Welcome to our guide on the best lens for street photography! As any experienced photographer knows, having the right lens can make all the difference when it comes to capturing stunning images. When it comes to street photography, you want a lens that can capture the scene in front of you in the most vivid and captivating way possible.
That’s where Nikon and Canon lenses come in. With a wide range of options available, they has something for every type of photographer, from amateurs to professionals.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Nikon and Canon lenses for street photography, so you can make an informed decision about which lens will best suit your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
So, if you’re looking to up your street photography game and capture stunning images that truly showcase the beauty of everyday life, keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn more about the best lenses for street photography!
Photo by Arian Malek Khosravi
Overview of street photography
Street photography is a genre of photography that involves capturing candid and unposed images of people, usually in public places such as streets, parks, or public events. The main focus of street photography is to capture real-life moments and the essence of the human experience, often with a documentary or journalistic approach.
This type of photography can include a wide range of subjects and themes, from everyday life scenes, urban landscapes, and city architecture to cultural events, social issues, and political demonstrations. The style of street photography is characterized by its spontaneity, rawness, and authenticity, often relying on natural light and a quick reaction time to capture the decisive moment.
It is also known for its emphasis on black-and-white photography and the use of wide-angle lenses to capture a wider view of the scene.
What are the main features of a lens for street photography?
When choosing a lens for street photography, there are several features you should consider:
- Focal length: The focal length of the lens determines the angle of view and how much of the scene will be captured in the frame. For street photography, a moderate wide-angle lens is usually preferred, such as 28mm or 35mm, as it allows you to capture a wider scene while still being able to get close to your subjects.
- Aperture: The aperture controls the amount of light that enters the lens and affects the depth of field. A wide aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8, is desirable for street photography as it allows for faster shutter speeds and helps isolate your subject from the background.
- Autofocus: A fast and accurate autofocus system is important for street photography, as you often have little time to focus before the moment passes. Look for a lens with a silent and quick autofocus motor.
- Size and weight: Street photography often involves carrying your camera around for extended periods, so a compact and lightweight lens is ideal.
- Image stabilization: While not essential, image stabilization can be helpful in low-light situations, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds without introducing a camera shake.
Overall, a good lens for street photography is one that is versatile, fast, and easy to carry around, while also producing high-quality images.
Photo by Nigel Nyumbu
Photo by Deopsitphotos
Best Lens for Street Photography
I- Nikon
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Sigma 30mm F1.4 Art DC HSM Lens
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED
- Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D
- Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED
- NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
II- Canon
- Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
- Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM
I- Nikon
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a fast prime lens designed specifically for Nikon DX-format DSLR cameras, meaning its ideal for cropped-sensor cameras such as the Nikon D500 or D7500. It has a 35mm focal length (which is equivalent to 50mm on a full-frame camera), and a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture.
This lens is well-suited for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and low-light photography. Its wide aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, making it easy to isolate your subject and create a blurred background. It also lets in more light, allowing you to shoot in lower light conditions without having to use a flash or increase your ISO too much.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which provides smooth and quiet autofocus performance. It also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
In terms of optical quality, the lens has 8 elements in 6 groups, including one aspherical element to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations. It produces sharp and contrasty images with accurate colors and good bokeh.
Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a versatile and affordable lens that can help you take your photography to the next level.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 52.5mm) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | APS-C |
| Angle of View | 44° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.81" / 30 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.16x |
| Optical Design | 8 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 52 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.76 x 2.07" / 70 x 52.5 mm |
| Weight | 7.05 oz / 200 g |
Photo by Deopsitphoto
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Art DC HSM Lens
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 Art DC HSM lens is a prime lens designed for APS-C format cameras. It is available in mounts for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Sigma cameras.
This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which makes it well-suited for low-light photography and shallow depth-of-field portraits. It has a 30mm focal length, which is equivalent to approximately 45mm on a full-frame camera, making it a versatile lens for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, street photography, and landscapes.
It features Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) technology, which provides fast and accurate autofocus performance. The lens also has a manual focus override function that allows photographers to fine-tune the focus manually without having to switch the lens to manual focus mode.
The optical design of the Sigma 30mm F1.4 Art DC HSM lens includes 9 elements in 8 groups, including one double-sided aspherical element and one glass-molded aspherical element, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations, distortion, and spherical aberrations. The lens produces sharp and contrasty images with accurate colors, even at the widest aperture setting.
The build quality of the Sigma 30mm F1.4 Art DC HSM lens is excellent, with solid and durable construction. The lens has a metal mount and a rugged composite material used for the barrel. It also has a sleek and stylish design, with a matte black finish.
