Is 28mm the best focal length for STREET PHOTOGRAPHY?

[@andrewowen-price4496]

My experience of trying 28mm is that shooting at 35-50mm is like listing to a single melody in a song, where the 'focus' of the scene / sound is so precise that it is easy to create a composition with few elements. Changing to 28mm is like starting to learn Jazz - many more elements to be aware of and manage and a much greater challenge to put that single melody into context of the the bigger range of counterpoint and harmony. Making a pleasing Jazz composition will always be a greater challenge than a single melody - but, when it works, it's very rewarding.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Great analogy. The lens is a challenge but, as you say, very rewarding when it works.

[@lxhk3595]

That's the tragedy, that they make this demanding focal length the new normal with the mobile phones. Everybody trying now to get EVERYTHING on the picture.

[@simonbarnes7124]

Lens choice can also boil down to what city you shoot in. Here in the UK 35mm suits me fine here, but say in Canada on the streets then a 50mm is better due to the much wider streets and the fact that people are far more spread out. In Hong Kong for example 28mm is a good choice because the streets are narrow and the people are almost on top of you as the streets are very densely populated.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Yes, for me this is true. For Sarah? No. She will use 28mm no matter where she is.

[@jimmason8502]

Simon, you nailed it. I even shoot 75mm in Toronto (50mm on my Fuji) sometimes because I want a narrow field of view. Shooting at 28mm sometimes brings in too many distracting elements. Truth is, everyone photographs differently so the discussion of "best" focal length is sometimes kind of silly.

[@simonbarnes7124]

@@jimmason8502 Yes I would shoot 75mm in Canada no problem. Watch Ivan Chow's superb you tube videos. He is a Hongkonger now living in Canada and he does the same as you.

[@carloscanizares4699]

Guess you haven’t been to Vancouver. We’d love to get those wide streets you speak of :) My 40mm worked just fine though.

[@BlancGivre]

That makes a lot of sense.

[@johnscratchley3288]

I use my 28 mm f/2.8 lens a lot. It's one of my favourite lenses to use when shooting street photography. I even use it for landscapes.

[@carlmcneill1139]

I bought a 40mm nearly a year and a half ago for street photography. I felt it was a good comprise between the 35mm and 50mm. I love that lens. I recently bought the 28mm to get in closer. I haven't had any issues transitioning to it. I'm getting some pretty good shots up close. The larger depth of field helps get more in focus. I also use zone focusing. I hardly ever put the camera up to my eye to take a picture.

[@marcp.1752]

I like my Heliar 40/2.8, or Nocton 40/1.4 MC via matching CLE. I also enjoy a lot shooting my 35mm Planar via G1. You can do almost everything with 35-40mm focal length - from architecture over landscapes, nature, objects, heck even portraits, if needed. 🙂

[@sshapiro63]

I typically use a focal length between 40mm and 50mm for street photography in order to not get too close to people. However, last week, I shot at a 35mm focal length and was impressed with my results. I would like to try 28mm as well. The idea of using layers is not something I have pursued, but it seems 28mm would be a good resource for learning how to use layers in my street photography. Thank you for posting the information!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you for watching. I’m glad you got something from it 🙏

[@londonfoto]

Great video, totally agree with you there. Love my 28mm, I'm so comfortable with what it captures that it's the only lens that has been around the world with me since 2008 to shoot street. I've tried other focal lengths but always return to the 28mm.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. 🙏

[@philipthomas5602]

Thank you, Jeff and Sarah. Been following your work for almost 20 years! Beautifully crafted videos and very helpful. Keep up the great work.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks Philip 🙏

[@DenizBoz]

Man, it's so refreshing to see genuine, quality content among all the algorithm-tailored BS on youtube. Liked and subbed immediately. I find the 28mm focal length to be the most beautiful, but it requires both skill and social confidence. I live in Istanbul, where most of the subjects on the street are quite conservative, making it very difficult for me to get closer (it is easier if you're a woman or a western tourist, to be honest). I was using a Ricoh GR III until recently, and although I loved the camera, I noticed that I was often a bit too far from what I intended to capture, taking in too much unnecessary space in the frame and eventually cropping most of the photos. So, I decided to sell it and buy a GR IIIx instead. I like the GR IIIx, and it is indeed easier to use with its 40mm equivalent lens, but I feel like the magic is gone and kinda regret swapping. I wish I could have kept both, but it would have been too costly for me. I'm going to give the 40mm more of a chance on the street, but god knows I miss the 28mm.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you 🙏🙏 It’s the right decision. If you are finding yourself too far away, just go for a longer focal length and make it your own. You can’t take good photos if you are uncomfortable, no matter how much you like the lens.

