This month I decided to conduct an experiment, using either the X-T5 and XF16-55mmF2.8 or the X100V and its excellent fixed 23mmF2 lens to find out what is king when it comes to versatility: size or zoom.
We as photographers tend to throw the word ‘versatile’ around a little too often and its meaning changes vastly with context. So, I did a little experiment this past month to figure out what it really means in a standard, everyday sense. (Sure, the concept of ‘everyday’ for a travel documentary photographer probably differs to many of you but is the perfect test bed for something like this.) My experiment was conducted using the X-T5 and ‘Red-Badge’ XF16-55mmF2.8 (24-70mm in full-frame terms), and the X100V with its fixed 23mmF2 lens (35mm full-frame equivalent). So, the battle is between a camera and lens combo that does absolutely everything but is bigger, heavier and slower, and a quick-to-use, tiny camera with a nifty prime.
Considered to be the pinnacle of lens versatility, the 24-70mm focal range lets you go from wide to short telephoto, while a 35mm option offers an array of benefits from small size and weight to minimal distortion and a great focus distance. Before we go any further with this experiment, I’ll say this upfront: if you plan to make money from photography, I’d advise getting a fixed-aperture zoom. It’s my main workhorse and not even a close second for a 35mm prime. That said, I almost exclusively use primes for my personal work. So, let’s get into the nitty gritty of this experiment…
This is an excerpt from an article by David Roberts in issue 99 of FUJILOVE MAGAZINE (June 2024). Subscribers, you can find this article by downloading this issue from your subscriber area.
You will find the remaining part of this article in FUJILOVE MAGAZINE.
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