> i just want something tiny and fast so i can blend in better Honestly, I was in the same boat and switching to the f2 primes changed everything. Ive been super satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR because its tiny and focus is instant. The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR also works well if you want more reach. Both are way less intimidating than a zoom... no complaints at all!

I've seen people recommend the f2 primes for years as the small option, but in my experience, they still scream photographer when you're in a crowded spot like Shinjuku. If your goal is truly being discreet, you're looking at the wrong series. I've tried many setups over the years, and for blending in, nothing beats a pancake lens. Those f2 Fujicrons are nice, but they still have that traditional lens profile that makes people tense up... You should really look at the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR. It turns your camera into a totally different beast for street work. A few reasons why I prefer this for a Tokyo trip:

• It's roughly the size of a couple of coins stacked together.
• The 40mm equivalent field of view is a sweet spot between the 23mm and 35mm.
• The newer WR version added weather sealing which is great for peace of mind if it rains. You can easily find these used for under 350 bucks, leaving you plenty of cash for your trip. Another solid but older option is the Fujifilm XF 18mm f2 R. It's not quite as sharp as the newer glass, but it's tiny and has a lot of character for street shots. Stick to the pancakes if you want to disappear into the crowd. The f2 lenses are great, don't get me wrong, but they aren't nearly as stealthy as people claim.

Re: "> i just want something tiny and fast..."

• Unfortunately, those f2 primes arent exactly the perfection everyone makes them out to be. I had high hopes for the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR but found it a bit lackluster for street work because the field of view is just too narrow for cramped alleys.
• Technically, the autofocus is fast but I recall reading somewhere that it loses accuracy when things get busy in the frame.
• Not sure if it's just my copy, but the bokeh transitions felt kind of nervous compared to the more expensive f1.4 versions.
• If discreet is the main goal, you should probably look at the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR pancake instead. I think the 27mm might be the actual winner for Tokyo, though I'm not totally sure if the autofocus can keep up with the f2 series for moving subjects. It definitely turns your setup into a pocketable machine though.

Building on the earlier suggestion about the pancake form factor, I'm absolutely obsessed with the Fujifilm XF 18mm f2 R for street work! Everyone sleeps on this lens because it's an older design from the original launch, but the technical specs are actually fantastic for what you need. It uses a 7-group/8-element configuration with two aspherical lenses to keep the barrel length under 41mm. That is insanely small for an f2 prime!! You get a 27mm equivalent field of view which is scientifically the best for Tokyo's narrow streets—you catch the whole vibe without needing 10 feet of clearance. Since you're into the technical side, definitely check your body's AF-C settings; this lens uses a DC coreless motor which is punchy but needs the right algorithm to shine. Pro tip: swap the stock square hood for a slim 52mm vented hood or just a protection filter to shave even more millimeters off the profile. It makes the camera look like a point-and-shoot and its way more discreet than those f2 Fujicrons. Love it for the pure stealth factor!

Spent years chasing the perfect street setup and honestly nothing beats a pancake lens for pure stealth. Since youre heading to Tokyo, you really want something that wont give out on you. I once tried to save a few bucks with a cheap knockoff and the autofocus just quit in the middle of a shoot... was a total nightmare trying to get it fixed while traveling. For your budget, Id skip the f2 primes and grab a Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR. Its so tiny people just assume you're a casual hobbyist. If you want to save even more cash for your trip, the older Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 without the weather sealing is usually around 250 bucks used. Just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and not some random gray market seller on eBay... you dont want to deal with reliability issues when youre thousands of miles from home. That focal length is perfect for those tight Tokyo alleys.

Can confirm

^ This. Also, totally agreeing with the move away from that bulky kit lens! I've spent years shooting in crowded spots and nothing kills the vibe faster than a zoom hunting for focus while people stare. Since you want to stay under that 600 limit and still get incredible shots in Tokyo, you really gotta look at these budget-friendly gems:

• TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF is an absolute steal! It's basically a tiny pancake that lets you be a ghost in the crowd, and the autofocus is surprisingly great for how cheap it is.
• Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF X-mount is fantastic if you want that extra light for the Shinjuku neon at night. It's way cheaper than the first-party version but the image quality is amazing! I've had that TTArtisan on my body for over a year now and it's survived some serious travel. Honestly, saving that cash means you can actually afford way more ramen on your trip lol. Seriously, these third-party lenses are making it so easy to build a killer kit without breaking the bank!

> i just want something tiny and fast so i can blend in better Building on the earlier suggestion, its clear the thread favors the f2 primes and pancakes for their small footprint. From a performance perspective, I have been very satisfied with the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. It fits your 600 dollar budget perfectly and that f1.4 aperture is a massive technical upgrade for those dimly lit Tokyo side streets compared to your kit lens. One major caution tho: always check the autofocus motor type. You really want something with a stepping motor (STM) or linear motor (LM) for that instant, silent focus. Avoid older glass that uses a noisy DC motor because they tend to hunt, which ruins the discreet vibe. Also, be careful with weather resistance. Tokyo can be rainy, and some third-party lenses lack the protective gaskets found on the weather-resistant Fuji primes. If you go with a non-WR lens, just keep a cover handy. Stick to internal focusing designs too so the lens doesnt physically extend and retract while you are trying to be stealthy.