Fujifilm Primes Vs Zooms - How sharp do you really need
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- EDIT: f/1.4 is FOUR times brighter than f/2.8
This video is a little more hypothetical, expressing my views on what I feel are the pros and cons of primes vs zooms. This is not "the law" but very much just some facts as I see them, shared in a way to hopefully help make lens purchase decisions easier for you.
This video was filmed on the Fujifilm X-T4 with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4
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Also if you'd like to learn how to get perfect focus when doing landscape photography, check out my video on landscape focusing on the link below.
• Landscape Photography ...
My cameras - Fujifilm XT4 - GFX 50R
My studio video lens - Fujifilm 23mm f/2
My favorite lenses - Fujifilm 10-24mm f/4 & 50-140mm f/2.8 / GFX 50mm
Tripod - Manfrotto BeFree Series
Studio Light - Godox SL60W
Microphones - Rode video micro & video Go
Bag - Lowepro flipside sport 15L AW
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Website: www.tb-photography.co.nz - Навчання та стиль
I'm loving your videos, they show me that I have a lot more to learn, but you don't make me feel bad about it!
Thank you!
The only people that should feel bad are those that feel they have nothing more to learn.
Great video, really enjoy how you explain and lay out your points.
Thank you!
Great video!!! Charged with some good huge ol' dose of reality at the end!! Keep rocking!
Thanks man! You rock
Thomas, love your videos. I'm just starting out and have the 16 1.4. I like the idea of having primes simply for the size, realizing there are landscape photos I'll miss out on due to not having the zoom. I'm not a professional and dont aspire to be one so seeing the moment is first priority, getting a picture is second. For future videos, would love to see more out in the field discussing your composition, exposure, etc. Similar to your 30 day challenge. Keep up the great work!
That kind of content is very much coming, it might be a little while away yet, but I am converting a van into a campervan for exactly that kind of content.
Thank you VERY much for the comment and support, I really appreciate it.
Dude, I’m loving your videos! 1.4 is twice the light of f2 which is 2x of f2.8 so it’s actually 4x not 3x 🙂
Oh very good point because it's double each time, shit I can't fix that now that it's up.
I appreciate you pointing that out for the viewers though and cheers for the support!
I think the bigger issue with zooms vs primes ( and you touched on it in your wide angles lens comparisons ) is that most zooms are sharpest for only a portion of the full zoom range ( normally in the mid range of the lens ). And then there is the whole topic of which apertures are the sharpest on any given lens.
I personally use a mix of primes and zooms, and pick depending on what I am shooting, and I completely agree that the 16-55 and 50-140 is a great pair of lenses for shooting fast moving projects ( eg weddings ), but if you can slow down the process of shooting then the primes are often the best options. Also I find the primes tend to have more character ( ie quirks ) in the shots they produce than the zooms.
Very well said and I'm pretty sure I agree with all of it.
i’ve thought about this for years and wanted to write about it but i think at the end of the day there’s something satisfying about zooming 1:1 on your photo in lightroom and seeing great resolution. and since we spend so much money on our gear, it’s worth it.
I seem to now live at a 4:1 zoom these days now and 100% agree with what you're saying.
Even if I don't need perfect sharpness/detail, I take a lot of pride in having good practice I'm trying to achieve it in every single shot.
What a great lesson I’ve now learnt , thank you
Thanks!
In my Sony I was going with my 16-35 full frame, then I bought my Fuji so I went with both cameras, the fuji then with a 50mm lens, 75mm ff equivalent.
Now I've got another Fuji body which I'm putting the 15-45 in love and the other the 50mm prime. It works pretty good for me.
Great reference to consider before making a purchase for a new lens
Thank you!
35f2 and 16-80mm is all i need. Thanks for the video
That is such a stunning combo as well, and cheers for sharing.
Well presented. Thanks!
Thank you
I've gone with a mix which ended up being the same trio as the Indispensable Kit from Fuji vs. Fuji: 16mm f1.4, 35mm f2, and 50-140mm f2.8. A video idea could be to go through example lens kits for different types of shooting, budget, travel, etc. Something like that would have really helped me out early on.
I find suggesting gear with asking the individual a bunch of questions OR without doing a ton of testing and removing me personal opinion from my suggestion, really hard to do as everyone has such different tastes and preference.
But the goal is to eventually have a "best xzy" series done for all types of Photography...thats going to take such a long time to do though hahaha
I love your infographics!
