The winner is… Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Simple but highly effective, this is a perfect lens for modern-day street photography

As with other Nikon f/1.8 prime lenses in the Z-mount line-up, prices can look a bit steep compared with counterparts for DSLRS. But you get what you pay for with the Z 35mm f/1.8 S and more besides. It has high-end handling characteristics, superb build quality and delivers spectacular images even in the most demanding conditions. Naturally, it’s not as ‘fast’ as the f/1.4 lenses on test but the f/1.8 aperture rating is easily wide enough for street photography and the physical advantage is a relatively compact and lightweight build. It’s a superb lens that makes the most of what Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless bodies have to offer. On a conventional full-frame DSLR, there’s no beating the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for outright image quality, although the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is smaller, lighter and adds both weather-seals and optical stabilization. The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8g ED is even more compact but comparatively light on features. For manual-focus traditionalists, the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC AE will prove ideal.

Nikon’s Z-mount lenses steal the lead when it comes to zooms as well as primes. The Z 24-70mm f/4 S is nicely compact and stealthy for a full-frame compatible standard zoom, while the Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is very small and lightweight. They’re ideal for street photography with FX and DX format mirrorless cameras respectively. If you’re using a small DX format DSLR, look no further than the Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6g VR.