CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

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My Least Used Lens is Becoming My Favourite

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Hey Reader,

People always ask me:

“Matty, what lens should I get?”

Or,

“Matty, what’s the best everyday lens?”

And I get why...it’s a big decision (one of the biggest as a photographer).

But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

So instead, I'm gonna share what I use and what’s actually helping me grow as a photographer.

This week? It’s the Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2.

I’ve owned it for years.

Recommended it even.

But the truth is...I barely used it...

...until now.

Let's dive in!

Why 35mm (50mm Equivalent)?

Now, just to be clear, this isn’t replacing my 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent).

That’s still my go-to for most things.

That lens lets me immerse you (the viewer) into my scenes...

Places like lookouts, hotels and travel moments.

But I’ve realised that the 35mm F/2 (my trusty 50mm equivalent) is starting to play a different role entirely.

See, this lens is all about precision.

This focal length makes you choose. It isolates.

A subject. A detail. A feeling.

Where the 23mm shows context, the 35mm shows intention.

You’re not just pointing at what’s in front of you.

You’re deciding what matters inside the frame.

How It's Changing My Shooting Style

Since picking it back up, I’ve noticed I’m slowing down.

Not in a bad way...but in a more thoughtful, deliberate way.

Because of the tighter field of view, I can't just let the scene speak for itself.

I have to compose...like really compose.

I’m looking at the edges.

Watching the light.

Using my photometry settings more carefully (like I mentioned in last week’s email).

It’s made me think more like a storyteller and less like a snapshooter.

The best example of this was the other day, when I was walking through the Gothic district of Barcelona.

Midday sun. Harsh shadows. Often, conditions I avoid.

Instead, on this occasion, I decided to wait.

I watched people pass through the light and waited for the right moment.

Would I have shot that with the 23mm? Probably.

But it wouldn’t have hit the same.

This lens forced me to look deeper.

And that’s been the biggest shift.

How to Use Focal Lengths More Intentionally

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that focal length shapes your mindset.

When I shoot wide, I think about atmosphere.

Movement. Layers.

When I shoot tighter, like with the 35mm, I think about clarity.

Focus. Emotion.

So instead of asking what lens is best, maybe the better question is: “What do I want this photo to say?”

Because once you’re clear on that, the right lens often chooses itself.

If you want your viewer to feel inside the moment, go wide.

If you want to show them what to notice, tighten up.

I used to overcomplicate this.

Now I just ask myself: “Is this about the whole scene or something inside it?”

Simple shift. Big difference.

What You Can Take From This

I’m not here to sell you a lens. That’s not the point.

But maybe this is a reminder that the gear you already own still has something to teach you.

It’s easy to get stuck in habits.

Easy to grab the same gear and shoot the same way.

But every lens gives you a different way to see.

So here’s a little challenge:

Pick your least-used lens and shoot with it for a few days.

Nothing serious. Just play.

See how it changes your pace, your framing, your attention.

You might hate it.

But you also might unlock a new way of shooting that makes everything feel fresh again.

That’s what’s happening for me right now.

A lens I ignored for years is helping me enjoy photography in a new way.

Catch you next week,

Matty 📷 🚀

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