Im looking to pick up a prime lens for my X-T30 before a trip to Japan next month and Im honestly just drowning in options. I see everyone online swearing by the 27mm pancake for travel because its tiny, but then others say the 35mm f/1.4 has some magic character that makes it worth the extra bulk and the older autofocus. Im really stuck here.
My constraints are:
- Budget is strictly around $350-$400 used.
- Mostly gonna be shooting street photography and some low light stuff at night.
- Need something compact since I dont want a massive setup while walking around Tokyo for hours.
Does the 35mm f/1.4 actually hold up for travel or should I just grab the 27mm and call it a day...
Honestly, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is way more reliable for travel. That 35mm autofocus is unfortunately pretty loud and slow.
- Pack light
- Use the pancake
Late to the party, but definitely snag the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. That lens has so much soul! It is incredible for Tokyo nights and fits perfectly on your camera.
Been thinking about your dilemma all afternoon. Look, I spent a week in Osaka last autumn and honestly, I brought both the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR and the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. If you really want to capture those neon signs at night without cranking your ISO, the 35mm f/1.4 is tough to beat. Yeah, the autofocus is noisy and definitely dated compared to the newer glass, but the rendering is just different. It has this soft, dreamy look when you shoot wide open that makes city lights look way better than the clinical sharpness you get from third-party alternatives. That said, if you find yourself walking 20k steps a day, that pancake lens is a lifesaver. You will basically forget the camera is even around your neck. It isnt as fast for low light, but with an X-T30, you can usually push the sensor a bit without too much grief. If you prioritize street candids, go small. If you want that specific look for night portraits, stick with the 35mm.
To add to the point above: you might want to look at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary instead. Its super sharp and arguably better for those night shots in Tokyo than the pancake lens. You get that extra light gathering ability which helps when the sun goes down. Its a bit bigger than the 27mm, but still pretty compact on the X-T30. Honestly, its a really solid middle ground if you want something fast.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.