Thank you
XT4 with the 16-55mm zoom cuz when I do shoot, it'll be for various planned and unplanned shoots and like you said the zooms give me a better way to capture unplanned and random moments. Plus I only have to carry one lens with me. But I only own one lens at the moment so ha! Great video as always man. Wouldn't mind getting myself 2-3 primes though for sure! Good luck on your van btw, no worries if you don't upload a video, it's on your own time, no need to pressure yourself to commit to UA-cam videos, if you need time off, take it, burn out can be a real and possible thing to be aware of, so no worries man enjoy your life and do what you gotta do. Also final point, Fujifilm XF 50mm F1.0 is coming out this year! I don't think it's a lens I'd ever really need, but it's a thing now! First f/1.0 mirrorless lens, so kind of awesome from a technological point. I gotta run now man, but always nice to check out your uploads! Be well brother!
Every single video you leave awesome comments man and I love reading every single one of them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I've been using the 23mmf2 as my main lens for the last year but getting more in to dog photography and wanting more focal ranges for different stuff like more close up portraits, wider angle for smaller dogs or environmental portrait or just for high energy dogs with more erratic movement. and to be able to go between quickly and without changing lens amidst the changing opportunities, dog hair , and licking so something like the 16 to 55 makes so much sense to me. Probably will be my first zoom
Yeah it’s the best option for what you just Described
Nice one mate. My prefs for landscape has been good quality primes for wide and mid range , Fuji 16mm f1.4, 23mm f2, 35mm f2, voightlander 58mm f1.4 and sharp enough good reach and perceived compression of Fuji 55-200mm. The 23 and 35mm gives me street style coverage too. It’s all personal prefs, but so far I am happy with above.
I love those new f/2 lens.
I actually wish they would redo the older lenses with newer AF motors and add WR to the lenses that don't have it.
The Fuji primes are so stunning.
For about 3 years the only lens I had was the XF 35mm f1.4. I love that lens so much. I knew the artistic benefit of using one lens, one focal length and I strongly believe it made me a better photographer!
That I do 100% agree with as well.
For me personally the less control you have over certain factors of a photo e.g. zoom. the easier it is to think about the other factors that you can control e.g. creativity.
tb- photography Yeah it really is fundamental to creativity - that is, giving yourself restrictions that force you to find creative solutions.
Yeah, the rendition and character of that particular lens is extremely unique and beautiful.
Hi Thomas, As a new photographer, really appreciate your detailed reviews. In particular, the context that you provide re: what a lens shows its best strengths is most helpful in helping me to master my gear. If you are open to a suggestion to help you “monetize” your experience and wonderful non-assuming way you come across on your videos. You might consider membership or mentorship options to newer photographers. There may be an opportunity as another Fuji-expert Andrew of “Andrew and Denae” is moving away from membership options on their channel. Besides, love that accent and enthusiastic personality that comes across really well.
Thank you very much for the suggestion and support I do really appreciate it.
Excellent video
Thank you!
Once you see an Ansel Adams exhibit, usually from his 4x5 negatives, you think more about tonal range. And the ability of a lens and sensor to give you that. Micro contrast too.
Really enjoying your videos. I have a mix, for my weddings I basically brake the day up into two sections, zoom moments & prime moments. I use the 16-55mm & 50-140mm zooms for the ceremony and reception.
Now for the rest of the wedding day the preps, main location bridal party shoot and important family portraits, I use the 23mm f1.4, 56mm f1.2 & 90mm F2,
This pretty much covers my kit however in my spare case, I also have a 16mm f1.4 & 14mm 2.8 which I use occasionally throughout the day especially reception venues with very bad light, but nowhere near as much as the others lenses & sometimes I don’t even take them out.
Do you ever need a macro for your wedding work? I find I need one for like 2 shots throw out the whole day.
And more and more I've been using a none macro prime instead because bringing one lens for two shots was becoming a pain.
tb- photography if I do any Macro it would only be for a couple of ring shots and for that i use the 16mm extension tube (it weighs about 50grams) and I put this on the 56mm f1.2. It does a damn good job as long as u find a spot with good strong light, even direct sunlight is good, and make sure you close down to around at least F8, its as good as gold. I would go as saying Its 80% as good as a macro lens.
Ohhhh man that's such a good combo idea, thank you! I gave my macro tube away as I just wasn't using it.
I need to do a macro series and see how they all stack up, thanks heaps for the idea man, love it.
