About to dive in: Is X-E3 + 35mm f1.4 a good 'single prime' camera choice?

tokumeino wrote:

I don't own any 35mm lens yet and I'm not an only-1-lens guy But I've read the whole thread because after buying a 23mm in kit, I now know I prefer 35mm as a versatile lens (I've used this FL a lot with other systems), so I'm after buying one.

So after reading all of these, including linked reviews, I'm now inclined to buy the Mitakon 35/0.95. My summary would be that (according to readings only) :

• the Fuji 23/2 is a modern fast AF lens with a typical "clinical" sharp rendering, but it is not that fast after all (only 1 stop ahead of f/2.8). So if you're looking for versatility wrt aperture and DOF control, then it is not the best.
• the Mikaton 35/0.95 is the most versatile when it comes do aperture control but much less when it comes to AF. But with the MF assistance Fuji offers, it can be OK. After all, that's only 1 ring to manage
• the Fuji 35/1.4 is somewhere in between : not as good optically as the Mikaton, and not so fast AF-wise than the Fuji 23mm/2

The 1.4 is a kind of "no choice" : the best in no area, but a good allrounder and that's probably what you're after it you're looking for only one lens.

But in my case, already owning a kit zoom with a fast AF and FL control, I have to admit that the 1.4 would be the last in my list, first being the 0.95. After all, with a fast prime lens, I'm after versatility wrt aperture control and excellent IQ. In that case, the 0.95 excels in both areas.

Interesting perspective, thanks. I too am unconvinced that the Mikaton is optically superior to the 35mm f1.4 but it does seem to perform well. In particular, the Fuji lens is optically correct whereas the Mikaton has fairly significant barrel distortion which is not going to be corrected in in-camera JPEGs.

One thing to be aware of with the Mikaton is that there have been QC issues and customer service has been slow and grudging. This is per several comments on the Internet that I have found believable. So I might suggest buying this lens from a retailer that will allow returns should you get a bad copy.