Which is the best STREET PHOTOGRAPHY lens for you?

[@colinbean1641]

Without doubt this is the best advice given, and sharing examples of how a different focal lengths look, I'm new to this style of photography and struggled with various lens, so going to stick to one for the next 6 months (35mm) and see where tha takes me thanks for a great helpfull vlog.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you!! I’m glad you found it useful. 🙏

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Very helpful advise as I am at the point of deciding whether to get the Q3 28mm or the Q3 43 for street photo but some portrait capability and for street night photography. I presume the Q3 28 is a better choice even if the 48 is a better lens I am in such a trouble deciding.

[@spooky_lights]

I love that 28mm keeps me humble. So much room to fill. I have to get close to subjects to bring interest. 50mm is too easy for me. The compression and angle of view makes it easier to compose an image but 28 pushes me and is more enjoyable.

[@IIIM-or1bq]

Have you tried the 35mm yet? I also have 28mm.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Depending on what I'm out for when I'm on a street to take pictures, there are three preferred lenses for me (for full format cameras): 1. 28-30mm set on hyperfocal distance for candid shots 2. 70-90mm f1.8 or f2 Macro for street portraits and detail shots 3. 24mm shift lens for architecture If there would be 24-70mm f2 shift lens, that would be the one best street photography lens for me.

[@jvermillion1052]

I have always liked a 50mm. I use 35 more now for walking sidewalks where things are closer. My GRiiix has a 40 which is great. I also throw a tiny olympus 40-150(80-300 eq) in the bag for when I just want to sit on a bench in an open area and make some shots while relaxing. The 80mm eq on the zoom also works walking around for a change of pace and shooting window decorations and across intersections. Some street safari partners use a short 24-80 zoom all the time. In the street classes I teach I have students use either a 35 or 50 for all the class so they get a feel for it.

[@thomasgunn4146]

So many valid points made in this video. A lot of them I rarely see talked about in fact. Thank you, consider me subscribed sir 😌

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful. 🙏

[@MichealSeaghdha]

Some of the best lens advice I've ever heard, with a series of outstanding images to back up many of the points you have made. I'm not a street photographer, but 28mm is near enough my favourite focal length and so I've probably consumed almost every Leica Q2 video ever shared. It's extraordinary to me that people testing that particular camera, and in some cases having already bought it, seem unsure or lukewarm about 28mm and I can only conclude that they've got a lot more money than sense. But I dream on anyway and your artistry and common sense helps to fuel my photography journey. So thank you and your partner very much indeed.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

You are very kind, Michael. I think 28 is a lens which needs to have some time spent with it. I was very surprised when Leica launched the Q series with a 28mm lens as standard. 35mm would have made more sense but would that have impacted on sales of the M series cameras and lenses?? I think so, and with the M's being more expensive and you need to buy a lens too, I can sort of understand why they went for 28mm. The Q is a safe Leica for KZbinrs, it looks cool, and it's basically a big point and shoot and it has the all important LCD screen which they can use to show how they are shooting in their POV videos!!

[@neoaureus]

@@WalkLikeAlice ... I went with my Leica M11 into a busy Mumbai market to shoot. ( I am an Indian btw ), I just ambled into a shop of women's bags and the shopkeeper said, no cameras allowed, I said I am not shooting anything. " we dont allow KZbinrs into the shop " he said !... the pov video daemon! every knows when you are doing a Pov. And KZbinrs have subsumed the Photographer as the beast on the street !

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@neoaureus I’m not sure what this has to do with this video. But I agree with you that the trend for KZbinrs and POV has made people more aware of street photographers.

[@neoaureus]

@@WalkLikeAlice …haha…I know but tangential. I took off from 28mm to … Q camera to … average street experience…and 28mm being the IPhone mm.

[@Xisbrezatsgzormd]

35mm is classics and irs clesr why it's a typical number one choice. The photos are flat, however still not wide angled and distrited somehow. 50mm for someone is too close. 28mm is too wide, I've tried to make some photos ans simply was struggled what to photo because aimply wverybting was in the viewfinder, jt was too much too. I still think the best is juggling between 50 and 35

[@vproven]

Excellent. Just the facts. No BS. Refreshing.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you!!

[@margaritamorozova25100]

I think it's best to rent all the lenses. Some photo shops provide them for rent (for a certain time, for example, for a day or hours). It won’t brake your bank! I’ve tried fix lenses, wide angle like 10-20mm, but finally understood that I don’t go lower than 40mm but I will go for 100mm or even 200mm, so my choice was Nikkor 55-200mm.

[@jayphagan5270]

I always kept a 35-80 Tamron lens mounted to a Nikon FM when I did street photography on film.

[@smkunder1]

Just starting on a street journey, I have a M43 Olympus and I am considering the 17 1.8. Enjoy your videos.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@stephenmurphywilson7294]

This is genuinely helpful, thanks.

[@justadailylearner]

I enjoyed your video, thanks for taking the time to speak on this and share examples. For me, I feel most comfortable with a 50mm. I find myself gravitating to it for the way it handles proportions. When I want to include more in the scene and get a more traditional street photo, I’ll use a 35mm. But I ultimately prefer the way the 50mm renders at the end of the day. All that being said, like you mentioned, it comes down to the photographer and how they see the world.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I grew up with a 50mm. I’ve had more 50 than any other lens and I agree, there is nothing better for rendering proportions. I still use mine a lot for landscapes of all things. I like the natural perspective.

