Unfortunately, the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF Pancake wasnt as good as expected due to vignetting. What Fuji body are you using? Native glass handles lens profiles better for cleaner results honestly.

Man, Chicago is such a blast for street photography! I spent a week there last fall and I learned the hard way that speed is everything when you are trying to capture the chaos around State Street. I actually started out my journey with the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF Pancake because I was obsessed with having a pocketable setup, but honestly, I ended up swapping it out pretty quickly. The autofocus on that thing just isnt snappy enough for a fast-moving city. I switched over to the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 Prime Lens and it was a total game changer for my style!

• The focus motor is virtually silent and way faster than the TTArtisan.
• You get that amazing f2 aperture which is a lifesaver when the sun drops behind those massive skyscrapers.
• Its so light you wont even feel it after walking 10 miles. The reason the XC is better is because you are getting the exact same optics as the expensive XF version for under $200. In Chicago, you will be dealing with tricky lighting and moving crowds, so having that reliable native Fuji glass makes a huge difference. The 35mm reach is fantastic for tighter street shots and portraits too. Trust me, you dont want to be fiddling with a hunting lens when a cool train passes by. Get the XC and enjoy the trip!

I've run both these on my X-T30 and honestly, the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 Prime Lens makes me much more satisfied for fast-paced street work. That stepping motor is near-silent and way more reliable than the motor in the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF Pancake which can hunt in lower contrast. I remember shooting a busy parade in Philly where the AF-C performance really mattered... the Fuji just didn't miss. Optics are stellar too, with that 9-blade diaphragm giving much smoother bokeh than the pancake.

• Focus speed is king for Chicago; the XC 35mm is basically instant.
• Skip the pancake if you need reliable eye-tracking in crowds. The Fuji glass handles flares way better than the third-party glass too. Honestly, the f2 aperture gives you that extra stop of light for when the sun goes down between those tall skyscrapers. It works well and fits your budget perfectly.

Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.