50mm vs 35mm vs 28mm - Best Street Photography Lens

Which focal length should you get for street photography - 28mm, 35mm or 50mm? Is the 50mm classic for a reason? Is the 28mm too wide? Or is the 35mm the perfect street lens?

Music:
Birocratic - Orientation

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Theodoric Wong

Jonathan Lau

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[TryMyMartini]

"If they don't look pleased that you've taken a shot, you just keep holding the camera up! You just pretend you're taking a picture of something behind them."

You've changed my life.

[nycmubiphotography]

"The 28 is like the 35 but a bit wider." Well said.

[MufqiNaufal]

Kai, you should be a voice actor. Because your voice and your accent is amazing XD

[eastvanphotography]

It's funny that when I come back to a video 4 years later, I have a different perspective. When it comes to street photography, what lens, camera, or ISO you have means absolutely nothing. What should be taught is what to look for. Some of the best street photography you see today can't be defined by the gear used, because it doesn't matter. Capture a scene or story, something that won't likely be caught again and you've succeeded, pure and simple.

[borderlands]

Kit zooms are a good way of working out which focal length you use most. Force yourself to leave it on 28, 35 and 50mm or equivalents for a week each, and see which is the least frustrating. Then buy an equivalent prime, or just keep the zoom if you're not fussed about bokeh-pokey or size.

[ALIENSHADZ]

i admire your bravery to just snap anyone.

[WeBuildStuff]

Kaiman responding to comments is great. The personal touch means a lot

[GabyCarrillo]

is it me or Kay got a bit more serious about making the videos now that's on his own

[michaelangeloh.]

"Sometimes we like it tight, but sometimes we like it a bit wide."
- Male Photographers

[Velodynamic]

Since I bought a 28 mm I've come to realise that it's the most versatile prime lens of all. You can capture arcitecture as well as great landscape scenes or night shots. I leave it on the camera all the time. The only draw back really is portrait.

[kaysha]

I like the vlog style review. The new adventure is great so far

[timmytanga]

Could be the best like/dislike ratio I've ever seen. Kai is just that awesome

[redtails]

The most difficult part about choosing a focal length is that I'm still on a crop-sensor right now.. so my 50mm feels like an 85, and the 35mm is more like a 55. I think that's part of the reason why 35mm is a popular length; because it's the 50mm for crop bodies

[jean-jacqueschen]

Man, I've discovered DRTV a few years ago when I finally bought my first DSLR, and I've been following your funny reviews ever since, which not only made me discover the wonderful world of focal lengths, lenses, bokeh, well... photography, but also while doing so, made it actually fun (which made the knowledge burn even deeper) !

Seeing you again shooting in the streets of HK is making me feel nostalgic, yet fresh vibes with the different people around, and a different music (which sounds awesome, btw) than the same Django tune that looped all over your DRTV reviews for years.

BTW, I've got the feeling your street photography skills have improved greatly in this vid. Maybe the fact that you've been away for a long time, and rediscovering the place with fresher eyes ?

Keep up the good work, Kai !

[Calvinkoolz]

Kai, I remember seeing your first video with DRTV so many years ago. I had been watching them before you began, and I was an instant fan when you started. I've really enjoyed experiencing the evolution of your photography and style, and I look forward to this next chapter of your career. Best of luck with all you do, and I'll always be tuning in to see whats next! -Calvin

[yourfix]

God I love that this is a channel with just Kai, its all the best bits of DigitalRev.

[chosenideahandle]

I discovered an 85mm is my preferred street lens. I'm into details (so tight is ok), and I like enough of a distance from people that they don't feel uncomfortable (and I'm not in the way of what they may be doing). I thought I was an odd one, but it turns out there are others that shoot street with an 85 as well.

[Monkey_D_Cluffy]

im really happy to see you doing this vids again out on the street. props to your new page!!!! 50mm and 28mm are my go to focal lengths for everything!

[itschriswinter]

Yeah man ... on a roll! Keep looking forward, you'll be back on top soon. And for me, 50mm all the way.
chris

[BIGMACMCDONALDLEE]

Looking good! Best guy to watch about cameras.