Which prime lens should I actually buy for my Fujifilm X-S20 to get the most out of this sensor without it being a total autofocus nightmare?
I've been shooting for over a decade and recently ditched my heavy Nikon DSLR setup for the X-S20 because I wanted something lighter with good IBIS for video but now I am honestly struggling with the Fuji lens lineup and it is driving me crazy trying to pick one single prime to start with. I thought I knew what I was doing but the difference between the older 'Fujicron' f2 lenses and the newer f1.4 versions is confusing as hell when you start reading about which ones can actually keep up with the new subject tracking.
I have a budget of around $700-$800 and I am heading to Portland next month for a project so I need to make a decision fast like within the next week or so. I mainly do street photography and some casual environmental portraits but I need something that can handle the Pacific Northwest gloom without being a total brick on the front of such a compact body.
Here is what I am looking at:
- The 23mm f1.4 R WR which is expensive but people say is the gold standard
- The 35mm f2 because it is tiny and cheap but I am worried about the focal length being too tight for narrow streets
- Maybe the 18mm f1.4? But that might be too wide for portraits and I dont want to deal with distortion on faces
I tried using some of my old glass with an adapter but the autofocus was pathetic and I missed so many shots of my kids running around yesterday it made me want to throw the whole thing in a lake. I just want that one "do-it-all" lens that feels like a real professional tool and not a toy. Is the extra money for the LM (linear motor) versions really that noticeable on the X-S20 or am I just being paranoid about the older tech being obsolete...
Honestly, just go for the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR! I absolutely love it on my X-S20. The autofocus is amazing and that linear motor is a total game changer for tracking kids. It handles low light like a dream, perfect for Portland! If you snag a used one it fits your budget perfectly too. It's such a fantastic pro tool. You're gonna have a blast!
To add to the point above: the linear motor in the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR is vital because the X-S20 processor needs fast hardware for subject tracking. Older motors simply cannot move the glass fast enough. It leads to hunting. While the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR is more affordable, it lacks the speed and light-gathering required for professional street work in the Pacific Northwest gloom. Check the used market to save.
@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly just catching up on this thread. i think you might want to consider how the linear motor tech actually works before dropping the cash. iirc the newer lenses like the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR use magnets for focusing while the older f2 lenses often use stepping motors... which is basically why the old ones can feel a bit clunky on a modern body like the Fujifilm X-S20. not 100% sure but i heard the Fujifilm XF 18mm f1.4 R LM WR is actually better for video because the wider field of view handles the ibis crop more naturally. portraits could be tricky tho... might get some weird distortion if you get too close. i would suggest being careful with the older glass. they are tiny but the autofocus speed is definitely noticeable when your kids are running around. tl;dr: stick to the lm (linear motor) glass if you can. the older tech isnt exactly obsolete but for your specific needs it might feel like a compromise you will regret later.
Just found this thread and wanted to chime in. I have been really happy with the switch once I stopped trying to save money on the older glass. If you are heading to the PNW, you absolutely cannot ignore weather sealing. I learned that the hard way with a lens that ended up with internal moisture after a light drizzle. A few things to watch out for to keep your sanity:
- Skip anything without the WR designation for Portland weather.
- Avoid the older clutch-focus mechanisms if you want reliable tracking on the Fujifilm X-S20.
- Dont bother with the small f2 options if you actually need professional subject separation in low light. I am super satisfied with the newer lens technology because it actually works every single time I press the shutter. Nothing is worse than getting home and realizing half your shots missed focus because the motor couldnt keep up with the sensor. Just play it safe and get the modern gear.
