I believe the best lens for street photography is a 28mm lens. Why? Let me share my thoughts:
Ultimate versatility
28mm is the ultimate versatile lens. Not too wide, not too close. I’ve shot a lot with 35mm (not always wide enough) and 24/21mm (often too wide). 28mm is the golden median, which tends more toward the wide angle (which is good for dynamism in street photography).
The fun challenge of making a street photography from a far distance with a 28mm lens
A fun challenge for myself — shooting from a distance with a 28mm and still trying to make a “viable” photo:
Shooting vertical
28mm shooting vertical is dynamic and fun. This photo from Cuba:
Abstracted with different colors, to emphasize the arabesque shape:
GIF:
Making of in iPad and Procreate:
28mm options
RICOH GR III with integrated 28mm lens
This seems the best combination for street photography.
It is wide enough?
28mm is wide enough. I very rarely find any situations in street photography in which 28mm wasn’t enough for the streets:
I like this composition — extreme left composition:
See the subject — he’s 25% of the frame:
The division:
Divided:
More personal analyses:
Animated GIF:
Keep it simple
One camera, one lens. Ideal is just a RICOH GR III.
If you got another camera, just get a prime 28mm lens and call it a day and shoot!
ERIC