Street lens - FM Forums

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules
Nikon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews

FM Forums | Nikon-mount SLRs | Join Image Upload

2 end

Street lens

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #1 · Street lens

Hello,

Could you guys recommend me the lens that is best for so called street photography? If there is a single lens that can do most of the street photography in the first place, of course.

What I mostly want is to shoot people (close-ups - faces - included) and street life in general. Maybe some architecture as it is a part of a street life and adding to the atmosphere... blah blah blah. Hope you understand more or less what I need.

Simply put, shooting interesting scenes and people while roaming through the city if that makes sense, without needing to switch the lens in the process.

I'm using D90 at the moment, but expecting D700 in a month or two. I'd like to be able to use it on both cameras if that is possible. Or if not, a suggestion for each of those two cameras.

Budget is not an issue as long as I don't have to sell the boat to buy it - lol.

I'm having 18-105mm Kit lens and AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G at the moment.

Thanks.

Jul 03, 2009 at 11:37 PM

aroth87
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #2 · Street lens

Personally, I like my 24mm for shooting people in the streets. I really enjoy the FOV (on my little old D40

) and focusing is pretty easy, since DOF is pretty big stopped down to f/8. Any help I can get to make the photo more quickly is a plus in my book because a good shot can be gone pretty fast.

My 24mm is of the f/2.8 AIS variety because my budget was (and still is) tight. There are a few different versions of the lens (f/2, AF, AIS) so its up to you to decide what features you want.

That being said, I also like the 35mm focal length on DX. Since you already have that one, why not try is out? You can decide then if you want something wider or longer from there.

Adam

Jul 03, 2009 at 11:53 PM

Gustaf Lindber
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #3 · Street lens

I'm no pro but when I spent a week in Spain visiting a crazy fireworks festival (Las Fallas) and the one lens that was mounted on my camera all the time was my Tamron 17-50/2,8.
It's versatile enough for both portraits and some buildings so I would go for some normal zoom.
The 17-50/2,8 might not be the best alternative for you since you're getting a D700 but check out the Sigma 24-70/2,8 or Tamron 28-75/2,8 or if you have money to spend, a Nikon 24-70/2,8.

Edited on Jul 04, 2009 at 12:03 AM · View previous versions

Jul 03, 2009 at 11:58 PM

James R
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #4 · Street lens

The 24-70 2.8 is great for that type of general shooting, provided you don't need to be indiscreet; but, a D700 isn't a discreet camera anyway.

Jul 03, 2009 at 11:59 PM

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #5 · Street lens

Thank you all for replying.

I guess 24-70/2.8 it is.

And yes, being as discreet as possible is certainly my goal, since the mood of the scene changes the sec "they" see you with a camera aiming at them.

aroth87, I love my 35/1.8 but if I want to shoot someones face or any kind of close-up or a detail, I need to come too close to catch the expression on their faces and that is a problem more often than not.

A combination of my Kit lens zoom capabilities with the sharpness and bokeh of my 35/1.8 would be ideal I think - lol. Since I haven't tried anything besides these two lenses I have no idea what is out there.
I'll try to find some photos taken with the 24-70/2.8 and see if that's what I need, which I'm pretty sure it is.

Also, not sure if there is a big difference in quality between Sigma and Nikon when it comes to this lens?

Thank you all again.

Edited on Jul 04, 2009 at 12:56 AM · View previous versions

Jul 04, 2009 at 12:54 AM

luminosity
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #6 · Street lens

My 17-55 2.8 works well. Combine it with the Tokina 50-135 and you're in business.

Jul 04, 2009 at 12:55 AM

James R
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #7 · Street lens

luminosity wrote:
My 17-55 2.8 works well. Combine it with the Tokina 50-135 and you're in business.

He's buying a D700 in a couple months. Probably not a good idea to invest DX glass.

Jul 04, 2009 at 02:54 AM

luminosity
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #8 · Street lens

Oops. My error. I looked at the existing glass and missed the D700 to come.

If you're on a budget, check out the new Sigma 24-70 HSM. Seems very well regarded by many.

Jul 04, 2009 at 03:14 AM

runamuck
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #9 · Street lens

luminosity wrote:
Oops. My error. I looked at the existing glass and missed the D700 to come.

If you're on a budget, check out the new Sigma 24-70 HSM. Seems very well regarded by many.

Check out http://www.popphoto.com/Reviews/Lenses/Sigma-24-70mm-f-2.8-EX-DG-HSM-AF-Lens-Test They really seem stoked about this lens. Supposed to be a huge imporvement over the older model.

Jul 04, 2009 at 04:18 AM

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #10 · Street lens

Yes, runamuck. I was just reading that review and a few more about that Sigma lens and everyone are saying it's THE lens. Thank you.

My only concern would be the lack of VR feature in both, since I'm not using a tripod and all of my shots are hand-held. Does anyone know how big of a problem that truly is?

Thanks.

