So I just got this Fujifilm X-Pro3 and honestly its kind of intimidating looking. I saved up for months because I love how it looks but now I realized I dont actually have a lens for it and I have no idea where to start. I'm sorry if this is like a super basic thing but I'm a complete beginner with cameras. I mostly want to take photos around Chicago when I go for walks and maybe some nice shots of my cat at home.
My friend told me to get a prime lens because they are sharper? but there are so many numbers everywhere. I see stuff like 23mm or 35mm and then there's the f-stop things like f2 or f1.4 and it makes my head spin a bit because I dont know if the bigger number is better or what. I have about 450 bucks left to spend on a lens before I go on a trip to New York next month and I really want to be able to use the camera by then. I dont want anything too huge because the camera is pretty small and I dont want to look like a pro photographer or anything just a hobbyist. Should I get a wider one for the streets or something more zoomed in? Im just really lost on which one would be the best all around starter lens for someone who literally knows nothing about how focal lengths work...
Building on the earlier suggestion, unfortunately Fuji lenses are overpriced lately. I had issues with the value. Just grab the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF and save your cash for the trip.
You are gonna have so much fun with that camera! Since you're starting out, I totally recommend the f2 primes because they're tiny and fast. Here are my top two picks:
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f2 R WR: This is amazing for street photography because it's wider.
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f2 R WR: Fantastic for focus and tighter shots of your cat! Personally, I'd grab the 23mm... it's just so versatile for NYC!!
^ This. Also, if you want that pro look without dropping $900, third-party glass is where it's at. I've been shooting Fuji for a decade and honestly, some modern budget lenses perform just as well as the native stuff. Since you're on a budget for your trip, look into these:
- Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X
- This is a killer "normal" lens. Its f1.4 aperture lets in way more light than an f2, which is huge for indoor cat shots and night streets.
- Viltrox AF 23mm f1.4 XF
- If you want a wider street photography feel, 23mm is the way to go because it fits more of the city in the frame. Check the used market too... you can grab these for like $250ish. That leaves you plenty of cash for your trip. Basically, the lower f-number means more light and more blur. Smaller lenses like these wont weigh you down much while walking around Chicago either.
I agree that third-party glass is efficient, but basically be careful with the X-Pro3's hybrid viewfinder. Some lenses block the OVF or dont sync well with the digital frame lines.
- Check for firmware update support.
- Make sure it has an aperture ring.
- Watch out for lens diameter. Technical specs actually matter quite a bit if you want that OVF to function correctly.
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
