So I finally pulled the trigger on a silver X-T30 II and I am obsessed with the look but now I am stuck on what glass to actually use for street stuff. I am planning a trip to Chicago in a few weeks and really want to keep the kit tiny so I can just blend in while walking around the Loop. I have been doing some digging and the obvious choice seems to be the Fuji 27mm f2.8 pancake lens but honestly the price for a used one is still pretty steep for me right now - my budget is strictly around $250 max after buying the camera body.
I saw some reviews for that TTArtisan 27mm AF lens which is way cheaper and seems perfect on paper but then I read a few threads saying the corners are super soft and the autofocus hunting is a nightmare in lower light. My logic was that maybe I could just go manual with a 7Artisans lens for like $100 but I am worried I will miss all my shots because I am not fast enough at focusing yet. Then there is the XC 35mm f2 which is cheap and light but it is not a pancake so it kind of ruins the pocketable vibe I am going for... basically I am just going in circles. Should I just bite the bullet and save for the real Fuji pancake or are the cheap third party ones actually decent for quick street snaps?
Honestly, forget the manual stuff if you're hitting the Loop for the first time. You need AF for fast street work! Get the TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 AF Fuji X Mount right now. People complain about the AF but they usually havent updated the firmware. The v1.1.0 update literally transformed the STM motor performance! Its snappy and way better than people give it credit for. Heres why it wins for your $250 budget:
- Weight is basically nothing at 93g
- The 40.5mm filter thread is tiny for stealth
- Optical formula is actually super sharp in the center where it counts for street stuff Sure, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR has better weather sealing, but for $150 brand new? The TTArtisan is an absolute steal! Just make sure you use the USB dock on the rear lens cap to update it immediately. The Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 is amazing glass but yeah, it sticks out way too much for that stealthy pocket look you want.
