When it comes to street photography, you most probably already know that your camera itself is not all that plays a role in how your photos will look. Having a great lens to accommodate your camera during a street photography session is essential. With such a significant variety of options on the market, finding the best lenses for street photography can pose a challenge, however.
After experimenting with a variety of lenses and doing extensive research, we’ve narrowed down a list of the best lenses for street photography that you will find on the market today.
We share our selection below to make the process of choosing the right lens for your next street photography session easier. Consider each option, while also looking at the compatibility with your camera – while also taking your own budget into account.
1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G offers a good balance between quality, compatibility, and price. The product comes at a price that is less than $200, making this one of the most affordable options on our list.
The NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G comes with built-in autofocus features. This makes it easier to focus on specific objects or people when you are out on a street photography session. This lens has been developed to fit most Nikon DSLR cameras, but you should still make sure that your camera model is listed as compatible.
The product features an upgraded aperture of f/1.8 for improved clarity. The design is compact, which makes this a portable solution that is easier to carry around when traveling.
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G has a minimum focus distance of 1.48 feet and a focal length of 50 millimeters. It comes with a Silent Wave Motor which is an exclusive feature from the Nikon brand. The lens has also been optimized for better edge-to-edge sharpness.
2. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Next is the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, a top-quality option that comes at a premium price. This high priced lens features a focal length of 135mm, which makes it an excellent entry in our list of the best lenses for street photography.
The product features an EF mount meaning compatibility is limited. Make sure to take the list of compatible cameras into account when you do decide to get your hands on the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM.
This is not a zoomable lens, which is something else to be taken into consideration. Added Fluorite elements in the glass of the lens help to improve the dispersion of the product. There is also an inner ring to help improve the ability of your lens to focus on specific objects in your shot. A Micro UltraSonic Motor makes this a more powerful option when looking at the best lenses for street photography.
3. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM is a moderately priced lens for Nikon cameras that features sturdy construction with several customizable features for more accurate control during a street photography session.
This lens is appropriate for a specific selection of Nikon DSLR cameras. In addition to this model, the manufacturer has alternative versions of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM for other DSLR cameras, including Sony, Pentax KAF3, Canon EF, and Alpha branded camera mounts.
The ultrasonic-type AF motor adds stability to the lens, while also providing a full-time manual focus system. The product has a 67mm filter and a minimum focal length of 11.81 inches. The f/1.4 aperture can be adjusted according to the needs of your photography session.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM offers a focal length that measures 35mm. According to the manufacturer, performance will be similar to a 52.5mm lens used on an APS-C camera system.
4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is another excellent option that gives you a high-quality product, but this one does come at a very high price so you need to ensure you have the budget for the lens before proceeding with the purchase.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is only compatible with a selected number of cameras, so make sure your camera is, in fact, able to fit the lens. The product comes with sturdy construction that is waterproof, making this excellent for street photographers.
The lens features an Ultrasonic Motor for improved performance but does not offer any type of zoom functions. The maximum aperture of the lens is 50mm with an exposure of f/1.2. The closest focusing distance of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is 1.48 feet.
The product comes in three different varieties. You can select between the lens alone, as well as two packages that include either a UV filter or a Polarizer filter.
Final Words on Lenses for Street Photography
Once you have the perfect camera in hand, it is important to consider getting a matching lens appropriate for street photographers. While several options do exist, there is no doubt that a lot of the lenses on the market today will not be good options for street photography. We shared our selection of the best lenses for street photography to help you out.
