So im finally doing it, finally booked my flight to Tokyo for next month and im basically vibrating with excitement lol. Ive been shooting Nikon for over a decade now, mostly stuck to my heavy f2.8 zooms for weddings and events, but for this trip I really want to go low profile and just carry one body and one lens. I usually lug around a D780 and a bag of gear but I want to actually enjoy the walking part this time around.
My logic was that the 35mm f1.8G is the obvious play because its so light and discreet, but then I started overthinking it like I always do. I was looking at the 28mm f1.8G too because those narrow Shinjuku alleys might need the extra width, but then I worry about weird perspective distortion on people. Then there is the 50mm which is a classic but honestly it feels a bit tight when things get crowded. I have about 500 or 600 bucks to drop on this before I leave in three weeks and I really want something that can handle low light when the neon signs come on without being a brick.
- 35mm f1.8G (cheap, light)
- 28mm f1.8G (wider for alleys?)
- 50mm f1.8G (maybe too long?)
I keep bouncing back and forth between the 28 and the 35. Does the 35mm feel too 'normal' or boring for street work? I usually shoot with a 24-70 so I know the focal lengths but choosing just one prime for a whole trip is stressing me out more than it should...
Tokyo is gonna be absolutely incredible! I am so stoked for you because there is literally nowhere else on earth like Shinjuku at night. I have spent weeks wandering those exact alleys with my D750 and D780 and honestly, go with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED. It is the absolute king for a reason. While the 28mm is tempting for the wide shots, the 35mm gives you that perfect cinematic look that just feels like a movie frame every time you click the shutter. A couple quick tips for your kit:
- Stick with the 35mm because it handles those neon signs beautifully without too much flare.
- Set your ISO to auto with a cap at 6400; the D780 sensor is a beast in the dark and you wont even notice the noise.
- Grab a B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-nano 010M Filter just to protect the glass from the rain and humidity. The 35mm isnt boring at all, it actually forces you to move your feet and engage with the scene more. If you find yourself in a really tight spot in Golden Gai, you can always just take two steps back or do a quick panorama stitch. You are gonna love how light your neck feels after years of lugging that heavy zoom around. Have the best trip ever and definitely share some shots when you get back!
