m2usa

This is a great question. I remember when I first started making "large" prints (2 feet x 3 feet, or larger) I had the same questions before sending them off to the printer. With the 16MP in the Fuji, I have no issues making a 2'x3' print that is perfectly fine for my viewing. I don't crop though which is something to consider. These large prints are usually for home use and aren't used for pixel peeping, just for me and my families enjoyment. I have created some nice 2'x3' prints from a 10MP camera (the Nikon V1) using this software from Alienskin http://www.alienskin.com/blowup/ which worked very well (I have no affiliation with Alienskin.) They had a free trial that you could download to see if it will work for you.

I would be happy to see a Fuji 70mm f/2 lens. I used to love using my Nikkor 105 f/2.8 as a portrait lens on my D800, and I miss that focal length.

@ Nero - thanks for your note, but my willpower stood fast, and I avoided purchasing the 18-135 *whew* - I know it would be a great addition for my travel kit, but I guess I will have to wait for the next rebate go-around to see if I still want to get it. Glad to hear that the OIS is working so well for you!

Thanks for the update Mike B. I'll keep an eye out for your examples. I have a day left to decide.

Hi Nero, thanks for sharing your use of the 18-135. I did not know that there was a significant upgrade in the VR compared to the 18-55. That might be enough to get me to buy it just for the WR and the extra stops in low light.

Sorry for bringing back an old post, but I, like Mike B., have a few Fuji lenses as well but I am being strongly tempted by the 18-135. The 18-55 was a strong performer and used often when I took my last vacation. I also brought the 55-200, but the time and physical space to exchange them seemed to hold me (and mostly my wife) back a bit from enjoying our trip, so it spent most of its time in my backpack. If I get the 18-135, then I would leave the 55-200 at home and lighten my bag. I wonder if Mike B. ended up getting the 18-135? I have a couple days to decide, but the 18-135 with the $300 USD rebate, is sitting in my cart and my purchase finger is getting a bit itchy. (uh oh!)

So, Toon, did you make a decision given that the rebates are about to end? I really want a 70mm lens, but I ended up getting the 56mm f/1.2 with the discounts.

Thanks for sharing that well written article and sharing your experience. I started the same way (but with an FM) and was the photographer and editor of my HS yearbook as well. I also had a wedding photography business for over 12 years, and really enjoyed it (the photography but not so much the business.) Great images on your site. I'll keep checking in on your website to see what else is new.

When I am working as a primary wedding photographer, I usually carry two cameras (Nikon.) One with a 24-70 and one with either an 85 or a 105. I find that this combination works well for most of what I want to capture. When I want a wider perspective, I will attach a 12-24 and replace the 24-70. So for a Fuji user, this would mean the 16-55 and the 56, or "maybe" the 90. Really wish there was a 70mm. For going wide probably the 12mm Samyang. For those who like zooms, you can go 16-55 and the 50-140, but I usually use a fast prime as a tele.

Well, marcelo, sounds like you'll have the time to take advantage of the various lenses. The 12mm shot I show above has been corrected for perspective, so keep that in mind when you use it as you will lose quite a bit if you correct it. The 27mm is a great little lens, but I didn't take advantage of it, and used the 18-55 and the 35 so much more. I used the Lowepro Hatchback 22L as the bag, and it all fit in there, so if you can fit it, it won't take much room. In any case, it sounds like you are doing exactly what I wanted to do - a fun photo trip. Have a great time.

Hi marcelo_valente, thanks for your note. Yes, I did use the 12mm, but not for what I wanted to photograph. I was hoping to use it to get some dramatic photographs of the Eiffel Tower against the wonderful skies in Paris, but unfortunately, the tower had a LARGE "Roland Garros" tennis ball hanging in the middle of the tower. Really unhappy about that. You can kind of see it hanging above the first section of the tower. So I ended up using the 18-55mm for most of my photographs, and I'm pretty happy with what I got from it. I did use the 12mm f/2.0 for a few shots in London: [post='_DSF1417.jpg by Michael Muramoto, on Flickr'][/post] I really like the lens, the conditions on my trip made it tough to use how I intended. Well worth the money though! In regard to the 55-200mm, yes, I did use it, but I'm not sure if it is worth bringing. As another poster mentioned, if I had the 18-135mm, that would have been a great one-lens to carry around, and I would have left the 55-200 at home. Enjoy your trip!!

Two excellent suggestions by WINN here. It is tough to have space and time to use all of those awesome primes while traveling, so I used the zoom much more than I thought. And yes, gelato is a great source of protein! ;-)

Nero makes a great suggestion regarding the 10-24 zoom. I was just in Europe and took five lenses: 12mm Samyang f/2, Fuji 35 f/1.4, 18-55 zoom, 55-200 zoom, and 27mm f/2.8. The ones I used most were the 18-55 and the 35mm. Left the 23mm at home as it was a little big and heavy compared to the 35. I carried them with me, but it took a bit too much time to get them out and fitted while trying to enjoy my trip with my wife. The 18-55 was used WAY more than I thought I would use it. If I had the 18-135, that would have been a great choice. The 27mm was nice for quick walk arounds and I got a few nice images with it. If you are committed to only taking two lenses, then my suggestion is to take your 56mm prime for low light, a little focal compression, and size/weight, and then rent the 10-24 zoom. That would be a great combination, and shouldn't take much to choose which to use. If you can swing it, and squeeze in the 35mm, then take both primes and the 10-24 and you should be in great shape. I also brought with me some ND filters, a polarizing filter, and a travel tripod with me. The best tripod though was a mini Manfrotto 709B that I carried with me everywhere. It is so small it fit in my backpack easily. Have a great time in those wonderful cities as they are a photographers paradise. Here is a shot done with the 18-55 zoom: [[post='_DSF1653.jpg by Michael Muramoto, on Flickr'][/post]

Thanks so much Antony. I really appreciate your full comment. I have been using Nikon as my wedding kit and have so many lenses. I will look into getting the Kipon adapter to try out. Thanks again!

Hi Antony, sounds like a complete kit there. Can you tell me about your experience with the tilt-adapter? Do you have any images that you are willing to share using the adapter and Nikkor lenses? Thanks in advance.