Sooo, I actually went through this exact same struggle last year. I was shooting in some busy markets with the kit lens and felt like a total tourist lol. People just kept looking at me! I switched to the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR and it lowkey made me invisible. For your situation, I would suggest the 23mm over the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR. That wider 35mm equivalent is basically essential for those narrow streets you mentioned. I mean, the f/1.4 versions like the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR are amazing but they’re way too bulky and I dont think it's worth the weight for street work. Be careful with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR... it's tiny, but you might find the autofocus a bit slow in dark alleys compared to the Fujicrons. Lesson learned: stay light and youll get way better candid shots. gl!

Yo, been thinking about your question! Honestly, i was in your shoes a few months back. I actually bought a really expensive fast prime first but then i was literally too paranoid about bumping it in crowded markets... ngl, it just sat in my bag most of the time cuz it was so chunky and loud. For your situation, i would suggest sticking to the budget-friendly options. I think the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is the best value if you wanna stay unnoticed. You might want to consider that even tho the newer f/1.4 lenses have slightly faster AF, they’re basically twice the price and way more intimidating to people. The f/2 series—specifically the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR—is a great middle ground, but that pancake lens is just sooo tiny... basically makes ur camera pocketable. Lesson learned: dont overspend on heavy glass you might be too cautious to actually use in the street! TL;DR: The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is the king of discretion and value for X-T5 street work. Save your cash! 👍

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, i just found this thread and had to jump in cuz ive spent over a decade shooting Fuji on the street professionally. When youre in those narrow side streets or packed markets, the biggest factor isnt just the aperture—it is actually about gear safety and long-term reliability. I have compared these options for years and here is how they stack up for rougher street work: - Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR: This is basically the industry standard for a reason. Its got internal focusing, so the lens barrel doesnt move. This is CRITICAL because it means zero chance of dust ingress or physical damage if you get bumped in a crowd. The weather resistance (WR) is top-tier and works well with the Fujifilm X-T5.
- Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR: I love the pancake size for discreetness, but tbh, I am always a bit paranoid with it because that front element extends. It feels more 'vulnerable' than the f/2 series if things get rowdy. - Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR: The linear motor (LM) is fast, sure, but the added weight makes the camera unbalanced for one-handed street shots. Plus, its a bigger target for theft. In my experience, the f/2 series provides the best balance of safety and performance. If I am wandering a city all day, I am mounting the 23mm f/2. It is just a tank. It lets me focus on the art without being worried about my gear getting wrecked or attracting attention. Basically, for urban wandering, simple is safer. Happy to answer more if you need help deciding!!