[@donjagoe]

Outstanding video-not only well thought out and articulated, but the accompanying images punctuate your points perfectly. Thanks!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. That’s very kind of you. 🙏

[@JBRose]

Just found your channel this week. Love the work from both of you and your channel. I shoot a Fuji X-Pro3 and have fallen in love with 28mm focal length over the last 6 months.... getting myself into the huge NYC holiday crowds and events... just so much more dynamic... so much more story. When I ran my event photography business, I relied on the 24-70 on my Nikon system, leaning on the wide end. However, now retired from that, I found myself stuck at 35mm, being new to street. So, Ironically, I just received the new Voigtlander 18mm/2.8 for Fuji yesterday and am heading into NYC today to give it a go... Nice sunny and warm day... zone focusing... off we go.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Have fun!! I also spent a lot of years with 24-70 when I shot commercially. Sometimes that’s just the best lens for when you need to get photos quickly.

[@lukass_btz2341]

Same. I found this channel this week as well and I absolutely adore the videos. So calming and refreshing! This channel actually gave me the motivation to go out yesterday and shoot a bit in my German hometown.

[@timpenner7858]

I've heard a lot of talk about 28mm, but never anyone who said they were a 28mm-shooter. Very interesting. I have two cameras with a 28mm lens - a Canon 5D Mk II with their 28mm f/2.8 IS and an Olympus E-M1 Mk II, with a Panasonic f/2.8 14mm. I sort of favour the Canon, but then when I pick up the Olympus, I wonder why I don't use it more. I've used 24mm and 35mm a lot as well. I don't so much favour 28mm as find it a little easier to align my brain to when I take the first few shots - less zooming in or out with my feet. I guess you could say, when it comes to fixed lenses, 28mm chooses me; and it seems most versatile for its size. I try to match the focal length to the type of day I'm expecting or planning. Sometimes it's 50mm; and others, it's an actual zoom lens. I also have a Loawa 7.5mm for the Olympus. This video is a good story. You got me going. Thanks.

[@highwayman1224]

That Laowa 7.5 F2 is such a good lens! It stays almost exclusively on my little Panasonic GX9.

[@seanms35]

I just did a full year of exclusively using a 40mm, I brought my 35mm on vacation to Japan & HK. I really did enjoy getting a bit closer or more inside the crowds when shooting. About 1/3 of the time, I do wish the lens was a bit wider. I’ve never used a 28mm, but now I’m intrigued. Then this past week I went out shoot with a different intention and tried focusing more on a kinda zoomed “Moment/Emotion”. I borrowed my friend’s 50mm. I realllly enjoyed using the 50mm, and this has me wanting to experiment with 75 or 90mm for another look.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

I always tell a smartphone with full manual mode is a good thing to start. Years of development and the 28mm~ish always on there as main camera, mostly. With zone focus, especially in a good light, you can finally feel your own favourite taste in street photography. Just feel and click, and playing once a while with 1/3 stop adjustment. It should not bothering your mood (or concentration). Great results once again, buddy 👍 Full of stories and well composed 😊

[@karma13612]

Love your content. I’m subscribing! Keep the great videos and inspiration coming!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@richardvlcko9697]

28mm is ideal point n shoot lens, literally. Most of the time i dont really check the screen. I see my subject and i let my hand and camera do the rest with the bit of a randomness mixed into process.

[@andywhite5090]

Thanks Jeff - a really interesting and informative video. Excellent images too.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank Andy 🙏

[@ThePensionerAdventurer]

Hello Jeff, Sorry I have been on the missing list, back now and a really interesting video for my return. Thank you. Take care. Paul,,

[@WalkLikeAlice]

We did send out a search party 😉 Thanks Paul. Good to see you back.