[@louis5352]

Great food for thought. I have used a 35 for years capturing about 90% of my street images. COVID nearly stopped me from my hobby. Now to gain some inspiration and to get back at it, I am trying a 50mm until such time as when I feel comfortable getting in closer and wider to my scenes. I admit I carry too much gear out on the street. For now 35 and 50 lenses until I get well back into the groove of old. Also will try to blur more backgrounds to help focus on main subject.

[@HaiTomVlog]

I’ve always liked the 35 and 50 on my apsc cameras, then I got a full frame with a 28mm and I absolutely love it. Great video, thanks for the topic!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you for watching!!

[@pattyconnelly8823]

What a wonderful video! The subject is something I've been struggling with lately and after viewing this, I can't wait to stick with one focal length for a good amount of time and see how I develop. Also looking forward to watching many more of your videos.

[@retropixer]

Excellent advice. Ten years or so ago I decided to pursue street/documentary style and I had a 28-70 zoom. For the longest time, all my street photographs were turning out to be street portraits. It was terrible. I almost quit. Then I got a 50 and put an end to the madness. These days I still take multiple lenses with me, or a zoom on rare occasions, but I have trained my “mind’s eye” and I am disciplined about the focal length I deem appropriate for the environment I am in at that time. I choose it according to the mood/area/subject and don’t touch it until I move on to some other location, where activity/subjects/interest are different enough that it warrants a shorter or longer focal length. Do I miss shots because I have the wrong lens on? Oh yes, all the time. I learned to be ok with letting those go. And I can always come back tomorrow, using the different focal length, and that just adds to the fun and wonder of the streets.

[@Elements795]

I like your reply. Like you, I don’t think there is anything wrong with carrying more than one lens, provided of course you stick to just one for the purpose you set out to achieve! Maybe a 35mm for use on the street but if I’m in London and want to take photos in the Underground, I may opt for an 18mm (both on a crop sensor camera ).

[@TheOnlyLarsson]

Great to hear your thoughts. Been shooting a 35mm lens for the last 18 months exclusively but considering moving to 28 this year for ease of zone focusing and more context in my shots

[@WalkLikeAlice]

35 is a great lens.

[@mikebaginy8731]

Valuable advice, Jeff. I've come to use a 28 mm lens for most street photography. But I also enjoy hunting for shots which favor a 50 mm lens wide open at f 1.4. I often enjoy shallow depth of field. I've bought all my gear locally and my dealer will lend a lens or camera body for the weekend so I can see how comfortable I am with it.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@DavidTrowsdale]

Just discovered your channel, great listening to you sharing your experience, thoughts and ideas re street photography. Well done !

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you so much. 🙏

[@STEVEMUNCY]

For street, I use a 28mm lens on both my film camera (Bessa R4M) and digital Leica Q2 Mono. No choice on the Q2M. 😊 love 28mm

[@randallbrander8157]

I am liking the Tamron or Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 small compact lenses. Great inside and outside and Love the Wider Field of View on the Sony A7C. Cheers!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I’m not familiar with those lenses but the focal length is appealing

[@kenn6592]

Excellent advice. I just can’t quite nail which lens to go with but this has helped a lot with my thinking. Thanks.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks. Glad you found it useful.

[@petera1033]

Without a doubt the best summary of how people should choose a lens (and why) I have come across. The too many lenses is a rabbit hole of wasted time - speaking from hard earned experience. I've settled on a 24 Elmar for my walk around lens.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you, Peter. You are very kind. 24 I have never used on a Leica. I did use it a lot with a LUMIX camera I had a few years ago.

[@petera1033]

@@WalkLikeAlice I shot with the 21mm for a year and =found it a tad too wide too often great lens though so I shifted up to the 28 and shot for a couple of years - I can understand why Leica loves the 28mm - my preferred distance is 2-3meters so the 24 gives me more width but not as much as the 21. I guess the only thing you may have mentioned in your video is the focusing methods you both use to get your shots.....

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@petera1033 Hi Peter, we covered focusing in this video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aafFlKiii65rgsk

[@TheUrbandilema]

I like 35 and 50mm focal length those fit good..I am new to it so 28mm is nice but gets use to... awesome work mate

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you!! Yes, the 28mm takes some time to get used to especially if you are coming from a longer lens.

[@IzzyLeicanut]

Hi Jeff. I've been shooting with the Leica M (film and digital) for the past 30 years and I'm still learning something new each day. Wise words indeed, from you on street shooting and I appreciate it very much. I've been following your channel for quite a while and love both of your pictures. Thanks and take care

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you so much. We’re glad you are enjoying the channel. 🙏

[@johnwaine56]

Adapting to the 28mm focal length on my Leica Q was not easy after using interchangeables and mostly the 35mm on my cropped sensor Fuji X-T4! But the Q and the fixed lens now feels so natural now. Also, the high image quality of the full frame Leica means that if I simply cannot physically move to the position to give me the ideal framing, I still have the option to crop and get a useable final image. The physical tab for manual focusing on the Q is an important feature too. Using one lens also means I don’t have to remember which way the distance scale works so manual focusing can become quite intuitive.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I didn't know you had come over to the dark side, John ;)

[@johnwaine56]

@@WalkLikeAlice Yes. It's all your fault! I took the majority of my pics on it last year. Hugh Brownstone made me realise I'm not a landscape photographer so street it is for me and the Q so often delivers better pictures than I thought I'd captured which is a joy!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@johnwaine56 don’t blame us!!!

