So I finally pulled the trigger on a Fujifilm X-S20 after saving up for what feels like an eternity and I am honestly so hyped to get out and actually use it. I have a trip to Chicago coming up in about three weeks and the main goal is to spend my time doing street photography around the Loop and maybe some of the older neighborhoods. I really want to keep a low profile though because I hate feeling like a tourist with a massive setup. Right now I just have the body and I am totally lost on what glass to buy without breaking the bank.
I have been doing a bunch of research online and keep seeing the XF 27mm f2.8 pancake lens recommended everywhere. It looks amazing because of the size but $400 for a new one feels really steep after I just dropped all that cash on the camera itself. Then I saw the TTArtisan 27mm which is like 150 bucks or something crazy like that but then I read a few reviews saying the autofocus is super noisy and it hunts a lot in low light which makes me nervous for shooting at dusk or near the train stations. Chicago is gorgeous at night and I dont want to miss shots because the lens cant find focus in the shadows.
I also looked into the XC 35mm f2 since people say the image quality is basically the same as the more expensive XF version just without the weather sealing or the aperture ring. My budget is strictly under $300 because the trip itself is costing me a fortune. I am also considering maybe just getting a used kit lens like the 15-45mm but I am worried it wont be fast enough for when the sun starts going down and I want those moody city shots.
Does anyone have experience with those cheaper Viltrox or Meike primes on the X-S20? I keep hearing mixed things about the character of the lenses versus just getting something reliable from Fuji. I want to stay light but I dont want to sacrifice too much image quality. If you were in my shoes and needed one versatile street lens that fits in a jacket pocket and wont make me go broke before I even get to the airport what would you go with...
Snag the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 since it's got the same 9 elements in 6 groups as the XF.
- Fast stepping motor
- 130g weight It's way better in low light.
Jumping in here... unfortunately, I had a pretty disappointing experience with the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF on my fuji gear. The vignetting is just brutal and the corner sharpness doesn't really hold up once you look at the raw files. It's cheap for a reason. If you're gonna be shooting in the Loop at night, that f2.8 isn't actually as bright as you'd think once you factor in the massive light falloff at the edges. I'd suggest checking out the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF XF instead. You can usually find them used for around $250. Having that f1.4 aperture is a total game changer for those dark alleys under the L tracks. The autofocus is surprisingly snappy tho it does have some annoying chromatic aberration when shooting wide open near bright street lamps. It's not as refined as fuji glass and the purple fringing can be a bummer, but for your budget it's way more capable for night work than those tiny pancake lenses.
If you want to keep the kit small but need something reliable without spending a fortune, I suggest looking into the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. While it is a bit larger than a true pancake, that f/1.4 aperture is a total game changer for the dark corners of the Loop and those nighttime station shots. It is significantly sharper than the cheaper third-party options and the autofocus is remarkably snappy on newer bodies. Another solid route is finding a used Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. It is an older design, but it has a unique character that is perfect for street photography and handles low light beautifully. Check out the lens rental sites or dedicated buy/sell forums like FredMiranda if you are hunting for deals under your budget. Relying on native glass really does make a difference for consistent AF performance in unpredictable city environments. Just make sure to verify the firmware version once you get it, as that can impact the AF speed on the X-S20.
Honestly, Id definitely skip the zoom and grab a small, fast prime instead. Over the years Ive found that having the extra light from an f2 aperture is a lifesaver for those moody night shots under the L tracks. Just a couple quick questions tho:
- Do you prefer a wider view for architecture or a tighter look for candid shots?
- Is having a physical aperture ring a dealbreaker for you?
Just saw this. I would suggest looking for a used Fujifilm XF 18mm f2 R. It is a solid pancake lens that is much more dependable than the cheap third-party stuff. Be careful with those budget brands as their autofocus often struggles in low light.
- only buy from reputable used dealers
- test the autofocus at night before the trip Safety first is always better than missing shots.
@Reply #4 - good point! I had a similar experience when I first started out with Fuji. I tried saving cash by grabbing cheap third-party autofocus primes, thinking the specs on paper matched the native glass. But the autofocus algorithm translation between the body and the lens is where things get messy, especially on newer bodies like the X-S20. Here are a few technical things you might want to consider before buying:
- Watch out for reverse-engineered AF protocols. Some budget brands struggle with Fujis phase-detection points in low contrast, causing major hunting.
- Check the firmware update process. A lot of these cheap lenses require a weird USB dock just to fix basic compatibility bugs.
- Look closely at flare resistance. Cheaper coatings will give you nasty ghosting under streetlights, which ruins night shots. I can dig up some of my old test data on AF motor response times if you need. Just make sure to test whatever you buy thoroughly before your flight.
