> I have about 1200 bucks set aside to fix this mess and I need something compact for my SL2-S that doesnt scream look at me. Totally get where you are coming from. Carrying a massive setup in a city like Chicago is just exhausting and honestly, it makes you way too conspicuous. Saw this earlier but just now getting to my laptop to reply. If you want to stay well under that 1200 dollar budget while getting something that disappears on the body, look at the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is arguably the best lens for the SL2-S if you want to keep the whole rig slim. It is tiny, built like a tank, and the rendering has this really nice, almost classic character that makes street photos look less digital and clinical. The autofocus is plenty fast for candids and it sits flush enough that you could basically slide the whole camera into a jacket pocket. Some people complain it isn't an f/1.4 lens, but for street work, you really dont need it. The size benefit is worth way more than an extra stop of light. Plus, having that extra cash left over means you could pick up a decent wrist strap or a spare battery. It is easily my favorite lens for when I dont want to be noticed. Happy to answer any other questions if you are still on the fence.

Jumping in here because I went through the exact same struggle a couple years ago. The Sigma i-series is great, but honestly, you might want to consider the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 instead. I know the Sigma feels more premium with the metal build, but the Panasonic is surprisingly light and the weather sealing is solid for those windy Chicago days. Be careful with those smaller metal lenses, sometimes the balance on the SL2-S feels a bit front-heavy even if they look cool. I spent a long time trying to find the perfect middle ground, and I found the AF on the Lumix glass to be just a hair faster for those quick, candid moments. Just make sure to check the size, it fits in a jacket pocket perfectly which totally changed how often I actually carry my gear.

I totally get the frustration with heavy glass. I spent last summer dragging a heavy zoom through downtown and my back was killing me by sunset. Honestly, if you want something that disappears on the SL2-S, I really cant recommend the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary enough. It is tiny, basically a pancake lens, and the autofocus is snappy enough for street work. The rendering is super smooth too, which is a nice change from those clinical modern zooms. I also keep the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH in my bag when I need that extra bit of micro-contrast, though it is pricey. It is technically the best glass I have ever used, but for candid stuff, the Sigma actually feels less intimidating to people walking by. If you want to keep the budget in check and get something sharp, that Sigma 45mm is hard to beat. Just mount it and forget its even there.

I totally feel your pain! Lugging a heavy brick around downtown just kills the fun. Switching to a compact prime literally saved my hobby. I ended up grabbing a small 35mm recently and the difference is insane! It feels so much more natural now and I dont look like a paparazzi guy anymore. Youre gonna love the freedom of a tiny lens. Seriously, it completely changes how you see the streets. Just go for something small and fast!