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Incidentially my focal length is also 28mm on full format if I feel comfortable with the envirionment and 35 mm if I prefer to keep a bit more of a distance to people. It may be also dictated by the environment. I stopped using wider lenses because the distortion makes them somewhat difficult to use even when you are not in hurry.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It’s the distortion that attracts me to the wider angles. It gives the image a different dimension which I really like.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

@@WalkLikeAlice Kudos to you, because you obviously mastered this but I failed to make it work for me most of the time. Maybe I should give it another try.

[@Oske.images]

I still love using my Lumix GX80. My fave lens for street is the Leica Summilux 15mm 1.7 ( 30mm equivalent.) I've got used to it, and just love that lens.

[@garethdwatkins]

Shooting street pix today is very much like doing press work in the 80's, before zooms... I use 2 bodies with a wide (usually a 35mm) and a short tele (usually a 75mm) The trick to avoid the indecision is to look at each picture opportunity and decide on the fly which body I need to take it... Obviously changing lenses is not a possibility, but deciding between 2 bodies in less of a problem... I'm always looking for pictures and anticipating where it will be.. during this process I can chose my lens and be ready if it breaks down as I hope... This is how we worked in press photography before fast zooms took over...

[@absonus]

I shot with film M`s for 30 years (still do at times) using 40 or 50 .Today I often go out with my digital CL with either a 35 or just a 50 .I went a few years using a various Ricoh GRD`s and rapidly got used to the 28fl. Now I think conditions on the street have changed in the 30 years since I started. People are more socially aware of cameras and that seems to necessitate using longer fl`s than previously .... perhaps. It depends whether you talking "walk about street" or street events I guess . Nice content by the way .

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I’ve heard this a few times from photographers. The idea that you need to be further away. Whatever you feel comfortable with is the correct choice. But I remember reading an article about Cartier-Bresson and his work in America. He said something on the lines of him having to forsake his 50mm for a 35mm because everything was so big and busy.

[@ccoppola82]

Great advice. When I started I thought I was a 35mm guy because everyone said I should be. Then when processing I realized I was consistently cropping to 50mm range and it felt wasteful tossing away all that sensor space. Since then I shoot 90% with a 50 and much happier

[@WalkLikeAlice]

That’s great. Everyone is different and people should find their own way.

[@LeeRatcliffe]

My go-to camera gear generally is the A7Riii & 35GM (& FE85 sometimes) so I use an X100f for street in manual focus and it seems to be suiting me well.

[@carlmcneill1139]

I use a Nikon full frame. I bought a 40mm a year and a half ago. I think it's a good compromise between the 35mm and 50mm. I love that lens. I bought a 28mm at Christmas. It may not be the sharpest lens but I really like the focal length. I can get closer to people and still have enough of the scene in the frame to put in context where they are. 40mm is better for things across the street from you or further down the street from you. I recently bought an old Canon AE-1. It came with a 50mm lens. I found a 28mm that was like new on fb market for $50. That included shipping. I grew up with point and shoot film cameras but never an SLR. I always wanted one. I picked up the camera for $85. So I only have a little over $100 in it. I've spent that much on film and processing of not more. I think I've shot 7 rolls through it since April. I still prefer my mirrorless cameras but I think shooting film with an all manual camera makes you slow down and think about the shot because you don't want to waste a bad shot since there's only 36 to a roll. I think shooting film will help my street photography with a digital camera.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

wow...thanks a lot...this is / are very good advices! As you asked...i love 40mm most

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you

[@mwales2112]

My main street setup is a Leica M240 and CV 35/1.4 Nokton. I have tried my 28/2 Ultron II, but found it to wide for me. I did enjoy shooting street with a 90/2.8 Elmarit-M this past weekend.. Thanks for the chat...

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I think the 28mm, although popular, is a really difficult lens to work with. It takes a lot of perseverance. I was surprised that Leica used a 28mm in the Q series.

[@aestheticlens]

Since I got my Ricoh gr3 , I love the 28mm . It's the only camera I use for street photography currently.

[@filterfreephotography]

This is great! I have a number of lenses that I use but mostly use the 35mm. There are days that I want to "challenge" myself with other focal lengths. My most interesting challenge was the 20mm. I never had a 28mm but just picked one up with my new Nikon. Can't wait to get out and try it. Glad I found your channel. Subscribed! :)

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks, Lou. Much appreciated 🙏

[@redneckrosey8221]

Olympus Pen F with 8-18mm Olympus lens and also a Leica M8 with an 18mm Carl Zieiss, both cameras are black and I’ve blacked out the white lettering on both cameras, I have a silver Leica M9 but that shows up more and find it attracts a bit more attention, I use the Leica M9 for social occasions, usually fitted with a Leica 24mm lens.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

The M9 silver does attract more attention. Sarah will agree there.

[@alanneilson6811]

When doing my urban outings with my Olympus Pen F I will quite often take two lenses but rarely change sticking with the one for the day. I have three that I which alternate between Olympus 12 and 17 mm which usually live with that camera in that bag I might switch out one and put my 25mm 1.4 lumix leica if I feel that just a bit more reach or distance from what I am photographing. I did try with my 56mm (112) if wanting to put in 35mm terms but was to long.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I used the LUMIX/Leica 12mm for a while. Those lenses are fantastic on m43.

