Honestly im just so fed up with my 18-55mm kit lens. It feels like such a brick and the zoom creep is driving me insane when im trying to be quick on the streets of Chicago. I really need something smaller and sharper before my trip to Tokyo next month. Ive been looking at the 23mm and 35mm primes but cant decide if the extra speed is actually worth the price tag. My budget is around 500 bucks max so that 1.4 version is probably out of reach. Does anyone actually like the f2 versions or are they too soft? Im just tired of carrying this bulky thing around...
To add to the point above: grab the Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 R WR. Its a literal pancake lens that makes your camera pocketable. Honestly, its the absolute best for travel photography!
Had a moment to think about this. Before you buy, do you prefer a wider field of view? Maybe try the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN if you can find a deal.
Honestly, toss that kit lens in a drawer and dont look back. I lived in Chicago for years with that same bulky brick and switching to a prime changed everything for me. In my experience, you should absolutely grab the Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR. It is tiny, weather-sealed for those crazy Tokyo rain showers, and honestly, it focuses way faster than those old 1.4 versions ever did. People obsess over the f1.4 glass, but for street work, the f2 is the sweet spot. It is definitely not soft. I have printed large images from it and the sharpness is honestly ridiculous for the price. The 23mm field of view is basically perfect for city stuff too, since it mimics what your eyes see without being too tight. If you go with the Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR you might find it a bit too cramped in narrow alleys, though that lens is a little gem too. Just stick to the 23mm and keep your camera in your jacket pocket. You will feel like a ninja compared to carrying that zoom lens around. Just save the extra cash for some good ramen while you're in Japan, seriously.
The Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR is super sharp and tiny. Just be careful with focus speed in low light. Check out lenstip for technical reviews before you commit.
