The New Best Focal Length?

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  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
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    This week I'm talking about focal lengths for outdoor photography, again... More specifically, my new favourite focal length, which is 40mm. This video explains why...
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Komentáře • 370

  • @TomPollardPhotography
    @TomPollardPhotography Před rokem +92

    It’s dated now, but World at War is a fantastic documentary. As it was made in the 1970s it was able to interview many of the people who participated in the war. Especially fascinating is the episode on the Atlantic Convoys - it states how radar and the RAF’s strategy for covering convoys was what led to them sinking so many u-boats. In reality it was because we’d cracked the enigma code; but in the 1970s this was still under the official secrets act. Laurence Olivier is also an amazing narrator.

    • @jj9nf
      @jj9nf Před rokem +9

      Probably the greatest war documentary ever made.

    • @jodeanesullens6588
      @jodeanesullens6588 Před rokem +5

      I really enjoyed it. I still am bothered by the Holocaust episode. As everyone should be.

    • @jj9nf
      @jj9nf Před rokem +7

      The holocaust episode Should be compulsory watching in schools. I was only a primary school kids when it aired back in the day, but as there were only 3 channels at the time you watched what your dad watched most of the time. I remember watching and asking questions of my grandad who had fought in North Africa.

    • @jodeanesullens6588
      @jodeanesullens6588 Před rokem +2

      @@jj9nf Absolutely

    • @nh-ss5pw
      @nh-ss5pw Před rokem +2

      It is epic

  • @terricarpenter1798
    @terricarpenter1798 Před rokem

    I really enjoyed this week's vlog...especially since I just purchased a 40mm prime two weeks ago....I can't wait to see how you use yours in up coming videos. Thanks for sharing.

  • @marycarron5118
    @marycarron5118 Před rokem

    I love your style of photography James, and really enjoy accompanying you on a shoot, whatever the focal length.
    Happy new year to you, Emily and Noah.

  • @VirtualGuth
    @VirtualGuth Před rokem +14

    Back in the day when fixed-lens 35mm film rangefinder cameras were very popular, the focal length designers typically chose for such cameras was 40mm (or generally somewhere in the 38-42mm range). As it proved to work so well in the past, it's not surprising that more and more photographers are once again enjoying this focal length today.

  • @andrewbrooks2001
    @andrewbrooks2001 Před rokem +2

    I really love the shots where the pale and cool in appearance icy/snowy trees juxtaposed against the bright warm and green evergreen trees on the sunlit hilltops.

  • @hamsterneckliving
    @hamsterneckliving Před rokem

    Great video. Lots of hidden gems of information in here. Thanks James. I really appreciate your work and thought process.

  • @klausmoritzpeitzsch690
    @klausmoritzpeitzsch690 Před rokem +3

    Thx for sharing your thoughts, I can totally relate. A couple of years back I noticed that when using my 17-40mm zoom lens I would either go with 17mm or with 40mm but nearly never with sth in-between. That is why I then added a 40mm prime pancake lens which has become my standard lens and body cap replacement ever since.

  • @PrismFoxes
    @PrismFoxes Před rokem +2

    I absoluetly agree. I got the sony 40mm as a small always on lens and I‘ve really come to love it. It‘s just fun to shoot and quite versatile.

  • @Newrappy
    @Newrappy Před rokem

    I hope you had a great Christmas and have a good New Year! I received all three of your photography books for Christmas and have really enjoyed looking through them!🎄

  • @kirstymcleod6647
    @kirstymcleod6647 Před rokem

    I'm normally a wildlife photographer (500mm!) but you've inspired me over the last few months to get out and try something out of my comfort zone.... thank you and happy New Year!

  • @ianrandy
    @ianrandy Před rokem

    Clear, interesting and game changing! Excellent stuff. I’m going to try it

  • @awoodfield
    @awoodfield Před rokem

    VERY interesting timing on me coming across his vid of yours. I've been recently screening my photos to determine my favorite focal length to shoot, and I found that I have A LOT between 40-45... And I had actually been hunting for the best lens solution for my R5 to cover that focal length. Ha!
    I might have to join you on that photo project concept my friend! ✌️

  • @johnbanks9392
    @johnbanks9392 Před rokem +1

    After watching your videos about the Ricoh GR3x I bought one and could not be happier - that tiny little thing is fekkin brilliant! I love everything about it and the astonishingly sharp yet characterful 40mm equiv lens is a big part of that.

