I just bought this X-Pro3 because I saw some cool videos and it looked like a fun camera but honestly I feel like an idiot right now because I cant get any good photos with it. I thought it would be easy but everything I take looks blurry or just kind of boring and grey. I have that zoom lens thing that came in the box but it is so big and heavy and I feel like people are staring at me every time I try to take a picture on the sidewalk so I get nervous and just put it away. I keep hearing that prime lenses are the way to go for street stuff because they are smaller but I have no idea what the numbers mean or which one to get. One guy on a video said 23mm and then someone else said 35mm is better and I am just so confused and frustrated. I am going on a trip to New York in about three weeks and I really want to take some cool shots of the crowds and the buildings but I only have maybe $500 left to spend after buying the actual camera. Is there just one lens that is like the best one for a beginner so I dont have to keep switching them out? I really dont want to mess up the camera by taking the lens off all the time... sorry if this is a dumb question I just dont know where to start.
Unfortunately, the chunky f/1.4 lenses were not as good as expected for street work.
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR I had issues with bulk, so this pancake is better.
^ This. Also, leaving the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR on ensures weather-sealed safety! We've discussed 23mm/27mm, but this delivers fantastic technical performance for under $500.
To add to the point above: I totally get the frustration with focus hunting. It is honestly not as good as expected when you are just trying to be spontaneous. I had issues with my gear locking up right when the perfect shot appeared, and honestly, the disappointment is real. Unfortunately, gear just never feels perfect, does it? Speaking of things not working right, I spent all of yesterday trying to fix the vintage toaster I found at a thrift store downtown. It was supposed to be a simple cleaning job but the wiring inside is literally from the seventies and just totally fried. I ended up spending like six hours soldering tiny bits of wire while listening to old records, but I think I actually made it worse because now the kitchen smells like burning plastic every time I walk by. I really should just buy a modern one instead of messing with this junk. Anyway lol, sorry kinda went off topic there.
Be careful. I would suggest just searching youtube for street photography lens comparisons... theres tons of videos showing the different views. Let me know if you need more help tho.
Honestly, I went through the exact same thing when I first got my X-Pro3. I was so worried about getting dust on the sensor that I barely wanted to swap lenses, but you will be much more satisfied with a prime. I eventually grabbed the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR and it works so well for those street shots. It is super tiny, so people dont really look twice at you. Here is why I think it is the safest bet for a beginner:
- The 23mm is basically a wide angle, meaning you can fit those big buildings and crowds in without backing up into traffic.
- It is weather resistant (WR), which kept me feeling safe and happy when I got caught in a light drizzle last summer.
- It is much faster at focusing than the big zooms, so your photos wont be as blurry. It fits right in your budget too... really no complaints from me.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I honestly feel your pain. I have dealt with the exact same frustration trying to find a decent lens that doesnt cost a fortune. It is honestly ridiculous how much these companies charge now for what feels like cheaper plastic build quality. I had issues with focus hunting on my older glass and it was not as good as expected at all, just a total nightmare when you are trying to capture a moment.
- The prices are just insane lately
- Everything feels like a scam if it doesnt break after a week
- Quality control is basically non-existent now It drives me crazy that they expect us to pay premium prices for stuff that barely lasts. Everything feels like it is just going downhill and they really dont care about the hobbyists anymore. Sorry for the rant, but I just had to get that off my chest because I have spent so much money chasing the perfect setup only to be let down repeatedly. Its just such a shame.