Street Photography 50mm vs. 35mm

Michael J.

Michael J.

Senior Member
I tried now "Street" with my 50mm on my D5100. It is very difficult cos the place to move is not that convenience. I think the 35mm will be better. I don't want take my 16-85 nor the 40mm.

Is anyone here who likes "Street" and has experience about it with a DX camera?
 
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Englischdude

Senior Member
i have both. the more restricted the space the lower the focal length you need. 35mm will certainly be an improvement over the 50mm, how much however depends on the subject you want to photograph and the space available/required
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I do like a fast lens for street photography. As for focal length I'd fine with either a 35mm f/1.8 or a 50mm f/1.8 but if I had to choose between the two I'd go with the 35mm because I can always zoom and crop in post if my shot is a little too wide. The other lens I really like for street photography is the 85mm f/1.8 because it lets me hang back at a little bit of a distance and limit my involvement in the scene. With the 35mm you need to be willing to jump in and get personal with what's going on.

Ultimately, though, it's not about the lens... It's about your technique. You put your lens on and you figure out how to get the shot you want, with the lens you have.
 
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aroy

Senior Member
There was a time when on my film SLR I had only 50mm. After a few years I got a new camera with 50mm and 300mm. All my general photography was done with the 50mm. So I guess that with DX sensor the 35mm would be just about right. As commented at times you need a small and fast lense for street photography in order to be discrete.
 
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§am

Senior Member
I'm thinking of getting the 18-35mm f/1.8 which in this scenario would cover your needs at the 35mm end as well as wide if you needed to :)

However, the 85mm f/1.8 sounds a good option too as it allows you to stand away and not be "in your face" with the lens (as already mentioned).
 
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