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.
To add to the point above: it sounds like you are stuck between chasing resolution and keeping your kit portable for walking those city blocks. Everyone is obsessing over the newer f1.4 glass, but for Chicago, you might want to look at a few other angles.
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a massive sleeper. It is not a prime, but the sharpness is wild for a zoom, and it is significantly lighter than those chunky f1.4 primes. You lose a stop of light, but the size is perfect for street stealth.
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R (the original version) is often overlooked. It has a beautiful, distinct rendering that feels more film-like than the clinical newer lenses. You can find these used for a steal now. Basically, the 40MP sensor is great, but dont let it turn your street kit into a heavy gym session. If you really want that prime life, try the 23mm f1.4 or even rent the 18mm f1.4 for your trip before committing the cash. Sometimes the lens character matters more than pixel peeping at 100 percent.
^ 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!
👆 this
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.
Commenting to find later
Re: "Commenting to find later" - honestly, I think everyone is overthinking the sharpness on that 40MP sensor. You dont actually need those giant f/1.4 lenses for a trip to Chicago. They just make the camera front-heavy and scream pro gear, which isnt great for stealthy street candids. I am perfectly satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR. It is tiny, weather-sealed, and the focus is snappy enough that I never miss shots. It works well on the X-T5 and doesnt kill my wrist after walking all day. If you really feel like you need more reach or width, just pack an extra battery instead of a heavy glass brick. Sometimes the best gear is the one you actually want to carry around for ten miles.
