Owlpellets1973

Hi all. After a long break from photography I've decided to get back into it and am about to purchase a Fuji X-E2 body (which I deem more than adequate for my needs at this point). I had previously shot Canon but could never really afford decent glass for it. But I see times have changed and not only do Fuji seem to have some reasonably priced XF lenses, there are a number of recommended 3rd party manufacturers in the game. I am still very much on a budget but don't need much for my particular interests. Thinking a 10-12mm, a 23-27mm and a 35mm should meet my needs (mainly street with some landscapes) and perhaps a 50mm or 60-100mm later. I'm only interested in prime lenses and reckon it comes down to a decision over whether I want AF or not. Been looking at the Fujinon f1.4s which tick the boxes but will take me a long time to purchase given my financial situation. Happy to take it slow though if that's the general concensus (would be happier with one very good lens than three average). The other option is the MF offerings from 7artisans, TTartisans and the like. I could pick up a few with very wide apertures (up to 0.95) very affordably. But I'm interested in the opinions of those who have used and compared them both (Fuji and non-Fuji). I don't have any natural objection to MF as I used it way back for film, but I haven't shot a mirrorless digital with a manual lens and never used zoom focusing, focus peaking etc. From what I've seen it's pretty quick and straightforward if slightly slower than AF. I must admit that the AF on my old canon DSLR used to annoy the hell out of me with the incessant hunting for focus and noise. But that was a long time ago and I'm guessing things have changed (these were also very much lower end Canon lenses). I've had a search already, but if anyone would mind offering their opinions based on experience I'd be very grateful. Many thanks...

Thank you George. Did I just not read somewhere that they're discontinuing support for Capture One Express? (The the frustration of many). I downloaded gimp last night but it was immediately very buggy and I struggled to import a single image. Will look at the other alternatives tonight. Yes, I've read a lot of glowing reviews of the Samyang 12mm F2. Looks like a good start. Should also add that I'm not insisting on using MF lenses...I made that decision on the assumption that decent AF lenses would be beyond my budget. As I'm not fond of zoom lenses the Fujinon 23mm looked attractive at a reasonable price used? Thanks for your input.

Brilliant. Thank you so much for such helpful comments and suggestions. Yes, if been looking at the lenses by Fujifilm, Samyang and TT/7artisans among others and there appears to be plenty of choice. Try before you buy would be ideal but I don't think there's any retailers near me. And sorry, should have added I'm using Mac OS (Monterey). I'll have a look at the software you mentioned. Thank you 👍

Hi all. After a lengthy break from photography I've decided to get back into it and have settled on the Fuji X platform. I'd always wanted one back in the day but ended up sticking with Canon DSLRs. I do have a very limited budget so have pretty much decided to go for the X-E1 as a starter body (considered thr X-pro 1 but I'm not fussed about the OVF or larger size and the X-E is pretty well specced anyway for my needs) However I recently discovered that for very little more I could probably stretch if needed to a X-E2 or X-E3. The higher resolution of the E3 appeals, but tbh I'm more interested in how the focus peaking developed through the series (as I'll be happily limited to MF lenses). I know the X-E1 has a basic white peaking colour...can anyone explain how the colour options developed through the series please? Also, can anyone please recommend some fixed lenses? Again I have a limited budget but would be looking to pick up 2 or maybe 3 MF lenses for landscape/informal portait/Street photography. Might opt for the standard 18-55 lens if it comes bundled but really looking for glass around 12mm, 23mm and perhaps 35mm. Any suggestions (max budget approx £300 per lens) would be interesting to read. And finally, is there any editing software (free or cheap) that comes recommended to get me started. My old PS CS understandably won't work on my Imac so looking for an alternative. Many thanks in advance. P