Great Video again. I am a wildlife photographer from South Africa and have change over to Fuji only a few months ago from a Nikon FF system after many years. From heavy big 300 and 400mm f2.8 primes with big FF DSLR's to a Fuji system that consist of 2 x XT4's with a 100-400, 50-140, 16-80 and 10-24. I do some landscapes and some street and travel photography as well. I am past pixel peeping and for me the main reason for change was the Fuji system, flexibility, being smaller , lighter and the XT4 has incredible capabilities. I carry less and shoot more, I find wide angle lenses intimidating and prefer landscapes with tighter frames.. I am keen to get a prime lens such as the 90 f2 and a 35 f?. each on a body and spend time doing landscapes and nature just with these two lenses. I wanted to get out of the mould of shooting with a prime lens at 400 mm all the time. Fuji system is challenging me agin to try new things. stop seeing the world through a big prime lens.
Sounds like you're heading in a very exciting direction, congratulations!
Love the series Thomas! Huge effort to help us all understand Fuji's range of wide-angles!
I have a question in regards to all of this... I mostly shoot landscapes (as well as some family and travel), but only as a serious hobbyist (not pro). Currently I have the XC16-50mm, which I got in preference to the 18-55mm kit because I wanted the wider 16mm focal length for landscapes. But having watched your series, I'm now wondering whether I would be better 'upgrading' to the XC15-45mm? Do you consider that the 15-45mm is an 'upgrade' to the XC16-50mm and worth doing for landscapes?
I appreciate that the 16-55mm f2.8 or 10-24mm f4 would be more 'serious' lens upgrades, but I don't have the budget for these. So would changing to the XC15-45mm over the XC16-50mm be an obvious image upgrade?
Thanks Thomas
If you could make the swap without it costing you anything I would.
But even the 16-50mm has enough potential for stunning shots.
It also depends on what you want to do with your photos.
If you want to print A3 or larger than yes the 15-45 would be worth more as a upgrade.
Hope this helps and cheers for the support.
Always good content bro 👍
Cheers mate
@@ThomasBusbyPhotography Your reply time on comments needs to be commended. 👏👏👏
The youtube studio app is awesome for that, highly suggest it for anyone with thier own channel
Thank you. Lot’s of work goes into your reviews and it is appreciated. Given my GAS I tend to have more lens that I should but currently I have my 16 1.4 semi permanently attached to the XT4 for Astro and walk about lens. I also carry the 100-400 that I am just starting to try for Astro. Would actually hear your thought and experiences with that lens. Regards and keep up the very good work
Hahah I have been pestering Fujifilm every week for a 100-400 to test, and I am very much considering buying it my self.
That review hopefully isn't too far off.... hopefully.
Nice video! I have way too many lenses (6 primes and 6 zooms), but that gives me a good insight in what the benefits of the primes and zooms are; I have both. I have all the fastest primes, simply because I had them before the f2 versions came out. Else it might have been different. But I shoot most of my images between f1.2 and f2.8, so it suits me well.
My point. I think sharpness is overrated; all lenses I have are sharp enough for 95+ percent of my work. Easy. More important is the UNSHARPNESS (bokeh) of the images. A clear example: a 90/2 has far more pleasing bokeh than the 50-140/2.8 or 55-200. Same goes for the 56/1.2. Or the 16/1.4 (crazy good!) vs zooms in that range.
Next important thing is microcontrast. It is not the same as sharpness, but makes a big difference.
But in the end, I take what I like to use at that moment. Or what I think I need or is smartest to take with me. The last weeks it's mainly primes. They have more magic somehow. Maybe it is not easy to put in numbers or measure it, but there is something about primes. But my zooms never have let me down. But there is another level. So if I have the time, I use primes.
I loved reading every bit of that message thank you, I need to find a good way to measure micro contrast and bokeh for when I start doing the 23 - 90mm lenses.
Great video as always! Love it! I'm wrestling with buying the 50-140 I just wish it were more current. Watched that Dustin Abbot (?) Tamron zoom equivalent comparison.
I haven't watched any reviews on it for ages.
What are people saying is in current about it?
@@ThomasBusbyPhotography mostly the biggest problem for me is that the global contrast is much lower than the Tamron Sony equivalent and outside of the very direct center for the Fuji 50-140 the contrast and detail is even much worse even at f5.6-11 it never catches up at all
It's still a good lens but for the price, not really current. I care about contrast a lot more than probably most people so I'd have to buy it on the alternative markets for around the $1100 price point. Id never be able to pay MSRP for the current performance.