Jul 04, 2009 at 05:33 AM

Rodolfo Paiz
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #11 · Street lens

Not a big problem at all, at those focal lengths. The "textbook" recommendation is that VR becomes useful at 1/fl (1 divided by the focal length), but for good sharp shots I've seen many people choose to use 1/2xFL. In either case, at 50mm you're looking at camera shake becoming an issue somewhere around 1/50 to 1/60, and at slower shutter speeds than that, the real problem is not your camera motion but the subject's motion. So VR becomes moot, because it's the people who won't sit still.

Neither the Nikon 17-55 nor the 24-70, both top-of-the-line lenses, have VR. Nor, in my humble opinion, do they really need it (and they're heavy enough already!).

Jul 04, 2009 at 07:05 AM

Mocca
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #12 · Street lens

onearmivan wrote:...

I guess 24-70/2.8 it is.

And yes, being as discreet as possible is certainly my goal, since the mood of the scene changes the sec "they" see you with a camera aiming at them.
...

Discretion and the Nikon 24-70 is not what you get. It is a large lens, and with hood it is kinda' menacing

Jul 04, 2009 at 12:24 PM

runamuck
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #13 · Street lens

An FM3a with a pancake lens is discreet. A D700 with a 24-70 simply screams "I'm taking your picture, watch out!" Even a D70 or D80 with a pancake lens is far less obtrusive.

Jul 04, 2009 at 12:59 PM

eaglewolf
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #14 · Street lens

Mocca wrote:
Discretion and the Nikon 24-70 is not what you get. It is a large lens, and with hood it is kinda' menacing

Ain't that the truth! Many non-photogrphers think my 24-70 is a long telephoto when I have the hood attached. But you can't beat it for IQ. It is simply an amazing lens.

For a more discreet lens, try the 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4 or 1.8, or the 85mm f/1.8 depending on the focal length you desire. Great glass for a reasonable price, and they are in a much smaller lenses than the 24-70. Typically that will be the case with the primes. You might even consider adding one or more of those to the 24-70, as they are relatively inexpensive.

David

Jul 04, 2009 at 03:03 PM

Kerry Pierce
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #15 · Street lens

I haven't done any street photography in several years. Back then I used a d70 and a couple of fast lenses, because I liked small, light kit. Usually I'd use the sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and the 85 f/1.8.

Today, I'd buy one of the small DX bodies and use the same lenses. I wouldn't use my d300 or d700 and pro glass for that purpose. That is just too large and heavy for me to enjoy, plus that isn't "discreet" kit.

Jul 04, 2009 at 03:55 PM

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #16 · Street lens

I've seen pics with 24-70 and they are truly amazing. I'm definitely considering to buy that one next week.

And the idea of looking menacing... ahmm... might be nifty for a change - lol.

That lens and my 35/1.8 prime should be a decent combination for start I guess. 35 for D90 and 24-70 for D700 when it comes.

I'm getting only D700 body and it really seems that 24-70 would be an ideal all-around lens for it (unless there are other thoughts).

Thank you all.

Jul 04, 2009 at 05:13 PM

Makten
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #17 · Street lens

onearmivan wrote:
I'm getting only D700 body and it really seems that 24-70 would be an ideal all-around lens for it (unless there are other thoughts).

IQ-wise, yes. But the size and weight can really be an issue. Especially for street photography, when you probably don't want to be seen and you'll carry the camera for a couple of hours.
I own the 24-70, but I seldom use it because of the above mentioned reasons. I prefer small and fast manual focus primes with the D700. I find the camera too large and heavy already with very small lenses, so the 24-70 is only used for "events" and such when I'm playing the dedicated photographer.

I'm not saying it's unwize to buy the 24-70, but I don't think it is well suited for the use you describe.

Jul 04, 2009 at 06:27 PM

luminosity
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #18 · Street lens

It depends on the kind of street photography you want to do. Some people believe in posed candids and other photography that allows people to see you. Not everyone is in favor of being unseen, at least by the subject.

Jul 04, 2009 at 06:28 PM

gugs
Online
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #19 · Street lens

all lenses will do depending on your style...

my favorite: the 18-200VR on DX ! I missed enough shots with a short zoom on the D3 that I learned that you need two bodies or a "swiss knife" lens, to take spontaneous pictures. Other than that the 24-70 is a good choice, often the right choice but not always !

Guy

Jul 04, 2009 at 08:28 PM

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #20 · Street lens

As you guys can assume from my nickname I'm actually using mostly only my right arm/hand to operate a camera, so weight definitely plays a role in all of this, and a bigger one than with you guys.

But, on the other hand, size doesn't. Or should I say I don't mind the size and it's actually better/easier for me to reach and hold the bigger lens with my left forearm (since the hand is useless).

I love Nikon bodies - ergonomics and buttons are positioned naturally for the best/fastest performance (at least for me - I'm aware that most people don't have my problems, though -

Jul 04, 2009 at 09:01 PM

Makten
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #21 · Street lens

onearmivan wrote:
As you guys can assume from my nickname I'm actually using mostly only my right arm/hand to operate a camera, so weight definitely plays a role in all of this, and a bigger one than with you guys.

