Photography

fernando
16064

• Show profile
• Show other posts

New lens test.

I aquired a new lens yesterday, a Fuji XF 18mm F2, which is by no means new as it was introduced in 2012 or thereabouts, however, it's new for me. Being more or less their entry level lens, what attracted me most was its compact size and lightness. Installed on my XPro2 it felt svelte and having it casually swung over the shoulders provided me an opportunity to walk freely and unencumbered. This is my preferred mode of photography - no heavy equipment, bags or extra lenses when I'm travelling or doing street photography.

Part of the joy in street photography for me is just being there in the thick of it - no telephoto lenses. It's also a social thing and I'm not shy when it comes to interacting with people that I wish to photograph. Someone said that everyone wishes to have their picture taken and I find the photographer's approach and mannerism dictates whether people willingly or reluctantly allow themselves to be photographed. Most shy away from professional looking photographers and of course the paparazzi but a guy who looks like a tourist with just a simple camera usually gets to shoot whatever he wants.

I digress. Coming back to the subject at hand, I decided to take the morning off and visit a tiny fishing village and seafood market and hopefully get a few shots in to test the new lens. I hardly have any recollection of the place as the last time I went, which was many years ago, it was in the evening and it was dark. I will be entering unfamiliar territory, which makes for better pics. I believe.

With my mission accomplished and a very pleasant couple of hours spent roaming the narrow streets and coastline, observing people going on about their business, I'm happy to say the small 18mm passed with flying colours. It looks like this set-up will be with me on my forthcoming trip to Hokkaido next month.

Here are some example shots from my visit to Lei Yue Mun:

Part 1 (colour)

I don't seem to be able to load more photos for the time being.

Thanks for viewing!

cheers

fernando