What is the best prime lens for street photography with Fujifilm?

Question

I finally got my hands on a used X-T30 and Im so hyped for my trip to Chicago next month! I keep reading that the 23mm f2 is the gold standard for fuji street photography because its fast and wide but then I see people swearing by the 35mm f2 for that cinematic look and now Im just second guessing everything. My logic was the 23mm would be better for crowded sidewalks so I dont have to back into traffic to get a shot but what if the distortion is too much? I found a used 23mm for 350 which fits my budget but now I keep looking at the 18mm too... what do you guys think is actually better for someone who likes getting close to the action?

Jasper93 · Accepted Answer

Stumbled on this today! I had the same dilemma before my last trip. For $350, grab that Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR immediately!

23mm f2: Amazing AF speed and perfect for crowds. Only downside is slight distortion close up.

Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR: Fantastic pancake alternative if you want to be discreet, tho its slower. I stuck with the 23mm... its just such a snappy, practical choice. Youll love it!

_777WolfTV · Answer

Quickly jumping in before my meeting. Technically, the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR wins for street because of that stepping motor focus is near-instant compared to the older glass.

23mm f2: 35mm equiv field of view is basically the standard for context.

35mm f2: 50mm equiv has better compression but requires more distance. I use the 23mm because its weather-sealed and tiny on an X-T30. For $350, its definitely worth it tbh.

katharina_werner163 · Answer

Like someone mentioned, that 350 price point is a solid find, but man... I feel your pain so much with the choice paralysis!! It is honestly so exhausting trying to balance a tight budget while obsessing over technical specs like the stepping motor response times and spherical aberration at close distances. I spend way too much time staring at MTF charts and worrying about whether I am making a massive financial mistake. It is seriously the worst feeling when you just want a reliable setup but every single lens feels like a huge gamble for your wallet!! I love the technical build of that 23mm tho, it is such an amazing piece of engineering with the 10 elements in 6 groups and that weather resistance. But the stress of picking between the 18, 23, and 35 is just... ugh. I get so frustrated that we cant just have one perfect lens that does it all for cheap. The struggle to get pro-level reliability without going totally broke is just so real!! I am totally with you on how stressful this gear hunt is.