[@alanneilson6811]

@@WalkLikeAlice not had a chance to try the 12mm maybe one day! Also have shot with the 15mm but think the Olympus lenses work better if needing to manual focus

[@13ahab]

I used to use a 28mm then moved to a 24mm my friend used a 21mm, and I now use a 16mm to 35 mm Zoom. I also used a pair of Olympus 35 RC cameras sometimes which are a rangefinder with a 42mm lens.

[@solb101]

I’ve used either 50mm or 28mm macro for extended periods and find them both quite versatile within the constraints that they give me.

[@MomentsFound]

So glad I found this channel! I used to love your comments and advice on the old (DWF) Digital Wedding Forum when I first became a wedding photographer 20+ years ago!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

That’s a blast from the past!!

[@denislaroche3957]

hi Jeff, second time around seeing this video : still triggering interesting thoughts on my side... I am 6 foot 4 and I tend to shoot with the camera positionned under my chin (with a 21 or 28 mm), sometimes its more of a move : bringing the camera under my chin : clic , contiuning and bringing the finder to my eye and clic again, under 1 ou 2 seconds timeframe. Additionally, I find distance from subject dictate my lens choice and environnement dictate distance : in a fair or setting with crowds :1-5 feet (21mm), small town with less people = 10-15 feet (35mm or 50 mm), the 28mm is really an all-arounder and fits almost all scenarios. This is not mathematical as you know and like you said in the video : the personnality of the photographer plays a huge role. cheers to Sarah and you !

[@WalkLikeAlice]

At 6’4 and with your camera to your chin - that would be like me holding it above my head!!!

[@jksanbox]

Thank you for sharing the anecdote with Sebastian Salgado! He is one of my favorite artists.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

He’s a lovely man too. Not at all affected by his fame.

[@andygovan]

Very well put together information. Thank you for getting straight to the point(s), no infuriating waffle. Very informative and thought provoking video. Thank you 🙂✌️

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for watching!! And, yes, our channel is a waffle-free zone 😂

[@davidmiley1286]

Love this channel Jeff. What are you doing on Sunday? May I recommend the Liverpool ChinaTown new year celebrations? It’s a wonderful street event. I’ll be the one with the 50mm! K.O. 12 noon

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Sarah is just looking at train times!!

[@WU_Foto]

Mostly i use the Voigtländer 21mm f3.5 Color-Skopar on my Sony APS/C. This combo is light weight and supplys good looking pics in bnw.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

21mm works so well with any cropped sensor. It gives a really unique look.

[@Stickybutton]

I love the 50. it creates a great depth, helps isolate my subjects & doest not create distorted images.

[@johngonzales7130]

23mm on a cropped fuji. i love it 😊

[@ericlarson6180]

I’ve always loved the 28mm. I’ve gravitated between that and the 35mm and have gotten interesting work with both, but I love the unique look a 28mm brings to street photography. Just discovered your channel, and have now subscribed. Love the reference to Salgado, a god of photography in my book

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Salgado is next level genius when it comes to photography.

[@goo0h]

This, like all your videos I’ve seen so far, is so amazingly helpful and wonderful! It’s so positive and affirming. It’s just magnificent and I really appreciate them. Too many times I’d see videos and would just want to give up. With y’all, it’s just the opposite. I feel more enthusiastic to pull out the camera that has been sitting idle for far too long.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you so much. Glad you find them useful 🙏🙏

[@EricJason34]

Kind of an anachronism here but I use a CL digital and use 3 focal lengths a 21mm Zeiss zm, Voigtlander 40mm and 75mm vm. So disappointed that Leica discontinued the CL digital I really like the aps-c size sensor, it's a really great M alternative if you like an EVF. And if you don't mind auto focus (whi h I'm not a fan of, hence the M lenses) it's got probably the best apsc lens selection out there. Sad, but maybe Leica will bring out something in this slot to replace it. Any way nice channel, like the your work, can't wait to see more!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you, Keith. I’ve never used the CL but I was tempted a few years back!!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great thoughts and video. Since 1970 I primarily use primes from 28 - 90 mm. One camera - one lens.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@ekki782]

... sehr spannend. Hat mich weitergebracht. Thank You!

[@MrCherryJuice]

I have some photographer experience and do photo shoot direction but want to get into street photography. I found this exceptionally helpful and inspriing. Thank you, I have subscribed.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Glad to have you along 🙏

[@marcusnz232]

For me, when I purchased the Leica Apo 35 Summicron it was a religious revelation. Outrageous price but wonderful results. Had the close focus Summilux version before and never liked it greatly. Found an Apo sat on a dealer shelf and a deal was done. Don’t miss the f1.4 at all on an M11-P and it produces amazing quality.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Amazing lens

[@marcusnz232]

Truly. I really cannot put into words just why either. I’ve been a photographer for over 40 years and yet I cannot possibly explain the abilities of that lens. It’s magic. That’s the only possibility!

