So I finally made the jump from my old Sony a6400 to the X-S20 because I was just done with editing raws for hours and really wanted those Fuji film sims. The IBIS on this thing is honestly incredible but the kit zoom is just... I dunno it feels a bit clinical? I'm heading to Chicago next month for a week of wandering around and I really need a fast prime to stay on the camera the whole time.
Budget is around 600 or 700 bucks max so I'm not looking at the super high end red badge stuff yet. I was leaning towards the 23mm f2 because its tiny and weather sealed but I've heard the 35mm f1.4 has that magic rendering everyone talks about even though it's an older design. My worry is the autofocus speed on the older lenses
- I've been shooting for years but this is my first time in the Fuji ecosystem and I'm not sure if the X-S20's newer processor actually makes those old motors faster or if it's still gonna hunt in low light.
I mostly do street photography and some casual video for a vlog I'm starting so I need something that wont look jittery. Should I go with the newer f2 stuff for the reliability or is the 1.4 glass actually worth the trade-off in speed? I've seen some Viltrox stuff too but I'm worried about the color shift matching the Fuji profiles...
TL;DR: The f2 line is way better for video. Im really satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR for street stuff. It works well and the AF is basically instant. Just curious tho... are you using an external mic for your vlog? The older Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R has that magic look but the motor is noisy as heck. For audio quality, the newer glass is just much safer.
I honestly love the X-S20! For vlogging and street, you really need gear that wont hunt or fail you.
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR: Fantastic for weather sealing and super fast! Safest, most reliable bet for travel.
- Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fuji X: Amazing value! Its way faster than those old Fuji 1.4 lenses and totally silent for your vlog. Both fit your budget perfectly!
The Fuji system is amazing! I think the X-S20 helps older lenses, though IIRC the motor speed remains a bottleneck for vlogging.
- prioritize newer designs
- fantastic for street Enjoy Chicago!
Regarding what #2 said about the f2 line being better for video... honestly, those older motors are a letdown for vlogging. The noise is annoying and they hunt too much. Are you doing more handheld walking shots or static talking heads? Also, how much do you care about weather sealing? Chicago weather can be a total pain if it starts drizzling while youre out shooting.
Having shot Fuji since the original X-Pro1, I'd be very careful with those older f1.4 lenses if you're vlogging. One time in downtown Chicago, a video project got ruined because that old 35mm 1.4 focus motor clacked so loud the internal mic caught everything. It was a total mess. For your trip, you might want to consider these:
- Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR
- This is basically the modern soul of Fuji. It has the character you're after but uses a linear motor so it's silent. Hunting for a used copy would be my suggestion to fit your 700 bucks limit. It's much better sealed against that Chicago wind and grit too.
- Viltrox AF 27mm f1.2 Pro X-mount
- Make sure to look at this if you want that magic rendering. DIY testing shows the color profiles match Fuji surprisingly well now. Just be careful because it's quite heavy on a small body like the X-S20. Honestly, those older motors hunt way too much in low light for modern street work. Better to get something with a linear motor so you dont miss shots.
Any updates on this?
