Ive been shooting for years but finally made the jump to the X-S20 recently mainly for the IBIS and size. I usually just lug around a zoom but Im heading to Chicago next month and really want a dedicated prime for street stuff. Im stuck between the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2. I know the 35 has that classic look but I'm worried its gonna be too tight. My budget is like $500 tops because I spent way too much on the body already.
- xf 23mm f2
- xf 35mm f2
- maybe that 27mm pancake?
Which one handles the IBIS best for those low light handheld shots?
Like someone mentioned, 23mm is versatile, but I am quite satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR tbh.
- Weather sealing ensures reliable operation.
- Compact size offers better discretion.
Yeah, 23mm is the move for Chicago. More versatile than the 35mm when you are stuck between those tall buildings tbh. Few technical bits:
- IBIS is actually more effective at wider focal lengths.
- The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X is a solid middle ground if 35mm feels too tight.
- Check out the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 XF AF too. It fits your budget and f/1.4 helps the sensor a ton in dark alleys.
Agree about going wider. Unfortunately, those f2 primes hunt too much in the dark for me. Super disappointing performance.
- Try Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 XF
- Tighten mount screws Felt kinda flimsy tbh...
Honestly, if youre heading to Chicago, you definitely want that wider field of view. In my experience shooting Fuji for years, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is the gold standard for street. Since youve got that IBIS on the X-S20, you can get away with some crazy slow shutter speeds, but physics still favors shorter focal lengths. Basically, IBIS compensates for hand shake way more effectively at wider angles because the angular velocity of the blur is lower relative to the sensor area. Ive tried many setups and while the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR has beautiful rendering, it feels kinda like tunnel vision in a busy city. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is tiny, sure, but that f/2.8 aperture loses you a full stop of light compared to the faster primes. Stick with the 23mm. Its weather resistant too, which is a big plus if you get caught in that Windy City rain... plus it fits right in your budget.
