Honestly, $300 is a tough spot for the R series if you want something that really blows you away. I had high hopes for the entry-level glass when I started out, but unfortunately, the cheaper RF primes have some optical compromises that can be a bit of a letdown during a big trip like Japan. I personally had issues with the autofocus speed on the super cheap stuff when shooting in darker alleys, it just wasnt as snappy as I expected it to be. If you can find a deal, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is the gold standard for street, but it usually hangs around $400-500. Since youre stuck at $300, you should probably look at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Its the cheapest way to get that blurry background look, even if the build quality feels a bit toy-like compared to the camera body. Another option is the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens. Its tiny and great for traveling light, tho the f/2.8 aperture isnt as good in low light as the 50mm. Just a quick tip... if you go with the 50mm, remember that it zooms in quite a bit, so you might find yourself backing up into traffic just to fit a building in the frame. Keep practicing before you fly out and you'll do fine, the R8 sensor is amazing regardless of the lens.

Been thinking about your setup and that Canon EOS R8 is a killer body, but the lens choice will definitely dictate how those files look. In my experience, shooting street in a place like Japan is a unique challenge because of the mix of cramped spaces and neon lighting... just wanna make sure we find something reliable enough so you arent fighting the gear the whole time. I have a couple questions before I suggest a specific path:

• Are you planning on doing most of your shooting during the day or are you looking to hit the streets at night too?
• Do you have a preference for how much of the scene you want to capture? Like, are you thinking wide angle for architecture or more of a standard view for people? I've tried many of these compact options over the years and the autofocus speed can be a real dealbreaker on some of the cheaper glass if you dont pick carefully.

Saved for later, ty!

Solid advice 👍