Lightest lenses you use for street photography
p.1 #1Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Hi all, after 4 years of using a Leica m11 I’m looking forward to adding a Sony a7r5 now they are so low in price.
Primarily for autofocus. Although I enjoy zone focusing and I’m very fast with a range finder at 35mm f5.5, I still would like a lightening fast option for street (day and night).
Just wondering what some favs are that anyone would like to share. I’m thinking the 2.8 Sony G 24-50 looks perfect. But also looking at the f4 20-70 as it seems light and a zoom like this would be such a difference from my collection of M Primes. Either way after so long with a small Leica by my side, I’m keen to keep the A7 as light as possible.. and compact too if I can.
I just know I won’t carry around a lens as heavy as the 28-70 f2 from Sony as I like to have a camera on me all the time.
Cheers
Primarily for autofocus. Although I enjoy zone focusing and I’m very fast with a range finder at 35mm f5.5, I still would like a lightening fast option for street (day and night).
Just wondering what some favs are that anyone would like to share. I’m thinking the 2.8 Sony G 24-50 looks perfect. But also looking at the f4 20-70 as it seems light and a zoom like this would be such a difference from my collection of M Primes. Either way after so long with a small Leica by my side, I’m keen to keep the A7 as light as possible.. and compact too if I can.
I just know I won’t carry around a lens as heavy as the 28-70 f2 from Sony as I like to have a camera on me all the time.
Cheers
Jun 06, 2026 at 09:22 PM
p.1 #2Lightest lenses you use for street photography
The FE 40/2.5 G has served me well for years now.
It's f/2.5 "only" but in the streets you usually want some DOF so it doesn't matter. AF is very fast (and it supports AF up to 30 fps).
;-)
It's f/2.5 "only" but in the streets you usually want some DOF so it doesn't matter. AF is very fast (and it supports AF up to 30 fps).
;-)
Jun 07, 2026 at 02:21 AM
p.1 #3Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Looks spot on- thanks! Great size and price too***
Jun 07, 2026 at 02:49 AM
p.1 #4Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Munro303 wrote:
Looks spot on- thanks! Great size and price too***
And, as you mentioned you have an M11... there is a square lens hood available if you like such things.
Looks spot on- thanks! Great size and price too***
And, as you mentioned you have an M11... there is a square lens hood available if you like such things.
Jun 07, 2026 at 05:11 AM
p.1 #5Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I always try to get away with no lens hood if I can help it! But agree those square video hoods are quite nice*
Jun 07, 2026 at 08:49 AM
p.1 #6Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I came to Sony as a long time M user and currently have an A7CR with the Sony 24-50. I think of that lens as a collection of primes -- equal to nearly all my M primes 24, 28, 35, 50 -- rather than a zoom. The results are excellent. The sensor is so good that f2.8 can be taken to 6400 ISO without noticeable penalty and modern noise reduction further helps if needed. I do agree the 40/2.5 makes a very compact choice too although I don't own that lens. The Zeiss Batis 25mm f2.0 is also compact and has more of a Leica look than the Sony lenses if 25mm is not too wide for you.
After nearly four years I am adapting to the size of Sony's AF cameras and thinking that my next choice might revert to the more conventional grip and shape of the A7R5 or the new A7R6, or even an A1. There's not much compromise in going with the A7CR but the viewfinder could be better and the full size body feels more natural with the larger lenses when you eventually give in and add them!
After nearly four years I am adapting to the size of Sony's AF cameras and thinking that my next choice might revert to the more conventional grip and shape of the A7R5 or the new A7R6, or even an A1. There's not much compromise in going with the A7CR but the viewfinder could be better and the full size body feels more natural with the larger lenses when you eventually give in and add them!
Jun 07, 2026 at 09:17 AM
p.1 #7Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Munro303 wrote:
I always try to get away with no lens hood if I can help it! But agree those square video hoods are quite nice*
Then perhaps just use the original 40G hood. It's small, offer some protection and a filter fit inside it (if at a windy beach for example).
I always try to get away with no lens hood if I can help it! But agree those square video hoods are quite nice*
Then perhaps just use the original 40G hood. It's small, offer some protection and a filter fit inside it (if at a windy beach for example).
Jun 07, 2026 at 09:25 AM
p.1 #8Lightest lenses you use for street photography
For street I used the 55mm f1.8 for years, but changed to the 40 and 50 f2.5 G lenses when they came out. Small, fast AF, and yes keep the original hood, to be less visible.
Jun 07, 2026 at 09:45 AM
p.1 #9Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Thanks Rob and Chaliel, I think the 24-50 is a hugely tempting lens.. and that 40 f2.5 also looks like the kind of lens it's a pleasure to carry around all day. Im also looking at the 20- 70 f4 as well.. either way- a light camera set up is the way to go!
Thanks so much all for your advice- Im looking forward to testing these lenses out
Thanks so much all for your advice- Im looking forward to testing these lenses out
Jun 08, 2026 at 07:20 AM
p.1 #10Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Get the Viltrox 35mm ff1.8 EVO. It is relatively inexpensive, small and light. The IQ is outstanding. I normally shoot the Sigma 35mm f1.2 II, but when I travel, I shoot the Viltrox lens without giving-up much, if any, real IQ.