  • @nickyfoulkes8476
    @nickyfoulkes8476 Před rokem +4

    Hi James, I do own a Nikon 35mm & 50mm F1.8. Having checked my Lightroom catalogue and I was amazed how many of my best images were shot around 40mm. I too have now sold my 14-30mm F4 because I hardly ever used it. You never know you could be right ! Happy New Year to you & the family.

  • @ipetrovbg
    @ipetrovbg Před rokem

    Can't get enough of your photos and the man made aspect in them as well ❤

  • @LeeRatcliffe
    @LeeRatcliffe Před rokem

    Great shots in this Vlog James. I've shot 40mm since 2015 when I bought the A7 and used an M mount Voigtlander 40/1.4 Classic! I later bought the Voigtlander 40/1.2E mount & about 18 months ago the 35GM for AF - well, for what AF the A7 manages.......! I do still have the 40/1.2E though & it's still a firm favourite! Also, the A7 relates to your recent Sony/Leica vlogs regarding the simplicity of cameras. Nice one!

  • @Riccardo_Mori
    @Riccardo_Mori Před rokem

    Dear James, you do live in a beautiful region. I'm mostly an urban photographer, and sometimes finding inspiration when wandering the same city streets and among the same buildings is hard. Which is why I try using different focal lengths, to keep looking at my surroundings with fresh eyes. And I agree - while 35mm and 40mm look close on paper, they can provide perceivably different perspectives. Cheers, and happy 2023! //Rick

  • @grainandfern
    @grainandfern Před rokem +11

    I think 95% of my photos, if not more, are shot on my 20mm F1.4 from OM System these days. I love the lens and the focal length! And I definitely agree with the power of limitations. Young me would bring so many lenses, but these days I only bring one or two. Also, I am older and don't have the energy to carry as much haha. I look forward to more videos from you using 40mm this year!

  • @user-bi7yq6kw4g
    @user-bi7yq6kw4g Před 2 měsíci

    Hi James.. Very new to this photo making/taking gig and found your channel here quite by accident..Really enjoying your videos and the format that they take..nice and long too. Well done. Thanks for sharing, Andrew

  • @urselfandtom
    @urselfandtom Před rokem

    Your videos inspire me to get out and take more photos. More than any other CZcamsr.

  • @pauliusgrigas2653
    @pauliusgrigas2653 Před rokem +5

    Fuji 27mm is glued to my camera ❤

  • @suew6307
    @suew6307 Před rokem

    James, thanks as always for great information. I really liked your comment "all of photography is observation" ; that says it all doesn't it. Looking forward to your next videos.

  • @54rpp41337
    @54rpp41337 Před rokem

    I like how you are showing to others.... Its not about equipment, but how you are going to use it. Greetings from Finland! 😄
    Oh btw, content you make is just pure gold! Thank you!

  • @aaronsharpe838
    @aaronsharpe838 Před rokem

    The video footage / pics in this video was spectacular James ! That white with the colour from sun was pretty cool 👍
    Love it ! Always luv ya last little piece before u end the video ! Makes me laugh 👍 HNY

  • @WalkingDevon
    @WalkingDevon Před rokem +2

    I have a 24mm on a crop that I like to go out with for the same reasons you give in your video but to be honest I generally prefer to use my 70-300 on a FF. I like to pick out little vignettes and compress scenes. Each to their own and all that but I do agree that a 40mm or equivalent is a great way to focus your mind on compositions.

  • @fredintheshead
    @fredintheshead Před rokem

    Completely agree with your assessment. I purchased an old Canon Eos 650 SLR a couple of months back. I have just finished my first roll of film through it, that's a total of 24 exposures in two months! In comparison, I'm on Anglesey at the moment, only been here since last Saturday and have shot 370 on my DSLR!! Film makes you think more about the shots you take.

  • @williammorrison5739
    @williammorrison5739 Před rokem +1

    👍 Always enjoyable and informative, all the best in the New Year James.