Specification
| Focal Length | 30mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 45mm) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | APS-C |
| Angle of View | 50.7° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.81" / 30 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.15x |
| Macro Reproduction Ratio | 1 to 6.8 |
| Optical Design | 9 Elements in 8 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 62 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.92 x 2.49" / 74.2 x 63.3 mm |
| Weight | 15.34 oz / 435 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
For Nikon DSLR cameras with full-frame sensors:
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED is a fast prime lens designed for full-frame and APS-C format Nikon DSLR cameras. It has a 35mm focal length and a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, street photography, and low-light photography.
The lens features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which provides fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance. It also has a manual focus override function that allows photographers to fine-tune the focus manually without having to switch the lens to manual focus mode.
The optical design of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED includes 11 elements in 8 groups, including one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element and one aspherical element. These elements help to reduce chromatic aberrations, distortion, and spherical aberrations, resulting in sharp and contrasty images with accurate colors and minimal color fringing.
The lens has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. It also has a metal mount and a rugged composite material used for the barrel, which provides durability and longevity.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" / 25 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.16x |
| Optical Design | 11 Elements in 8 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 58 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.83 x 2.81" / 71.88 x 71.37 mm |
| Weight | 10.76 oz / 305 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D
The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D lens is a high-quality prime lens designed for Nikon FX-format (full-frame) DSLRs. It’s a popular choice among photographers for its fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
The lens has a classic and compact design, and its focal length of 50mm is versatile and ideal for a wide range of photography applications, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more.
It features an autofocus system, which is fast and accurate, and allows for manual focus override. The lens also has a distance scale and depth-of-field scale, which is useful for manually focusing and setting the depth of field.
The lens is constructed with six elements in five groups, including a multi-layer coating that reduces ghosting and flare. The lens also has a seven-blade diaphragm, which produces a circular aperture for pleasing bokeh.
Specification
| Focal Length | 50mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 46° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' / 45 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.15x |
| Optical Design | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (with Nikon Cameras That Have an Autofocus Motor) |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 52 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.5 x 1.54" / 63.5 x 39 mm |
| Weight | 5.47 oz / 155 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED is a high-performance wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range of 16-35mm, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, as well as for capturing group portraits and other wide-angle shots.
The lens features a constant f/4 maximum aperture, which ensures consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range and provides excellent low-light performance. It also incorporates two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration, distortion, and other optical aberrations, resulting in sharp, clear, and well-corrected images.
It uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for fast, accurate, and virtually silent autofocus operation, and it also features a manual focus override function for fine-tuning focus manually. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.28m (0.92ft) and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.25x, making it suitable for close-up work as well.
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED has a rugged, weather-sealed construction, which protects it from dust and moisture and makes it suitable for use in a variety of challenging shooting conditions. It also has a built-in petal-shaped hood to prevent unwanted flare and ghosting, and it accepts 77mm filters.
Specification
| Focal Length | 16 to 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 107° to 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.42" / 29 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.25x |
| Optical Design | 17 Elements in 12 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 77 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.25 x 4.92" / 82.5 x 125 mm |
| Length at Maximum Extension | 4.94" / 125.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 lb / 680 g |
Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
For Nikon mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors:
NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
The NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a compact, lightweight zoom lens designed for use with Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. It has a focal length range of 16-50mm, which is equivalent to 24-75mm on a 35mm camera. This makes it a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
One of the key features of this lens is its vibration reduction (VR) technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, particularly when shooting handheld or in low light conditions. It also has a stepping motor (STM) for smooth, quiet autofocus, which is ideal for shooting video.
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.3, which means that it can capture a good amount of light in most situations, but may struggle in very low light conditions. It also has a close focusing distance of just 0.2m, which allows for close-up shots with a blurred background (bokeh).
Overall, the NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a versatile, lightweight lens that is ideal for travel and everyday use. Its compact size and vibration-reduction technology make it a great choice for those who want to travel light without sacrificing image quality.
Specification
| Focal Length | 16 to 50mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 75mm) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 to 6.3 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Lens Format Coverage | APS-C |
| Angle of View | 83° to 31° 30' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.87" / 20 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.2x |
| Optical Design | 9 Elements in 7 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 46 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.76 x 1.26" / 70 x 32 mm |
| Length at Maximum Extension | 2.36" / 60 mm |
| Weight | 4.76 oz / 135 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
For Nikon mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors:
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens is a high-performance prime lens designed for use with Nikon’s Z series full-frame mirrorless cameras. The 35mm focal length is a popular choice among photographers for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of photography genres such as street, travel, portrait, and landscape photography.
It features a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for shooting in low-light conditions and also provides a shallow depth of field for selective focus effects. The lens is constructed with 11 elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element, which help to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations and produce sharp and clear images.
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens is designed with Nikon’s advanced optical technology and features a Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in high-contrast and vibrant images. The lens also has a fast and quiet autofocus system, thanks to the use of a stepping motor (STM) and a multi-focusing system.
It, also, has a durable and weather-sealed design, which makes it suitable for use in challenging weather conditions. It also has a customizable control ring, which allows users to adjust the aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO settings.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" / 25 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.19x |
| Optical Design | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 62 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.87 x 3.39" / 73 x 86 mm |
| Weight | 13.05 oz / 370 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an S-Line lens for Nikon’s Z-series full-frame mirrorless cameras. It achieves optical performance remarkably superior to that of conventional f/1.8 lenses due to the lens arrangement made possible by the new Z lens mount.
The lens has 12 elements in 9 groups, including 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and 2 aspherical lens elements, as well as a Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare. It has a nine-blade aperture and a powerful stepping motor (STM) for quiet AF shooting while ensuring high optical performance.
It also features a control ring to which functions such as focus (M/A), aperture, and exposure compensation can be assigned, enabling comfortable shooting with its superior operational feel. The lens body was designed carefully considering dust- and drip-resistant performance, providing enhanced reliability.
Specification
| Focal Length | 50mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 47° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.31' / 40 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.15x |
| Optical Design | 12 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 62 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.99 x 3.41" / 76 x 86.5 mm |
| Weight | 14.64 oz / 415 g |
Photo by Deopsitphotos
II- Canon
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a professional-grade wide-angle lens designed for Canon’s full-frame DSLRs, but it can also be used on APS-C models, where it offers an equivalent focal length of 56mm.
This lens features a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture that allows for shooting in low-light conditions and creating a shallow depth of field for selective focus and bokeh effects. It also incorporates Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR Optics), which help to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
The lens construction consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical elements and one UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) element. This design ensures high-quality images with excellent contrast and sharpness, even when shooting wide open.
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM also features a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for quick, precise, and silent autofocus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. It also has a full-time manual focus override, which allows you to adjust the focus manually without switching to manual focus mode.
This lens has a durable and weather-sealed construction, making it resistant to dust and moisture, and it also has a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to repel dust, oil, and fingerprints.
Overall, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a versatile and high-performance lens suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including street, portrait, and landscape photography.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.02" / 28 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Optical Design | 14 Elements in 11 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 72 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.17 x 4.15" / 80.4 x 105.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.67 lb / 760 g |
Photo by Brandon Wong on Unsplash
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a high-performance prime lens designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/2, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens also includes Canon’s image stabilization technology, which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake.
The lens is constructed with 10 elements in 8 groups, including one aspherical element, which helps to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology, which provides fast and silent autofocus performance.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.24m and a maximum magnification of 0.24x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 335g and measures 77.9mm x 62.6mm. It features a 67mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable metal mount.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.45" / 24 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.24x |
| Optical Design | 10 Elements in 8 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.07 x 2.46" / 77.9 x 62.6 mm |
| Weight | 11.82 oz / 335 g |
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a lightweight and affordable prime lens designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects.
The lens is constructed with 6 elements in 5 groups, including one aspherical element, which helps to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Canon’s Stepping Motor (STM) technology, which provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, making it ideal for both still and video shooting.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.35m and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, street photography, and product photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 160g and measures 68.2mm x 41mm. It features a 49mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable plastic mount. Despite its affordable price point, the lens still delivers excellent image quality and performance, making it a popular choice for beginner and advanced photographers alike.
Specification
| Focal Length | 50mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 46° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 13.78" / 35 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Optical Design | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 49 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.72 x 1.54" / 69.2 x 39.2 mm |
| Weight | 5.64 oz / 160 g |
Image by man sang oh from Pixabay
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A is a high-performance prime lens designed for use with both full-frame and APS-C format Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Sigma DSLR cameras. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects.
The lens is constructed with 13 elements in 11 groups, including four aspherical elements and one FLD glass element, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) technology, which provides fast and quiet autofocus performance.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m and a maximum magnification of 0.19x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 665g and measures 77mm x 94mm. It features a 67mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable metal mount. The lens also includes a petal-shaped hood to help reduce lens flare and ghosting.
Overall, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A is a high-quality and versatile lens that offers excellent image quality and performance. Its fast aperture and wide-angle focal length make it an ideal lens for capturing stunning portraits and landscapes, and its robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 63.4° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.81" / 30 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.19x |
| Optical Design | 13 Elements in 11 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.03 x 3.7" / 77 x 94 mm |
| Weight | 1.46 lb / 665 g |
Image by Victoria_Watercolor from Pixabay
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a high-performance zoom lens designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects.
The lens is constructed with 18 elements in 13 groups, including one Super UD element and two UD elements, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology, which provides fast and silent autofocus performance.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. Its zoom range also makes it useful for event and wedding photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 805g and measures 88.5mm x 113mm. It features a 82mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable metal mount. The lens also includes a petal-shaped hood to help reduce lens flare and ghosting.