[@georgjung9466]

Hi. Originally I played with the idea to try a Tamron 35-150. But this lens is huge and heavy and expensiv. So i got the idea to take my Sony 24-105G and mounted it instead on my A7RIII ,on my Sony 6700 (APSC). So the focal length is 36-160 and the combi is still transportable, good to handle and I have nearly all relevant focal length at least for street f. in one objectiv. Even the trees on the top of the opposite mountain in 1Kilometer distance are still sharp. I am happy with "my" solution.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

👍

[@KhalidAli-lf8jg]

Nice and useful video.. I have a 24-70 lens I have a 50 lens and a Nikon 28-300 lens. I use the 50 for street photography and it is comfortable because it works with an aperture of 1.8. The 28-300 lens is comfortable with controlling the zoom, but it needs light, so it is not good for street photography at night.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

👍

[@leixo]

I'm very introvert, not that much shy, had an powershot câmera and love the focal length, almost 200mm, few years went by and i love wide angles, rn i have an cheap 25mm lens on a apsc body, 38mm ish on ff, love the range, looking into an 18mm to try out that 28mm wide angle

[@mifcnm]

I have a 28 on my Q2M, 35mm Summilux , 50 mm Summicron, and 90mm macro(collapsable)

[@lightloving683]

Excellent thoughts here. Usually 2 bodies, 2 lenses - 28 & 40 (or lately, a 60). This most likely influenced by years of using 2 Minolta CLE for travel. Single body 35 (or 40). Best

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you!! I've often thought about using two bodies, but I always think it draws attention to me. I'm not sure if it actually does, but it's that little bit of doubt which stops me going down that route.

[@lightloving683]

@@WalkLikeAlice Carrying 2 bodies ‘can’ be discreet. Typically for me it’s a 75/25 ratio. Having a main body (75) at the ready with a 2nd body (25) in a small bag, clipped (not zipped) for easy access. A point & shoot works as a second body as well; small & non-threatening. A Minilux (40mm) and a CLE/28mm is a brilliantly discrete combo. Enjoy your (& Sarah’s) work. Cheers from the Pacific NW, USA.

[@samsara592000]

I use Summicron 35mm. Have 2 (one is an older 8 element). Despite having multiple other Leica lenses of various focal length I have used the 35mm almost exclusively for all subjects.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

35 is a great focal length for the Leica.

[@Michaeltje2.0]

Mostly I use my 23mmf2 and 50mmf2 on my Fujifilm camera for street stuff. But I have to admit that I also enjoy just bringing my 50-140 lens (70-200mm equiv). for street photography. especially since I really like to take street pictures of cats and dogs. this is in my opinion a really good option for that. in my opinion there isn't a best lens for this or that. I enjoy both of my 3 lenses it just depends in what mood I am and what I want to shoot. I took on all those 3 equal amount of favorite shots for so far. I even shot like really cool cat pictures in Istanbul with my 23mmf2... maybe even the best ones I took were with this lens lol and this lens is considered soft at f2 and people hated about that lens for its shitty close up capabilities, but that's not what the lens is made for. but anyways just use your own vision and create something beautiful with the tool you have in your hand :) and enjoy the proces.

[@jimmason8502]

I also love the 23mmf2 or 50mmf2 on my XPro3. I know a lot of street photographers prefer 28mm-50mm (FF ) but since the pandemic I'm digging that 75mm FF equivalent I get from the 50mmf2. You can get some great shots with it without getting right up in peoples' faces.

[@Ranger629]

This is extremely interesting, because what I've always heard from people were "it's funny those people who buys a Leica M11 but use a Voigtlander Lens. People should invest in a better lens and a cheaper body." What do you reckon about that?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Better lens. Always. Apart from one lens, all ours were bought 20+ years ago. The bodies will come and go but the lenses will always be constant.

[@bigbluerios]

Thx u . Im having that dilemma and i think ima go w the 28mm rf 2.8 pancake with my cannon r8

[@snakechmr5191]

Great and informative video. I'm back from a 35yr hiatus and, in this incarnation as a photographer, I've found myself really jazzed about street photography. It's interesting that you've "focused" on prime lenses and B&W imagery. Though I own a wealth of lenses - some very hi-end, I gravitate to using my 24-240 and occasionally my "Nifty50" for street work -especially if I travel. I love the flexibility of the zoom with that range and it lends itself nicely for "run-and-gun" shooting. Your video has made me consider going wide and prime. Previously a fan of the 28mm, there's still one in my "stable". Perhaps it's time to resserect this beauty and give it a rip. Thanks again for opening my eyes to other possibilities. Subscribed.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks so much. Glad you got something from the video.

[@NightSkyTower]

Just picked a new hobby and as a beginner on budget...great advice on lens and cameras. Hoping to use Nikon 1 J5 10-30mm and stay on course to be good as using it. Cheers

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Have fun with it!!

[@thoughtdujour]

I'm really enjoying this series where you're dispensing advice.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you so much. We are glad you are enjoying the content.

[@youngum78]

Fantastic video as always. I find myself juggling between the 35mm and 28mm. I shoot Street mostly in NYC so its always the 28mm as I dive into the massive sea of people during rush hour. With Zone focusing and good light/flash, it's just about the perfect set-up for me. 35mm for just about everything else.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

NYC, now there is a bucket-list place to go and shoot!! I still take a 35mm with me as a backup lens, and sometimes I will use it in really low light as it’s faster than my 28. I think 28/35 is the best two lens combination.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

@@WalkLikeAlice what's on that list, Jeff? I've lived 40 yrs in manhattan, over 4 now in brooklyn. there are still interesting places i do not dare to walk into as an "outsider" w/ a camera. I'll take a bus tour to spot things out when it gets a little warmer. I always shoot alone. had been robbed in a better part of east village (see my linhof comment)

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

I used to carry a minolta auto flash w/ thyrister circuit & a leica m w/ no hotshoe. 40 or 28 mm w/o a frame but found make-do good enough even for slide use. or else a xd11 w/ 24->35 zoom. all hours in lower manhattan (below 14th st in the 80's/ early 90's) whenever on the streets. my first 35mm before slr's &m's was a 3-zone focus rangefinder camera no one ever heard of. The lens was small & great, prob. a 35 f2.8 ; don't remember. but did not keep for long as i was clumsy at attaching 135 film to a little hoke. it was a little mamiya ! miss it!