But, on the other hand, size doesn't. Or should I say I don't mind the size and it's actually better/easier for me to reach and hold the bigger lens with my left forearm (since the hand is useless).

I love Nikon bodies - ergonomics and buttons are positioned naturally for the best/fastest performance (at least for me - I'm aware that most people don't have my problems, though -

Jul 04, 2009 at 10:20 PM

Avi B
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #22 · Street lens

How about a relatively wide prime like a 28 f/2 or 2.8? Set the aperture, set the hyperfocal distance, and shoot away.

For example, my car cam is a D70s with a AFD 28 f/2.8 set to f/8 and aperture priority, with hyperfocal focus set also at f/8 and autoiso enabled. I managed to capture this one day while driving....

Exif information
Model	NIKON D70s
Date	2009:07:04 18:42:42
Original date	2009:03:21 16:49:50
Exposure time	10/3200 sec
Focal length	28mm
Focal number	f/8.0
ISO speed	200 ISO
Exposure compensation	-0.3

Jul 04, 2009 at 10:45 PM

onearmivan
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #23 · Street lens

Makten wrote:
onearmivan wrote:
As you guys can assume from my nickname I'm actually using mostly only my right arm/hand to operate a camera, so weight definitely plays a role in all of this, and a bigger one than with you guys.

But, on the other hand, size doesn't. Or should I say I don't mind the size and it's actually better/easier for me to reach and hold the bigger lens with my left forearm (since the hand is useless).

I love Nikon bodies - ergonomics and buttons are positioned naturally for the best/fastest performance (at least for me - I'm aware that most people don't have my problems, though -

).

When it comes to what type of street photography I'm interested in... I'm not a pro and doing this only for fun and it's what I enjoy to do. So, it's a bit of everything I guess - heh. If I see something interesting (a cat, a guy, eerie combination of light and architecture, some detail, kids, windows, people doing something... blah blah blah...) I try to catch it with my camera.

I'd like to be able to make a photo with that one lens cause changing lenses on the spot is not something I can do with only one arm/hand that I have, sadly. So I'm stuck with whatever is on the camera after I leave the house, simply put - lol.

Thank you all for the kind help.
--
You should then get to try the D700/24-70 combination first. I have no idea of how your disabled arm is functioning, but maybe the 24-70 is a good choice if you can handle it. Remember to try out the zooming, because the zoom ring is at the rear of the lens and quite stiff in movement.
If you can use your left arm/hand for support of the weight, there will probably be no major problem with the handling. But if you are to hold the camera with only one hand, the 24-70 on D700 is a very non-ergonomic and heavy combination.

Yeah, zooming is a major problem for me since I can't use the left hand at all. The way I do it with my kit lens is move the camera left and right over the left forearm and at the same time moving the left forearm in the opposite direction, thus moving the zoom ring. Basically only using my left forearm for the zoom ring. My left wrist and hand itself are useless/paralyzed, but the rest of the arm is ok. I just lean/put the camera (or specifically lens) onto the left forearm and shoot.

If the zoom ring is stiff on 24-70 that might be the problem, though. Thanks for the heads-up. I'll need to check it out before buying it.

Avi B, wide prime lenses are great for me (since I don't have to worry about zooming cause of the reasons I explained here) and I love my 35/1.8 for just about everything except street shooting - lol. I'd like to be able to catch a detail and isolate it with a bokeh around, or maybe catch someone's facial expression without having to be a yard away and telling that person where to look (lol)... etc.
But yeah, you're making a valid point there. And I have no idea what "hyperfocal focus" is though and how to set it to, as in your example, f8 - lol. I'll check it out for sure. Thanks for your advice.

I'm sorry for maybe asking too much, especially considering my disability. Thank you all for the help. I'll definitely try 24-70 and see if I can move the zoom ring or not. I'll figure it out.

Thanks all !

Edited on Jul 05, 2009 at 12:25 AM · View previous versions

Jul 05, 2009 at 12:13 AM

stedge
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #24 · Street lens

I don't know squat, so take anything I say with a grain of salt, but I saw a post here with some awesome street pix taken with a 300 VR. Now that lens is big and expensive, but it has VR, no zoom, and you don't have to be anywhere near your subject. Just food for thought.

Then your 35 (or an even wider prime or zoom) for architecture?

Or - coming back to earth - why not the 18-200 (or competing non-nikon everything lens), if you are going zoom. It has VR, you can get people from a distance, and get some wide shots, too.

Jul 05, 2009 at 12:19 AM

Mike John
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #25 · Street lens

FYI, With the d700 and 24-70 I just tried moving the zoom by rolling it on my left forearm, it moves very easily and mine is a new lens.

Good luck,
Mike

Jul 05, 2009 at 12:53 AM


FM Forums \| Nikon-mount SLRs \| Join Image Upload 1 2 end