I tried to make the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM work for a few weeks around the subway but it was kind of a letdown. While the optics are fine, that STM motor is noisier than people admit and the lens barrel actually extends when it focuses, making it way more noticeable than a true pancake. I missed a few candid shots because the hunting caught peoples eyes. If youre looking at other options under your budget:

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: Tiny and cheap, but that 50mm field of view is too tight for busy sidewalks. I found myself backing into traffic just to frame a shot.
• Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM: Very small but the barrel distortion is massive. You lose too much corner resolution once the digital correction kicks in. Unfortunately, the R system still lacks a truly fast, high-quality pancake. The 35mm is the best available, even if it feels clunkier than it should be.

tbh if youre sick of people staring at you in nyc you gotta go with a pancake lens. i've been using the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM on my r8 and honestly im very happy with the results. it works well because it basically turns your camera into a point-and-shoot that nobody takes seriously. heres why i recommend this one over the 35mm:

• size is the big winner. it is incredibly tiny so you wont look like a pro photographer.
• the focus speed is really reliable. i haven't had any issues with it missing shots of moving subjects.
• its a very safe purchase for the money. its well under your $600 limit which is nice. i'm super satisfied with the image quality too... it stays sharp across the frame which is why i trust it for my daily walkarounds.

In my experience shooting in high-traffic spots like NYC, you really have to consider how much reach you actually need. Are you shooting wide environmental shots or closer portraits? Over the years, I've found that the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the safest bet for a low profile budget-wise, though it feels a bit more fragile than the pancake. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is technically better for low light, but as others noted, that extending barrel is a real liability in crowds. I’ve seen too many lenses get damaged because they were bumped while extended. If you want a reliable setup, the 50mm stays compact enough, but focus can hunt in dark alleys. Just curious, how close are you getting to your subjects usually? Knowing your preferred distance would help narrow this down.

honestly shooting in nyc has become such a headache. i was out near midtown a few weeks back and every time i raised my camera i could just feel the vibe shift. its like youre carrying a giant target on your back sometimes. i have had gear that was supposed to be low-profile still attract the wrong kind of comments and frankly the anxiety of something breaking or getting grabbed just ruins the creative flow. it is so frustrating when you invest in a nice body like the r8 but still feel like youre walking on eggshells. i have had more than one close call where i felt like my equipment was just too fragile for the reality of the subway or crowded sidewalks. you get one good bump in a crowd and suddenly things dont feel solid anymore. i just want to shoot without worrying about gear failure or getting hassled but it feels like a losing battle most days tbh.