[@PhotoTrekr]

Usually, if I want a smaller camera and one lens, I'll take the a6600 and the 24mm GM lens which gives me a focal length around 35mm. If I want to use a pocket camera, I'll use my RX100 vii with a range of 24-200mm.

[@rolf_siggaard]

Great practical advice Jeff. Learning the lens is the most important thing. For me it’s 35mm for my Leica MP240. Magic. As you say, it’s the photographer, not the lens that makes the difference. Thanks.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Exactly!!

[@pauljenkin297]

I'm far from expert when it comes to street / documentary work but I do enjoy its challenges. If I could only choose one lens to use with my Fuji X-Pro 1 and X-Pro2, it would be my 23mm f1.4 because I find it the most 'natural' lens with which to frame a shot. I have quite a few lenses for the Fuji XF system but I use many mostly for landscape. As I'm now in my 60s, I've started to use the 18-55mm f2.8-4.0 zoom more, as an 'insurance policy' due to its flexibility and to prevent the need to switch lenses and miss a shot. It also negates the need to zoom with my feet if my knees are playing up..! For unknown reasons, some Fuji users turn their nose up at this so-called 'kit lens'. Yes, the f2.8 16-55mm is a bit better if you're into pixel peeping but it's also bigger and heavier. I've always been delighted with results from it. I've recently acquired a LeicaQ2 and I'm starting to warm to 28mm. It has the benefit of a digital crop option to 35mm, 50mm and 75mm. The latter is a bit too low in resolution to be really useable but, at 35mm, it's very similar to the X-Pro2 sensor when using the 23mm f1.4.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

"For unknown reasons, some Fuji users turn their nose up at this so-called 'kit lens'." Lens snobbery usually correlates with the inability to take photographs!!

[@pauljenkin297]

@@WalkLikeAlice Couldn't agree more, Jeff. Spending any meaningful length of time zooming in to 100% or 200% to check 'sharpness' on what is intended to be a piece of photographic art and which will be viewed from a distance by people who couldn't care less about edge definition and critical sharpness seems like wasted time, to me.

[@raymondbenton5928]

I am just getting back into photography and decided on an 'amateur' kit. I bought the Nikon Z-50 and a few lenses. My favorite, so far, for street photography is the Nikon Z-28 f/2.8, because on my camera it translates to a 42mm, which is about half-way between a 35mm and a 50mm. It is a small, unimposing combination. I, also, carry in my shirt pocket a Sony RX100 V, which is even less intrusive. The latter is my carry with me always camera.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

That sounds like a good combination. 👍

[@Sean-Smith-Photos]

I just bought the Fuji XT5 and the 23mm f2 lens. Switching from micro four thirds and looking forward to shooting with a prime lens again. Heading out with it for the first time this weekend.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Have fun!!

[@RandumbTech]

I brought that lens along with my X-T1 on a trip to Europe many years ago. Great images that I still enjoy viewing today. You are going to love that combo!

[@tremaincheerful4189]

This is brilliant. The best advice I've heard on the subject, with unique insights. Extremely helpful perspectives. Thank you! I have primarily photographed landscapes and wildlife using high quality zooms, however, you have impressed me with the value of a fixed focal length approach toward artistic development.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful 🙏

[@Swingkid14]

Shot with Konica Hexanon 40mm F1.8 for a year, then Fujinon 18mmf2 for a year. If I could only use 1 lens forever it would be XF35mm1.4

[@luzr6613]

Thank you for that, and a couple of other videos of yours that i watched (Lkd&Subd). I have a sort of question.... I live deep rural and shoot forest and coast - what some people call landscape - and i also shoot the internals of industrial production facilities like steel mills and gold mines etc. But i travel (for work) and i find myself in urban jungles - 'street'. The received wisdom for 'street' seems to be primes, and i understand some of why, and i always have primes to hand, but in dynamic environments i feel inclined toward zooms. There's this orthodoxy in 'street' (it seems), going back a long way, that privileges primes over zooms. I can understand it in part from the film era - primes were very much the dominant (normal) type and the quality was generally much better than zooms - but the normal for digital is zooms and the quality is much closer than it was. Enough from me - anyone any thoughts?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I would agree with you that street photographers tend to be prime lens shooters. Smaller cameras are preferred by many and these often come with a prime lens attached (Leica Q series, Ricoh GR series, Fuji X100 series etc) or they don't have any decent small zoom options. Leica M users don't have any choice but to use primes. Having said this, both Steve McCurry and Martin Parr use zooms. William Klein used a zoom for much of his later street photography. So it doesn't follow that you have to use primes to shoot street, but it seems to be more common to do so. Within the practice of street photography, we both found it easier to work with one focal length rather than a zoom because of the way we work, but that's just us. I would say to anyone reading this that the most important thing is to find what works for you and use that. We are all different and see the world in different ways.

