If you’re looking for ways to up your street photography game, one important factor to consider is investing in the right lenses. But with so many different types and options available, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. There are several key factors you need to think about before making your final decision.
Firstly, think about what type of street photography you most enjoy. Different lenses will be better suited for different styles and genres. For example, if you love capturing candid moments from afar, you may need a telephoto lens with a longer focal length. On the other hand, if you prefer up-close, in-your-face shots, a wide-angle or standard prime lens might be a better option.
Other factors to consider include your budget, your camera system, and the size and weight of your chosen lens. You’ll want to make sure your new lens is compatible with your camera body, and that it’s lightweight enough to carry around for long periods of time.
If you’re still not sure what type of lens would be best for your street photography needs, ask yourself these questions: What do I want to achieve with my street photography? What subjects do I most enjoy capturing? Will I be shooting in low-light situations? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect street photography lens.
10 Best Lenses For Street Photography
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Ideal for street photography with Sony E Mount cameras due to its compact size and fixed focus.
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Ideal for street photography and low-profile shooting due to its compact size and fixed focal length.
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It is ideal for street photography using Fujifilm FX Mount cameras, with its compact size and fixed focus lens.
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4
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Ideal for street photography with a Leica M mount camera, offering a compact pancake lens with a 30mm focal length.
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5
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Ideal for street photography with a compact and lightweight design, compatible with Leica M mount cameras.
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6
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This product is ideal for wide-angle photography and low light situations.
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7
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The product is ideal for street and human photography with manual focus capability, compatible with specific Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma cameras.
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8
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The product is ideal for outdoor photography in various weather conditions and comes with a versatile lens.
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9
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It is an ideal lens for street photography with RF mount cameras (R5 R6 RP).
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10
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Ideal for portrait and street photography, providing a wide angle view for Canon R system cameras.
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1. Xuan Focus Free 30mm F/10 Body Cap Lens Pancake Lens Street Photography (Sony E Mount)
The Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Sony E mount lens (135 full frame) is a unique lens that has been recycled from disposable cameras and transformed into a body cap lens. This lens is an excellent choice for street photography as it is focus free and has a fixed aperture which ensures that crucial moments are captured with ease. With a focal length of 30mm, an aperture of f/10, and a depth of field that ranges from 1.6 meters away to infinity, this lens is perfect for capturing images in a wide range of situations. The lens has been remanufactured by hand, and while some small flaws may exist such as dust or scratches, each lens has been checked and adjusted to ensure that these flaws will not affect the quality of the images produced. To use the lens, simply set the digital camera settings to Shoot without lens (ON) / Release without Lens (ON).
Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, the Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Sony E mount lens is an excellent choice for capturing stunning images. With its unique design and focus-free feature, this lens is especially useful for street photographers who need to capture spontaneous moments quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the fixed aperture ensures that your images are well-exposed no matter what the lighting conditions may be.
Overall, the Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Sony E mount lens is a reliable and versatile lens that is perfect for capturing stunning images in a variety of situations.
- Focus free and fixed aperture make it easy to capture spontaneous moments
- Remanufactured by hand and checked for flaws to ensure high-quality images
- Unique design recycled from disposable cameras
- Perfect for street photography
- Versatile and reliable
- – May have small flaws such as dust or scratches due to the remanufacturing process
2. Xuan Focus Free 30mm F/10 Body Cap Lens Pancake Lens Street Photography (32mm/f10 Sony E Mount)
The Pancake Lens is a reliable and ultra-thin camera lens that provides an excellent shooting experience for street photographers. This focus-free lens comes with a wide-angle Sony E mount lens (135 full frame) that makes it a perfect pick for capturing beautiful moments.
The lens is crafted with disposable camera (Fujifilm) recycling technology that transforms it into a body cap lens. Its fixed aperture and focus-free design ensure that users can capture the moments they want with ease. With a focal length of 30mm and an aperture of f/10, the depth of field is 1.5 meters away to infinity.
