So I finally treated myself to an X-Pro3 a few months back after saving up forever but I've just been using the kit 18-55mm and honestly its kind of ruining the experience for me. It’s way too big and heavy for what I want to do which is mostly just walking around taking candid shots of people. I have a trip to Tokyo coming up in about three weeks so I really need to pull the trigger on a prime lens that fits the vibe of the camera better. I’m looking for something discreet and fast. My budget is around 500 bucks give or take but I could stretch it a bit if the glass is really that much better.
Right now I’m totally torn between a couple options:
- the XF 23mm f2 because everyone says the autofocus is snappy and its weather resistant which is good since it rains a lot in Japan
- the 27mm f2.8 pancake lens because its tiny and would basically turn the Xpro into a point and shoot size-wise but I worry the aperture isnt wide enough for night shots
- maybe the 35mm f2 but I'm scared it might be too tight for narrow alleyways
I really want to use the optical viewfinder without a huge lens hood blocking half my frame. The 23mm seems like the safe bet but that pancake 27mm is just so tempting for travel. Which one would you guys grab for a heavy street photography trip?
Late to the party but honestly you gotta go with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR! I've used it on my X-Pro for years and it is absolutely amazing for Tokyo. It fits the OVF perfectly without blocking much of your view, plus that weather sealing is a total lifesaver when the rain starts hitting Shinjuku. Heres why I think its the winner for your trip:
- The autofocus is lightning fast compared to the older pancake
- f2 is way better for those neon night shots than f2.8
- It looks and feels fantastic on the X-Pro3 body If you want to save some serious cash for ramen, just grab a used copy! You can usually find them for under 400 bucks easily. Seriously, you're gonna love the 35mm equivalent field of view for street work. Have an amazing time in Japan!
> budget is around 500 bucks. tbh I’m satisfied with the 84g, 7-element Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR. Its reliable and saved me money. I once dropped mine in Shinjuku and it survived perfectly.
Saw this earlier but finally getting around to it. Honestly, whatever you choose, just be careful with the OVF frame lines. I had a rough time with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR because I kept bumping the aperture ring when shifting the camera around in crowded spots. It is super sharp, but you have to be mindful of that. Before you head to Tokyo, I would suggest doing these few things:
- Practice manual zone focusing so you dont miss shots if the AF hunts in weird neon lighting.
- Bring a spare Fujifilm NP-W126S Li-ion Battery because that back screen drains power way faster than you think.
- Consider a small wrist strap rather than a neck one, it makes blending into alleyways way easier. Just dont overthink the gear too much. The X-Pro3 is a beast, just make sure to keep a lens cloth handy for the moisture. Have a blast in Japan!
Same here!