  • @jozefdoyle4621
    @jozefdoyle4621 Před rokem

    think this is your best video yet. great work all the way around

  • @nigelwest3430
    @nigelwest3430 Před rokem

    James, entertaining video as always, Happy new year

  • @johnpahl6331
    @johnpahl6331 Před rokem

    Interesting video - coincidently (or maybe not) it was that 40mm with the nice clicking sound that I put on my Sony A7c for xmas and it just stayed there. Together they are a nice & compact full frame combo, reasonably fast f2.5 and focal range that works in many situations

  • @ananasjunges
    @ananasjunges Před rokem

    When you talked about the photo screaming at you, I had this scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with the book in the restricted section in front of my eyes 🤣
    Beautiful shots again, I really like the one with the house where the seagulls were flying above!

  • @robertgrenader858
    @robertgrenader858 Před rokem

    What a great idea, shooting with a zoom but keeping it at a particular focal length. Going to suggest that to my photo bestie for our next outing.

  • @skesinis
    @skesinis Před rokem

    I liked your video as always James! The Canon 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens was one of my first purchases back in 2015, after realising that the plastic fantastic 50mm f/1.8 was too much of a telephoto for my 1.6x crop sensor DSLR back then. It was even covering full frame, so I kept it until today with my full frame DSLR and is still one of my favourite lenses because of it’s light weight apart from its focal length and sharpness too! One odd use of the 40mm lens that I’ve done was to make it a cheap macro with focusing rings, and digitize my old 35mm films from back in the ‘90s, in combination with a Nikon film digitising kit attached to that lens. I found out that it covers the subject of the film without losing precious resolution on the perforated edges of it as the 28mm that I originally used.

  • @bazs2k567
    @bazs2k567 Před rokem +1

    Well this is weird, this afternoon I was looking into the nikon z 40mm f2 and then your video pops up. Oh and I got your book collection for Christmas, love them!

  • @simoneguttadauro1325
    @simoneguttadauro1325 Před 8 měsíci

    I just bought a FE40 2.5 for my R3 with a Nisi back mist 1/4, can't wait to use it.. ❤

  • @StefanBeyer
    @StefanBeyer Před rokem +8

    I really like that 50mm look for environmental portraits when traveling, but it's often to tight to get a shot of a building or landscape. So 40mm and crop to a 50mm angle of view with high res sensors seemed the most sensible compromise. Plus, these 40mm lenses (Sony f2.5 and Voighlander f1.2) are perfect travel size.

  • @nelsonm.5044
    @nelsonm.5044 Před rokem +4

    I recently purchased the Fuji 27mm (40 mm equivalent) for my X-T20 especially because I find 50mm to be too long and 40 mm to be a better lens for my style. Super nice for street and style wide enough for landscape .... and also the fact that it's a pancake lens is the cherry on the top

  • @craigwilson1604
    @craigwilson1604 Před rokem +1

    Ive got the 27mm pancake for my fuji which is about 40mm and i love it 👍

  • @ansynmeacham5212
    @ansynmeacham5212 Před rokem

    I love my sigma 30 on asp-c so a full frame 45. First prime and it has stayed my favorite lens since I got it. Feels very natural to me.

  • @exurban5207
    @exurban5207 Před rokem

    Love to use the Sigma 28/2.8 manual lens from the 1990ies on my Canon APS-C DSLR. Makes the equivalent of 45mm.
    Again an enjoyable and inspiring video from you - thanks a lot! 🙋‍♂️

  • @imagseer
    @imagseer Před rokem

    Thanks for that video. I've kept an old Yashica GTN 35mm film rangefinder, solely because I enjoyed the 40mm f1.7 lens. Focus was hardly ever difficult to achieve. I use an 18-135mm lens on an APS-C camera but don't seem to be stuck on any particular focal length; so just as you were saying.... a fixed focal length makes you look for subjects that suit it.

  • @hoverboverer
    @hoverboverer Před rokem

    WWII doc well worth watching: 'Destination D-day'. All about the planning, build up and diversionary tactics used for the Normandy landings. Until recently, was only available on VHS but has now been released on DVD.

  • @DavidBrown-wf6pz
    @DavidBrown-wf6pz Před rokem

    I used a 17-40mm, often at long end, quite a bit when I first started in photography 7 years ago. When I look back at these images, I ask myself why I sold that lens as I really enjoy the images. I have an idea now why that is the case. Very nice video. Enjoyed a lot. Thank you.

