Which prime lens is best for Fujifilm street photography?

Question

I'm finally taking my trip to Tokyo next month and I really want to nail down my kit before I hop on the plane. I've been rocking the X-T30 II for a while now but I've mostly used the kit zoom and honestly it's just too bulky and slow for what I want to do over there. I'm looking for something super low profile so I dont stick out too much in the crowds. My budget is pretty firm at $600 because I gotta save some cash for all the ramen and vintage stores in Shimokitazawa.

I've been going back and forth between the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2. The 23mm seems like the classic street choice because of that wider field of view but I'm worried it might feel a bit too wide when I'm trying to catch someone's expression from across the street. On the other hand the 35mm f2 is tiny and the autofocus is supposedly lightning fast which is great for candid shots. Then there's the older 35mm 1.4 which everyone says has magic or whatever but I'm scared the autofocus will be too slow for moving subjects in busy alleys.

I tend to shoot a lot at night so the f2 might be pushing it but I value the size more than anything else. If you had to pick one for a week of heavy walking and fast-paced street shooting in a city like Tokyo, which one would you go with?

StrongStella · Accepted Answer

> I've been going back and forth between the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2. Grab the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR! I shot with it in Shinjuku and it was amazing for those tight alleys. Snappy AF and totally stealthy... love it!

Phoenix Samuel White · Answer

I was super worried about my budget too! Honestly, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR saved me. It felt safer and reliable for fast shots. Love it!

ToonTango · Answer

@Reply #1 makes a solid case for the 23mm, but you should be careful if you're worried about being too wide. Tokyo streets are crowded, but if you want to capture someones expression without standing three feet away, the 23mm might feel frustrating. I would suggest the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR for your specific trip. It's technically superior for fast-paced work because the internal focusing is silent and instant compared to the older glass. One warning tho... if you're looking at the Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4 R for that magic look, be prepared for some missed shots. Its legendary for a reason, but the autofocus is noisy and definitely hunts more in dim light. For a first trip where you want results, stick to the f2. If you really want to stay stealthy, make sure to consider the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR pancake lens. It's the most low-profile option and hits that 40mm sweet spot between the two you mentioned.