Ive been shooting with my X-T3 for a few years now, mostly sticking to the 18-55mm kit lens because it was convenient, but lately Ive been feeling like I need something faster for street work. Honestly, the variable aperture is killing me when the sun starts going down around here in Seattle. I want that classic look, you know? Something that forces me to move my feet instead of just zooming in.
My budget is around 500 bucks, maybe 600 if I find a good deal used. Ive been debating between the 23mm f/2 and the 35mm f/2. My logic is that the 23mm is more versatile for tight alleys, but I worry about distortion if I get too close to people. Then again, the 35mm is super sharp but might feel a bit tight for capturing the whole scene. Im planning a trip to Tokyo in three months and I really want to nail my setup before I get there. Is the extra stop on the f/1.4 versions worth the trade-off in autofocus speed and weather sealing? Im kinda torn between keeping it lightweight for long days of walking or just going for the better glass. What do you guys think for someone who prefers a candid, documentary vibe?
To add to the point above: honestly, you should check out the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. I know the autofocus is a bit slower than the newer glass, but for that candid, documentary look, it is just magic. The rendering is so much better than the f/2 version. You can find these used for around 450 bucks easy! It is definitely worth the trade-off for that classic, creamy vibe in your Tokyo shots.
> I want that classic look, you know? Something that forces me to move my feet instead of just zooming in. Totally agree! You gotta ditch the zoom for that. Honestly, grab the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR. It is lightning fast to focus and the weather sealing is clutch for travel. The older Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R has nice rendering, but the AF is way too sluggish for street. Stick with the f/2, it is fantastic for candid shots!
^ This. Also, I honestly had a rough time with some of the older glass back when I was starting out. I really wanted to love the faster apertures, but the hunting focus drove me nuts during a trip similar to your upcoming one. It was super frustrating when you have that perfect candid shot lined up and the lens just keeps grabbing the background instead. Not as good as expected for candid work, unfortunately. If I were you, I would just stick with any of the newer, compact prime options from Fujifilm. You really cannot go wrong with the current lineup of weather-sealed primes for walkaround setups. Just grab something small and fast so you dont have to worry about missing the shot while youre navigating those busy Tokyo streets. Honestly, just prioritize the autofocus speed over that extra bit of light.
Just read through these thoughts and I have to chime in. I spent years trying to chase that perfect fast prime look, but I eventually learned that reliability beats character every single time when you are traveling. When I was in Kyoto a while back, I missed a handful of keepers because my gear was hunting for focus in the rain. Reliability is basically everything if you want to come home with usable files. Here is what I learned from my own gear failures:
- Weather sealing is not optional if you plan on being out all day in unfamiliar climates.
- Newer internal focus motors like those in the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR prevent the lens from physically extending, which makes it way harder to snag on stuff while weaving through crowds.
- Sharpness is easy to fix in post, but you cannot fix a missed focus point. I eventually settled for the newer weather-sealed primes for my travel kit. It just makes the whole experience less stressful knowing the lens can handle a bit of moisture or dust. Don't overthink the rendering too much, honestly. You want the shot first.
Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.
Honestly, I had such a headache with the older, faster glass on my old bodies. I wanted to love it for that dreamy look, but the focus was honestly just unreliable when the light got tricky. It was super frustrating to come home after a long walk only to find my candid shots were soft. If you want to avoid my mistakes before that Tokyo trip, here is what I would do instead:
- Stick to the newer weather-sealed lines from Fuji, they just handle the grit of city life way better.
- Look for something compact that won't make you look like a pro carrying gear, it helps stay invisible.
- Don't stress about the extra stop, modern sensors handle low light well enough that you wont miss it. Basically, just grab a solid, compact prime from the main lineup and focus on your composition instead of technical issues.
