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...
Just saw this and had to jump in because Ive been super happy with my wide setup for travel lately. Tbh if you have the budget, you should definitely look at the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G. I have used it on my D780 and the results are honestly fantastic for night cityscapes. 35mm is a classic but 28mm gives you that extra breathing room in tight spots like Golden Gai or those tiny Omoide Yokocho alleys.
- Nano Crystal Coat helps a ton with ghosting from all those bright neon signs.
- Build quality is a solid step up from the cheaper 1.8 primes.
- Focus is snappy even when it gets dark. The distortion isnt even that bad if you keep the camera level... just dont put peoples faces right in the corners of the frame. You will be really satisfied with how much atmosphere you can grab. It works well for that cinematic look everyone wants in Tokyo. Definitely worth the extra cash imo.
Adding my two cents... I usually play it safe and Ive been satisfied with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G for travel. It just works. If youre scared of it being too tight, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED is my other pick. I used it in some cramped spots and it felt more reliable than a 28mm. Both are affordable and way lighter than those heavy zooms.
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!
Solid advice 👍
