Just picked up the X-T5 and I am absolutely obsessed with the sensor, but my old glass just isnt cutting it for my daily walks around Seattle. Ive been shooting street for years, mostly with a 35mm equivalent on full frame, but the crop factor on the Fuji makes my current 23mm feel a bit too tight for tight alleyways. So I was thinking about the 18mm f/2 for that pancake form factor, but then the 16mm f/2.8 also looks tempting for the weather sealing. Budget is around 500 bucks, need something snappy enough for candid shots. Has anyone used these for street specifically? Is the 18mm really as soft as people say?
Congrats on the X-T5, that sensor is a beast for street work. Honestly, ignore the talk about the 18mm being soft. I have been using the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18mm f/2.0 R for years and its perfectly sharp for candid stuff. You dont need clinical perfection for street photography, you need the size. If you want something that basically disappears on your camera, thats the one.
- The 18mm is tiny and makes people way less nervous than a bigger lens.
- If you really need the weather sealing, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR is solid too. Personally, I prefer the 18mm focal length because it feels more natural. It captures just enough of the scene without getting too much distortion. Just grab the pancake and start shooting, you wont be disappointed.
Honestly, if you are doing street work in Seattle, you should skip the pancakes and grab the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. It is tiny and weather-sealed. The 18mm is a bit dated now, and the 16mm can feel wide for candid faces. If you want something sharper, look at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary. It covers your focal length needs perfectly and handles the rain well too.
Re: Honestly, if you are doing street work in...
- honestly, I think you might be overlooking the Sigma options if you want sharp glass that wont break the bank. Have you thought about the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary? Its technically bigger than the Fuji pancakes, but the extra light intake makes a massive difference in those dim Seattle alleyways. Before you drop the cash, are you mainly shooting during the day or are you finding yourself out after sunset? Getting that extra stop of light usually saves me more than a compact size ever could. Just a heads up, neither that Sigma nor the 18mm f/2 have weather sealing, so if you are really worried about the rain, maybe look into a decent rain sleeve instead of letting that dictate your lens choice. It opens up way more glass options for you.
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, if you want weather sealing for those rainy Seattle days, I would lean toward the 16mm. I've heard the focus motor is faster than the older pancake design too. Not sure if it's the absolute best, but it feels a lot more reliable when things get messy outside. You might miss that extra bit of width if you're used to wider perspectives, though.