Michael Wilson
@atikusphoto11 Sep
Bigger heavier lens
I've been renting the Fuji 23 f1.4 this week. I exclusively own the smaller f2 range of lenses because I tend to want a smaller lighter setup. One thing I really noticed when using the larger 23 f1.4, is that far more people noticed me and my camera. I'm used to being basically ignored when shooting in London, so I really noticed the difference.
I usually think it’s just my mind playing games but it’s good to see it’s something that actually happens. In my case I was considering just the opposite for that reason, building a smaller setup. Have you missed photos because of this? Just curious because I’m shy and when people notices me I tend to chicken out haha
It definitely didn't cause me to miss any shots. Most of the time I wasn't even raising the camera to take a picture, people were just glancing down at the larger lens before making eye contact.
If you are shy though, from what I saw having a larger camera setup certainly got me more attention, so trying a smaller setup might help you to feel more inconspicuous
yeah I think something about a big lens makes people think "professional photog" and maybe flares a bit more anxiety about what is being done with the images...
I have used lots of different cameras, big lenses etc. never had issues with people. Recently I bought the Ricoh GRiv and it was the first time someone asked me if I took a picture or her(for some reason I felt more sneaky with the Ricoh) Sometimes looks more ‘suspicious’ a smaller camera than one that is obvious you’re taking pictures. That was my experience
yeah thats totally true for me too now you mention it, the only time I have really had someone get angry with me was when I was using a Ricoh, many years ago.
Yeah, interesting point. I personally wasn't saying that people noticing was a bad thing and none of them seemed to have issues.
I was just surprised by how many people looked at my camera before looking at me. Most of the time, I wasn't even taking a photo, just had it by my side, but I still saw a lot of people glance towards the camera.
I've experienced this as well, sometimes it looks like when you have a "real" camera then people think, ah she's a photographer and they mind less.
If you have a f1.4, you have to superglue it at f1.4
I have both also, unfortunately I barely use the 1.4 for street for same reason and it's to heavy to lift quickly and be stealthy. so now use the voigtlander 18mm, thinking of swapping or selling it for something else.
I own all of the f/2 lenses except the 35mm. I was really excited recently to rent both the 35mm f/1.8 and the 33mm f/1.4, only to realise that I actually really disliked using bigger lenses. It surprised me how much of a difference the size of the lens made, not just to how the camera felt, but also to how people reacted to me when I was shooting. Not to mention the added weight...
On top of that, the f/2 range is just so good: great image quality, really sharp, fast enough, compact… honestly, they’re amazing little lenses. I already know I’ll end up getting the 35mm f/2 rather than the f/1.8 or f/1.4. It’s just such a good balance.
edited
The fuji 35 1.4 is smaller than the fuji 35 f2. It's the best fuji lens(maybe not technically or autofocus wise) and I'd highly recommend it over the f2. It's a lens that people own Fuji cameras for just so they can use it. It's that good
I rented the 35mm 1.4 after hearing so often how amazing it is, and I don’t know if it’s my shooting style or if I hoped too much, but I ended up a bit disappointed. I found it slow for street photography. I think also it isn’t weather sealed compared to the f.2. Perhaps I was « expecting » too much after reading so many praises
It's one of those lenses that you don't go over like f 2.8 lol. It's rendering wide open is beautiful though and I pretty much only use it that way. It's definitely not a fast lens but I never missed any shots with it. They're also dirt cheap these days, worth owning just to have one for portrait shoots if you do any of that or paid work.
I very much agree. I think the Fuji f2 lenses are the reason I love Fuji so much.
My main aim with gear these days is to stay small and light. With the f2 lenses, it doesn’t feel like I have to sacrifice much/any quality to do so.
I currently use two main setups for street photography: either the Fujifilm X100VI with its 23mm f/2 lens, or the X-T3 with the XF 18mm f/1.4. I’ve also noticed that people on the street tend to view me with more suspicion when I’m using the 18mm f/1.4. Yet, it isn't actually that big; it’s roughly the same size as the XF 18-55mm. Still, there is a noticeable difference when it comes to staying discreet. I’ve owned all the f/2 "Fujicrons"—the 23mm, 35mm, and 50mm. Nowadays, I only have the 35mm left. I sold the 23mm when I bought the X100V, and I sold the 50mm because I simply wasn't using it enough, despite its excellent quality. All three are outstanding lenses. I’d love for Fujifilm to release a new version of the 18mm f/2, as the current one’s autofocus is too slow and noisy for my taste. Even though I love the 18mm f/1.4 for its exceptional quality, I admit I would prefer an 18mm lens that is more compact and discreet.