[@kstrohmeier]

I have a Q2M and struggle with the 28mm if I haven’t used it in a bit for exactly the reason you point out, I don’t get close enough.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It’s very common. It also takes a bit of time to get clued into the lens.

[@JanAnton]

great content... really enjoyed watching. Thanks!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@hashicbawa9930]

first digital camera that i owned was a fuji x70, with the apsc 18.5 f2.8,(FF=28mm) something that compact to carry in any pant pocket and the whole FOV of that lens helped me focus more on the surroundings and scene, slowed me down at times to evaluate a scene or turned up the gear in run nd gun mode, its a lens that made me realise you can create the depth with layering ratherthan just the aperture a rather near perfect focal length with which i was able to learn a lot in my early phase as a beginner

[@mankimank1983]

Hi. First of all, you guys are amazing, and you run a great KZbin channel. After purchasing the Leica Q, I was looking for knowledge on how to get comfortable with the 28mm focal length and watched that video many times. Following your advice, I bought the book Glasgow, and I have to say, those photos are phenomenal. Not only is Depardon a master at using that focal length, but the presented photographs were also taken on Kodachrome, and I am in love with the color palette of that film. Probably because I’ve been collecting vinyl records from the ’60s and ’70s since I was a child, and the cover photos were often taken on Kodachrome. I would be grateful, Jeff, for all recommendations of photo Books especially with the 28mm focal length. Thanks from Poland ❤

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you for your kind words. We have a video coming up with some more photobook recommendations, some of which are pure 28mm. So look out for that.

[@ambientjapan4k]

ah I had no idea about zone focusing until this video, that was a helpful tip, thank you

[@WalkLikeAlice]

The best technique!!

[@artivism4068]

Thank you. I bought a 28 (37mm equiv) a month ago and havent used it yet for many reasons and this makes me want to debut it today.

[@kiwipics]

When I started in the 1970s, I started with the starters trinity .. 28mm, 50mm, 135mm. I tend to shoot between 24mm and 300mm+ these days, but around towns it all goes back to the 28mm, 50mm and 135mm.

[@martinphilipps8678]

i had a 28 equivalent lens with my Fuji X70, but found myself constantly cropping in. i had no confidence to get too close... now using narrower lenses, esp. a normal 50mm

[@richardhutson2474]

Thank you for discussing the 28 mm lens in such easy-to-understand language. I've been shooting almost exclusively with a 28 mm lens for close to ten years, ever since Leica introduced the first Q in 2015. Now, my Q3 with a 60 mp sensor gives me the freedom to capture a variety of scenes and subjects to create print-worthy photographs by cropping, as needed, into the intended subject and using the magic of Topaz Photo AI to sharpen, up-scale, and reduce noise. I love my Q3. It's perfect for an 84-year-old photo freak who can't comfortably tote a bag of extra lenses around.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for your comments. Interesting that you found Topaz to be useful. I always it to be a bit hit and miss. I think it needs the larger file sizes to really shine especially the noise reduction and sharpening. It doesn’t have a clue on our M9 files.

[@changez77654]

This resonates so much. I am practicing with 28mm focal length with my iPhone, as I naturally incline towards the longer focal lengths. I have set the default focal length on my phone to 28mm, and using it to get better at "filling the frame". Slow progress.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Progress is always slow. But always enjoyable.

[@changez77654]

@@WalkLikeAlice Thats true! I am enjoying the journey! In this case its documenting the life of my daughter as she grows up

[@chrisgrieves1468]

For what it's worth, a new subscriber. My natural inclination is to 'find subjects' and shoot 50. But street photography is its own fascination and I've been trying 35 (well, 2x17) with let's say modest success. What you've discussed here is really valuable and I'll be watching for a lot more. As for 28, let's jog before we run :)

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. 50 to 28 is a pretty big jump in technique!!

[@chrisgrieves1468]

@@WalkLikeAlice Yeah, 50 to 35 already is. As you pointed out in another piece, I need to leave the 50 at home!

