of a niche lens but it's very light and no bother to carry.

So, I'd say get the 33 or 35mm f1.4(with the 33 being on sale I'd go that way). It's not just the low light capabilities but what you can creatively do with depth of field which will help you get unique perspectives for meaningful photos, especially for portraits.

the 33mm gives me the versatility of 2 more stops

Really almost 3 stops, because the 18-55 is like 3.6 at 35mm.. 1.4 opens up a world of possibilities for shooting in MUCH lower light and MUCH shallower depth of field. Unless you're doing a lot of macro I don't see the advantage of the 30 2.8 when you already have the 18-55

I shoot a Viltrox 33 on my X-T2.. I'm super happy with it, probably my most used lens. They can be had for about $200 on Ebay, a quarter the price of the new Fuji. Really you could get the Viltrox 33 AND the 30 2.8 macro for the price of the Fuji 33.

I have no doubt the Fuji is better, so if money is no object to you, or you want the newest latest, by all means, go for the Fuji

oscar.richard7777 is my instagram my last 3 posts were shot entirely (or mostly) with the Viltrox 33 and X-T2

Good Luck