Going back to my Favourite Focal length.
The Versatility of the 35mm.
Throughout the past year, my photography has predominantly revolved around the use of two cameras: the Q2 with its 28mm lens and the X100v, equipped with a 35mm lens.
My experience has been split roughly 80/20 between these two, with the X100v being my go-to for casual, fun shoots, and the Q2 serving as my companion for more intensive, dedicated street photography sessions.
The 28mm focal length is undeniably one of the most enjoyable lenses to shoot with.
Last year was a great time for my photography, and while the focal length may not have been a critical factor, my experiences with the 28mm lens were overwhelmingly positive.
Rimini, Italy | 35mm
However, this leads to an intriguing question: why opt for a 35mm lens for my M body camera?
The difference between 28mm and 35mm might not seem significant, but it subtly alters my approach and technique.
Essentially, it's a only matter of taking one step forward or backward in terms of composition.
With a 28mm lens, there's an inherent need to get closer to the subject to create a more impactful frame. This doesn't always hold true, but there's a noticeable difference in how elements within the frame interact due to the distance.
Often, I found myself cropping images to achieve the desired composition, effectively ending up with what a 35mm lens would have captured from the start.
So, why not just use a 35mm?
London | 28mm
Using a 35mm lens demands slightly more deliberate composition than a 28mm.
The latter led me towards a more spontaneous, less calculated shooting style.
Transitioning to an M system with a 35mm lens naturally encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach to photography.
An additional observation about the 28mm lens, particularly with the Q2 (which felt more like a 26mm), is the minor distortion at the edges of the frame. This is a common characteristic of wide lenses.
Not necessarily detrimental, but noticeable.
In contrast, images taken with a 35mm lens tend to have straighter lines and a more squared appearance, facilitating symmetrical and tidier compositions.
London | 35mm
While I switch between my preferences for the 28mm and 35mm lenses, I recognise that the difference isn't monumental. Eventually, I plan to reintegrate a 28mm lens into my kit for that quality of life option.
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