So I finally pulled the trigger on the X-T5 after rocking the X-T3 for literally years. I am honestly so hyped about the IBIS and that crazy 40 megapixel sensor but man, I am noticing something I didnt expect. My old 23mm f2, which I used to love for quick street shots, feels a bit soft now? Like maybe it is not quite keeping up with the higher resolution or something when I am pixel peeping. I am headed to Chicago for a week-long street trip next month and I really want to nail down a permanent prime that actually takes advantage of the new tech.
I have been looking at the new 18mm f1.4 because everyone says it is clinical and fast, but then I see people swearing by the 33mm f1.4 LM WR and I am just stuck. I need something that can handle the fast pace of the Loop and isnt gonna hunt for focus when I am trying to grab a candid of someone walking by. Budget is around 900 dollars max, hopefully less if I can find a good used copy on MPB or something.
Is the 33mm too tight for narrow city streets? I used to think 35mm full frame equivalent was the sweet spot but with the cropping power of the X-T5 maybe I can go wider and just crop in later? But then there is the whole character vs sharpness debate. I want that 3D pop but I also dont want a lens that weighs a ton since I will be walking like 10 miles a day through the city.
I have seen some guys using the 27mm pancake too for the low profile but I am worried about the motor speed on the newer body. Does the X-T5 AF system actually make those older motors faster or is it just a bottleneck? What are you guys finding is the absolute sharpest, fastest prime for this specific body...
Agreeing with the used market tip, it is a decent way to save cash for your trip. The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Pro AF Fujifilm X works really well because those optics were designed for these high-res sensors. It is built like a tank with weather sealing for gear reliability in Chicago. AF is super reliable for candids, tho it is definitely heavier than your current f2.
I went through the exact same thing when I upgraded. I spent a week in NYC with those old f2 primes and felt like I was wasting the 40MP sensor, honestly. If you want that 3D pop and weather sealing for Chicago, the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is a beast. I used it recently and the autofocus is basically instant. Since you have 40MP now, you can crop that 18mm down to a 23mm view and still have tons of detail. The Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is incredible too, but in tight city spots like the Loop, I found myself backing into traffic trying to fit subjects in... kinda risky. As for the pancake, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is tiny, but the motor is still noisy. The X-T5 helps but it wont fix the hardware bottleneck. Grab a used 18mm and dont look back.
^ This. Also, honestly check the used market for those newer lenses! I found a mint copy for way under retail and it works amazing on my T5. The AF speed is just fantastic for street work when people are moving fast... it is such a huge upgrade over the older gear, you're gonna love it!
Bookmarked, thanks!
Im really satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR on my T5. It handles the resolution perfectly and focus is super reliable. You can find used copies for about $750.
