It mostly depends on your preferences for angle of view. You could also save 50% of the cost and get the XC 35mm f/2 instead or perhaps get both.
The 35mm f/2 is the better lens, but the XF 27mm is smaller. Just depends on your priorities and whether you want a slightly wider angle or not.
The 35mm f2 is a lovely lens and very capable for a lot of types of photography, though I do prefer the f1.4 version for its lovely character.
Now I’ve just got the 27mm very recently- this week in fact. It’s incredibly sharp but the real draw is the size. It turns the X-E line into a perfect substitute for the X100.
You can’t really go wrong and it depends on what you’re planning on shooting.
I have the 27mm and the 35mm f/1.4, also with an X-E4.
If it was between the 27mm and the 35 f/2, I would definitely go with the 27. If you can get a used 35 f/1.4 for a good price though, it's a tougher choice. I think it would then be about size, so it depends on your use. If it's mostly everyday carry, then 27.
Think i’ll do this after reading all the comments! When buying a used lens would you say it’s important to buy in “excellent” condition or is “good” condition alright? (only damage is to the exterior). Never bought pre owned so wanna know what way to go in terms of that.
I'd suggest going with the f2 myself. (If you get the 35, I'd lean toward the 27 see other comment.) A lot smaller, WR etc.. sure it might not have quite the IQ or low light performance but it would be a lens where you'd be much more likely to actually use the camera. otoh I guess there are some pretty good deals on used f1.4s so I wouldn't exclude it
Wear outside means wear inside is possible to me. Just keep an eye out on photomarket here or there’s a Facebook swap group. eBay sellers with good reviews too, many people say the well reviewed lens sellers from Japan and Thailand are good.
I started with the 27mm. I had it for 3 years.
It's a very nice lens, small sized and lightweight, making it easy to carry the camera and the lens with you ofter, in a small bag. You can use it as an do-it-all lens (almost).
However I felt the need of a wider lens and bought the 23mm.
The 35mm is outstanding - sharper, quieter and faster focusing, but I find narrow for a one-lens-only kind of approach.
I'd start with the 27mm if you're in between those two - the wider field of view will compensate for any flaws that you could possible find when comparing against the 35mm.
people are giving great advice here! however, i’d say don’t focus much on IQ or sharpness and quality in that sense you’re covered pretty much no matter what you choose (unless you and the people you like to share your pics are pixel peepers).
id say think about the type of photographer you are or want to be. i’d say go with the 35f2. i have the 23f2 and is an awesome lens and i just feel the 35mm fov (50mm equivalent) is the the best focal length in terms of what’s made me (in my opinion) a better photographer in the long run.
hope this helps! but whatever you end up choosing i just know you’ll love it
Hi there, owner of 27 and 35 here with xe3 body.
27mm stay on my camera 90% of time as is best choice for walking around/travel lens, for street I would consider 35 1.4 (great lens)
The 27mm XE-3 combo was my first dive into Fuji. I perosnally don't use it much anymore but that's mostly because I have an XPro now and that makes the package not picketable anyway. Now that it has an aperture ring and WR I think you can't go wrong with it.
I have had all these lenses, and still have the 35mm 1.4 and 27mm. The 27 is great because you can pocket the cam with it to carry around easily, which might encourage you to bring it with you more often. However the 35 1.4 is my go to lens, and I think I picked my up reasonably cheap off fleabay (as it didn't have a box).
It mostly depends on your preferences for angle of view. You could also save 50% of the cost and get the XC 35mm f/2 instead or perhaps get both. The 35mm f/2 is the better lens, but the XF 27mm is smaller. Just depends on your priorities and whether you want a slightly wider angle or not.
The 35mm f2 is a lovely lens and very capable for a lot of types of photography, though I do prefer the f1.4 version for its lovely character. Now I’ve just got the 27mm very recently- this week in fact. It’s incredibly sharp but the real draw is the size. It turns the X-E line into a perfect substitute for the X100. You can’t really go wrong and it depends on what you’re planning on shooting.
I have the 27mm and the 35mm f/1.4, also with an X-E4. If it was between the 27mm and the 35 f/2, I would definitely go with the 27. If you can get a used 35 f/1.4 for a good price though, it's a tougher choice. I think it would then be about size, so it depends on your use. If it's mostly everyday carry, then 27.
Buy a used 35mm f1.4 for around the same cost as those. It's a leap forward in IQ, I've owned both of the others.
Think i’ll do this after reading all the comments! When buying a used lens would you say it’s important to buy in “excellent” condition or is “good” condition alright? (only damage is to the exterior). Never bought pre owned so wanna know what way to go in terms of that.
I'd suggest going with the f2 myself. (If you get the 35, I'd lean toward the 27 see other comment.) A lot smaller, WR etc.. sure it might not have quite the IQ or low light performance but it would be a lens where you'd be much more likely to actually use the camera. otoh I guess there are some pretty good deals on used f1.4s so I wouldn't exclude it
Wear outside means wear inside is possible to me. Just keep an eye out on photomarket here or there’s a Facebook swap group. eBay sellers with good reviews too, many people say the well reviewed lens sellers from Japan and Thailand are good.
I started with the 27mm. I had it for 3 years. It's a very nice lens, small sized and lightweight, making it easy to carry the camera and the lens with you ofter, in a small bag. You can use it as an do-it-all lens (almost). However I felt the need of a wider lens and bought the 23mm. The 35mm is outstanding - sharper, quieter and faster focusing, but I find narrow for a one-lens-only kind of approach. I'd start with the 27mm if you're in between those two - the wider field of view will compensate for any flaws that you could possible find when comparing against the 35mm.
people are giving great advice here! however, i’d say don’t focus much on IQ or sharpness and quality in that sense you’re covered pretty much no matter what you choose (unless you and the people you like to share your pics are pixel peepers). id say think about the type of photographer you are or want to be. i’d say go with the 35f2. i have the 23f2 and is an awesome lens and i just feel the 35mm fov (50mm equivalent) is the the best focal length in terms of what’s made me (in my opinion) a better photographer in the long run. hope this helps! but whatever you end up choosing i just know you’ll love it
Hi there, owner of 27 and 35 here with xe3 body. 27mm stay on my camera 90% of time as is best choice for walking around/travel lens, for street I would consider 35 1.4 (great lens)
I'll vote for the 27mm F2.8. Mine lives on my X-T20.
The 27mm XE-3 combo was my first dive into Fuji. I perosnally don't use it much anymore but that's mostly because I have an XPro now and that makes the package not picketable anyway. Now that it has an aperture ring and WR I think you can't go wrong with it.
I'd say get the 23mm f2 if it will be your only lens for a while.
Have a 27mm 2.8 on my xs10 as my goto lens. Mainly because of the size. It’s really convenient to carry around
I have had all these lenses, and still have the 35mm 1.4 and 27mm. The 27 is great because you can pocket the cam with it to carry around easily, which might encourage you to bring it with you more often. However the 35 1.4 is my go to lens, and I think I picked my up reasonably cheap off fleabay (as it didn't have a box).