How To Choose A Prime Lens For Street Photography

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[snapsbyfox]

Quick point I forgot to mention. All focal lengths in this video are in full frame terms. That way you can work out for yourself depending on your system.

[drifter]

As you have said on more than one occasion, "not everyone is comfortable with up close and personal lenses", but the 23mm f2 Fuji was my first and only current prime. I love it and on the street xt3 with 23mm and very minimal kit gives the impression of a tourist and people pay very minimal attention to what I'm doing. It does really help subconsciously to bolster my confidence. Great video again Roman, keeping it real, thanks mate.

[IliasKoureas]

Im definitely a 85mm guy! Here in athens the streets have way to much "noise" and the 85mm helps me to compose only what is necessary. And i love to pair that prime with a 17-50 lens. Loved the video <3

[bobsykes]

This is the best description I've seen about the look and feel of the photos you end up making with a given prime lens, rather than any technical aspect. I found it really helpful.

[timothylinn]

I’ve seen more than one of these “which primes should you choose” videos. This one is easily the best. Paired with your excellent images, it was a joy to watch.

[headphoneboy]

Moving from the kit zoom lens that came with my X-T3 into prime lenses was a significant turning point in my appreciation of photography. Initially started with a 35mm, but ultimately fell in love with a 50mm that I use for street photography. Thanks Roman for helping guide me towards this setup.

[carloscelis]

I have watched many videos on this topic and this has be the most clear, to the point, and well explained of them all.

[sarahbatsford]

Just started street photography and really appreciate your expertise including the comments listed below. So grateful👍

[T-Prime]

Well I used 35, 50, 85, and more but recently I bought a 25 mm 7Artisans for my Fuji and I am using it so much it’s very nice and good to use on the Streets
It’s very important for any Street Photographer to use multiple prime lenses because each one will improve his skills specially when it comes to find a good composition
Thank You for the video man keep shooting and keep sharing
It’s always good checking out your videos
Thank You again …

[filterfreephotography]

Great video. My thoughts are almost exactly inline with yours. I’ve been shooting street since around 2014 and have tried all four primes that you mentioned at one time or another. My go to is a 23/24 on crop sensor and 35 on full frame. I feel this gives me the look and feel that I set out to achieve.

Although not ideal, most people have a kit lens. I usually suggest that they go out and shoot with it for a couple weeks to a month. Review your photos and see what photo lengths you tend to migrate to naturally. Then get a prime close to what you shoot the most.

[andrewfernandez]

A lot of your photos in this video are absolutely amazing!

[mikejankowski]

Great video! Well organized, well presented, lots of information and examples. You gave very human aspects to a very technical topic, both from the photographer’s and viewer’s perspectives. Your photos were really good and I could clearly see your talking points illustrated in them.

[runningoffinstinct]

Really enjoy and appreciate your reviews. Answers all my questions thoroughly and your photography is incredible - very inspiring.

[Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video.

Over the decades, I have used the following focal length prime lenses as my one-lens solution on full-frame cameras for shooting street, photojournalism, vacation, and travel:
21mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
40mm
45mm
50mm
55mm

For my subject matter and my shooting style, the 35mm is my personal favorite.
For a three-lens combo, I usually flank my 35mm with a 24mm or a 21mm on the wide side and an 85mm or 90mm on the telephoto side.

[DanOehlsen]

Thanks for this review. It's a constant battle over which lenses to pack with you and which to leave behind. I've found that you simply have to be prepared to miss a few shots, no matter what when you are shooting primes. Instead, focus on the pics you can get with the kit you have with you. On the other hand, that's why zooms were invented.

[mydmijt]

Thank you Roman for this clear and useful video.
I shoot street and have all the focal lengths you mentions and some more...
Personally I especially love the dynamic feel of the 28mm that makes the spectator feel inside the scene. But I also adore Alex Webb with his 35mm and Bresson with his 50mm.
There's room for all.

[markusdietzel]

Great video! These are the 4 lenses I have owned and used for years. Don‘t need more. Stay well!

[neklamp]

As always very interesting and useful!

[tonyallen]

Great to meet you today, Roman. Really nice to chat and it’s ironic that this video covered much of what we spoke about. Hope I didn’t stop you getting any shots today lol. Really enjoyed seeing how you and Mark work, especially with different styles. All the best. Tony

[ijclarkphoto]

I have been using a Nikon D7200 for landscape for a few years now (and love it!), and picked up an XT3 two years ago as a lockdown treat (thanks season ticket refund!), purely to use for street (I’m adamant it won’t replace my D7200!).

To help restrict me with it I decided only to use primes with it. First lens I went for was the 23mm (APS-C obvs), which I really liked but found sometimes I wanted something a little narrower. So I added a 35mm to my kit and well, I’ve not looked back. I absolutely love it and found it perfect for detail shots and for a bit of context (as you say, needing to step back a bit at times). Lately I’ve been mulling the longer 50mm, but for now I’m finding the 23mm and 35mm absolutely perfect for my needs.