Honestly, skip the 1.4 for street stuff. I have used both over the years and the weight savings on the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is just way more practical for all-day shooting in the city. The f/1.4 version is lovely but it gets heavy and the autofocus feels a bit clunky compared to the newer f/2 WR glass. You really wont miss that extra stop when youre out in Chicago, especially since the X-T3 handles high ISO so well anyway. Plus, the weather sealing is a lifesaver when the weather turns unpredictable near the lake. Just grab the f/2 and put the leftover cash toward a nice strap or extra batteries. Its a total workhorse and way more discreet for candid shots. If you see a used copy, grab it for even less.

@Reply #1 - good point! Totally agree that the weight factor is huge when you are walking Chicago all day. Honestly, if you want something sharp that feels tiny on the X-T3, you should look at the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR. It is super snappy and handles that late evening light way better than the kit lens. I have been using mine for ages and it never lets me down. Plus, it is well under your budget. If you really crave that wider view, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is the obvious choice. Just grab one of those and save your extra cash for a couple extra batteries or maybe a nice strap. You wont miss the 1.4, trust me.

Late to the party here, but I have been obsessing over lens charts for months and totally get where you are coming from. The decision between those two focal lengths usually comes down to how much you enjoy that wide environmental look versus something a bit tighter. Before you pull the trigger on anything, I am curious about your current shooting habits:

• Do you find yourself constantly cropping in your photos to get closer to the subject?
• How much do you value the extra stops of light over the physical size and weather resistance of the barrel? I have spent way too much time testing different apertures for low light night shots in the city, so I am happy to break down the technical trade-offs once you figure out which angle you prefer. Let me know what you think.

To add to the point above: be careful with chasing the fastest aperture. I totally agree that dragging heavy glass through the city is a nightmare, but have you actually checked if your current evening shots are blurry due to low light or just motion blur from walking? I would suggest taking a hard look at your shutter speeds before dropping cash. Also, consider these things:

• Do you usually shoot super close to subjects or from across the street?
• Are you okay with manual focusing, or is that a dealbreaker for your street style? I really love the compact feel of those f/2 options, but honestly, if you dont have a decent strap, you might still feel like your neck is gonna snap after a few hours. Just make sure you test how the weight balances on your body before committing to anything!

Just catching up on this thread! If you want a different take, check out the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. It is a pancake lens that makes your X-T3 feel like a true pocket camera. The 27mm focal length is honestly amazing for street because it sits right between the 23mm and 35mm, giving you a very natural field of view. It is weather sealed and sharp as a tack across the frame! Alternatively, look at the Voigtlander Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical X-Mount. It is a manual focus beast but the build quality is fantastic. You get that extra light gathering capability in a compact metal barrel. Since you are worried about the weight of the f/1.4 lenses, manual glass is a great way to save space while getting a unique, character-filled rendering. It is a fantastic option if you want to slow down and really nail your focus manually!

To add to the point above: I honestly feel your pain. I have been stuck in this exact loop trying to justify the weight of the f/1.4 glass while my back screams at me after a few hours of street shooting. I have tried many setups over the years, and honestly, the obsession with chasing that extra stop of light usually leads to regret when the lens stays in the bag because it is just too heavy. In my experience, if you want something that really changes your perspective, the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a stellar alternative that sits right in that sweet spot. It is incredibly sharp and feels way more balanced on an X-T3 than the older Fuji glass. Also, if you want to go tiny, the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 is shockingly good for the price if you don't mind a pancake lens. Just keep in mind that the manual aperture ring feel isn't quite as satisfying as the native stuff, but for the size, it is basically a cheat code for street photography.