So Ive been shooting with Fuji for about four years now, started on an X-T30 but finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the X-S20 last month. The IBIS is a total game changer for the handheld video stuff I started doing, and honestly the grip is way more comfortable for my hands. But heres where Im stuck. Ive spent years relying on the 18-55mm kit lens because it's just easy, you know? But lately I feel like my shots are looking a bit flat and I really want that prime lens depth for a trip Im taking to Tokyo in three weeks.
I thought this would be a simple choice but the more I dig into it the more confused I get. I was looking at the classic 35mm f1.4 because everyone talks about that magic rendering and the character it has, but then I saw some videos saying the autofocus motor is basically a dinosaur. If Im using the X-S20 with its new AI tracking, am I just shooting myself in the foot by using a lens that hunts that much? Especially with kids running around, I need something that can actually keep up.
Right now I am basically torn between these:
- 35mm f1.4 (love the look but scared of the AF speed)
- 23mm f2 (great size but maybe too wide for portraits?)
- 33mm f1.4 (expensive and looks kinda heavy)
- 27mm f2.8 (pancake is cool but f2.8 feels a bit limiting for night stuff)
My budget is capped at about $750 so the 33mm is pushing it unless I find a good deal on a used one. I also worry f2 isnt wide enough for the kind of bokeh I want at night in Shinjuku. Is the character of the older lenses actually worth the trade-off in AF speed on a modern body like this? Or should I just stick to the newer Fujicrons for the weather sealing and speed? I really want something that makes the most of the new sensor and processor without being so heavy it ruins the point of a compact setup. What are you guys running on your S20s for a one lens travel kit?
Regarding what #2 said about tracking kids, I agree that older motors are a letdown. Unfortunately, the Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR is quite overpriced and bulky for travel. I had issues with the weight on my last trip. Instead, look at the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Its way more cost-effective and the AF is snappy. It fits your budget perfectly while providing f1.4 depth for those Shinjuku night shots.
Unfortunately, many prime lenses aren't as good as expected when you factor in the weight. I had issues with bulky glass making the X-S20 feel unbalanced during long days. For a safe, budget-focused approach:
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR for its weather-sealed reliability.
- Viltrox AF 23mm f1.4 XF for a cheaper fast aperture. A used Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR is the most secure way to stay under budget.
Youre spot on about the AF on the Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4 R being a bit of a dinosaur. Ive been very satisfied with the newer linear motor systems because:
- They utilize the full potential of the Fujifilm X-S20 phase detection and AI tracking.
- Faster focus acquisition is essential for tracking moving kids. Silent focusing is also a huge win for your handheld video work.
Just catching up on this thread and wanted to jump in with a more technical perspective. If youre heading to Tokyo and need to track kids, the reality is that those older DC motors just wont cut it on the X-S20. You really need a lens with a Linear Motor (LM) to actually get your moneys worth from that new AI tracking. Honestly, the Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR is the safest bet here. It is built for the newer sensors and the AF is silent and near-instant. If the price is a dealbreaker, you should seriously look at the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. Its way under your budget, super sharp, and the AF is plenty fast for street work. Check out some comparisons on DPReview or the FujiRumors forums to see the AF speed diff. Going with the old 35mm f1.4 is basically buying a headache for a high-paced trip like that, regardless of the character.
Totally agree with Sunburstszv about the Sigma glass being the way to go for value. I just got back from a trip with my S20 and I was honestly so satisfied with how the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary handled the low light in those tiny Shinjuku alleys. I tried the old Fuji 35mm f1.4 too and while that magic is real, it just frustrated me when my kid moved an inch and the focus box started hunting... basically ruined a few good shots. The Sigma is snappy, silent, and way cheaper than the Fuji 33mm. If you want that blurry background without the bulk, this is definitely it. No complaints at all about the image quality either, its sharp as a tack even wide open. It really lets the S20 sensor do its thing without hunting around like the older DC motors do. TL;DR: Get the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Best balance of f1.4 bokeh and modern AF speed for the S20 tracking.
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To add to the point above:
- The group has basically summarized the dilemma between the vintage character of the older DC motors and the sheer speed of newer linear motor designs.
- There is a clear consensus that tracking moving subjects requires modern internals to really take advantage of the AI autofocus features.
- Portability seems to be a major sticking point for long travel days in places like Tokyo. I am very satisfied with how my gear journey has gone, even with some detours. This whole thread reminds me of a DIY project I tackled before a big trip a few years back. I was so convinced I could save money by making my own custom shoulder rig for my Fujifilm X-T20 using copper pipes and some old skateboard bearings I had in the garage. I spent weeks in my workshop filing down edges and soldering joints until it felt just right. Honestly, it looked cool in a steampunk way and I felt so accomplished. But the second I got to the airport, the security team spent forty minutes debating if it was a camera accessory or a weapon. I ended up leaving the whole rig in a locker and just carrying the camera by its strap for two weeks. It was a total ordeal that taught me a lot about the balance between hobbyist tinkering and actual usability, though I still think the copper looked great.
