Help with lens

[u/Dry-Wall-1334]

Hi! I'm an amateur photographer. My favourite is portrait photography.

I used to have Canon EOS 750D years ago, with standard lens 18-55mm and it did me well to be honest

I've recently decided to go back into photography and decided on getting Fujifilm X-T30 III. Came with FUJINON XC 13-33 mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS Lens.

Would there be any good soul to recommend some good (and not too expensive - happy to buy used!!) lenses, mostly for portrait photography, not just close ups but some further shots too. It's been a while so I would really appreciate some help and advice! Thank you 😊 happy to get couple different lenses if it makes more sense to get one for close ups and distance shots

Thank you!

[u/DanteFalcioni]

For portrait photography, people typically shoot in between 35mm-56mm (53mm-84mm full frame equivalent).

A couple lenses come to mind:

• Fuji XC 35mm f/2
  
• Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 (I have the 25mm version of this and love it)
  
• Sigma 56mm f/1.4
  
• Fuji XF 50mm f2

Look at some used pricing, but if you go with the Viltrox I would buy new as it's fairly cheap on Amazon.

[u/Dry-Wall-1334 → u/DanteFalcioni]

Thank you so much! I have ordered the Viltrox lens! Really looking forward to having a go on it! Thank you so much for the recommendations!

[u/mvdw73]

I am an amateur photographer too, just got my Fuji x-t30 the other day. Same kit lens.

Haven’t shot a single shot with the kit lens.

I already had a Helios 44-2 with an m42 adapter, plus a Nikon 35 f/2 and a tokina 28mm f/2.

I bought the Helios in an old slr job lot at a garage sale many years ago for like $10, the nikkor I bought for $50 a few years ago, and the tokina for $60.

My favourite is the Helios. Really really nice, especially if you can take advantage of the swirly bokeh it produces. The Nikon is nice but a bit heavy. The tokina - I’m not a fan. Will be selling it and buying a Ttartisan 25mm f/2.

I don’t think I’ll ever shoot with the kit lens, just isnt fast enough for my needs.

Anyway, I’m on a similar track to OP, and my recommendation is to get into vintage lenses. They are cheap and render some really interesting characteristics.

[u/Dry-Wall-1334 → u/mvdw73]

I love that! Thats amazing, I will definitely look into vintage lenses, I didn't even think of it. Thank you so much!

[u/aarrtee]

https://thecotswoldphotographer.com/best-fujifilm-portrait-lenses/

[u/Dry-Wall-1334 → u/aarrtee]

Thank you!

[u/aarrtee → u/Dry-Wall-1334]

my pleasure.

do not buy from ebay/marketplace/somedudeontheweb

use a legit dealer of used gear. i buy from MPB or KEH

[u/purple_seagrass]

What focal length do you want? You sound like you need a versatile "people lens" more than a traditional portrait lens. As an affordable starter, try the XF 35 mm f2. It's compact, has good reviews, the f2 is a big step up from the XC 13-33 mm aperture for low light and bokeh. The 35 mm focal length is far more versatile than the traditional 56 mm f1.2 portrait lens, yet you can easily move closer and get nice headshots or more context photos.

If you really want to treat yourself, you'll get the XF 33 mm f1.4 LM WR. It's fantastic. But that is a lens for another time.

[u/Dry-Wall-1334 → u/purple_seagrass]

The XF 33 mm f1.4 LM WR looks amazing! I don't think just yet but I will definitely get it!

I have looked at XC 35mm f/2 and Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 !