Ive been shooting with my X-T3 for a few years now but my main zoom lens finally gave up on me during a shoot last weekend and honestly im kinda stuck. I have a wedding coming up in three weeks in Chicago and need something sharp but I really dont want to drop a grand on a red badge glass right now. My budget is around 300 to 400 bucks max. Should I look at the Viltrox 23mm or maybe try to find a used 35mm f/2 fuji? I need something decent for low light since the venue is pretty dark. Does anyone have experience with third party glass or should I just hold out and grab a used fuji prime instead?
Honestly, go for the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR. It is just fantastic for low light and the weather sealing is a lifesaver if you are shooting outdoors in Chicago!
- The autofocus is lightning fast compared to third party stuff.
- It's super sharp wide open. Save the headache and grab a used copy. You will love the colors and the small size on your X-T3!
If you need something cheap and sharp, just grab the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. It is super reliable, works well in dark venues, and definitely fits your budget.
^ This. Also, honestly dont sleep on the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 STM. I used it for a dim jazz club shoot and it performed surprisingly well for the price, ngl.
Re: "If you need something cheap and sharp, just..." - look, I get the appeal of third-party glass for a budget wedding shoot, but honestly, have you considered how those lenses hold up under real pressure? Over the years, I've had more than one third-party lens decide to hunt for focus exactly when the bride is walking down the aisle. It's a nightmare you dont want to deal with in a dark Chicago venue. Personally, I prefer the reliability of native glass when I cant afford a missed shot. If you want something that wont break the bank but still gives you that professional look, check these out instead:
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
- It is tiny and super sharp, perfect for candid stuff where you dont want to look intimidating.
- TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X
- If you really need to save cash, this manual focus lens is built like a tank. Just be warned, you need to be quick with your focus peaking. I just dont trust anything else when the light is failing. I tried a few cheaper options a couple years back and ended up back on the native system pretty fast. Whatever you pick, make sure you do a few test runs at home so you arent learning the quirks while the ceremony is happening. Good luck with the wedding, itll be great.
