Perhaps as self-compensation for not shooting as much as I’d like to do, it seems that I have been loading up on Fuji lenses. Every time I think I’m done I decide to buy “just one more.” And I’m perhaps just a little embarrassed to say that I am now up to 8. Yikes! I just recently I sprung for the 35mm 1.4 lens. Going a little bit counter to conventional thought (who, me?), I considered the newer and slightly less costly f2 version in favor of the somewhat dated but still quite worthy older model. I put it through some initial paces on a quick walk around town this past weekend. So far I must say I’m impressed and happy with the purchase.
Monte Stevens
The GAS guilt trip. All of us have gone through it but it usually goes away pretty quickly. I used that lens on a local photo walk sponsored by Fujifim and liked it. I bought the f2.0 version because of slight cost difference and felt the slower aperture would be okay for my shooting style. I do enjoy the 35mm focal length. Looks like the lens is just fine in your hands. 🙂
Tom Dills
I realized today that I need to do a follow-up post because I’ve thought of more I want to say on the subject. I suppose you’re right, that there’s a little guilt involved, but mostly I’m just amazed at how much I like those lenses! The 1.4 is every bit as noisy as the reviews said it is, but it has a “look” that I really like in a lens. On sale it wasn’t much more than the 2.0 so it was a toss-up. I keep telling myself that I can always send back a lens I don’t want, but so far I haven’t come across one! 🙂
Monte Stevens
I agree on the Fujifilm glass. Not sure they have a bad one in the bunch. I am actually pleased with the 27mm f2.8 and really did not need the 35mm. I just wanted it. 🙂
Paul Lester
Ha! I think that they may have a group for this kind of thing. 😉 If not, maybe you could start one! I feel woefully behind in glass purchases. I have only 2 for the Olympus, a 45 mm f/1.8 and a 12 mm f/2. I have had my eyes on the 75 mm for some time, but haven’t pulled the trigger.
I will admit to having some GAS cramps about the new Nikon DL24-85, point & shoot. It’s along the lines of the Sony that I rented, but about $300+ cheaper. I’ve got my name on the list to be notified when it is in stock, but this is not to be misconstrued as a pre-order 😀
Tom Dills
We could be “Friends of Tom” instead of Bill! My name is Tom and I like lenses…. 😉
I’ve been carrying all of my lenses when we travel but hardly ever pull out the primes. Based on that I have pretty much decided to stick with the zooms for travel and use the primes for “around town” stuff. The zooms are probably a bit of a crutch for me when I don’t know what focal length to use, but I do like the ability to change quickly when I am in situations when I don’t know what I will see.
Sorry for the delayed reply! It looks like your comment went into my moderation queue in Akismet and the notification went into my Spam queue in email! 🙁 Should be clear now, I hope.
Paul Lester
Haha! Now, we’re even, I suppose. All of your e-mails get rejected by my mail server, for some reason. Well, now I’m using a gmail address, on your site only, in the hopes that I can get your replies! 🙂
Tom Dills
Well, it looks like that may have solved the problem. I did get a “bounced” message but it was for the earlier comment when you used your old email address.
Paul Lester
I’m getting all of your replies now. Yay!
Tom Dills
Excellent!
Mark
I just joined the club with an order for the Fuji XT2. I have been tempted by the XT1 ever since it came out but was able to resist. I only ordered one lens, a 16mm f/1.4, but imagine there may be more in my future as I get to know this new camera and lens system.
Tom Dills
Nice! I never really pay attention to what people use so I don’t know offhand what you have now, but I’ll be interested in your thoughts on the camera. I debated between the 14 and the 16, figuring they were too close to have both (silly rule!) and really like the 14. I like them all actually (obviously) but now that I have so many I need to use them more to narrow down some favorites. The 18-55 zoom is a sweet lens and rivals any zoom lens I’ve ever had. The primes “feel” as good as my old Mamiya lenses, in a much smaller and less expensive package.
I’ve been a generation skipper in the past and am passing on the current generation. The X Pro 1 got my attention initially and I’d love to have an X Pro 2, but I’m happy for the time being.
Mark
Tom, Would you recommend the vertical grip extension?
Tom Dills
I assume you are referring to the battery grip, which I’ve never been a fan of. While they are handy for vertical shooting, their size tends to offset the compact-ness of the smaller camera. That said, I did buy the Fuji hand grip that has the Arca Swiss style bracket on the bottom, then also bought an L bracket from PhotoMadd in England. I interchange them depending on what kind of shooting I am doing (generally tripod or no tripod). The PhotoMadd bracket is a nicer product IMO than the RRS bracket for less money and with a more comfortable grip. I also bought the thumb rest from Lensmate and the combo is very comfortable for me.
Mark
Well, I’ve been a Nikon SLR user for more than 20 years, aside from occasional diversions to other brand portables, and I do still shoot with my Fuji x100s.
I will get that zoom, but I’ll leave it there with two lenses. No intention of “switching” systems, too much invested in Nikon. (Famous last words)