Finally got my hands on an X-T30 II and I am so hyped to take it out! I have been doing some digging and I am torn between two options. I keep seeing the XF 35mm f2 recommended everywhere as the gold standard but then I saw the XC 35mm f2 is basically half the price.
My logic was that since the glass is supposedly the same I should just save the cash for my trip to Chicago next month but then I read the XC is all plastic and lacks the aperture ring. Does missing the ring ruin the whole tactile Fuji vibe? I really want to stay under $200 for this first lens. Is the cheap one a mistake or...?
The Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 definitely isnt a mistake. Im super satisfied with mine; used it in Chicago last year and honestly, you wont even miss the aperture ring once you start shooting.
What are you shooting in Chicago? You might want to consider the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF Fujifilm X Mount for the tactile ring, just be careful since f2.8 lets in half the light.
Regarding what #3 said about Following - i'll jump in too. The Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 glass is great, but that plastic mount is a reliability risk. I actually had a plastic-mount lens crack in my bag during a flight once. For Chicago, maybe look at the Meike 35mm f1.8 AF Fuji X. It's under 200 and the metal mount feels way safer for travel. Plastic just doesn't last, tbh.
Following
