CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENS
Use the right lens to help you to act fast and capture the perfect moment
The lens you choose for street photography should be easy to handle, flexible, and have accurate focus so you don’t end up with blurry subjects. Manual lenses are popular as they don’t rely on the camera’s autofocus – instead, you can achieve accurate focus through focus distance scales, depth-of-field markings and aperture. Although handling manual focus lenses isn’t easy at first, with practice you’ll learn to use them to their full potential.
A 35mm or 50mm focal length is often the best choice for the streets, with 35mm being a classic format due to its natural perspective. “I only shoot with prime lenses,” says Jamie. “I tend to gravitate towards 35mm or 50mm lenses as they provide a broader field of view, allowing me to encompass more of the scene and capture larger subjects with clarity. These lenses offer wider apertures, sharper images and better low-light performance compared with zoom lenses.” Choosing a prime lens instead of a zoom lens is a smart decision, as it forces you to think with your feet to find the best composition. “A prime lens means you have to move, which encourages you to learn about composition,” Jamie adds. “They also require you to be more confident, as you’re a lot closer to the action than you would be with an 85mm or a zoom lens.”
When it comes to capturing street life, bigger is not always best. Larger zoom lenses can attract attention, and disrupt the authenticity of the scene. However, if you only have a zoom, make the most of your equipment but also consider investing in a prime. A 35mm lens, in particular, is not only great for street photography but allows you to create intimate portraits while giving you the option to include context.