Though the lens may have some small flaws such as dust and scratches, these will not affect the imaging and use. Each lens is checked and adjusted to ensure optimal performance. The installation process is easy but requires some force due to the tight interface. To use the lens with digital cameras, the user should turn on the shoot without lens (ON) / release without lens (ON) settings. The maximum focal length of the lens is 32.0 millimeters.
- Ultra-thin design for an excellent shooting experience
- Focus-free design makes it easy to capture the moment
- Wide-angle Sony E mount lens (135 full frame) makes it a perfect pick for street photography
- Crafted with disposable camera (Fujifilm) recycling technology
- Checked and adjusted to ensure optimal performance
- – May have some small flaws like dust and scratches
3. Xuan Focus Free 30mm F/10 Body Cap Lens Pancake Lens Street Photography (Fujifilm Fx Mount)
The Fujifilm FX mount lens is a unique and innovative lens that has been created by recycling disposable cameras and transforming them into a body cap lens. It is a perfect lens for street photography as it is focus-free and has a wide-angle view. The fixed aperture and focus-free feature ensure that you capture moments effortlessly. The lens has a focal length of 30mm and an aperture of f/10. The depth of field ranges from 1.6 meters away to infinity, which makes it an ideal lens for capturing landscapes and street scenes.
Each lens is remanufactured by hand, which means that it may have some small flaws like dust, scratches, etc. However, each lens has been checked and adjusted, and the flaws will not affect the imaging and use. This lens is compatible with Fujifilm FX mount cameras and has digital camera settings like 'Shoot without lens (ON)' and 'Release without Lens (ON).'
The ultra-thin design gives it a sleek and stylish look, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around. The lens is lightweight and does not take up much space in your camera bag. Overall, the Fujifilm FX mount lens is an excellent addition to your camera gear, especially if you are into street photography.
- Focus-free and fixed aperture ensure effortless capturing of moments
- Wide-angle view and 30mm focal length makes it perfect for street photography and landscapes
- Hand remanufactured with checked and adjusted flaws that will not affect imaging and use
- Ultra-thin design and lightweight makes it easy to carry around
- – May have some small flaws like dust and scratches due to hand remanufacturing
4. Xuan Focus Free 30mm F/10 Body Cap Lens Pancake Lens Street Photography (Leica M Mount)
Capture the moments you want with ease using the Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Leica M mount lens. This lens is a recycled version of a disposable camera, transformed into a body cap lens that is perfect for street photography. The fixed aperture and focus-free feature makes it one of the best lenses for capturing the perfect shot on the go. With a focal length of 30mm and an aperture of f/10, the depth of field ranges from 1.6 meters away to infinity. The lens does not require any focusing, which ensures that you never miss an important moment. The lens is remanufactured by hand, and although it may have some small flaws such as scratches or dust, each lens is checked and adjusted to ensure that the imperfections do not affect the imaging and use. To use this lens with digital cameras such as the Leica M240, make sure to turn off the lens detection setting.
The Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Leica M mount lens is perfect for street photographers who need to capture moments quickly without having to adjust the focus. The lens is easy to use and will produce high-quality images. The lens is also ultra-thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The lens is remanufactured by hand, which adds a unique touch to each lens. The fixed aperture ensures that you get consistent results, and the wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing a broader view of the scene. The lens is also very durable and will last a long time with proper care.
In summary, the Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle Leica M mount lens is a perfect choice for street photographers who need a lens that is easy to use and produces high-quality images. The lens is remanufactured by hand, ensuring that each lens is unique. The fixed aperture and focus-free feature are perfect for capturing moments quickly, and the wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing a broader view of the scene. Although the lens may have some small flaws, they do not affect the imaging and use. Overall, this is an excellent lens that is worth considering for any street photographer.