  • @liftpitcher
    @liftpitcher Před rokem

    Just finished Lancaster on Sky documentary’s… worth a watch… Great footage too of the Lancaster … then you would hope so wouldn’t you.. happy new year

  • @paulmclinden2859
    @paulmclinden2859 Před rokem

    Chuck together a video on the book you mentioned, showing us just where you are with it now, please. Also, not the 2nd world war, but do try and watch Don McCullin , Vietnam. The video was on CZcams for free, but is now, I believe only available to buy/rent. It's one of the most inspirational pieces of work I've ever watched. Keep the videos coming James, my Mrs loves the faces that you pull and I'm still looking into what Freud would have made of your telegraph pole obsession. A Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and yours.

  • @joemiller7296
    @joemiller7296 Před rokem +29

    Not too long ago I picked up the Voigtlander 40mm Ultron f2, and I love it. It's like 35mm without the extra bits and bobs that I'd normally crop out, and it just feels a little more versatile and flexible than 50mm. The lens lives on my SLR now.

    • @FrankLeeRoberts
      @FrankLeeRoberts Před rokem

      Love this lens. See comment above. Im on my third copy.

    • @xander1052
      @xander1052 Před rokem

      Still a big fan of my Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9. I wish I could stop down to f/22 but it's just a lovely lens to use.

  • @Michael-Hammerschmidt
    @Michael-Hammerschmidt Před 2 měsíci +1

    Honestly, this is why I love my Rokinon 45mm f1.8. Amazing focal length, with a bright aperture in a tiny package.

    • @RandomThinker10
      @RandomThinker10 Před měsícem

      I use the same lens! Love the 45mm focal length

  • @GrainAndPixels
    @GrainAndPixels Před rokem +1

    I agree with you on the 40mm, it really is a nice focal length. Not too tight, not too wide. I've been using a Konica Hexanon 40mm on my Sony for a few years and will probably pick up that Sony 40mm at some point.

  • @GaryBox
    @GaryBox Před rokem

    I don't do much landscapes currently and when I do I use f2.8 zooms. I do more portraits and I often use 85mm or even 135mm sometimes. Found for street portraits I needed something wider so bought cheap and small Samyang 45mm f1.8. Haven't owned a 50mm for ages.

  • @donkeybizle
    @donkeybizle Před rokem +15

    Didn’t have enough money to buy the Nikkor 50mm S, but there’s a 40mm Nikkor Z Lens also offered. Well I got the 40mm f2 and it’s my favorite lens now because sits not way Zoomed in and not also too far away. Not only that but if you want more reach you can use DX mode for some cool results. 40mm is 100% here to stay. 👍

    • @Pantheragem
      @Pantheragem Před rokem

      I have both, but found I've gotten more use from the 40mm f2. I've always found 50mm a little bit tight. 40mm is totally comfortable for me, especially for indoor shooting.

  • @romainplagnol882
    @romainplagnol882 Před rokem +1

    I bought this lens four months ago and I'm still blown away by the field of view, which is wider than a 50mm but smaller than a 35mm. The sharpness is stunning and the lens is lightweight so it's all good :)

  • @andydean9479
    @andydean9479 Před rokem

    I have just rediscovered my own Panasonic 20mm lens, on the front of my GF2 it's very pocketable and enjoyable combination

  • @carlmcneill1139
    @carlmcneill1139 Před rokem

    I just bought a 40mm lens for my z6 ii on black Friday. I finally got to use it this week for street photography. That's what I bought it for. So far I like it.

  • @nellh
    @nellh Před rokem +4

    I love this 40mm lens on Sony. I initially picked up photography with the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 and the Olympus E-P1, it has been great to return to the 40mm equivalent focal length and I love the perspective it gives. Thanks for highlighting it, James!

    • @bastian.michel
      @bastian.michel Před rokem +3

      Same here. But I kept the 20mm ind addition with a Panasonic GX880. 350g in total. Hard to beat.

  • @TheRebelBagel
    @TheRebelBagel Před rokem

    I shoot a ton with my Minolta 45mm F2 and Konica 40mm at first I just didn’t mesh with it compared to the 50-60mm focal lengths I love but now they’re my favorite. The Minolta 45mm F2 is an absolute killer lens with its sharpness and it renders to nicely.

