Honestly im just so over trying to use this 18-55 kit lens for street stuff. Its just too bulky and I feel like everyone is staring at me when I try to take a candid shot here in London. I keep missing moments because I'm fiddling with the zoom and the autofocus feels sluggish in the shadows. I just want one solid prime lens that stays on my camera so I dont have to think about it anymore.
I have a trip to Tokyo in three weeks and I'm genuinely panicking that I wont have the right setup. I need to make a decision today but there are too many options and it's making me so anxious. Here is what I'm looking for:
- Budget is around 600 pounds max
- Needs to be small enough to fit in a jacket pocket
- Fast autofocus is a must because I move quick
- 23mm or 35mm focal length mostly
I keep looking at the f2 'Fujicron' lenses because they're tiny but then I see people raving about the 1.4 bokeh and I start doubting everything. Is the size difference really that noticeable in the real world? I just want to blend in and not be that person with a massive rig. Which one is actually the best for just walking around all day? I'm honestly ready to just give up and use my phone if I cant figure this out...
ngl you are totally overthinking the bokeh thing. for street stuff in a crowded place like tokyo you mostly want to be at f/5.6 or f/8 anyway so you actually hit your focus. shooting with the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR has been a dream for me and im so satisfied with how it handles. its seriously tiny... basically fits in a jacket pocket and makes your camera look way less intimidating. the autofocus is basically instant which is what you need for those quick candid moments. tbh dont sweat the f1.4 stuff because the size and speed of the f2 version makes it way more practical for walking all day. plus its way under your 600 budget so you can spend that extra cash on some good ramen instead. just grab it and get used to it before your flight... you wont regret it.
- Evaluate the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X!
- It provides amazing reliability and fantastic focus speed, plus the price is unbeatable so you dont overspend!
> I keep looking at the f2 'Fujicron' lenses because they're tiny but then I see people raving about the 1.4 bokeh and I start doubting everything. You might want to consider the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR instead. Honestly, the autofocus is significantly faster than the f/1.4 versions because of the internal stepping motor. Be careful with those older f/1.4 lenses; they are bulkier and tend to hunt in low light. The size difference is huge for street stuff. I would suggest sticking with the f/2 for Tokyo.