Very interesting, I own the lens so will get it reviewed soon enough.
@@ThomasBusbyPhotography I'm definitely looking forward to that. Checkout the Dustin Abbott definitive review if you get the chance if you want a second opinion before/after your review.
I will do, cheers man.
Ata marie 😎 love the video mate, still waiting for Fuji to bring out the 400+ primes and longer end fast zooms for the other cohort of shooters! Which lens do you film for the videos?
This video (and last week's) were all filmed on the 18-55mm and I've been loving it.
Until then I was using the 23mm f/2 for studio and the 10-24 for out and about.
@@ThomasBusbyPhotography great work.
Thank you!
Thx for a good video. I have the 200mm F2, and is the best lens, I have. Coming from Canon 500mm F4 and Canon 300mm F2.8, there are definitely sharpness to been seen in the Fujinon.
Yeah I've used it and it is stunning! But never compared it to other brands, but I would not be surprised at all if it's sharpness was on a different level to them
I have the 16-80 and 50-140 -love it and prefer no tripod mount since it adds weight. A bit heavy but not compared to my dslr 70-200. I did just purchase the 2x converter to reach for even further distant landscape and the occasional bird! I figure with 24mp -the less cropping the better ...unless you think that $400 would be better spent elsewhere. On the 16-80 I wish it wasn’t f4 but don’t know the best prime for my needs at this time. I’m so used to zooming in on the fly.
Less cropping is always better.
The 16-80 being f4 I think was really designed with video in mind, I have some videos on the teleconvertors coming up real soon
If you're in an irregular fast changing environment like an event, or wedding, use zoom or carry 2 cameras, one with wide.
2 cameras is a very good option which many do.
Though it also has its own list of pros and cons.
What's my wedding season starts back up here, I might make a video about that though.
But researching about what lens to buy next is half the fun of photography for me! Hahaha
I find zoom useful for super telephoto. For shorter focal lengths, primes rule.
That 200mm F2 blows the price comparison out of the water. You can buy nearly 4 of the red badge zooms for the cost of just that lens. ~$6000 for the 200mm. The 8-16mm $2000,16-55mm $1200 + 55-140mm $1600, 100-400mm $1900, Total ~$6700.
It really is a whole different league of lens, which many won't consider.
Have you seen Canon lens prices? Fuji is higher quality and lower cost.
I quickly end up with too many lenses and way to money invested. Currently I am slimming down and using the 16-55 as a wide angel lens and everything in between up to 50. But it is so big, so I need a small 35/F2 to go along with it. The primes in between has to go, even though the 16-55 is a monster. For next week, why don´t you do a quick, whats in my bag for landscape photogrphy? What lenes and camera you take. Please :)
That's a great easy idea, and I might just do that.
Thank you for the suggestion.
I had the same exact problem as you. Now I only own the 16-55mm and 90mm f2 as well as my vintage 1970s Fujinon EBC f1.4 manual focus with a Zhongyi turbo II attached. These are my general purpose and portrait lenses. I will need the 50-140 for weddings and events tho. That will probably be all I need.
Excellent video...subscribing..👍🏿
Thank you! I appreciate that.
I'm still looking for an excellent 12-600mm f1.4 for around $1000.00. :)
And I want it about 400g and TAC sharp
While you’re at it, make it a pancake lens too...
And ATLEAST 12 stops of IS, including compensation for the rotation if the planet.
I'm thinking about getting the 16-55 for hiking. I think it would be a good single lens for every kind of situation on a trail except telephoto wildlife. But mushrooms, moss, weird trees, creeks, and waterfalls would all be solid. My current hiking kit is the 16 f/1.4, the 80mm f/2.8, and sometimes the 23 f/1.4. It's just a little much. In dense forest most of the time I live on the wide end, anyway.
Id seriously consider the 16-80 as well.
You have some fantastic lenses, but the 16-55 is still very heavy where the 16-80 is much lighter and fantastic at 16mm.
I'm not saying it's a better lens, but just that from what you've said I'd consider it.
@@ThomasBusbyPhotography All true, for sure. Thanks for the reply!
Fuji 16 to 55 and 50 to 140 I use them for product photography. If you ask me the Fuji zoom lenses is very sharp in these days.