  • @CHoudijk
    @CHoudijk Před rokem

    I was delighted (may be a strong word for it but still..) that you made the difference between zooming and "zooming with your feet"! Moving around is good, but changing fov is something different.

  • @GaryPallett
    @GaryPallett Před rokem

    Timely video… literally just picked up a Sigma 40mm f1.4 DG HSM ART for my LUMIX S5, as my first lens after the kit lens ( 20-60mm)… it’s a massive lens, but having the ability to go to f1.4, is going to allow a lot of creative options 👍

  • @FFVoyager
    @FFVoyager Před rokem

    I have a Contax G 45mm Carl Zeiss Planar converted to Leica M mount. It is stunning, I use it a lot.

  • @alejawndro
    @alejawndro Před rokem

    I picked up the Ricoh GRIIIx and it made me fall in love with 40mm. No surprise you’ve come across similar observations. Before my last trip down to Argentina, I wanted to find a more compact way to bring my Sony full frame for some street/family stuff that wasn’t the 24-70 on my camera all the time. And well the 40mm 2,5 nailed it on the head.

  • @leskeen1179
    @leskeen1179 Před rokem

    Hi James. I love the 40mm focal length too. I have the Ricoh GRIIIX and have owned the Fuji xf 27mm on a number of occasions. Regarding WW2 documentaries take a look at "Ken Burns: The War." It's based on how a selection of people from towns across the USA were impacted by the war. It covers all theatres of war, Europe and SE Asia, on land, sea and in the air. It also covers life on the home front too. Ken Burns is one of the best documentary makers in the world. (that's coming from someone from the UK). He has also made documentaries on the American Civil War, The American West, Prohibition and many others. All highly recommended viewing. Most of the documentaries are available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and DVD.

  • @SilatShooter
    @SilatShooter Před rokem

    Have this 40mm f2.5, got it for the size. Also have the 35mm f1.8 Sony, and definitely find myself using the 40mm far more. I think they're both great. I tend to get use to whatever is on the camera and use it. But being more compact, at least for me, makes for a package I grab more often.

  • @NZstealox181196
    @NZstealox181196 Před rokem

    Cool video 😁. I recently picked up a Samyang 75mm lens and it’s quickly become my favourite focal length.

  • @michaelneumann1865
    @michaelneumann1865 Před rokem +9

    Agreed! So that 40mm Sony is truly wonderful. Been testing it against the 50mm 2.5 G brother and the 40mm has some kind of magic by comparison. So light and tiny too. Ive got the 40mm Voigtlander 1.2, the 1.4 and the 40mm Rokkor all being shot adapted to sony cameras. LOVE LOVE LOVE THE 40MM!!!

  • @raymeedc
    @raymeedc Před 11 měsíci

    EyE loves 40mm for street work. I use the LUMIX 20mm f1.7 for micro 4/3, Fujifilm 27mm for APS-C, and a legacy vintage Konica Hexagon 40mm f1.8 & Samyang 45mm f1.8 for full frame. ✅

  • @WhatsleftofTom
    @WhatsleftofTom Před rokem +12

    I absolutely love my 20mm Pany 1.7 for my GX9. It helps that it's such a physically small lens but I also just find it so easy to compose interesting frames at that focal length

    • @weisserth
      @weisserth Před rokem +1

      One of the oldest MFT lenses, I have the original version that came with my GF1. It's an evergreen lens that stood the test of time. I got a lot of great shots with that lens. I've gone a little wider with the Panasonic Leica 15mm now, but I come back to the 20mm occasionally.

    • @WhatsleftofTom
      @WhatsleftofTom Před rokem

      @@weisserth I think I also have the first gen one, I bought secondhand and I recall seeing that the updated one didn’t really improve on it. I’m curious about going wider but I’ve not yet got the hang of anything wider; I’m never satisfied with the photos I take. Perhaps I’ll look at the 15 or the Oly 17 one of these days

    • @jgaffney567
      @jgaffney567 Před rokem +4

      Lumix was hip before hip was a thing

    • @RdTrpBrgr
      @RdTrpBrgr Před rokem

      @@WhatsleftofTom I was happy with the Panny 20mm, until I got the Oly 17mm f/1.8. Way faster autofocus.
      (If buying 2nd hand and you shoot videos, just make sure it doesn't make the loud clicking noise in movie mode)

  • @colbybundy6082
    @colbybundy6082 Před rokem

    Great vid James, my favorite lens is the Tamron SP 45mm!