[@_H_2023]

Last week I went to see Tom Wood exhibition in Liverpool , his cameras are on display including the lenses. He used a Leica 50mm Summitar and the Russian lens Jupiter 8 50mm lens. His B&W street work was really impressive.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks for the reply. I hadn’t come across Tom’s work before. Just spent a very pleasurable ten minutes looking at his site. It’s obvious he found his perfect focal length.

[@alex-reay]

I think the question should be which guitar is best for you? Telecaster last week, Strat this week 😉

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Haha. That’s still a work in progress. I’ve got too many guitars. As for pedals, I’m not even going there 🙈😂

[@alex-reay]

@@WalkLikeAlice like cameras, they’re an addiction 🙈

[@ernestthomas9406]

This is a topic that I'm interested in, I have a 23mm lens on my camera all of the time but take 16mm with me which I almost never use, still it helps with my confidence level just to know I can get wider if I choose to. Someday I will leave at home.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I totally get that. There's always something in our brains that thinks "what if" but most of the time that situation never arises!!

[@Kaycin47]

Started taking pictures in my EOS rebel t5 when it came out in 2014. Never upgraded from a kit lens as I just adapted to it, now as of recently I think I’m noticing that wear and tear so I’m thinking about upgrading and am unsure what to really get, I’m not crazy on prime but it’s kinda growing on me (I do street/urbex photography )

[@WalkLikeAlice]

If you are happy with a zoom, get another one with the same range. If you want a prime, then use the exif information in the image files to determine which length you use the most with the zoom and get a prime which closely matches that.

[@Kaycin47]

@@WalkLikeAlice been doing that last part a lot recently, I mainly shoot around 18-24mm but I’m not tryna spend a fortune😭 probably gonna have to. Thank you for the advice I appreciate it

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Both you and Sara are superb photographers, a rare trait among KZbin photographers. I shoot exclusively with 20/21mm lenses for my SLR/Rangefinder cameras. They have been my primary lenses since the late 70s.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Much respect to you for using those lenses as primaries. It takes some skill.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

@@WalkLikeAlice My primary camera is a 6x17 Linhof with a 90mm F5.6 Super Angulon. Same view, different aspect ratio. My first exposure to photography was viewing Kubrick's 2001:A Space Odyssey. I think that was a big influence. Cheers and keep up the superlative work.👍🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

@@linjicakonikon7666 A friend (trained in industrial design by Italian prof.) was influenced by Antonioni's Blow Up (circa 68?,Kubrick's too?) feat. Van Redgrave et.al. I too to a certain extent. My 1st moment (13yr)was seeing a (humbly mine) b&w 127-film Brownie print 're-producing' a memorable scene from 'GunFight at the OK Corral'. Accidental? The 28 was the shortest used over 14/15 yrs since 9th grade (Brit.Form 3). Then 24-35 , 24-50 af; w/the most recent 17-28 f/2.8 af I found myself mostly (>80% ?) at the 24-28 end. (a 25-50, only 2 weeks old, on a new body was robbed in front of a church in the crazy 80's/ early 90's.) I had the use of a borrowed 6x12 Mamiya rangefinder (but w/NO rangefinder focus, basically just a body w/ shutter to fit a lens) with a 47mm Schneider for a # days in 97. Good to have a used-camera dealer for a friend who also had a physics bkgd from an elite college. Used 120 chrome, don't remember using a meter (as I was overseas; may be I used af slr to meter) . Estimation + dof scale ( may be also w/ my usual hyperfocal less 1/2 actual stop to play safe; easier these days w/electronic shutters for fractional intervals) worked beautifully handheld. I also shot verticals, they were amazing. Imagine w/ 6x17 Linhof ; but not for me, hardly ever used a tripod after grade school.The other busy life over the the years did not allow it. Best wishes to your Linhof work.

[@patrickiredale4359]

Solid, sound advice that I will certainly take on board. I’m nearing the end of the video and surprised you haven’t yet mentioned the Fuji X100V, which everyone is raving on about, so much that they are almost unattainable. Apologies if you do finally mention it after 9.14m.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Hi Patrick, thanks for watching and your comments. Regarding the Fuji camera, I’ve never owned or used a Fuji digital, so it wouldn’t be something I could comment on with any authority 🙂

[@Swampberry]

Gosh, loved the images in this video

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you :)

[@mifcnm]

So I’m the person that’s confused! I have a 35mm, 50 mm, and 90 mm. I use to shoot Fuji and loved the 35mm which is a 50mm but I’m struggling a little using this true 50mm. I’m going to take your advice about going out with only 1 lens.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Cropped sensor camera lenses are always slightly different to full frame. People think they are the same, but they aren’t. A 35mm cropped to 50mm is just that. It’s not a 50mm. So I’m not surprised you are seeing a difference. Just stick with the one lens for a few weeks even if you aren’t 100% happy with the images. Eventually, it will click and become second nature to you.

[@wylie_photo]

Just catching up on your last few videos, busy life and all that. Great advice here, Jeff, by far the most sensible I've seen on the subject. 99% of the time I just use a 35mm and I've never had a complaint personally at that focal length. I also use a 50mm, but it really is only about 1% of the time at best.