The Sony GM 35mm f1.4 is relatively small/light, has outstanding IQ and can be had on FM Buy&Sell fairly inexpensively.
You will likely enjoy the Sony 20-70mm lens - it has great IQ and is relatively small/light. I used this as a travel lens but have replaced it with the more versatile Sigma 20-200mm. If you look at the technical tests on www.lenstip.com the IQ is nearly the same in the 20-70mm range between these two lenses.
If you want super-light, small and cheap, the Viltrox 14mm f4 is fairly amazing.
The Sony PZ 16-35mm f4 lens is terrific and fairly small/light.
The Viltrox 50mm f2 is another great, sharp lens that I use for travel.
You mentioned the GM 28-70mm f2. That is now my most used lens and I find the size/weight well worth the effort.
The Sony GM 35mm f1.4 is relatively small/light, has outstanding IQ and can be had on FM Buy&Sell fairly inexpensively.
You will likely enjoy the Sony 20-70mm lens - it has great IQ and is relatively small/light. I used this as a travel lens but have replaced it with the more versatile Sigma 20-200mm. If you look at the technical tests on www.lenstip.com the IQ is nearly the same in the 20-70mm range between these two lenses.
If you want super-light, small and cheap, the Viltrox 14mm f4 is fairly amazing.
The Sony PZ 16-35mm f4 lens is terrific and fairly small/light.
The Viltrox 50mm f2 is another great, sharp lens that I use for travel.
You mentioned the GM 28-70mm f2. That is now my most used lens and I find the size/weight well worth the effort.
Jun 08, 2026 at 08:29 AM
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p.1 #11Lightest lenses you use for street photography
InFocus2014 wrote:
Get the Viltrox 35mm ff1.8 EVO. It is relatively inexpensive, small and light. The IQ is outstanding. I normally shoot the Sigma 35mm f1.2 II, but when I travel, I shoot the Viltrox lens without giving-up much, if any, real IQ.[...]
I agree, partly.
Searching for the lightest lens the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO is heavy compared to the Sony 40/2.5 G, it's nearly 200 grams heavier. It is also bigger. Image quality is great but focusing is slower when compared. The Viltrox is also not weather sealed.
Yes, I own both. The default lens, mounted to the camera and ready to go is the Viltrox 35EVO. If i know I'll shoot in the streets only and will be out all day I bring the 40/2.5 G.
Get the Viltrox 35mm ff1.8 EVO. It is relatively inexpensive, small and light. The IQ is outstanding. I normally shoot the Sigma 35mm f1.2 II, but when I travel, I shoot the Viltrox lens without giving-up much, if any, real IQ.[...]
I agree, partly.
Searching for the lightest lens the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO is heavy compared to the Sony 40/2.5 G, it's nearly 200 grams heavier. It is also bigger. Image quality is great but focusing is slower when compared. The Viltrox is also not weather sealed.
Yes, I own both. The default lens, mounted to the camera and ready to go is the Viltrox 35EVO. If i know I'll shoot in the streets only and will be out all day I bring the 40/2.5 G.
Jun 08, 2026 at 08:52 AM
p.1 #12Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Well apart from the fact the Leica Q3M is my preferred street camera and I wish for a decent 28mm Sony when using the A1ii I have both the 24-50G and 40G. The 40G is so small and light and makes for a inconspicuous package but I have some difficulty with the focal length so the 24-50G is my main lens for walk around and street photography. I like the 40G lens hood as it often good protection especially if raining. I also have the Batis 25/f2 which is nearest in focal to 28mm focal length (apart from the native FE28mm) which is light but quite large
Jun 08, 2026 at 10:18 AM
p.1 #13Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Two other light prime options in native Sony lenses are the "old" Sony FE 35 F2.8 Zeiss and Sony 55 F1.8 Zeiss. They are both older lenses, so don't have the lightning fast AF, but they are both lightweight and can be found cheap 2nd hand.
I have the FE 35 F2.8 Zeiss as compact lightweight option to pair with my FE 20-70 F4 for travel.
I have the FE 35 F2.8 Zeiss as compact lightweight option to pair with my FE 20-70 F4 for travel.
Jun 08, 2026 at 10:38 AM
p.1 #14Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Thanks for these suggestions.
The Viltrox 85mm 1.8 is only 485g.. pretty amazing. And their APO lenses are so cheap compared to Voightlander.. Im also looking at the Samyang 135 (772g). After an M camera, being able to autofocus at such a crazy length to create those cinematic shots will be great.
The Sigma 20- 200 looks incredible too.. and Ive heard amazing things about the magic of the GM 28-70mm f2..
Quite a rabbit hole this world of E mount lenses.. I think Im going to get the smaller 40/ 2.5g and maybe the 24-50g as walking around lenses, and then do a two-day hire on every other suggestion in this thread!
The Viltrox 85mm 1.8 is only 485g.. pretty amazing. And their APO lenses are so cheap compared to Voightlander.. Im also looking at the Samyang 135 (772g). After an M camera, being able to autofocus at such a crazy length to create those cinematic shots will be great.
