07/05/2021
So that (in 2021) review? It’ll be a little while.
I keep getting lost in all the (quite irrelevant) details 😂, but I’m loving it so far.
For now, here’s the lens. 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. It definitely has that “special” character and rendering.
Some quick/random thoughts about the lens:
Having mostly shot the 16/1.4 on the XT3 in the last year, and the 45mm on the XF; 28mm felt right at home. I love the 35 focal length, but something you just want a bit more context, and that’s what you get @ 28.
Shooting style also differs from 35; you’ve really gotta get close for portraits or tighter compositions. You can digitally crop in-camera on the Q for the 35 FOV (but obviously not 35’s rendering).
Even at 28, it generates pleasing, smooth bokeh.
Leaf shutter. 😍
Sharp. Sharp sharp sharp, even wide open. Max sharpness seems to be earlier on at f/5.6.
It’s got OIS, which is about in line with 2015 OIS performance (2-3 stops).
Switching to macro mode is so satisfying. Everything is so…mechanical. 😅 you do lose about 1.5 stops (max f/2.8) in macro mode, though.
I got mine used, but I do wish the aperture ring were a tiny bit stiffer; it easily gets bumped to a different setting if you have it on a strap or in a bag. The macro and focus ring are awesome, with just the amount of tension.
MF is a joy with the focusing tab; AF is available by locking the tab at the far end (past infinity).
