Are 35 & 50 too close together?

Snap Happy wrote:

Been trying to have a 3 prime light lens set for my X-T2.

The bigger picture here is I had to rationalise (aka release some cash) in order to buy into GFX.

My thinking was to simplify my X series lenses to 2 sets:

The 'do most things superbly well' zoom set

• 16-55
• 50-140

The compact, light 3 primes 'this is why I got into X series' set

• 16 f/2.8
• 35 f/1.4
• 50 f/2

Here's the problem: 35 & 50 feel too close together for me. So do I:

• Take one or the other, but not both, with the 16
• Ditch the 50, replace with the 90 (heavy, expensive)

How does the Fuji 90/2 fit under the 'Compact, light 3 primes' and 'why I got into X series' category? It sounds like you actually want a third category of 'fast (but heavy) mid telephoto'.

• Ditch the 50, replace with the Viltrox 85 (heavy, but probably close to cost neutral to change)

Ditto.

• Ditch the 50, replace with Canon 85 f/1.8 (not much lighter with Fringer, but probably cost neutral to change)

Ditto. And you've got to buy the Fringer as well

Any other light, economic AF prime options >60mm?

There aren't any.  The 60mm would be a longer step from the 35mm and is optically good, but you've discounted it.  I agree with Truman and others that a compact AF lens around 70-75/2 would be a nice addition to the range - it would be an equivalent to the old 100/105mm primes that were popular in the days of film. It would be nice if it had OIS at that FL too.

Other than the 90mm, zooms are your only Fuji AF option for FLs longer than 60mm (ignoring the 200/2 which doesn't meet your 'economic' criteria.)   You already have the highest grade option in the 50-140.

Left field thought..... (Don't stop reading too soon.....) Keep the 50/2. You already own it. It's a sharp and modestly fast lens. Now.... The 50-230 is not a prime, and as slow as a wet week, but it is an extremely light zoom at 375g. It might be Fuji's el cheapo plastic offering, but it's flexible, the IQ is surprisingly good, the AF is OK in reasonable light, and the OIS is effective.  I have the 55-200 which weighs about 600g with the caps on.  I kept leaving it at home and so bought a used copy of the 50-230 just for travel. It's a much lighter lump in the day-pack. They're cheap new at the moment or you could pick up a used one for next to nothing.  You could take your three small primes plus the 50-230 just for the longer shots with you when you're not taking your 50-140.  Food for thought?

Cheers, Rod