[@lorenschwiderski]

At 5:18 is actually a wonderful snap, with colors working well, and three elements or more within the frame. It is story within story, and possibly bests the crop in. In regard to other lengths, IMO, they all work well, with 40mm and 50mm being easy to work with, as in no distortions, easier composition and oh that pure geometry. Some people dislike mixing focal lengths, but for those which are not bothered by it, 28mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, and at time even 85 or 90mm all work. It may depend largely by where you are shooting, is it downtown NY and crowded, or some small town with fewer people. Far too many variables to say only one is best, focal length wise. I am now doing mostly 40mm and 30mm, with some 90mm which does have its limitations, and times when you just cannot get the shot. I call it a more dangerous carry, but one which can work out well at times. The 50mm and 40mm are actually the easiest to work with when shooting small town - smaller cities and areas with on sections you need to deal with and isolate. Take care, Loren

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Nah. 5:18 is messy. Compositionally it’s not good. There’s no connection between the couple. The light isn’t good and it was literally taken as I walked past to show what caught my eye in the next photo. I didn’t even look at it properly. But if you like it, that’s ok. Everything else I agree with you. 🙂

[@lorenschwiderski]

@@WalkLikeAlice life is messy.

[@PROWATCHES]

28mm Canon RF f/2.8 pancake is hard to align shots with sometimes, but also razor sharp in center, with excellent color, contrast, and character (you can make a budget Leica Q with it)

[@paulatkins4968]

Really good piece. Thanks!!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@marcp.1752]

It depends. I have never become warm & familiar, happy with 28mm. It's simply *not* wide enough. When i need wide angle, i do choose 99% 24mm for *real* and the next step is 35mm - or 40mm into #2 place, which i use for 85-90%. The rest up to 120mm is being used via different zooms here. 🙂 It's great to have choices.

[@giuseppe.g]

I'm really happy to have found this channel, it's a real gem... Now I'm just sad that living in Italy I can't attend your workshops 😄

[@WalkLikeAlice]

We might have to come to Italy 😉

[@fabricetranzerphotographer]

You nailed it on the head. It’s all about distance to subject and what a photographer feels comfortable with. Personally I don’t want my subject to react to my presence (which is what a 28 will often allow), so definitely 50 for me. My wide angle is a 35 as it still keeps a consistent look to my 50 work. Really loving your channel btw! Cheers from NYC.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Yes, it’s all about what you are comfortable with. Style and approach comes from the person, and the lens has to fit in with that.

[@kennethmacfadyen8839]

Incredibly helpful information, thank you.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏🙏

[@susandarby6607]

Great video, thank you! (and bought the book :) ) Wish you did workshops in US

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Several people have asked about the possibility of a workshop in the US, but we would need someone to sponsor and organise it. That’s the main issue for us.

[@Sharp_Aye]

Thanks for the advice. I shoot with a Q-P and have been zone focusing based on your suggestions f8,500s, ISO AUTO great for street.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

👍👍

[@tarielks]

Still struggling with getting close enough with 28 after switching to 35 many thanks for the video

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It's quite a difference. It might not be for you, though.

[@derrenleepoole]

I love the 28mm focal length. So versatile and fun.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

I started with a 50, then 35 which i love then onto the 28mm on the Q2 absolutely love this focal length for street, documentary protests etc, but also an incredible landscape lens. Deffo get close to subjects for impact. That cliche at the end does it actually work I stopped asking for likes and subs so long ago, I personally reckon folk know what to do these days without being prompted but then again my sub count is pants so what do I know haha. Already subbed BTW.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you.🙏 We have a 50/50 split subs/non-subs watching our videos. So I figure it doesn’t hurt 🙂

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@WalkLikeAliceguess so maybe I should give it a try for a while haha

[@pitiwong1]

"Get closer" Great advice to use this 28mm. focal length. 2 thumbs up 👍

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@romanpastierik]

just yesterday I received a new 28mm lens for my Z5..looking forward to hitting the streets :)

[@WalkLikeAlice]

👍

[@JS-shim]

28 mm is the sweet spot. I want to thank you for recommending the Glasgow book in a previous post. I have never seen a better street photo book.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

My pleasure.

[@johnwaine56]

Very useful video. I have no choice but to use 28mm (Leica Q) so I usually crop in post down to something nearer 35mm unless by some miracle I have filled the 28mm frame! I'm using an 85mm more now to be able to keep further away from the subject

[@singhonthestreets]

My first camera ever is a ricoh gr3 28mm and I struggled with getting closer to my subjects but yeah mostly right now the pictures that I feel are mostly liked are the ones with bokeh!

