22/04/2026 5:25 am
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sorry if this is a dumb question but I just got a real camera and I am totally lost. I am going to Tokyo in three weeks and I want to take cool street photos like you see on instagram but the lens that came with my camera is kinda big and heavy to carry all day. someone told me I need a prime lens but I dont really know what that means exactly lol. I think it means it doesnt zoom?
My stuff:
- budget is around 300 or 400 dollars max
- needs to be super light because my neck hurts
- I want those blurry backgrounds if possible
should I get a 35mm or a 50mm? I honestly cant tell the difference when looking at them online and I'm worried about buying the wrong one...
3 Answers
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22/04/2026 5:50 am
Regarding what #1 said about "A prime lens basically means it doesnt zoom,..." - they are spot on. it forces you to move your feet which actually helps you learn faster honestly. if you are nervous about getting the wrong lens, i usually suggest sticking to the main brands for better reliability since you are traveling soon and dont want gear issues. here are a few things to keep in mind:
- 35mm is wider. it is great for busy places like shibuya where you want the buildings in the shot.
- 50mm is tighter. it is easier to get that blurry background you want, but you might feel cramped in small alleys. depending on what camera you have, these are safe bets:
- Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is very light and fits your budget.
- Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is a great tiny option for nikon.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is small and cheap for canon users. i would lean towards a 35mm for tokyo tho... 50mm is sometimes a bit too tight for the streets.
10
22/04/2026 5:26 am
A prime lens basically means it doesnt zoom, which makes it way lighter. Honestly go with a 35mm. I have been super satisfied using that in Tokyo because it captures the whole street vibe better. The Samyang AF 35mm f1.8 FE is super light and works well for those blurry backgrounds. Quick tip: 50mm is usually too zoomed in for narrow alleys so dont get that one. Youll be happy with a 35!
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22/04/2026 6:30 am
Building on the earlier suggestion, I actually have to disagree a bit on the 35mm recommendation for Tokyo. I tried using one on a similar trip and was honestly pretty disappointed. Unfortunately, it felt way too wide for those instagram street portraits you mentioned. The backgrounds just wouldnt blur enough because the view is so broad... it made my shots look kinda cluttered and flat, ngl. I eventually grabbed a Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 and it was so much better. Its super light, fits your budget perfectly, and the background blur is way more noticeable than any 35mm. A 50mm focal length naturally compresses the image more, which is what gives you that creamy background look you want. It might feel a bit tight in small alleys, but for the vibe you are after, the 35mm just wont cut it imo.
