So I finally picked up an X100V for street photography after debating it for months, but man, I am really struggling with the fixed 23mm focal length. It is great for general shots, but I feel like I need something with a bit more reach for candid stuff in London where I cant always get close to people without being super obvious. Im trying to decide between picking up the TCL-X100 II teleconverter or just biting the bullet and grabbing a used X-E4 body with a 35mm f2 or maybe the 50mm f2 lens. My budget is around 500 quid right now. The converter is tempting because it keeps the camera compact which is why I bought it in the first place, but the image quality debates online are driving me crazy. My logic was that the converter is cheaper and keeps the leaf shutter which is huge for street work, but then I think about having two bodies if I get the X-E4. Im leaning toward the teleconverter just to save space in my bag but I keep second guessing if itll actually be sharp enough. Has anyone actually used the TCL for street work and regretted it or am I overthinking this?
Honestly, grab the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II Teleconverter. I've used it for years and the sharpness is honestly fine for street stuff. Don't overthink it, just keep that leaf shutter.
Late to the party, but have you considered how the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II 1.4x Teleconverter compares to the Fujifilm XF 50mm f2 R WR sharpness-wise? Do you prefer contrast or resolution?
Re: "Late to the party, but have you considered..." - honestly, I gotta disagree on the converter. If you want true reliability and sharpness, stop messing with glass attachments. I love my Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera Body because it just works every time. Adding stuff to the front of your lens is just another point of failure if you bump into someone on a busy London street. Here is why you should just get the extra body instead:
- The Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR is way sharper than any converter.
- You wont miss a shot while fiddling with gear.
- Having a backup body is a lifesaver if one decides to quit. Honestly, the image quality difference is night and day. Keep the setup simple and don't risk your gear with adapters!
Coming back to this, I think you might be stressing about the sharpness a bit too much. I used the converter for a solid six months while wandering around back alleys, and honestly, the slight softness on the edges just adds a bit of character to street shots. Youre definitely not gonna notice any issues once you crop or hit the upload button.
- The leaf shutter is a total game changer for candid shots because it is basically silent.
- Carrying a second body in London sounds like a nightmare honestly, I would rather just keep my kit light.
- The converter makes the camera look a bit goofy, but it handles way better than adding another body to your neck strap. Not sure if youve considered this, but there is always the built-in digital teleconverter mode too. I know people hate on it for being a crop, but it is super handy for a quick framing check before you decide if you really need the extra reach. I recall hearing some folks complain about the autofocus speed with the attachment on, but mine worked perfectly fine in decent daylight. If you care about keeping that compact vibe, just stick with the conversion lens. Dealing with sensor dust from swapping lenses on an X-E4 in a city like London is a headache you dont want.