[@AlanGreenberg-i8p]

I love the 28mm on my Q3 and your advice about zone focusing is something I need to work on. Thanks, Alan

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I don’t have the Q, but from what people have told me, it’s trickier to zone focus with the Q.

[@albertobellini2579]

I use my Q3 in zone focus with f/8 and focus at 2 meters. It works perfectly on the street

[@ChrisBrogan]

I just realized the basic payload of my comment was "yes." I agreed with everything you were saying. So I dunno. Not really valuable as comments go, except to say that I loved this video and I agreed with your POV. :) "Too much information in the frame" was a solid takeaway for me.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏🙏

[@ayazdadashov6596]

I am using 14-24mm lens for street photography, always find myself cropping images to the point that the image isn't 24mm anymore, but I use ultra wide focal for urban and architecture.

[@TeeNorbu]

It always feels good to watch your video. I use 28mm for streets and it works like a charm. I love to shoot with 28mm.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you 🙏

[@Hector_Malot]

With a manual focus camera like the Leica, it is impossible to focus in real time, at least that is the case for me. The 28mm is then the absolute weapon by focusing on the hyperfocal, the shot is instantaneous, you just have to concentrate on the framing. This was the principle used by disposable cameras. Excellent and relevant video as usual.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@stansabev]

Very helpful ideas for 28 mm. I’ve been shooting with it for and year now and it is hard to be that close all the time 🤯

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It is. But it’s worth it if you can get close.

[@jasongold6751]

The usual excellent show and tell. Bravo! I use 28mm for the very geometric perspective. I was a 50mm only for ages! Now with more folks everywhere, it's mainly 35mm.HCB changed to 35mm in Japan!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks Jason. And America too and 90 in India!!

[@laurencet4502]

Thanks for the videos. The problem I have is a practical one, there are virtually no manual 28mm (eq.) lenses for non-full frame mirrorless cameras, it least the ones I have - an older Olympus MFT and an older Fujfilm. There are 28mm (eq.) autofocus (manual by wire) lenses but few if any manual lenses. For Fuji there is the TTartisan 17mm, but it comes out to 25.5mm; the 7Artisans 18mm f6.3 (fixed) "ufo"; and a SLR Magic cine lens. For MFT there's just the Rokinon 14mm, but it's bulky and heavy because of the huge front element. So I'm sort of stuck with 24mm and 35mm.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

24 is great though. Not a million miles from 28. I used 24 a lot with Canon as their 28 lenses weren’t the best.

[@Narsuitus]

Over the decades, I have tried 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55mm focal lengths on full-frame cameras for street photography. All worked well. For me, the 28mm focal length is not the best and it is not the worst.

[@alex-reay]

My go to is 35mm but I do like how much more dynamic the 28mm is, it’s great for exaggerating perspective and should use it more…. in fact I should shoot street more!

[@StarrysLostandFound]

I use the 28mm when I use the GR III. Thanks for the thoughts on this focal length.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Great camera. I’ve come so close to buying one so many times!!

[@jamesbland5568]

Fave focus length. Nice vid

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏

[@martingreenberg870]

I was willing to watch your video. I have tried the 28mm field of view. It works for me when the subject is close to me such as a parade, protest, or when I’m in the subway. For an everyday lens it is too wide for me. I’m forced to get too close to my subject in order for them to be large enough in the frame. The other thing I don’t like about this focal length is I must be more aware of the edges of the frame than other focal lengths. As a result, the Ricoh GRiii and Leica Q series (other than the price) aren’t a good choice for me. Others, like your wife, just pick up this focal length and then run with it. C’est la vie. The GX9 is a wonderful body. Match it with the PL15mm lens and you have a killer street machine. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@stevenj2380]

You KNOW my issues exactly, on walk around here in NYC or other cities. I can do better if I do used manual focus Nikkor AIS and zone, rather than AF-S 'G lenses (but am outside with zooms more often). Would be great with you having a photowalk or workshop. I do have such tunnel vision taking in wide, deep streetviews more than anything and not wanting to engage with anyone on the street.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Maybe I need to visit NYC 😉

[@jean-marcschwartz2525]

Hello, You preach to a convinced, I used the 28mm mainly since 1990. Good to see very nice photos of you here. And as a french photographer, what could I say about Depardon!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Depardon. My two favourite books are his. What I like about him is he didn’t just stay with one subject or way of shooting but you still know it’s him. His wide angle work has always been some of the best in the world.