[@PeterHartland]

Very sound advice, for many years I tended to shot 35mm but found it a little too tight on the frame, although I didn't realise this, then bought a Q2 & at first felt a little uncomfortable being a step or 2 closer, but just carried on(after all what a price to pay for a camera with fixed lens) within week I got comfortable & found my framing a lot better. I sold the Q2 for a M11 but had to wait a week or so for my 28mm Cron to be available so borrowed my friends 35mm lux & suddenly found I wasn't quite enjoying my photography & wondering if I had made the wrong choice on the camera, however when the 28mm Cron arrived & going out with it on the M1 it was like wearing a better (m11) old pair of shoes I was comfortable again. I have just bought a M11 Monochrome & only yesterday my mate with the 35mm skid if I want to buy iy as he was getting the new 35 FLE as he wanted the closer focusing, at a very good price. I almost jumped at it to stay on the M11 Monochrome so went into Bristol to trying. Funny seeing your video today tells me why I decoded to give it a pass & stay with my 28mm Thank you you for answering the question I felt but didn't know if that makes sense

[@WalkLikeAlice]

It does make sense. The trick is to stick with something for a while. If you find after that the lens is causing a few issues with the way you shoot then try something else and give that some time.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Great Channel, thank you for providing very useful information and insights.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

My pleasure. I'm glad you find it useful

[@davesaunders59]

It's 28mm for me. I may crop a little. Having a lens with zone focus distances is essential. It's a pity so many manufacturers have left this off their glass.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Or they have a scale which doesn’t work at f8!!

[@davesaunders59]

@@WalkLikeAlice - good point, well made 👍

[@SJMPhotography]

Great video. I'm currently trying to decide between the 23mm F2 and 27mm F2.8 for Fuji APS-C. Although close in focal length it seems like quite a distinct choice!

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Can’t help you there. I have no idea re Fuji lenses.

[@SJMPhotography]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I meant more the different between 35mm and 40mm FF equiv for street ​@@WalkLikeAlice

[@luchogomez4033]

Alpha 7ii 24-70mm, the kit lens

[@SilatShooter]

Thumbs Up! Great video taking the snootiness out of picking expensive fast glass out of decision process. Also appreciated your comments about how to choose a focal length that works for each of us based on how we're editing and our comfort level is in approaching a situation.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. 🙏

[@SilatShooter]

@@WalkLikeAlice How do feel about zoom lenses? Say something like a 28-70 f2.8? smaller fast zoom?

[@WalkLikeAlice]

@@SilatShooter for me personally, a zoom was always a source of frustration. It caused me to stand in one place and use the lens to find a photo. It was also slow to use, heavy etc. But we’ve all seen what Steve McCurry does with one!!

[@AntonyBall-h9g]

Most of the time I shoot with a 35mm lens but also carry a 50mm both small compact lenses and a small camera body with a couple of batteries the second lens in a pocket just subbed the channel thanks.......

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Much appreciated 🙏

[@takeytakeyphoties]

Great video as usual Jeff. I've been shooting with a Ricoh GR3 for the last year (28mm) and I'd tried the 21mm converter lens briefly but discounted it as it's heavy and unbalances the camera. I get very close to people (zone focus at 1 or 1.5m) and despite shooting over 10,000 images I'm still having the issue of being too close to get the image fully in frame more often than I'd like. I tend to shoot at shoulder height (I'm short, shorter than you). The issue of focal length just hadn't occurred to me, I'd assumed it was my own sloppy technique, I think I need to look at that 21mm adapter again...

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thanks Craig.

[@thomasjackson5963]

Fantastic channel Jeff. Thank you. I’m trying to improve my street photography. It’s between an autofocus 35m 1.4 and manual CV 40mm Nokton for me. I need to work at estimating focus distance as focusing through the view finder slows me down. Do you think it’s worth the effort? As a leica shooter I imagine you do? A possible future video on manual focus tips?! I don’t miss a shot on the autofocus lens but the CV is smaller and somehow more fun.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Thank you. Manual lenses with a decent DOF scale, for me, is always better than an AF lens when it comes to street.

[@thomasjackson5963]

@@WalkLikeAlice Thank you for the reply Jeff. I’ll stick at it!!

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

I had been using the 28mm summicron out and about pretty much ever since I started years ago with Leica M. This Christmas I splurged on a 35mm summicron and I love it and am going to use it exclusively for several months. I really like 50mm, too which probably fits my personality better but I'm trying.....lol.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Haha. One at a time!! Otherwise you end up like me and get onto the street as a confused mess 😂

[@bluecraig99]

I’ve just got back into photography and trying to shoot 50mm using Olympus m4/3 and a small 25mm lens. Small is the key for me. The only thing worrying me is getting out in the rainy weather and damaging the camera. But its this weather that I think could get the best shots. Any tips for keeping camera safe in wet weather? Cheers

[@WalkLikeAlice]

You can’t really keep a camera 100% safe in the rain. We carry a small towel with us and often shoot from doorways and under shelter.

[@ByFoul]

I am a 28mm type of guy for sure

[@WalkLikeAlice]

I’ll have to start a 28mm club!!

[@thepirateshoots]

I am a 16-50mm guy 😎. On my Fuji, this light glass simply performs at f/6.3

[@jackbarron8880]

To extend your point about if you have to crop in post production then you are using a lens too wide for you. Most cameras have a APSC crop, I would argue that you can use the same lens but just use that mode.

[@WalkLikeAlice]

Yes. That’s a fair point although you are cropping in on the sensor and it’s not quite the same as having the right focal length.

[@jackbarron8880]

@@WalkLikeAlice True