Yeah those two are stunningly sharp lenses, love em
Another great post TB. It is making plenty of sense to me. I currently run the 18-55mm Kit zoom lens and bought the XF 50-140mm last year. Now I'm looking at primes to complement.
Would you recommend swapping the 18-55mm kit out for the 16-50mm? Then I was thinking of adding the 16mm 1.4 for wide angle. But really liking the reviews for the new 50mm f1 too!
It really depends on what you shoot.
Do you mean the 16-50 or the 16-55?
It really depends on what you shoot.
Do you mean the 16-50 or the 16-55?
Sorry mate 16-55mm
I'm still working my style. But love landscape and nature
I guess I'd be tempted to wait and see what the rumored 10-24mm Mii is like.
If it's weather sealed and a little sharper that could be a stunning lens for landscape without overlapping any of your current kit.
One thought I've had lately is that the ideal focal length (FL) is unique for every given subject/scene, and likely ISN'T one of the FLs you have on the primes you own. Imagine doing what in cinematography is called a dolly zoom and stopping at the exact moment you feel the magic. How likely is it to be at exactly the FL of one of your primes? You can of course crop in (which still doesn't change compression of the background) in post, but only with a zoom lens will you find your perfect FL as you're out capturing the shot, which must count for something and often be of higher value than having slightly more sharpness, for example.
I think the counter argument for that (and I’m still on the fence re zooms vs primes for the record) is that time and brain power you don’t have to put into trying to find that perfect FL with a zoom, gives you more time and brain power for all other aspects of a good shot with a prime lens.
In the end creating things quiet even between the two
ive just switched to fuji and got the 10-24 and 55-200 for landscape and the 14mm for astro and couldnt be happier with them, way lighter and just as sharp as my old L lenses. for landscapes zooms always win for me as sometimes it aint always possible to walk any closer to the subject, think the 16-55 is next for me :)
What I've been loving about these comments is I agree and understand every single one so far..
The 16-55 is quite a bit heavier than the rest of your kit, but a very stunning less, though I'd also consider the 16-80 is another good option, as below 50mm I found it pretty fantastic, still weather sealed, but a much nicer weight.
I do a lot of hiking though so weight might have more of a impact for me / than you.
tb- photography i hike a bit which is part of the reason for changing and the 16-55 is way lighter than my old canon 24-70 f2.8, but i have pondered on upgrading to a xt3 from the xt2, i nedd some more overtime 😂
As a landscape shooter I didn't make the upgrade from T2 - T3...but I wish I had. And the price is so good at ge moment.
tb- photography is it much of a upgrade? I have heard the evf is much improved
The biggest upgrades are AF performance and video.
I started doing far more video which is why I wish I had upgraded and want to do more wildlife.
If it strictly landscape photography you do, the maybe the money would be better spent on lenses instead, or the xt4
Another factor for me is the “fun” of shooting with primes. It’s probably due to their size and weight. I understand the advantages of zooms, (and have a few), but I really don’t enjoy shooting with them. What’s funny is that I often forget they can zoom and wind up shooting them at their widest (collapsed) length! 😆
100% Primes here. 16mm f/1.4, 35mm f/2 and 56mm f/1.2. Covers 90% of what I need! That said, 10-24mm and 100-400mm are on my wishlist and have owned the 18-55 and 16-55 in the past (the 10-24 too come to think of it - ahh the joys of switching systems more than once 🤣)
Your current kit is a stunning kit though, if only there was a 8/10mm prime and a affordable 400mm f/5.6 prime.
10-24 MKII is comming :)
tb- photography Or a 300mm f/4. But yeah, the 16 and 56 really do most of my work. That 56 plus flash = good fun
Fingers crossed for weather sealed
Such stunning perfect lenses.
I have 16mm 1,4. Which lens to get if you want to have only 2 lenses? I shoot video only with X-T4.
I shoot most of my videos with the 16mm and the 50-140
The Primes are like zooms ,I can use my 16mm 1.4 and Crop in 100% and still have a great image ,thanks to the sharpness
f1.4 is 4 times brighter than the f2.8. not just 3 times...
Simple solution to all of the worlds problems would be just to buy the 16-55. It’s literally a bag of primes
That lens really suits a lot of people, it wasn’t for me when I owned it years ago though, and still currently preferred the 10-24mm (wider) 33mm(brighter) and 50-150mm (my bag of primes)
I didn’t know math would be required 😂. Great information!
Hahaha cheers Paul.