What is the absolute best prime lens I should grab for my Fuji X-S20 for a street photography trip to Tokyo next week? I am leaving in six days and I still havent pulled the trigger on a lens because I am totally stuck. Most of the threads I read online say the XF 23mm f2 is the gold standard because its small and fast but then I see people arguing that the 35mm f2 is better for actual street portraits and getting those tighter compositions.
I am super worried the 23mm might be too wide and I will just end up with way too much background clutter since Tokyo is so busy. I also looked at that tiny 27mm pancake lens because it looks so discreet for travel but I heard the autofocus is kinda loud and maybe not fast enough for moving subjects?
- Budget is around $500 to $600 max
- Use case is 100% street and travel
- Need something that works well in low light for the neon signs at night
I already spent a lot on the X-S20 body so I cant really afford those big f1.4 lenses right now even though I want them. Is the 23mm wide enough for the narrow alleys or should I go with the 35mm and just back up? I need to order tonight so it gets here before my flight...
Regarding what #1 said about "In my experience shooting across Japan over the..." I unfortunately found the f2 primes werent as good as expected for night shots. I was disappointed with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR, it just hunts way too much in the dark.
- Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF X-Mount is a total budget steal
- Buy used to save even more money That f1.4 is basically a necessity for Tokyo neon... dont risk the slower glass!
Saw this today and you should totally get the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR! It is such a safe, fantastic choice for a trip because it just works every time without issues.
- Autofocus is insanely fast for moving people
- Weather sealing is amazing for peace of mind
- Fits your budget perfectly Its way more reliable than the pancake lens for tracking and wont let you down!
In my experience shooting across Japan over the years, you definitely want that wider field of view for the tight Shinjuku alleys. I have tried many focal lengths for street work, but the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR is easily the most versatile option for your X-S20. People often worry about background clutter, but in a city like Tokyo, that environment is exactly what you want to capture. The 35mm is a great lens, but youll find yourself constantly backing into walls or traffic trying to frame a shot in those narrow side streets. Regarding low light, f/2 is more than enough for neon signs since they are actually quite bright. Avoid the pancake lens for this trip; the autofocus on the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is just too sluggish for the fast pace of Tokyo crossings. Grab the 23mm and dont look back.
Big if true
Great info, saved!
Just catching up on this thread and tbh, I totally agree with the folks suggesting you be careful about sticking to f2 lenses for Tokyo nights. It gets pretty dark in those alleys and you really want that extra light. If you are worried about the size of the glass but need that low-light performance, I would suggest looking at the Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4 R. It is a bit older but it has a super special look that the newer f2 lenses just dont have. Honestly, it is a legend for a reason.
- It fits perfectly on the X-S20 without feeling front-heavy
- The f1.4 aperture is a massive lifesaver for neon lights
- You can definitely find it used within your budget if you check around Just be careful with the focus motor since it is an older design, but for street stuff, you will be fine. Make sure you grab a decent hood so you dont get weird flare from all those bright signs. Safe travels!