Which prime should I get first for my X-S20? I've been looking at the 35mm f2 and the 23mm f2 online because they're small and fit my $450 budget but honestly I'm so stressed about picking the wrong one. I'm heading to Tokyo in three weeks and really want to capture the streets but people say the 35mm is too narrow for city stuff though then I read it's the best for 'character' and the 23mm is boring? I just dont want to be stuck with a lens that feels too zoomed in or too wide when I'm walking around. Is the f2 fast enough for night shots or should I just save more for the 1.4? ugh...
thinking about your night shot concern, i remember walking through shinjuku at 1am and being so happy i had the Viltrox AF 23mm f1.4 XF instead of an f2. that extra stop of light is crucial for keeping your iso low. for around 300 bucks, it fits your budget perfectly. the 35mm full frame equivalent focal length is basically perfect for busy sidewalks. honestly it just works well.
just saw this thread and wanted to jump in since gear reliability is a big deal when you're overseas. tokyo is awesome but can be pretty cramped and sometimes wet, so i totally get the stress about picking the right kit.
- maybe check out the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. it's the perfect in-between focal length if you cant decide between 23 and 35. it's tiny, weather resistant, and very discreet for street shots so you wont stand out as a tourist.
- check out fujiview or the fujifilm x-series groups on flickr to see real samples of these focal lengths in city settings. it helps way more than just reading specs to see the actual field of view.
- since your x-s20 has ibis, the f/2 or f/2.8 aperture isn't a dealbreaker for night. the stabilization handles the low light stuff really well so you dont strictly need to carry a heavy f/1.4 lens to get clean shots. staying with native lenses is usually safer for autofocus consistency too. you dont want the lens hunting for focus while you're trying to capture a quick moment in shinjuku because of a firmware glitch...
Honestly, just get the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR and dont look back. In my experience, I've tried many different setups for travel and the 23mm is the safest bet for a beginner heading to a crowded city like Tokyo.
- Tokyo streets are tight. Like, really tight. If you take the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR, you'll constantly find yourself backing into walls or stepping into traffic just to fit a building or a shopfront in the frame. The 23mm gives you that breathing room.
- The f2 aperture is more than enough. Since you're using the Fujifilm X-S20 Body, you have great IBIS (stabilization). You can shoot at slower shutter speeds at night without blur, so you dont need to spend double on the f1.4 versions right now.
- Weather sealing and autofocus. These f2 Fujicrons are reliable. They focus instantly and can handle a bit of rain in the city. Over the years, I've seen people get frustrated with the 35mm because it feels too zoomed in for general snapshots. Tbh, the boring reputation of the 23mm just means it's versatile. It captures the world exactly how you see it. Save your money, buy the 23mm f2, and just focus on enjoying Japan. You wont regret having the extra width when you're in the middle of those narrow Shinjuku alleys...
Honestly, grabbing the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X made me so happy.
- fast aperture
- killer price Worked perfectly for those dim Shinjuku alleys... saved me cash too.