- Fixed aperture ensures consistent results
- Wide-angle lens captures a broader view of the scene
- Focus-free feature allows for quick and easy capturing of moments
- Remanufactured by hand, adding a unique touch to each lens
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
- Produces high-quality images
- Durable and long-lasting with proper care
- – May have some small flaws such as scratches or dust, but they do not affect the imaging and use
5. Xuan Focus Free 30mm F/10 Body Cap Lens Pancake Lens Street Photography (32mm/f10 Leica M Mount)
The Pancake Lens is an ultra-thin and wide-angle Sony E mount lens that offers a focal length of 30mm and a fixed aperture of f/10. This lens is perfect for street photography as it is focus-free and has a depth of field of 1.5 meters away to infinity, making it easy to capture the moments you want without having to worry about focus.
This lens is made from recycled disposable cameras (Fujifilm) and is transformed into a body cap lens. It is remanufactured by hand, which means it may have some small flaws such as dust or scratches. However, each lens has been checked and adjusted to ensure that the flaws do not affect the imaging or use of the lens.
To use the Pancake Lens with your digital camera, simply set the camera to shoot without a lens and release without a lens. The lens has a maximum focal length of 32.0 millimeters, making it a great choice for capturing wide-angle shots.
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design
- Wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame
- Focus-free design makes it easy to capture moments quickly
- Made from recycled disposable cameras, making it eco-friendly
- Hand remanufactured and checked to ensure quality
- – May have some small flaws due to being remanufactured by hand
- – Fixed aperture may not be suitable for all lighting conditions
6. Canon Ef-S 24mm F/2.8 Stm Lens
The Canon EF S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens is an excellent option for those who want to capture stunning photos with their Canon APS C cameras. This lens has a focal length of 24mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing great depth of field and low-light performance. It is equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera, making it an ideal lens for everyday use.
One of the standout features of this lens is its slim and lightweight design. It is the slimmest and lightest lens in the EF S series, perfect for photographers who are always on the go. The circular aperture with 7 blades delivers beautiful and soft backgrounds, making your subject stand out in every shot.
The Canon EF S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens has a maximum magnification of x0.27, allowing you to capture stunning close-up shots. The minimum focusing distance of 0.16 meters/0.5 feet makes it easy to get up close and personal with your subject.
Another great feature of this lens is its full-time manual focus, which allows you to make manual focus adjustments while in One Shot AF mode. This makes it easy to fine-tune your focus and capture the perfect shot every time.
This lens is compatible with all non-full-frame Canon EOS digital SLRs, making it a versatile and reliable option for photographers of all skill levels.
- Slim and lightweight design
- Circular aperture with 7 blades for beautiful, soft backgrounds
- Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustments while in One Shot AF mode
- Maximum magnification of x0.27 for stunning close-up shots
- Compatible with all non-full-frame Canon EOS digital SLRs
- – Not suitable for full-frame cameras
7. Brightin Star Pancake Lens For L-Mount Cameras
If you're looking for a camera lens to use with your mirrorless camera, the Brightin Star camera lens might be a good option for you. Please be aware that this product is a manual lens without an auto-focus function. It's important to set the "release without lens" mode on your camera before using this lens to avoid any issues with taking pictures or videos. If you need assistance with this, you can contact the customer service team.
The lens has a focal length of 23mm, which is ideal for on-the-spot photography. It also features a Hyperfocal-Design for more convenient focusing, so you won't need to adjust the focus to capture distant shots. The lens is extremely compact, with a thickness of 1.2 inches and a weight of 0.75 pounds, making it easy to use on the go.
One standout feature of this lens is its distinctive style of photography. With a rejection of exaggerated large apertures, the lens captures photos without any fiction, whitewash, or exaggeration. Instead, it allows you to take impactful photos from a distance of 1-10cm, helping you to better express your emotions and feelings through your photography.
This lens is compatible with L-Mount Leica SL, SL2, T, TL, TL2, TL18, CL, Panasonic LUMIX S1, S1R, S1H, and Sigma FP, though please note that the brand names listed are for reference purposes only. Brightin Star is an independent brand.
