Which lens is best for street photography using a Fujifilm X-T5?

> I'm trying to do some candid shots in downtown Chicago and everyone stares because the lens is so obvious I totally get that. I switched to the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR and have been super satisfied with how it performs. It is a very safe bet for the X-T5 because it is weather-sealed and the autofocus is basically instant. I dont miss shots anymore. Since youre worried about people staring, its way more low profile than that zoom. Another solid option that works well is the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. Its a pancake lens so its even smaller. Both are under $600 and very reliable. I havent had any complaints with either in low light. They just work like they are supposed to, which is all you really need for a big trip.

I have been shooting Fuji for a decade now and yeah, that kit lens is basically a beacon that says hey look I am taking your picture lol. If you want to disappear in NYC, you gotta go smaller. Over the years I have learned that weight is the enemy of a good street session. In my experience, you should look at these two options:

• Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR : This is the pancake lens everyone raves about for a reason. It turns your X-T5 into something you can almost fit in a large jacket pocket. It is not the fastest at f/2.8, but the 40mm equivalent field of view is basically the gold standard for candid stuff. It is weather sealed too, which is nice for the city.
• Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X Mount : Since you mentioned the autofocus hunting at night, this f/1.4 is a beast. It lets in way more light than your zoom. It is a bit bigger than the pancake but the AF is silent and super fast. Basically a night vision lens compared to what you have now. You can usually find deals on these over at sites like MPB or KEH if you want to save some cash for your trip. Honestly, check out some POV street videos on YouTube from guys like Roman Fox... he uses these focal lengths and it really shows how to stay low profile. Pro tip: just leave the lens cap at home and use a cheap filter like the Hoya 52mm UV Digital Slim Filter instead so you are always ready to click. Good luck in NYC, the light there is killer around sunset.

Honestly just ditch that zoom and go with the Fujifilm primes! They are literally amazing and totally transformed how I shoot street.

• Small enough to hide
• Snappy autofocus
• Way better in low light Their prime lenses are tiny and fast as lightning... you seriously cant go wrong with any of them tho. Theyll make your Fujifilm X-T5 feel like a completely different beast!

Honestly I've been using the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR for ages and it basically never leaves my camera anymore. If you want reliability without breaking the bank, this is the one. It usually goes for around $399, so you're well under that $600 limit which leaves you extra cash for your NYC trip. The autofocus is silent and dead accurate even when the light starts to fade. Its tiny too, so people dont really clock you as a pro photographer which helps with the candid vibe. I'm super satisfied with how it handles... it is just a solid workhorse lens that does what it's supposed to do every time. No complaints at all.

Just catching up on this thread! Since youre on the X-T5, you absolutely need glass that can resolve that massive 40.2MP sensor! While Fuji makes amazing lenses, you should definitely compare the Fujifilm f/2 primes against the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. It is a total game changer!! The Sigma is technically superior in low light with that f/1.4 aperture and stays incredibly sharp even wide open. It fits perfectly in your $600 budget since its usually around $549. Quick tip: the X-T5 sensor is super demanding, so prioritize modern optics with high resolving power over older legacy glass if you want those crisp textures in NYC! Love the Sigma for this body tho, the autofocus is snappy as heck and it feels fantastic... honestly just a better technical match for that 40MP output.