I've tried many compact setups over the years and the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is worth every penny of that premium. The build quality difference is night and day... the G lens is fully weather-sealed which is huge if you get caught in a Tokyo drizzle. The dual linear motors in the Sony are also much more reliable for a fast-paced street environment where you might only have a split second to nail focus. Quick tip: dont just look at the initial cost. Sony G lenses hold their resale value remarkably well compared to third-party options. If you ever decide to sell it later, you'll probably get most of that $300 difference back anyway. Personally, I'd grab a used copy of the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G to bridge the price gap. It's the most balanced choice for that specific body.

Re: "I would suggest being careful with the cheaper..." - honestly i've been super satisfied with the Samyang AF 35mm f1.8 FE lately. it's way faster than that f2.8 version and still dirt cheap compared to the Sony FE 40mm f2.5 G. technically the f1.8 gives way more low light flexibility for tokyo nights and those linear stm motors handle tracking with no complaints. total budget win for street stuff.

I would suggest being careful with the cheaper Samyang glass if you need reliable tracking in busy crowds. While the Samyang AF 35mm f2.8 FE is light on the wallet, you might want to consider that its autofocus can sometimes struggle. Make sure to check the used market for a Sony FE 40mm f2.5 G first. Saving those $300 for food and travel in Tokyo is a much better use of your budget.

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