- Ideal focal length for on-the-spot photography
- Hyperfocal-Design for more convenient focusing
- Compact design for easy use on the go
- Distinctive style of photography
- Compatible with a range of mirrorless cameras
- – Manual lens without auto-focus function
- – Requires setting "release without lens" mode on camera before use
8. Pentax K-70 Weather-Sealed Dslr Camera With 18-135mm Lens (Black)
The camera boasts a highly effective 24.24 megapixel, APS C AA filter less CMOS sensor that offers a wide ISO range of 100-204800. It has an operating temperature range of 14°F-104°F (-10°C-40°C) and is both dust-proof and weather-resistant. The in-body 'SR' shake reduction mechanism ensures stable, blur-free imaging.
The camera features a vari-angle LCD monitor with a night vision red light LCD display for easy viewing in low light conditions. Additionally, it comes with a built-in Wi-Fi function that seamlessly connects with the Image Sync app, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet.
The camera also offers Pixel Shift Resolution with Motion Correction, which provides sharper images with greater detail and color accuracy. The AA Filter Simulator further reduces moiré, while the 'SR' unit and Pixel Shift Resolution work together to produce stunningly clear images.
- Highly effective 24.24 megapixel, APS C AA filter less CMOS sensor
- Wide ISO range of 100-204800
- Dust-proof and weather-resistant
- In-body 'SR' shake reduction mechanism
- Vari-angle LCD monitor with night vision red light LCD display
- Built-in Wi-Fi function for easy sharing of photos and videos
- Pixel Shift Resolution with Motion Correction for sharper, more detailed images
- AA Filter Simulator reduces moiré
- – None found
9. Streetscape 30mm: The Ultimate Pancake Lens
Capture stunning street photographs with the Focus Free / Ultra Thin / Wide Angle RF mount lens (135 full frame). This lens is made by recycling disposable cameras and transforming them into a body cap lens, making it an excellent option for street photography. The fixed aperture and focus-free feature ensures that you capture the moments you want without any hassle. The lens has a focal length of 30mm, an aperture of f/10, and a depth of field of 1.6 meters to infinity.
Each lens is remanufactured by hand, and while they may have some small flaws like dust and scratches, they have been checked and adjusted to ensure that these flaws do not affect imaging and use. You can easily use this lens with digital cameras by turning on the "Shoot without lens" and "Release without Lens" settings.
- Focus-free feature ensures that you capture the moments you want without any hassle
- Excellent option for street photography
- Remanufactured by hand and checked to ensure that flaws do not affect imaging and use
- Can be used with digital cameras by turning on the appropriate settings
- – May have some small flaws like dust and scratches
10. Streetpro 35mm Macro Wide Lens For Canon R-Ion.
The RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM Lens is an excellent choice for street and travel photography, thanks to its superb image quality and natural wide-angle lens. With its low-light capabilities, it's perfect for capturing ambience even in dark conditions. Plus, it allows you to get up close and capture fine details at half life-size macro magnifications, making it ideal for photographing everything from flowers to insects.
One of the best things about this lens is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to travel with and shoot more instinctively and with more creativity. It comes with a lens cap (E-52 II), a lens dust cap (RF), and a user manual to help you get the most out of your photography experience.
With a closest focusing distance of just 0.17 meters, you can get incredibly close to your subject and capture every detail with stunning clarity. Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, the RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM Lens is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.
- Superb image quality
- Natural wide-angle lens for street and travel
- Great in low light, perfect for capturing ambience even in dark conditions
- Half life-size macro magnifications to capture fine details
- Lightweight design makes it easy to travel with and shoot more instinctively and with more creativity
- Comes with a lens cap (E-52 II), a lens dust cap (RF), and a user manual
Best Lenses For Street Photography FAQs
Is a fast aperture important for street photography lenses?
