Which prime lens is best for street photography on Fujifilm cameras?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on an X-T5 and I am so hyped for my trip to Chicago in three weeks! Ive been shooting with the kit lens for a bit but I really want a small prime that wont weigh me down while I'm walking around the Loop all day. I've spent like ten hours watching YouTube reviews and I'm honestly more torn now than when I started lol. Most people swear by the 23mm f2 because it's that classic 35mm equivalent which everyone says is the 'perfect' street focal length but then I see these amazing shots with the 35mm f2 and the bokeh looks so much better for isolating people. I'm worried the 23mm might be too wide and I'll have to get uncomfortably close to strangers but then I'm scared the 35mm will feel too tight in narrow alleyways. I also saw some stuff about the newer 18mm f1.4 but that is way out of my budget since I'm trying to stay under $500 or $600 for this. My head is spinning a bit with all the 'fujicron' talk and I just cant decide which one fits the vibe better. If you had to pick just one for a fast-paced city trip which one would you actually grab?

istochniki_jwSa · Accepted Answer

Late to the party but I think looking at this from a budget and safety perspective might help simplify things. For a trip to Chicago, you really want to keep a low profile so your gear isnt a target. Smaller primes are way more discrete for street work and easier to tuck away. Here are a few practical options:

Consider buying a used Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR or Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR. You can find these for around $350, which is way under your $600 cap.

If you want the most bang for your buck, the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 has the same optics as the XF version but with a plastic build. Its significantly cheaper and lighter for walking all day. Before I suggest one over the other, what time of day do you think youll be out most? Are you doing the neon-lit night vibe or just daytime stuff?

Minnievok · Answer

Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.

YearningYara · Answer

I spent way too much time with those f2 primes and they're honestly a bit of a letdown on the newer 40MP sensors. I really wanted to love the Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR for its size, but unfortunately it is frustratingly soft when you're shooting close subjects at f2. Its not as good as expected for an X-T5 and basically a waste of that high resolution sensor if you like detail. I also had issues with the Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR being way too narrow for the Loop. You end up backing into traffic just to frame a shot... super annoying. If I were you, I would just grab the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR instead. Its a pancake lens so it weighs basically nothing. It isnt as fast as I expected for the price, which is disappointing, but for street work its much more practical than the others.