Torn between the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2 for street stuff on my X-Pro3. Im heading to Tokyo in two weeks and need something tiny for my jacket pocket. Budget is max $400 used so the f1.4s are a no go. Is the 35mm too tight for those narrow alleys??
Ive shot in Tokyo quite a bit over the years and, in my experience, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is the far more practical choice for those cramped alleys. The 35mm focal length is great for portraits but it definitely feels too tight when youre weaving through Shinjuku. Technically speaking, the 23mm has a very sophisticated optical formula with 10 elements in 6 groups... its surprisingly sharp for such a small lens. Since Tokyo gets quite a bit of rain, the weather resistance on these f2 primes is a massive bonus for your X-Pro3. You should be able to find a clean used copy for around $340 online. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR is a gem but you'll constantly be backing into walls trying to fit everything in the frame. Just grab the 23mm and dont look back.
The 35mm is definitely tight for alleys, but you HAVE to look at the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR. I used it for a trip recently and it was amazing! It literally fits in my jacket pocket.
- way smaller than the f2s
- 40mm view is the sweet spot
- aperture ring included I snagged mine used for $325 and it basically stays on my camera now!
Honestly, the 35mm is definitely too tight and I was really disappointed with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR anyway. I had issues with the mount feeling loose... felt super unreliable and I dont trust it. If you want something actually tiny, look at the Fujifilm XF 18mm f2 R. Its way wider for those narrow alleys, fits your budget, and stays put in a pocket.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
