Lens

Espresso Ricoh GR III coffee
ERIC KIM NECK STRAP x RICOH GR III

I have theorized and practiced much when it comes to equipment for street photography.

These are my beliefs:

  • The best camera for street photography is RICOH GR III.
  • The best focal length for street photography is either 35mm, 28mm, or possibly even 21mm.

This is what I discovered about focal length and lenses for street photography:

  • If you use a viewfinder (putting the camera to your eye), the ideal focal length is 35mm.
  • If you shoot with the LCD screen and stretch out your arm when shooting, the ideal focal length is 28mm.

For street portraits, it seems that 28mm is the widest limit. At 24mm and 21mm, the lens is simply too wide.

If you can only have one lens in your arsenal (the zen of one camera, one lens), I would recommend:

  • Ricoh GR III (integrated 28mm lens)
  • If you have a camera where you will attach an external lens, I recommend 35mm (full-frame equivalent).

For example, some lens recommendations based on camera brands: