im honestly so done with this 23mm f2 lens its driving me crazy. i bought it because everyone said it was the perfect street lens for the x-pro3 but the softness when im close up is just killing my shots and the autofocus has been hunting like crazy lately whenever the sun starts to go down. i have a trip to london coming up in literally four days and i cant be dealing with this gear failure while im trying to shoot in soho.
i need something that actually feels sharp and snappier but i dont want a massive brick like the 16-55 because what is even the point of having a rangefinder style body if you cant fit it in a small bag?? im looking to spend maybe 600 or 700 bucks max on a used lens if i have to. been looking at the 27mm pancake but is that too slow for night street stuff or is the f2.8 gonna be a nightmare?? or should i just bite the bullet and get the 35mm f1.4 even though the autofocus is supposedly loud and old. i just need one lens that i can leave on the camera the whole time and not worry about missing the moment because the glass is being a pain. what are you guys actually using that doesnt feel like a compromise every time you press the shutter?
^ This. Also, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR is the real MVP in my experience. After struggling with that 23mm softness during a trip to Paris, I grabbed a used 35mm f2 for under $300. Best move ever. It basically lives on my X-Pro3 now. Its way sharper wide open and the autofocus is silent and instant. Plus it leaves you way more money for the actual trip.
I was just thinking about this while looking through some old shots from a trip to Edinburgh. I brought a lens that I thought was cool and vintage, but it just couldnt find focus in the drizzle. Total nightmare. When you are on a trip, you need gear that just works, no excuses. Over the years I have learned that reliability beats character every single time when you are traveling. In my experience, you should look at these because they are the safest bets for your X-Pro3:
If you want total reliability, this is it. I bought mine specifically because I was tired of the older lenses hunting and chattering. Its tack sharp at f1.4 which is exactly what you need for Soho after dark. Its a bit more expensive, but worth every cent for the peace of mind. Truly a buy once, cry once situation.
This is the modern version of what you have. It basically solves the close-focus softness issue entirely. It feels like a proper professional tool compared to the f2 version and the AF is silent.
If the budget is tight, this is the safe budget pick. Its weather sealed, which is a must for London rain, and the AF is definitely snappier than your 23mm. Honestly, dont bother with the 27mm pancake for a major trip. Its cute for a walk in the park but f2.8 is gonna let you down when the light gets tricky in the city. Stick to the newer f1.4 stuff if you can swing the cost... you wont regret having that extra light.
Man, I had the exact same issue. I took that 23mm to NYC last year and the close-up softness was just embarrassing for the price. Total disappointment honestly...
- Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4 R: Magic rendering, but the AF is ancient and noisy.
- Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR: Tiny, but f2.8 is kinda useless once the sun drops in London. Grab the 35mm 1.4. AF is annoying, but the results are actually worth it.
Following this thread
Works great for me
Would love to know this too
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