Which lens for street photography ?

[arian29]

I am using the 16-85 on the D7000 for street photography. Its a heavy lens, so was thinking of getting either a 24mm 2.8D or 28mm 2.8D. However there's another alternative, mirror less cameras.. i can get the nex5 or the gf3 for almost the same cost. So what would you suggest for street photography ? 24mm, 28mm or the new mirror-less cams ?

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[Cameron]

I am using the 16-85 on the D7000 for street photography. Its a heavy lens, so was thinking of getting either a 24mm 2.8D or 28mm 2.8D. However there's another alternative, mirror less cameras.. i can get the nex5 or the gf3 for almost the same cost. So what would you suggest for street photography ? 24mm, 28mm or the new mirror-less cams ?

With the 24mm or 28mm you would have to get in fairly close to your subject and then try to avoid the distortion that is part of using wide angle lenses. Your 16 to 85 at least allows you to control and minimize the distortion depending on the angles that you are shooting from and the degree of zoom that you use. There is no ONE way of doing street photography. I have used a 28mm prime to get in close to shooting young kids, but also a telephoto and shooting from a distance and angle that does not disturb the action that is going on. Both have worked out successfully.

I should add that the advantage of the nex 5 or the A series translucent mirror cameras is they have a quiet shutter. I was out shooting very close in a market shooting from the waist using an articulated screen and no one even noticed that I was taking pictures.


Cameron

[TextQueen]

I would have to go with the Canon 70-200mm f4.0 L IS USM in combination with a FF sensor. It's the perfect compromise between Image qualities and zooming range.

[pixmedic]

I would have to go with the Canon 70-200mm f4.0 L IS USM in combination with a FF sensor. It's the perfect compromise between Image qualities and zooming range.

yea, a Canon L lens WOULD be great...IF the OP shot canon. and already had a FX camera. AND had about $2000 to drop on equipment. AAAAND... wanted a heavier lens than he already has.

[TCampbell]

A lot of street shooters prefer one small non-obstrusive non-threatening prime lens with a normal angle of view. Usually that'll be something in the neighborhood of 28 to 35mm (give or take.)

Some guys will pick up a high quality point & shoot or mirrorless camera because they're even smaller, not only for the reason of having a non-threating non-obtrusive camera & lens, but also because even a high-end mirrorless camera doesn't "look" like an expensive camera. Some photojournalistic photographers use them in places where showing up with an expensive camera might get you robbed (or worse) but if it looks like a cheap point & shoot they don't really give you a second look.

[Dyflam]

Nikon makes a 50mm 1.8 that is inexpensive and super sharp. It is my go to lens. I think it might fit the bill.