  • @TrueNorthCaptures
    @TrueNorthCaptures Před rokem

    Great timing. Been considering adding a used 40mm to my arsenal

  • @FelixGomezRoca
    @FelixGomezRoca Před rokem

    The wooden gate would probably have made an interesting photo when you shoot the barn maybe next time you can try it, would love to see it especially under that direct sunlight

  • @Retset
    @Retset Před rokem

    My tiny 20mm M43 Panasonic lens was the best thing I bought for my Olympus E5 Mk III. It makes for such a compact walkabout lens, compared with my 18-150 (double all numbers for full frame).

  • @AquaticBaboon
    @AquaticBaboon Před rokem +4

    I picked up a Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 earlier this year and it's become one of the lenses that's always in my bag. Compact size and I love the images it can produce.

  • @MrShanePhoto
    @MrShanePhoto Před rokem

    Another great video James. I've had 40mm on my list for a while. Have you played much with vintage manual lenses. Lots of clicky apatures to keep your hands busy

  • @elkayakfish
    @elkayakfish Před rokem

    Thanks for the commentry. You and Rimmer would get on well with your combined love of telegraph poles. :)

  • @Quaker521
    @Quaker521 Před rokem +1

    I think that one of the best documentaries (if not the best) is the BBC's The World At War. Filmed in the 1970's it benefits from input from people who were actually there. Also on CZcams is an excellent channel called Mark Felton Productions and he covers many WW2 topics. Hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year.

  • @louisburley1597
    @louisburley1597 Před rokem

    I love hunting for a shot with primes. I love my 14mm GM because I really have to make it work. When it does though it’s exciting

  • @svend-erikeriksen6138

    I like using my Zeiss 40mm 2.8 - from my Contax G1, with my Sony A7R4…..all manual, but I grew up with that….but nice sharp lens with a good angle for many things…..

  • @JeffBaertsch
    @JeffBaertsch Před rokem

    Thanks for this video. I've long been a prime and film shooter. I've diversified and gotten a digital body (Fuji) again for the first time since the late 00's. I had to make the decision in my first lens for the digital body being a 35 or 50 equivalent. I shoot predominantly on 35mm and was prepared to go "but 35mm is right there!" but you said what my subconscious was saying all along. I do wish in all actuality it was just a liiiiitle bit longer. I'll still shoot 35mm in the absence of a 40mm alternative.

  • @georgedavall9449
    @georgedavall9449 Před rokem

    Tamron SP 45mm f1.8 VC F mount lens, on a D700. Great combo!

  • @frstesiste7670
    @frstesiste7670 Před rokem +3

    My first camera in the mid-seventies had a 43mm. Really good compromise IMO for a single focal length camera. A 50 has advantages too, but the 40-45 range is easier to use in tight spaces.

  • @julieden1820
    @julieden1820 Před rokem +1

    The barn photo 👌

  • @Edwin--
    @Edwin-- Před rokem

    I fully agree, I really like the 40mm focal length. For Sony E-mount I have the Zeiss Batis 40mm f2 and Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Nokton and for Fuji GF the 50mm f3.5 (40mm equivalent, not a superb lens) and really look forward to the 55mm f1.7 (44mm equivalent, which is on the roadmap for 2023). Somehow, I get better shots with 40mm than with 35mm or 50mm, which I can't really explain but is likely linked the ease of shooting I experience with this field of view. Really like it!

  • @pk6221
    @pk6221 Před rokem

    Man, I had similar journey, if you want one FL which rules them all this is 42 mm for FF (close in APS-C is Fuji 27/2.8 and Kamlan 28/1.4 - look for the samples), when combo of 2 lenses it's 38 and 58 or one 38-40mm which on HR sensor can be cropped to ca. 58-60 mm.