Yes, a fast aperture is important for street photography lenses. Street photography often involves capturing candid moments and fleeting expressions in low light conditions, so having a lens with a wide aperture allows for faster shutter speeds and better depth of field control. A wide aperture also creates a shallow depth of field, which can help isolate subjects from busy backgrounds and add a sense of depth and dimension to images. However, it's important to balance the benefits of a fast aperture with the practical considerations of using a lens in the real world. A lens with a very wide maximum aperture may be larger, heavier, and more expensive than a more moderate option, and may require more careful focusing and handling to get the desired result. Ultimately, the choice of lens and aperture will depend on the individual photographer's style, preferences, and shooting conditions.
Should I use a prime or zoom lens for street photography?
When it comes to street photography, choosing between a prime or zoom lens can be a tough decision. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference and shooting style.
Prime lenses offer a fixed focal length, which means that you need to physically move closer or further away from your subject to adjust your composition. However, they often have wider apertures, allowing for better low-light performance and depth of field control. They are also generally smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around for extended periods of time.
Zoom lenses, on the other hand, offer more versatility with their adjustable focal length. This can be useful when you need to quickly switch between shooting wide-angle and telephoto shots. However, they tend to have smaller maximum apertures, which can make it challenging to shoot in low-light conditions. They are also typically larger and heavier, making them more cumbersome to carry around all day.
Ultimately, the decision between a prime or zoom lens for street photography comes down to your shooting style and personal preferences. If you prefer a lightweight setup and value wide apertures, a prime lens may be the better option. If you need greater flexibility in your focal length and don't mind a heavier setup, a zoom lens may be the way to go.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a wide-angle lens for street photography?
When it comes to street photography, the choice of lens plays a crucial role in determining the final outcome of the photograph. One of the most popular lenses used for capturing street scenes is the wide-angle lens. A wide-angle lens can capture a broad perspective of the scene, allowing the photographer to include more elements in the frame. This, in turn, leads to a more immersive and dynamic image that captures the essence of the street.
However, as with any tool, there are also several disadvantages of using a wide-angle lens for street photography. Firstly, the wide-angle lens can distort the image, making objects appear distorted and elongated. This distortion can be an advantage in some situations, but it can also result in an unflattering image.
Secondly, a wide-angle lens can also make it difficult to isolate a subject from the background. With a broader perspective, there are more elements in the frame, and it can be challenging to create a clean composition.
Lastly, a wide-angle lens can also make it difficult to capture candid shots. With a broader field of view, it can be challenging to get close to the subject without drawing attention to yourself.
In conclusion, while a wide-angle lens can be a powerful tool for street photography, it also has its limitations. It is up to the photographer to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and choose the right lens for the situation.
What are the best lenses for street photography?
When it comes to street photography, the right lens can make all the difference. The ideal lens for street photography is one that is versatile, lightweight, and has a wide aperture. The three most common lenses used for street photography are the 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses.
The 35mm lens is a popular choice for street photographers as it allows for a wider field of view, which is great for capturing the entire scene. It also has a fast aperture, which is perfect for low-light situations. The 50mm lens is another popular option as it is lightweight, compact and provides a natural perspective. It's versatile enough to capture both portraits and street scenes. Lastly, the 85mm lens is great for street photography because it produces beautiful bokeh, which can help isolate subjects from the background.
Ultimately, the best lens for street photography depends on your personal preferences and shooting style. It's important to consider factors like the focal length, aperture, and weight before making a final decision. It's always a good idea to try out different lenses and see which one works best for you.
What focal length is ideal for street photography?
The ideal focal length for street photography can vary depending on the photographer's personal preferences and the specific environment they are shooting in. However, many street photographers tend to gravitate towards lenses with a focal length between 35mm and 50mm. These lenses offer a natural perspective that closely mimics the human eye, allowing for a more immersive and realistic image. The wider angle of a 35mm lens can also capture more of the scene and context, while a 50mm lens can create more intimate and focused portraits. Some photographers may also opt for longer focal lengths, such as 85mm or 135mm, to capture candid moments from a distance without being too intrusive. Ultimately, the best focal length for street photography is one that allows the photographer to capture the moment and tell the story they want to convey.