Overall, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a high-quality and versatile lens that offers excellent image quality and performance. Its fast aperture and zoom range make it an ideal lens for capturing a wide variety of subjects in various lighting conditions, and its rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Specification
| Focal Length | 24 to 70mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 84° to 34° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.25' / 38 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Optical Design | 18 Elements in 13 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 82 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.48 x 4.45" / 88.5 x 113 mm |
| Length at Maximum Extension | 5.63" / 143 mm |
| Weight | 1.77 lb / 805 g |
Image by Miguel Barrera from Pixabay
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is a high-performance wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects.
The lens is constructed with 16 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical elements and two UD elements, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which provides up to 5 stops of shake correction for sharper images in low-light situations.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including landscapes, architecture, and interior photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 840g and measures 88.5mm x 126.8mm. It features a 82mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable metal mount. The lens also includes a petal-shaped hood to help reduce lens flare and ghosting.
Overall, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is a high-quality and versatile lens that offers excellent image quality and performance. Its fast aperture and wide-angle zoom range make it an ideal lens for capturing stunning landscapes and architectural details, and its rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Specification
| Focal Length | 15 to 35mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 110° 30' to 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.02" / 28 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Optical Design | 16 Elements in 12 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 82 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.48 x 4.99" / 88.5 x 126.8 mm |
| Length at Maximum Extension | 5" / 127 mm |
| Weight | 1.85 lb / 840 g |
Image by Hands off my tags! Michael Gaida from Pixabay
Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM
The Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM is a high-performance standard zoom lens designed for use with Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens features a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire zoom range, which allows for good low-light performance and a reasonable depth of field.
The lens is constructed with 18 elements in 14 groups, including one UD element and one aspherical element, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion for sharper and more accurate image quality. The lens also includes Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which provides up to 5 stops of shake correction for sharper images in low-light situations.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m and a maximum magnification of 0.24x, making it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and travel photography.
In terms of physical specifications, the lens has a weight of 700g and measures 83.5mm x 107.3mm. It features a 77mm filter thread and is constructed with a durable metal mount. The lens also includes a petal-shaped hood to help reduce lens flare and ghosting.
In summary, the Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM is a high-quality and versatile lens that offers good image quality and performance. Its standard zoom range makes it an ideal lens for everyday use and travel photography, and its rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Specification
| Focal Length | 24 to 105mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 84° to 23° 20' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' / 45 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.24x |
| Optical Design | 18 Elements in 14 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 77 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.29 x 4.22" / 83.5 x 107.3 mm |
| Length at Maximum Extension | 5.94" / 151 mm |
| Weight | 1.54 lb / 700 g |
Image by Nenad Maric from Pixabay
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the article, in case you have any questions just drop them below & I will be happy to answer you.
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Hi Amin, thank you for this phenomenal article on the best Nikon lens for street photography! I am rather new to photography and especially choosing camera lens, so this is all a little technical for me. I am getting into photography mainly from an architectural perspective so wondering which camera lens on this list (or outside of this list) would you recommend?
Hi there! Thank you for your kind words about my article on the best Nikon lens for street photography. I’m glad to hear that you found the article helpful, even though you’re new to photography and choosing camera lenses.
In terms of your question about which lens on the list would be best for architectural photography, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a lens that can capture a wider field of view to fit large buildings or interior spaces into a single frame, then the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens might be a good choice. It’s a high-quality wide-angle lens that is well-suited for architectural photography.
Thank you Amin for this great article on the best Nikon lens for street photography, you have a knack for no nonsense, common sense writing that I know will be beneficial to others just as it was simple for me to comprehend thanks to your style of writing!
I can see where a fast and accurate auto-focus system would be beneficial for street photography and the amount of lighter the aperture lets in could be critical along with the size and weight playing a big role in the lens’s appropriateness for street photography work.
Image stabilization would also be key as the pace of action may make it difficult for the photographer to adjust for all contingencies through manual manipulation of the cavers setting.
Thank you so much for your comment, I’m thrilled to hear that you found the writing style easy to comprehend and the information helpful.
You’ve raised some great points about the important features to consider when choosing a lens for street photography. As you mentioned, a fast and accurate auto-focus system is essential for capturing those quick and unexpected moments that can happen in street photography. The amount of light the aperture lets in is also critical, as it can affect the quality of the images in low-light situations.
In addition, the size and weight of the lens can play a big role in its appropriateness for street photography work, as you may need to carry it around for extended periods of time. And image stabilization is definitely a key feature to look for, as it can help compensate for any camera shake that may occur when shooting handheld, particularly in situations where manual manipulation of the camera settings may be difficult.