XF33mm F1.4 - In Between
When I was asked to test the new XF33mm lens, the goal was to make portraits. But of course, I didn’t leave it at that. I’ve always seen the 50mm equivalent lenses, as perfect life-lenses. Here are some pictures of just life.
Whenever I have a new piece of gear, I spend a lot of time shooting everything and anything with it. I strongly believe that you need to get to know a new lens. And the best way to do that is to just use it in tons of different situations. At this point it’s not about testing specific things, it’s just about getting a feel for the lens.
So what do I think of the XF33 as a life-lens?
Let’s start with the downsides: size and weight. The XF33 is by no means a big and heavy lens. But it is considerably bigger and heavier than my good old XF35mm. And that’s definitely noticeable. On the character-side, the lens is blessed with some character but it’s different than the character-king, the XF35mm. I’m leaning towards the specific look from the old XF35 for photographing life. But you have to take into account that that lens is on old friend. It’s the lens I used the most to capture life in the last 10 years. I don’t know the XF33mm that well yet but I’m sure that I will be able to use it’s own specific character over time.
On the upside: weather sealing, autofocus and sharpness. Wow, it’s a completely different ballpark compared to the XF35mm. I find the lens to be incredibly reliable in all circumstances.
I don’t want to choose between the XF33 and the XF35. I think they both deserve a prime spot in my camera bag and I’ll pick the one that is best for the situation.
I hope you enjoyed these pictures and my observations of the XF33mm as my life lens. Next up … more portraits.