[@rafdominguez7627]

Brilliant! thank you

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@duncanridgley]

Interesting. I didn't know about the book on Glasgow. I hope that's an affiliate link and you get something from it. Thanks

[@Wayne_Farrow]

I'm on one of your workshops in April and can't wait tbh..The question I'm toying with at the moment, I use a Fuji Xt4 for travel and street with the kit lens 18-55mm 2.8, however, I also have in my bag an 18mm 1.4 Prime. Which of those two lenses would you favour shooting with out on the streets? thanks

[@WalkLikeAlice]

The first thing I’d do is take a look at your exif data in LR, and see which focal length you use the most with the zoom. If that’s close to 18mm, then the prime is the answer. If it isn’t, then you will find the prime to be frustrating to use. It’s sometimes better to use the zoom at focal length where you feel comfortable and put a tiny piece of tape on the zoom ring to keep the lens at the correct length. If your exif data shows a range of focal lengths, then I would probably stick with the zoom as it works for you. The trick on the street is to treat the zoom as a series of prime lenses. That’s how I used it (I started with a zoom). So I would set the focal length first and then shoot with it. Rather than standing in one position and zooming in and out.

[@Wayne_Farrow]

@@WalkLikeAlice thankyou yes I’ll keep the zoom with me for travel, and the prime for the streets thank you ☺️

[@savrah]

I use Q3 and crop when necessary. Best of both worlds.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

That’s why you have a 60mp sensor.

[@richardsimms251]

Really great learning video. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@OpenDGuitar]

Getting used to it on the Q2. But on my dad’s camera (which I learned on), he had a 40mm (Konica).

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I think a lot of photographers go that route 35/40 and then to 28. You would think that 35 to 28 isn’t that big a jump, but it seems huge when you are shooting.

[@longrider9551]

I like 28 and find it easier to compose than 35, also like 40 so I use a 20-40 zoom solves all the problems

[@paulliddement]

It’s a personal preference thing I guess but I can see the argument for layering and also for cropping. It’s interesting 28 is used and not 24 as that’s a more common length in terms of lenses. I used a 50 for street and loved the results.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

The 24mm popularity depends a lot on the manufacturer. Canon have never produced a decent 28mm for example, but have had several outstanding 24mm lenses. 28mm has been around a lot longer than 24mm and as a focal length, it is more useful.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Sorry Jeff I am a hooligan and use a 16/80 zoom, it suits my purpose. It does spend a lot of time at the bottom end but I hate missing an opportunity and I find a prime frustrates the life of out of me. I have done my time with primes, but each to their own.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Hooligan. 😂

[@jacobthomson9369]

Interesting.Thank you!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏

[@cryptobyt2403]

I think its 35 for its flexibility for landscape or portrait orientation. And also fast 35 usually cheaper than fast 28

[@rolf_siggaard]

Very interesting observations. You still use the 21mm I remember you used a lot? Thanks.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Not so much these days. Part of the reason for getting the 28 is that the 21 was causing me a lot of physical discomfort in my right hand. It’s quite a heavy lens. So I’m trying to wean myself off it.

[@jaceksnaturblicke5278]

Nice Video, i will start soon with a 28mm. Till day i only Shot at 50 or more on Street 🙂 buying a cheap tokina 28mm Manual llense for Nikon.

[@TryingtoLearntheuke]

I have the Q3 and have really struggled with the focal length. I would have preferred a 35mm. That said, I think I just need to practice more with that focal length.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It’s not for everyone.

