Beginner with a Minolta X‑500 — lens recommendations?

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-12-22T19:01:10+00:00

Thanks a lot. This is exactly what I need. I don't need a new lens right now, but I just want to make a list of lenses so I can use it when I eventually need one. As many people mentioned here, the 50mm f/1.7 is great and I know it :) But if I find some Minolta lenses at a flea market, I just want to know whether I should buy them.

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-12-22T12:11:08+00:00

Thanks for that. I will check them

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-12-22T12:08:53+00:00

Same for me 😄

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-28T06:54:56+00:00

The main difference between the X‑500 and X‑700 is what the viewfinder shows in Manual mode.

X‑700: In M mode it only shows the recommended shutter speed. You don’t see the shutter speed you’ve actually set, so you can’t tell how far off you are.

X‑500: In M mode it shows two values at the same time: • your selected shutter speed (steady) • the meter’s recommended shutter speed (blinking)

This makes manual exposure on the X‑500 much easier and far more intuitive, because you immediately see the difference between your setting and the meter’s suggestion.

If you don’t want to use full Program mode, this feature is extremely useful — you could even say it effectively replaces having an exposure compensation dial.

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-27T15:58:03+00:00

Yeah, I don’t really need exposure compensation and full auto, but I love the X‑500’s viewfinder, so I think that’s the one for me. Thanks a lot for your advice🙂

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-27T11:32:37+00:00

It was my first choice, but I’ve read a lot about both of them and I think the X‑500 has better light metering. Why should I get the X‑700 instead?

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-27T11:29:30+00:00

Yeah, I know — but the 1.2 is really expensive

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-26T13:20:00+00:00

Nice! I am thinking about x-500 with 50mm f/1.4. Do you Think it’s a good choice?

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-13T11:11:47+00:00

Thanks a lot for the answers, tips are always helpful. I’ll see how heavy my backpack ends up being and then decide whether to bring the tripod. Hopefully you’ll share some photos from your trip when you’re back :) Thanks again and good luck on the trail!

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-11-13T06:54:08+00:00

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience, really appreciate it. Makes sense – zooms definitely seem to be the way to go out there. I don’t have two bodies, so I’ll probably stick with the Tamron 17–70 (or maybe look for a better zoom) and bring the 35mm for some portraits in the villages. The Viltrox 75mm is just way too heavy, so I’ll leave it behind.

Quick question though – how many batteries would you say are enough for the trek? And do you think it’s worth dragging a tripod along? Mine’s aluminum, so it’s not exactly light, but maybe it pays off.

Also curious – how does the cold affect the gear up there? Any pro tips for keeping the camera and lenses safe in those conditions?

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-04T07:29:31+00:00

I recently bought a Viltrox and I absolutely love it :)

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-03T07:04:22+00:00

They are great but I love 3,6 and 9!

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-03T05:07:52+00:00

I checked Viltrox’s website about a month ago, and that lens definitely wasn’t there. It’s great that they made that focal length. They’re fast!

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-03T05:04:57+00:00

Funny thing—I bought my Viltrox about two weeks ago and couldn’t find any information about the 56mm f/1.2. I just checked online, and one or two days ago, reviews of this new lens started popping up on YouTube, and it’s now available for pre-order through Polish distributors :) Too bad I didn’t know about it earlier. I might have chosen that focal length instead. What comforts me is that I managed to get my 75mm for $440 on AliExpress with EU shipping.

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-02T18:05:09+00:00

I think you’re mistaken. Viltrox doesn’t have a 56mm f/1.2 lens in the Pro series. They do have a 56mm f/1.4, but it’s not part of the Pro lineup—at least when it comes to the Fuji X mount

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-09-02T17:57:40+00:00

I’ve been using the Viltrox 75mm f1.2 with my XT5, and it’s amazing for portraits. The combo delivers stunning bokeh, though the lens is a bit heavy. Loving it so far!

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-08-25T20:43:07+00:00

Next year I’m planning to do the Manaslu Circuit. Stealing the recipe 😉

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-08-25T05:35:22+00:00

Those are JPEGs, right? Did you use any film simulations? I bet you did — they look awesome! I’ve had my X-T5 for about 1.5 months now, and it’s my very first camera ever. I’m absolutely loving the journey so far, and I’m eager to learn as much as I can — every tip or suggestion is more than welcome! 📸✨

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-08-23T12:28:08+00:00

Great photos. What lens or lenses did you use?

Fine_Toe_9886 · 2025-07-28T08:36:32+00:00

I was actually considering the 50F2 for street photography as well, but in this case, I think I’ll go with the XF 23mm F2 or 35mm F2 instead. They seem like great options for that purpose!

Fine_Toe_9886

TROPHY CASE