The Sigma 20- 200 looks incredible too.. and Ive heard amazing things about the magic of the GM 28-70mm f2..
Quite a rabbit hole this world of E mount lenses.. I think Im going to get the smaller 40/ 2.5g and maybe the 24-50g as walking around lenses, and then do a two-day hire on every other suggestion in this thread!
Jun 08, 2026 at 10:37 PM
p.1 #15Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I've tried the 40G, is a great little lens, but when out and about I've come to realize that the 24-50/2.8 is just so flexible that this is the one I'm taking with me. If I need wider, it would surely be a static scene and I can stick multiple images. If I need longer, I have a Batis 85/1.8.
a7RV prices are indeed very attractive. Unless you need 61MP, I would seriously look at the a7V, but less rolling shutter in e-mode, and 33mp is fine/plenty for street.
a7RV prices are indeed very attractive. Unless you need 61MP, I would seriously look at the a7V, but less rolling shutter in e-mode, and 33mp is fine/plenty for street.
Jun 14, 2026 at 10:47 AM
p.1 #16Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I use the Sony 28-60mm FE zoom lens, which has fast autofocus, weighs only 167 grams, and is only 67mm long.
On APS-C it functions as 42-90mm.
You can see a thread on that lens here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
You can view some images made with it, under a variety of conditions, here: https://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/sony28-60/index.php (You will probably need to remove "https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/link.php?url=" from the browser URL after clicking the link)
On APS-C it functions as 42-90mm.
You can see a thread on that lens here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
You can view some images made with it, under a variety of conditions, here: https://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/sony28-60/index.php (You will probably need to remove "https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/link.php?url=" from the browser URL after clicking the link)
Jun 14, 2026 at 11:09 AM
p.1 #17Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I just got into Sony system and got 24-50/2.8. It looks like a winner for everyday photography. It is compact, and the image quality is great. One consideration is that it starts from 50mm when at its shortest and extends to zoom out. If you like 50mm this is a no brainer zoom solution. If you prefer wide-angle, it makes sense to look elsewhere first.
Jun 14, 2026 at 11:23 AM
p.1 #18Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Sony Zeiss 55/1.8 is my preferred street lens, though I might have to give the new Viltrox 55/1.8 a go.
Jun 14, 2026 at 02:37 PM
p.1 #19Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Everyone has suggested great choices but many are a little large for what you suggested.
Sony 24-50 - great lens but not that small.
Sony 20-70 - great lens but not that small.
Smaller choices:
Sony 40 2.5
Viltorx 50 1.8
Sigma 90 2.8
All of these are very sharp and focus well on a Sony A7RV.
Sony 24-50 - great lens but not that small.
Sony 20-70 - great lens but not that small.
Smaller choices:
Sony 40 2.5
Viltorx 50 1.8
Sigma 90 2.8
All of these are very sharp and focus well on a Sony A7RV.
Jun 14, 2026 at 02:45 PM
p.1 #20Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Late to this party but here’s my thinking anyway. I recently came to the Sony A7Cii for a compact, lightweight, full frame travel and street setup, and so far I’m pleased.
I initially ordered both the 35 and 55 evo’s as my goto street/night primes. However, as mentioned above, while not overly large, they are old school build quality meaning metal, and as such are heavier feeling on the camera than I anticipated. As such, I have ordered the Viltrox 50/2 air lens at nearly half the weight to compare — it arrives later today so I can report back with more detail later.
My dilemma is the evo’s are both stellar performers optically starting wide open and are about as good as any lens can be from f2 through f8, and hey offer great contrast and decent bokeh in most situations. By most reports the air renders flatter, and while sharp centrally has a softer outer ⅓ until about f4 where it becomes comparable to the evo’s. However in the Viltrox thread here, the images I have seen from the 50 air look quite pleasing, perhaps a tad more classic and less clinical than the 55 evo, which doesn’t bother me. Heck, I frequently put a black mist filter on to hold back biting contrast anyway. So the decision is weight vs actual optical performance for the way I shoot. Hopefully I can come back with an answer tomorrow after some brief testing.
I initially ordered both the 35 and 55 evo’s as my goto street/night primes. However, as mentioned above, while not overly large, they are old school build quality meaning metal, and as such are heavier feeling on the camera than I anticipated. As such, I have ordered the Viltrox 50/2 air lens at nearly half the weight to compare — it arrives later today so I can report back with more detail later.
My dilemma is the evo’s are both stellar performers optically starting wide open and are about as good as any lens can be from f2 through f8, and hey offer great contrast and decent bokeh in most situations. By most reports the air renders flatter, and while sharp centrally has a softer outer ⅓ until about f4 where it becomes comparable to the evo’s. However in the Viltrox thread here, the images I have seen from the 50 air look quite pleasing, perhaps a tad more classic and less clinical than the 55 evo, which doesn’t bother me. Heck, I frequently put a black mist filter on to hold back biting contrast anyway. So the decision is weight vs actual optical performance for the way I shoot. Hopefully I can come back with an answer tomorrow after some brief testing.
Jun 15, 2026 at 08:01 AM