Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4: My Street Photography Lens
Why I use the Fujifilm XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR for street photography, portraits and low light, with a roughly 50mm-equivalent field of view.
If I could carry only one of my Fuji lenses, it would be the Fujinon 33mm 1.4. As a published street photographer, this is by far my favorite and most used lens, not only for my street photography but for everything.
I used this lens for a commercial shoot for a Fortune 500 company, only using the 33mm 1.4 – and they were really happy with the result, and so was I.
The 33mm 1.4 is a versatile lens and it’s my favorite focal length in street photography.
I shoot with my Fuji X-T5 with a cropped sensor. This means the focal length of the 33mm 1.4 is equivalent to roughly 50mm.
Is 50mm the ideal focal length in street photography?
It depends on who you ask. To me, 50mm is a perfect focal length – also what Henri Cartier Bresson shot with, but other street photographers like it a little bit wider like 28mm or 35mm.
Why you should get the 33 1.4 mm vs 35mm 2.0
The reason why I like the 33mm f/1.4 better than the 35mm 2.0 is because I want to be able to do street photography at night – in low-light situations. It’s also to get a more beautiful bokeh for your street portraits and portrait photography.
If you’re into street photography and own a Fuji camera, choose this lens if its field of view and size suit the way you work. The 33mm 1.4 is a prime lens – no zoom – just you, focusing on taking your street photos. I also use this lens on my X-H2S when I document Muay Thai.If you’re looking for a new camera, I made a list of my favorite street photography cameras too.
If I had to recommend an alternative street photography lens from Fuji, I’d probably go with something like the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR. It’s the same deal here. I want the 1.4 aperture for night photography and handheld street photography at night.
If street portraits are your main thing, consider the Fujinon 56mm 1.2.