So I finally pulled the trigger on the X-S20 and I'm taking it to Japan in three weeks but I only have the kit lens right now. I spent all night reading reviews and everyone says the 23mm f2 is the "gold standard" for travel but then I see people on Reddit saying the 35mm f2 has way better character and rendering. I'm worried the 23mm might be too wide for some stuff but the 35mm feels like it might be too tight for those narrow Tokyo alleys... I've got like $450 saved up for this. Which one makes more sense as a first "real" lens for a trip like this?
^ This. Also, I saw this earlier and wanted to chime in. I brought a 35mm to Shinjuku once and spent half the night literally backing into walls trying to frame shots. The 23mm is way more versatile for Japan.
- Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 is much cheaper than the XF version
- Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF Fuji X-mount handles low light better for night street stuff Saving cash for food is a pro move, tbh.
Go for the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR! I brought one to Kyoto and it was amazing for those tiny temples! Honestly, the weather sealing saved me during a surprise downpour, so its super reliable for travel. The 35mm is just too tight for Tokyo. Quick tip: keep your hood on to avoid accidental bumps in crowded trains. Youll love it!
Omg I am literally in the exact same boat!! It is actually driving me crazy trying to decide for my own trip next month... I have been staring at focal length comparisons until my eyes bleed. It is honestly such a tough call because Japan has so many different vibes and you dont want to miss anything! Since I am also struggling, here is my DIY plan to finally make a choice:
- Spend a day with your kit lens taped at 23mm. Then do a day at 35mm. It is the best way to see what feels natural for your style!
- I am seriously looking at the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X because that extra light is gonna be amazing for those neon nights in Shinjuku.
- If you go with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR, definitely grab a Haoge LH-X35 Square Metal Lens Hood. It makes the lens look way cooler and protects it better than the stock one!
- Check used sites like MPB or KEH to save some cash for all that amazing sushi. We are gonna figure this out!! Cant wait to see what you end up with!
Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.
TIL! Thanks for sharing
Bookmarked, thanks!
@Reply #3 - good point! Everyone is basically saying go wide for Japan. It makes sense. Just be careful with whatever you pick tho. On my last big trip, the one I got didnt have good sealing. The humidity killed it.
- Check the weather ratings
- Watch for lens fog
- Bring a dry bag I learned the hard way. Reliability matters way more than character when youre thousands of miles from home.
Ugh, I am literally in the exact same boat right now and it is the worst. Been staring at my screen for like three weeks straight trying to decide for my own trip and I still have no clue what to do.
- Read a hundred reviews on the f2 versus the f1.4 versions
- Compared Fuji glass to third party stuff like Sigma and Viltrox
- Swapped my choice in my head at least ten times today alone Honestly, I tried out a friends 35mm last weekend and was so disappointed with how tight it felt in my apartment, but then the 23mm samples I keep seeing just dont have that wow factor I was looking for. Its just so frustrating because I want that perfect first prime experience but everything feels like a compromise and I keep getting more confused the more I read... still havent hit the buy button.