  • @omenomen1388
    @omenomen1388 Před rokem +1

    Back in my beginnings with old film Praktica with 50mm, 9 out of 10 times I found myself to close to subject when I raised my camera to my eye. Almost never have such issue neither with current 17mm on MFT, nor with previous 28mm on APS-C, nor with old film Vilia with 40mm. These feel much more natural for me.

  • @Olly.
    @Olly. Před rokem +10

    This is a perspective that I have very much been thinking of over the past few weeks. Just got the A7IV and a 50 1.8 to use on it until I can spend more lenses. During those few weeks I have found that 50mm is too long for a lot of close subjects and compositions but not long enough for anything a little far away. About the buy the Sigma 24-70 2.8 Art so will be a good breath of fresh air. Love the videos, just found your channel over the past few days 👌

    • @carlboman3035
      @carlboman3035 Před rokem

      They make a 28-70 that's alot smaller and lighter and cheaper. I have the 24-70 though and it is very nice but large.

    • @Olly.
      @Olly. Před rokem +1

      @@carlboman3035 After review, the 24-70 has much better weather sealing, better image quality and the bigger range. Only downside is that its 300g heavier which isn't an issue for me. And as its less than £300 more than the 28-70 I'm happy to spend that for that lens.

    • @piotrgraniszewski8544
      @piotrgraniszewski8544 Před rokem

      I use the 28-70 and I do not see any image quality issues on my A7 II and then A7 IV. Maybe landscape shots at infinity at 70mm require some stopping down, but that's it. 28mm is tack sharp and it is my favourite wide angle focal length anyway. I've made a couple large prints with it and the limiting factor is still the sensor.
      I love using it in the mountains. Very light and compact, easy to pack. My reasoning was the flawed sealing in 24-70 causing dust buildup on the inside of the front lens. A complete deal breaker for me. I do not trust Sigma to fix that issue completely.

  • @pfmusic1636
    @pfmusic1636 Před 6 měsíci

    My current fav lens setup is: a Tamron SP 35 f1.4 and a Canon 17-40 f4, both speed-boosted. I don’t mind the image quality loss most of the time at this point but I miss the ability to shoot semi macro so I switch out for the Canon 24-70 f4 since it has a great macro option on aps-c.

  • @pederkristensen4691
    @pederkristensen4691 Před rokem

    James, thanks for thoughts and tips of the trade. Quick question, what’s brand of the shoulder bag you used on your walk about?
    Maybe a topic for light gear on walk about. Cheers, Happy New Year.

  • @kenwalker4386
    @kenwalker4386 Před 10 měsíci

    Hi James. I was just about to buy a Fuji XF 23 mm for the 35 mm focal length, to go with my XF35 mm for 50 mm focal length. I wonder now, after seeing your video, if the Fuji XF 27 mm would be a better choice as that is 40 mm on full frame. Your videos always good to watch and thanks.

  • @TheBjabjabjabjabja
    @TheBjabjabjabjabja Před rokem

    Great content as always. Keep it up! :)
    Just one note as my mind could not stop thinking about the % and mm's. I agree with you, going from 35-40 is much larger increse than 100-105 mm, but not in %'s as you explained.
    % does not work like that when using a non-linear base. It works f.exs with °C, as 1 °C is the same, no matter where on the scale you are. So 5°C increse from 35 is a greater % of the total than 100°C to 101°C. The % in change is gives you an idea of how much since 1 % change everywhere on the scale is the same. The mm measure on optics are indeed linear in relation to the sensor from the optics. However, the result you see, is the FOV. And the FOV is not a linear relationship to the mm measurement that controls it.

  • @BIbiVstf3sx
    @BIbiVstf3sx Před rokem

    i use the 55mm exclusively for the past 2 years,but since last summer i started to use 40mm on a canon film camera and i love it! sweet spot i think

  • @paulwhite1109
    @paulwhite1109 Před rokem

    James - good video as always. I've wondered this before and wondered it again in this video, why do you wash out skies? Is this just the style you like? There were some lovely skies in this video that I would have captured myself, but then I love a sky.

  • @johnlinney8685
    @johnlinney8685 Před 2 měsíci

    Much as I have some more expensive Canon l glass, I enjoy using the 40mm f2.8 stm lens. Super sharp and I like the 40mm length for pretty much the same reasons as do you.

