21/06/2024 9:14 am
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Hey fellow street photographers - I'm looking to add a new lens to my kit specifically for street shooting and am trying to decide between a few different options. I shoot with a full frame mirrorless camera. I'm debating between a 28mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, and 50mm f/1.8 prime lenses. The 28mm would give me a wider perspective but the other two have better low light performance with their larger max apertures. For those of you who shoot street photography, what focal length do you prefer and why? Is the extra stop of light gathering of the 35mm f/1.4 worth the cost over the f/1.8? Let me know your experiences with these focal lengths for street work. Cheers!
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31/03/2026 9:29 pm
> Is the extra stop of light gathering of the 35mm f/1.4 worth the cost over the f/1.8? I used to be obsessed with having the fastest glass possible, but honestly... be careful with those f/1.4 primes. I remember lugging a massive 35mm f/1.4 through London for a whole weekend and by Sunday my shoulder was absolutely killing me. It is a total tank. Plus, I found myself missing focus way more often than I'd like to admit because that depth of field is razor thin when people are actually moving around. Just something to keep in mind if you are shooting candidly. Unless you are doing a ton of late night noir stuff, you might find that the f/1.8 or even an f/2 is way more practical for blending in. Most of my favorite shots ended up being at f/5.6 anyway. Before you pull the trigger tho, are you planning on shooting mainly in the daytime or are you looking for something specifically for low-light cityscapes? Also what is your actual budget looking like for this upgrade? Found this extension called PriceDropCatch a while back and it's been great for catching those random 24-hour sales. PriceDropCatch
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23/06/2024 9:07 am
I've been shooting street for years, and I swear by my 28mm f/2. Here's why: it forces you to get close to your subjects, which is essential for capturing the energy and intimacy of street scenes. The wider angle also allows you to include more environmental context, which can really tell a story. While it may not have the low light performance of the f/1.4 lenses, I find that f/2 is plenty fast for most situations. Plus, the wider focal length gives you more depth of field, which can be crucial when you need to react quickly to capture a fleeting moment. Don't underestimate the 28mm - it's a classic for a reason!