[@belaacs5238]

Most 28mm photographers don't see how messy their images are, because too much to see to get the point of the image. I mean, overlapping subjects, cut-off unrecognizable body parts and subjects at the edges. If you clean up (crop) the messy edges you are in the 35-40mm territory. Certainly, everything is subjective in any art form, so doesn't matter what focal length photographers use and like, they have to just master it to take meaningful images. Just look at Tatsuo Suzuki ( fuji 18-55mm zoom lens) and Daido Moriyama (point and shoot camera) images. So I mean, doesn't matter what gear is used, the matter is who is behind the camera. Are you the guy who did teach Mccullin digital photography?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I thought Tatsuo was using the GR3 now? After the way Fuji treated him, if he’s still using their cameras, I would be surprised. Re: McCullin, yes, I am that guy. 🙂

[@belaacs5238]

@@WalkLikeAliceThanks Jeff (the guy). I just watched Mr McCullin transformation to digital, helped by you. I was surprised that one of his favorite lens was 135mm. In his later Kolkota video, hi was using a 35mm and a 50mm lens and all his images were color ones.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@belaacs5238DM pretty much used 28/135 with 35mm for the best part of his career. A couple of months after the video, I edited and printed his first digital images from India. It was 24/135. He loved the 24 when he was with me. Canon gave him 24/85 to keep. That combination can be seen in the BBC doc that was released maybe four years ago. The Kolkata vid was basically a Canon ad. So they gave him the 5D4 cameras and the lenses they wanted him to use. The colour thing, it could be Canon, but with me, he was interested in colour and saw digital as a potential colour camera.

[@bukso8888]

Maybe stupid question but 28mm on full frame or crop? As I shoot 35mm film which is full frame. Thanks.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Always full frame

[@theblackmanarmedwithacamera]

SARAH IS SLAYING THEM FRAMES WITH THE 28MM! DAAAMMMNNNNN!!!!💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏

[@karllane6975]

Dumb question. 28 mm on full frame or apsc sensor ?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

28mm focal length as relates to 35mm. So it could be 14mm on micro four-thirds, or 18mm on APS-C

[@willgreig8912]

Lumix GX9, a lovely camera that 28mm lens is tiny as well.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Yep. It was also pretty good with the M adaptor.

[@adrianobanak2824]

From my experience it is almost perfect focal length for street photography. I am enjoying my Leica Q2 every time i take it with me.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

👍

[@rsyalom]

I like my Leica Cl 40mm best for street photography!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

40mm is a great focal length.

[@andreasd3346]

I like and practice street photography between 15 and 70 mm focal length, sometimes even 180 mm, everything else for me is an unnecessary limitation.

[@AufKohleGeboren]

I just don’t like the 28mm field of view because it’s about the standard every smartphone has. I really don’t have fun using it because it always reminds me of pics made with a phone when I look at them. With my style of shooting it’s also often to wide for my taste. I always use a 35mm or 40mm and really fell in love with the 40mm over the last couple of months again.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

My old iPhone was 35mm FOV 😉

[@morso2009]

Pl can you tell What camera was using for these b&w programs?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Leica M9, M9 Monochrom

[@enduringtech822]

I have the Lumix GX9 with 14mm, and previously on the older GX85. I thought 28mm was a waste of money. If I want 28mm, I'll just use my phone, I told myself, but it turns out to be the most natural focal length for me.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Great camera. I regret selling mine. What I used to do was switch the focus to manual, focus on something 12 ft away, and then bring up the manual focus graph which showed the focus distance. With a sharpie, I would mark on the LCD next to that 12ft distance. So when I was shooting all I had to do was adjust the focus of the lens so that the focus point on the graph lined up with my mark. I then had my lens set to 12ft and I was good to go for zone focusing.

[@enduringtech822]

@@WalkLikeAlice thanks for the tip. Indeed I was frustrated that the focus graph does not show exactly the focus distance. So I usually focus and recompose, although that slowed me down a bit. With an MFT, would you stick with f/8 or the equivalent f/4?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

F8 but that’s only through habit.

[@alex-reay]

@@WalkLikeAliceI’ve recently bought a GX9 and 14mm too, great set up but zone focus in a different way. With the camera in auto focus, just point and focus at your 12 foot distance, then switch the rear AF/MF lever to MF and your focus zone is locked in.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@alex-reayI found it easier to check focus on the screen. Especially if you are in crowds and people bump into the camera.