  • @44492611
    @44492611 Před rokem

    Nice video. I skip 50mm lenses when possible and prefer to use either 40mm or 58mm depending on what I’m planning. 58mm lenses are old though. I don’t know many modern options for the 58-65 range on full frame.

  • @jshanni2066
    @jshanni2066 Před rokem

    Another good video. I quite like the 40mm fov as a good compromise. But , Is that still the Sony Leica you're brandishing!?

  • @wasabiginger6993
    @wasabiginger6993 Před rokem

    A Ricoh GR IIIx is arriving today … so appreciate this talk story about it’s 40mm! So excited to start using it … Island of Hawai’i … oh and we have sheep here too sporting around volcano piles of pumice 😂 … also WAY too many goats so way TOO many road kills 😱 … won’t be shooting that stuff, mahalo.

  • @bcht22
    @bcht22 Před rokem

    Hi James, great video. Really enjoyed it as usual. I love the way you see and capture scenes on your walkabouts - this one is from the Lake District I presume. Sorry for this gear question but I’d love to know what camera lens combo you used to get such pin sharp images. Mine of the area are pretty good but don’t quite match yours in terms of sharpness. Also, did you use a particular profile for your shots - they have very attractive and distinctive colour and light renditions. (I realise that there is a lot more to creating your images than these issues of course. I really admire the skills you bring to the process so please don’t think I’m relying purely on gear to try to bring my photography up to your level 🙂)

  • @curtis.strange
    @curtis.strange Před rokem

    I've been thinking of replacing my 35/1.8 with this puppy but can't bring myself to pull the trigger. Maybe next year! I've vowed to never own more than 3 lenses so it's a tough call but nice to see your selection process for comparison

  • @bunnytobin
    @bunnytobin Před rokem

    Agreed! Have always felkt my old Hasselblad with the standard 80mm (42mm equiv.) was the perfect focal length. Recently switching everything from Leica to Nikon, my favorite lens and what's on the camera most is the cheap little plastic 40 f2.
    Also, FWIW: Irving Penn with his Rollei 40mm eqv, Helmut Newton fav 40mm, Avedon Rollei or 300mm on 8x10 (both around 40mm eqv)

    • @AdamHouston
      @AdamHouston Před rokem

      I hadn’t thought about focal length equivalents for my ‘blad because 1:1 has such a different look and feel to 3:2, but the diagonal angle being equivalent to the diagonal of a 43mm lens on “full frame” may be why it’s the lens I use most with that system.

  • @josephpeppard561
    @josephpeppard561 Před rokem +2

    Hi James, interesting video on focal lengths. I've been shooting the Zeiss Batis 40mm lens for some time now and I love the overall feel and rendering of the lens. When I travel I use zoom lenses. My typical walk around set up is a Sony a7R lll camera and a Tamron zoom lens. My favorite images are at 28mm, 40mm, and 75mm focal lengths. It's taken me many years and photographs to sort out the focal lengths that tell the most compelling stories but I suppose that's how it should be in any art form. Thanks so much for the entertaining and stimulating content.

    • @karlbratby4349
      @karlbratby4349 Před rokem

      Agree on the batis…my 25, 40 and 85 zeiss batis are the finest trio I’ve used in 30 years as a pro

    • @josephpeppard561
      @josephpeppard561 Před rokem

      @@karlbratby4349 Yes Karl, Zeiss Batis lenses are some of the finest lenses I've used as well.

  • @royprasad
    @royprasad Před 4 měsíci

    Very nice. People who shoot with a Fujifilm GFX camera and a Fuji 55mm f/1.7 GFX lens should certainly take note. It is a little longer than 40mm (~44mm equivalent) but much of what was covered in this video applies to this lens. The 55mm f/1.7 is an optical masterpiece.

  • @thegenius203
    @thegenius203 Před rokem

    Just picked up a Sigma 45mm 2.8 prime for my Sony A7IV after doing a ton a research comparing the sigma to the Sony 40mm. It was a tough call but for almost half the price used, I will have a small compact lens that I love the look of. Sure the sony is bit wider, sharper, and faster being a 2.5, but used or new, the price was a lot. Tbh I love the look the 45mm gives you, I think I'll be very happy with my recent puchase!

  • @kountchev1
    @kountchev1 Před 4 měsíci

    great to have chosen KIEFER for the background music