In 2019 I moved from Nikon to Fujifilm. My idea was to downsize and also improve my photography, my philosophy and my image quality. The idea is the camera shouldn't be the main focus, it shouldn't be too large, or large enough when you know you are carrying it. The Fujifilm X-T20 is much smaller and lighter, along with most of the lenses. I've also moved from a neck strap and shoulder strap to a wrist strap, and that one change was monumental in itself. Here is my current gear.
FUJIFILM X-T20: I purchased the Fujifilm X-T20 for a number of reasons, but one important one was it's ability to produce amazing looking images straight from the camera. Although colour profiles are in most camera's and can be adjusted manually if you need, Fujifilm's approach is very different. Their film simulations are not simply overlays or little tweaks like in other camera's, but they are well thought out colour science that works with the sensor and can react like genuine 35mm film. The difference is amazing! Of course, the other features help too, and the swap from Nikon to Fujifilm has been breathtaking and an important leap in my photography development!
FUJIFILM XC15-45mm: When deciding a new lens, I have to take a few things into account. My first choice was to go with the 15-45mm focal range over the standard 18-55mm range. This was simply so that I can cut down on the size of my kit, and not have to worry about getting a separate wide angle lens. 15mm has proven itself to be more than wide enough for the shots that I have been after, and thankfully, the images are not as distorted using even wider focal lengths.
FUJIFILM XC50-230mm: Although I don't tend to shoot long very often, a longer reach lens is always welcome, and the Fujifilm 50-230mm is compact, yet retains great image quality at both 50mm, 230mm and in the middle ranges. It's been nice and fast focusing for capturing aircraft and birds too, which is always a bonus!
Meike 6.5mm F/2: I've always loved fisheye lenses! A lot of people don't understand how versatile they are, so dismiss them as a bit of a gimmick! I had always used rectilinear fisheye lenses which shoot wide, but compressed in a circular pattern inside a rectangle. I decided when I had the chance to go circular fisheye! The image is presented round, and has a full 190 degree image. The great thing is, you can easily replicate a rectilinear fisheye with a simple adjustment, plus you can totally de-fisheye the lens for a normal looking image. Three lenses in one!
FUJIFILM XF27mm F/2.8: My latest edition (Christmas Day 2019) is the Fujifilm XF27mm F/2.8 pancake lens. This lens is unbelievably small, hence the "pancake" name. I chose this lens as it is so compact it is useful for many things. Mainly though it will be for just taking around and doing general family and street photography. It is equivalent to a 40mm full frame lens, so not far off the standard 35mm. As some say, it's just that little bit longer than a 35mm and shorter than a 50mm, making in-between the two main focal lengths, and perfect to replicating what the eye sees.
PHOTO
SOON...
PHOTO
SOON...
Viltrox 85mm F/1.8: I have been after a lens to replace my manual lenses, and one to give me a focal length that I could use for portraits and came across the Viltrox 85mm F/1.8. This is a great autofocus lens, and one which should be a brilliant addition to my kit bag! The lens is large and heavy, but I had it for a bargain, so should be one I use a lot in the coming years.
I travel super light these days. I have a choice of three bags, a tiny bag just for the camera an a lens, a medium bag which is now my default bag which allows the camera and all lenses to be carried, plus a large bag which can carry everything, including tripod and accessories which I rarely use. Part of my new philosophy is to go out with one lens attached to the camera and one lens (usually the fisheye) in the bag. This is making me work harder for the photographs I want, and really pushing my creative abilities.
