Curious about one thing: do you prefer a wider 'environmental' look or tighter candid shots?? In my experience, you’ll love the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE because it’s wayyy sharper than that Sony pancake and probably more versatile than a 30mm. Basically, Samyang is the best value for compact street primes on the market right now. gl!!

For your situation, I would suggest the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS because it’s honestly the safest pick for a body without IBIS like the a6400; while the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is definitely *sharper*, the built-in stabilization on the Sony is a literal lifesaver for those low-light evening shots since it guarantees more keepers when light fades and ur shutter speed drops. If you go with the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 pancake, youll love the size but probably find f/2.8 a bit limiting for night work, so I'd stick to something f/1.8 or faster like the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE to actually see a real difference from ur kit lens. Basically, prioritize that OSS or a very fast aperture to stay safe while shooting candidly. gl!

Good to know!

Re: "👆 this"

• MidnightWaffles is spot on about the DIY side. I actually started out exactly where you are, walking around downtown at night feeling like the kit lens was just turning everything into a blurry mess. I ended up grabbing the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E and honestly, it was a total game changer for my evening shots. The coolest part for me as someone who loves to tinker is that it has a built-in USB port right on the mount. I dont have to mess with weird camera menus to update the firmware, just plug it straight into my laptop! It's super fast at f/1.4 which is amazing for those dim street lamps. If you want something even more discrete tho, you gotta look at the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 Sony E. It's basically a pancake lens and costs way less than your budget, leaving you extra cash for extra batteries or a nice strap. TL;DR: Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 is my top pick for low light street work because it's fast and easy to update yourself. TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 if you want the smallest setup possible.

👆 this

I totally agree about the value you get from those brands, it's honestly the way to go for APS-C. Tbh, as someone who likes to tinker with my own gear, I always suggest going with a brand that has a dedicated docking station or USB console. It is a literal game changer for a DIY enthusiast because you dont have to rely on a professional service center for every little thing. Basically, if the autofocus feels a bit hunts-y or there is a new firmware update, you can just plug it into your computer and handle it yourself. Sending a lens in for professional calibration can cost a fortune and takes forever, so being able to do that at home is huge. Just look into any of the big third-party manufacturers that support home updates. It is much more practical for keeping your kit sharp without the extra shop fees, I think? Anyway, just my two cents on the maintenance side.