Street photography lens for Nikon Z8?

Honestly, I spent weeks obsessing over MTF charts after I got my Z8 because I wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting that 45MP sensor. I tried some of the cheaper compact stuff, but I found that for real-world performance - especially when you need to crop a street shot later - some of the kit-style glass just doesn't resolve enough detail for my taste. I'm not a total expert on optical physics or whatever, but the difference was noticeable when pixel-peeping. Here are my top picks based on my own testing and what I've seen in benchmarks:
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S - Hands down the sharpest prime for the money. It’s a bit bigger than a pancake, but the rendering is SO clean. Basically matches the Z8's resolution perfectly and handles low light like a champ.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 - If you NEED small, this one is surprisingly sharp across the frame compared to the other tiny options. I’m still learning how to dial in the Z8's subject tracking for moving people tho, so take this with a grain of salt. But for pure image quality and performance, that 50mm is hard to beat!

Following

Congrats on the Z8! I *love* the Nikon 40mm f/2. Sharp, compact, and cheap – around $300! Fantastic value for street shooting and low light. Can't beat it!

Don't overlook the older Nikon 35mm f/1.8 Z. Sharp, compact, and often found used well below your budget. Leaves room for extra batteries or a faster SD card – crucial for street work. Image quality is excellent, and it's proven reliable. It works. A decent option if you're prioritizing value.

Check the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN. Great sharpness, around $650, and Z mount.

Nikon's own Z 40mm f/2 is fantastic! Forget chasing brands; Nikon glass is optimized for the Z8 sensor. Market shows used ones dip below $300. Sharp, compact, and lets that Z8 shine!

DIY lens cleaning can boost sharpness! Check YouTube tutorials, but be CAREFUL. A pro service (around $75) is safer if you're unsure. Consider the Nikkor 40mm f/2 otherwise.

For street, remember situational awareness! A compact Nikon 40mm f/2 keeps you discreet. Over the years, I've found smaller lenses attract less unwanted attention, keeping your gear (and you) safer.