[@forneverarrow]

There’s no “best” focal length for street photography. It depends on your taste and the surroundings. In general I love the 28mm FoV, especially for landscape and cityscape photography but I’m using a 35mm lens because it seems just right to my eye. With the 28mm (I had a Sony 28mm f2 for years) I cropped 7/10 images to a 35mm size so the transition to 35mm lens was somewhat physical for me.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Whatever works for you is the best focal length 🙂

[@quite1enough]

still can't find any budget good enough 28mm lens for nikon f in my region (tried to find 28mm ai-s, but it's virtually impossible :c )

[@WalkLikeAlice]

We tried a Zeiss 28 a couple of years ago. That was a really nice lens.

[@AntonyBall-h9g]

I like using a 35mm the 28 never seems to work for me having said that I do use wider lenses but never seem pleased with my results I'm in a bit of a rut at the moment being honest keep using my 35mm lenses but I get a good hit rate with this focal length.......

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Maybe change the time of day you shoot? Whenever I’m in a rut. That’s what I do. Go out at night.

[@AntonyBall-h9g]

I will give it a try thank you@@WalkLikeAlice

[@robertwaffel8248]

I am also all for 'Team 28'. I even shoot my portraits with that. 😂

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Sarah does too!!

[@eltinjones4542]

I bought one recently to go with my Nikon FE. However I've decided not to go back into film So I'll be selling it unused. My D800 it too heavy off tripod. It's therefore pointless using it on that camera I use mf3's for street with great success 📷👍

[@chriscard6544]

28mm was my focal for many years then I changed to medium format. 28mm is perfect with hyperfocal

[@WalkLikeAlice]

What lens do you shoot with on MF, Chris?

[@chriscard6544]

@@WalkLikeAlice 80mm which is equivalent to a 44mm

[@MrPhotographerDude]

The best lens is the one that works best for you.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I’m assuming you haven’t watched the video?

[@tedbrown7908]

No, the 50mm is the best because it gives the view nearest to actual eye sight.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I believe the 28 field of view is actually closer to human binocular vision. The 50 is as if you are looking through one eye. 🙂

[@staLkerhu]

And what do you do with the nearest eye sight? Is it mandatory for great photography or something? While I had my Samsung NX1000 APS-C with the 20-50mm kit lens I found myself using 20 and 24mm most of the time (30-36mm) and I barely used 35mm (~52mm), and 50mm (75mm) always felt laughably short for telephoto use. No wonder why did I end up with a 35mm and 105mm lens to begin with when I bought my recent EOS RP. I'm currently thinking about the RF 28mm pancake too.

[@ChrisMarxen]

As a parent i have to ask; do you get consent from the parents when photographing children? Especially when publishing on the Internet.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Consent isn’t required in a public place. And we are parents too 🙂

[@chloescanlon1107]

You don’t ‘have to ask’ 🙄

[@nikto81]

Why does everything in Britain look so depressing??? At least in this video

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙄

[@cameraprepper7938]

No ! 28 mm is not the best for street photography, not any focal length is "best" for street photography. I have used 14mm, 21mm, 24mm, 35mm, 40mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 85,mm, 90mm and 135mm for street photography, it all depends of what you will go for and what mood you have. The last two years I most often carry two Cameras, one camera with a wide angle Lens and an other camera with a short tele Lens (55 to85, more rare 135). Personally I do not like 28 and 50mm focal length for full frame cameras.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

You haven’t watched the video then?

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@WalkLikeAlice I reacted to the head line and did not bother to watch it ! youtube creators often make bad head liners !

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@cameraprepper7938and some KZbin users make stupid comments.

[@LASHMAR]

Wow ... that's a lot of lenses you own there mate. I have a 2mm lens if ya want to buy it. What on gods name are you banging on about? What I find bizarre is that you take what Ascough is saying to heart? Like defensive. Who are you defending? KZbin? Who gives a t0ss? Like ... I do understand sometimes we have sh1t going on in our lives but there are pills you can take mate. In the spirit of being helpful I just googled this for you ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3ynZXamrNZ3bJI

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@WalkLikeAlice Ad some do not understand anything !

[@adicer9619]

Of course not..

[@garychen7000]

讲的很棒，照片拍的很漂亮我也特别喜欢28mm

[@WalkLikeAlice]

🙏🙏