Which is the best lens for STREET PHOTOGRAPHY?

Do you know which is the best lens for street photography? Are you guilty of swapping and changing lenses regularly, trying to find the one that will make you a better street photographer?? Are you a newcomer to photography, just looking to see what people think is the best lens for the street?

In this video, Jeff looks at finding the best lens for you and your street photography. Calling on years of experience, he discusses ways of determining which is the right lens for you and how to get the best from it.

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

[colinbean]

Without doubt this is the best advice given, and sharing examples of how a different focal lengths look, I'm new to this style of photography and struggled with various lens, so going to stick to one for the next 6 months (35mm) and see where tha takes me thanks for a great helpfull vlog.

[jomux]

I love that 28mm keeps me humble. So much room to fill. I have to get close to subjects to bring interest. 50mm is too easy for me. The compression and angle of view makes it easier to compose an image but 28 pushes me and is more enjoyable.

[Dahrenhorst]

Depending on what I'm out for when I'm on a street to take pictures, there are three preferred lenses for me (for full format cameras):
1. 28-30mm set on hyperfocal distance for candid shots
2. 70-90mm f1.8 or f2 Macro for street portraits and detail shots
3. 24mm shift lens for architecture
If there would be 24-70mm f2 shift lens, that would be the one best street photography lens for me.

[londonfoto]

Years ago in 2009, My wife-to-be bought me a lovely 28mm prime as a wedding present, as we were about to go travelling around Asia for our honeymoon. I've been using that for street ever since as that view for me just works. I tried the 20mm which is also great but took some getting used to being so wide. I have also tried 35, 50 & 85 but feel there's not enough environment or context with those lenses. 28 remains my fave.

[ratgirl]

I use a Sigma 100mm-400mm lens for street photography. I don’t want to engage with people, and I don’t want to taint the scene with invading people’s space. I like the tight, no environment photograph—head and shoulders—is good enough for me and it’s my shooting style.

[Xisbrezatsgzormd]

35mm is classics and irs clesr why it's a typical number one choice. The photos are flat, however still not wide angled and distrited somehow. 50mm for someone is too close. 28mm is too wide, I've tried to make some photos ans simply was struggled what to photo because aimply wverybting was in the viewfinder, jt was too much too. I still think the best is juggling between 50 and 35

[thomasgunn]

So many valid points made in this video. A lot of them I rarely see talked about in fact. Thank you, consider me subscribed sir 😌

[philmakesnoise]

This is exactly what I needed after struggling with my new 35mm. I learned on a 50mm film camera 20 or ao years back.

It's only been a month but I've had enough moments of the 35 "clicking" to want to stick with it.

I'm excited to keep pushing. At times it feels wide, but for intimate indoor settings, I know I'll appreciate that width. I'd also rather get the shot with 35 and plan to crop a bit.

[jvermillion]

I have always liked a 50mm. I use 35 more now for walking sidewalks where things are closer. My GRiiix has a 40 which is great. I also throw a tiny olympus 40-150(80-300 eq) in the bag for when I just want to sit on a bench in an open area and make some shots while relaxing. The 80mm eq on the zoom also works walking around for a change of pace and shooting window decorations and across intersections. Some street safari partners use a short 24-80 zoom all the time. In the street classes I teach I have students use either a 35 or 50 for all the class so they get a feel for it.

[pattyconnelly]

What a wonderful video! The subject is something I've been struggling with lately and after viewing this, I can't wait to stick with one focal length for a good amount of time and see how I develop. Also looking forward to watching many more of your videos.

[vproven]

Excellent. Just the facts. No BS. Refreshing.

[sovu]

The most prudent advices i've heard yet. no bitching and whining about which focal length is the best.

[justadailylearner]

I enjoyed your video, thanks for taking the time to speak on this and share examples. For me, I feel most comfortable with a 50mm. I find myself gravitating to it for the way it handles proportions. When I want to include more in the scene and get a more traditional street photo, I’ll use a 35mm. But I ultimately prefer the way the 50mm renders at the end of the day. All that being said, like you mentioned, it comes down to the photographer and how they see the world.

[louis]

Great food for thought. I have used a 35 for years capturing about 90% of my street images. COVID nearly stopped me from my hobby. Now to gain some inspiration and to get back at it, I am trying a 50mm until such time as when I feel comfortable getting in closer and wider to my scenes. I admit I carry too much gear out on the street. For now 35 and 50 lenses until I get well back into the groove of old. Also will try to blur more backgrounds to help focus on main subject.

[HaiTomVlog]

I’ve always liked the 35 and 50 on my apsc cameras, then I got a full frame with a 28mm and I absolutely love it. Great video, thanks for the topic!

[xtianfotos]

The focal length also has a little to do with our legs, so ... Very good video!

[ekki]

... sehr spannend. Hat mich weitergebracht. Thank You!

[MomentsFound]

So glad I found this channel! I used to love your comments and advice on the old (DWF) Digital Wedding Forum when I first became a wedding photographer 20+ years ago!

[DavidTrowsdale]

Just discovered your channel, great listening to you sharing your experience, thoughts and ideas re street photography. Well done !

[IzzyLeicanut]

Hi Jeff. I've been shooting with the Leica M (film and digital) for the past 30 years and I'm still learning something new each day. Wise words indeed, from you on street shooting and I appreciate it very much. I've been following your channel for quite a while and love both of your pictures. Thanks and take care