28/05/2026 11:26 am
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So I've got this trip to London coming up in like three weeks and I really want to nail down my kit for it. I'm shooting on an X-T4 and I usually just use the kit lens but it feels way too bulky for walking around Soho or Camden at night you know? I want something small and fast. I'm basically torn between the 23mm f/2 and the 35mm f/2. People keep saying the 23mm is the classic street focal length because it's wider and you can get more of the vibe in but I'm kinda shy so the 35mm sounds nice since I don't have to get right in people's faces. My budget is pretty tight, maybe 400-450 max so I'm looking at used copies on MPB. I also thought about that tiny 27mm pancake lens because it makes the camera so tiny and less pro looking but I worry about it being too slow for when it gets dark and the autofocus maybe being noisy? Most of my stuff is candid walking around shots, nothing staged. I want to keep things light because I'll be on my feet all day and my back already hates me. If you had to pick one for a one-week trip where you're doing nothing but street, which one is the winner?
4 Answers
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28/05/2026 12:30 pm
Totally agree that 35mm is better if you're shy, but honestly, those f/2 lenses were a letdown for me in low light. The focus hunting was just annoying. You should look at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X instead.
- f/1.4 is a lifesaver for Soho at night
- Way faster AF than the older glass
- Fits the budget easily No aperture ring is a bummer, and definitely keep it dry since it's not weather sealed.
11
28/05/2026 12:10 pm
Honestly, if you're feeling shy, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR is a decent option. It's sharp, weather sealed for that London rain, and fits the budget on MPB easily.
- f/2 is much better for night shots than the pancake
- way faster autofocus than the 27mm Get it used and use the extra cash for your trip. It works well on the X-T4 without being bulky.
5
28/05/2026 11:26 am
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is the best choice.
- Its fast focus and weather sealing are perfect for London. That wide view captures the vibe better than the 35mm tho. Go for it!
2
28/05/2026 12:00 pm
Saw this and just had to chime in because I had the same struggle before a big trip to Tokyo last year! I ended up going with a setup that was a bit longer than the 23mm because I was also super shy about getting close to people. It was a total game changer for my confidence and I love how it turned out! Here is what I picked up from that experience:
- Going for a focal length that gives you a bit of distance is amazing for candid shots. I found that I could stand across the street and catch people just being themselves without them ever noticing me. It made my photos feel way more authentic.
- Low light performance is massive. The city is gorgeous at night but those street lights can be tricky. I used a setup with a very wide aperture and it was incredible how much detail I could keep in the shadows without my ISO going crazy.
- You really want something that wont weigh you down. By the end of day four my neck was totally done even with my light setup so definitely keep it simple. Since you are looking at alternatives to the main brand stuff you should totally check out the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 AF XF or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. I have seen results from that Sigma on the Fujifilm X-T4 and the sharpness is just insane for the price. They are fantastic options that fit your budget and that extra light is so helpful when you are wandering around Camden after dark! You are gonna have a blast... London is seriously a street photographers dream.
