Just picked up a used X-E4 and im dying to take it out for some street stuff but my kit zoom is just feeling way too bulky for quick snapshots in the city. I need something small and sharp, like pancake thin if possible, because I really want to keep the retro rangefinder vibe going without looking like a tourist with a massive lens stuck to the front. Im currently torn between the Fuji 27mm f/2.8 WR and the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8. Money is a bit tight since I just spent my entire savings on the body, so the huge price difference is making me sweat. Is it even worth the extra cash for the branded Fuji glass or should I just grab the TTArtisan and save the hundred bucks for film or something? I have a trip to Chicago coming up in two weeks and honestly Im anxious about whether the autofocus difference is gonna screw me over when people are walking by fast. Which one would you actually carry around every single day without feeling like it gets in the way of the shot...
Re: Skip the third-party glass. In my experience, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR autofocus reliability is worth the extra cash for quick street shots. Dont settle for misses. I agree completely. If you are heading to Chicago, you need that consistent motor. The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is just built better for daily carry. Honestly, the focus speed on the third-party stuff is okay, but it hunts in low light. Just stick with the native glass.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I've been thinking about your street setup. Honestly, are you strictly set on the 27mm focal length, or would you be open to something slightly wider? Over the years, I've found that 27mm is great, but 18mm just feels more natural for tight city corners in places like Chicago. If you really want that pancake vibe without blowing your budget, I suggest looking into these:
- Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R
- It is super tiny and has a very unique character that makes street shots pop.
- 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II
- Basically a body cap lens, super cheap, and makes you really think about your composition. Have you considered if you'll be shooting mostly zone focus or relying on continuous AF? That usually dictates how much you actually need that expensive glass motor. Tbh, if you aren't doing heavy sports, you might be overthinking the AF speed.
Re: Skip the third-party glass. In my experience... man, I feel you. Im in the exact same boat with my budget. Spent everything on the body and now just staring at my bank account before the next lens purchase.
- Honestly, if you want something cheap but fun, check the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II for super compact shots.
- Even looking at a used Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R could save you some stress if you can find a deal.
Skip the third-party glass. In my experience, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR autofocus reliability is worth the extra cash for quick street shots. Dont settle for misses.