Lightest lenses you use for street photography
p.2 #1Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Last year I wanted a super light 35mm lens for walking around and I got a Samyang 35mm 1.8. It weighs only 210g which is almost as light as the FE 40G…yet has a 1.8 aperture vs 2.5.
I’m thinking of adding more to make a complete super-light setup as the 75mm and 24mm are both very sharp and similar size.
The one negative is I had to buy the Samyang lens dock to upgrade the firmware so my af-c would work properly. Viltrox is better in this regard by including the USB interface right on the lens itself.
The Viltrox EVOs look appealing to me optically, but the weight/size is not as great as the little Samyang lenses.
I’m thinking of adding more to make a complete super-light setup as the 75mm and 24mm are both very sharp and similar size.
The one negative is I had to buy the Samyang lens dock to upgrade the firmware so my af-c would work properly. Viltrox is better in this regard by including the USB interface right on the lens itself.
The Viltrox EVOs look appealing to me optically, but the weight/size is not as great as the little Samyang lenses.
Jun 15, 2026 at 12:04 PM
p.2 #2Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Lightest is the Samyang Remaster Slim trio. Very hard to beat in weight. And I happen to like the results too.
Jun 15, 2026 at 12:31 PM
p.2 #3Lightest lenses you use for street photography
The Samyang 35 1.8 is a bargain. Works well on APS-C as well. Having to use the dock is a minor grip but it’s cheap enough so no big deal.
Jun 15, 2026 at 12:48 PM
p.2 #4Lightest lenses you use for street photography
darbo wrote:
Last year I wanted a super light 35mm lens for walking around and I got a Samyang 35mm 1.8. It weighs only 210g which is almost as light as the FE 40G…yet has a 1.8 aperture vs 2.5.
I’m thinking of adding more to make a complete super-light setup as the 75mm and 24mm are both very sharp and similar size.
The one negative is I had to buy the Samyang lens dock to upgrade the firmware so my af-c would work properly. Viltrox is better in this regard by including the USB interface right on the lens itself.
The Viltrox...Show more →
I think there are more negatives: No weather sealing, no aperture ring (either that or no focusing ring), kind of slow focusing, un-inspiring images, quite some LoCA, _if_ you need the image to be sharp from border to border you need to stop down to f2.8 or f4. Another possible problem is the sketchy quality control the (don't) perform at Samyang.
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twelveish wrote:
Lightest is the Samyang Remaster Slim trio. Very hard to beat in weight. And I happen to like the results too.
This is the odd one out. I recommend reading Juhas posts on these lenses.
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jwpstl wrote:
The Samyang 35 1.8 is a bargain. Works well on APS-C as well. Having to use the dock is a minor grip but it’s cheap enough so no big deal.
Bargain as in not costing a lot of money.
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A lot of these opinions are related to personal taste. I still recommend the 40G. It is still overpriced but you get the right feature set.
Weather sealing, aperture (and focusing ring at the same time), control button, very fast focusing. If you never felt the need for an aperture ring and never take images in bad weather and don't care about focusing speed you shouldn't buy the 40G. Optically it is an average performer, typically modern rendering, sharp, so so bokeh sometimes but it is totally OK and it won't let you down.
Image from my user review of the 40G here.
Last year I wanted a super light 35mm lens for walking around and I got a Samyang 35mm 1.8. It weighs only 210g which is almost as light as the FE 40G…yet has a 1.8 aperture vs 2.5.
I’m thinking of adding more to make a complete super-light setup as the 75mm and 24mm are both very sharp and similar size.
The one negative is I had to buy the Samyang lens dock to upgrade the firmware so my af-c would work properly. Viltrox is better in this regard by including the USB interface right on the lens itself.
The Viltrox...Show more →
I think there are more negatives: No weather sealing, no aperture ring (either that or no focusing ring), kind of slow focusing, un-inspiring images, quite some LoCA, _if_ you need the image to be sharp from border to border you need to stop down to f2.8 or f4. Another possible problem is the sketchy quality control the (don't) perform at Samyang.
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twelveish wrote:
Lightest is the Samyang Remaster Slim trio. Very hard to beat in weight. And I happen to like the results too.
This is the odd one out. I recommend reading Juhas posts on these lenses.
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jwpstl wrote:
The Samyang 35 1.8 is a bargain. Works well on APS-C as well. Having to use the dock is a minor grip but it’s cheap enough so no big deal.
Bargain as in not costing a lot of money.
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A lot of these opinions are related to personal taste. I still recommend the 40G. It is still overpriced but you get the right feature set.
Weather sealing, aperture (and focusing ring at the same time), control button, very fast focusing. If you never felt the need for an aperture ring and never take images in bad weather and don't care about focusing speed you shouldn't buy the 40G. Optically it is an average performer, typically modern rendering, sharp, so so bokeh sometimes but it is totally OK and it won't let you down.
Image from my user review of the 40G here.
Jun 15, 2026 at 01:18 PM
p.2 #5Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f/3.5 on your M11. On a Sony, the 24-50mm f/2.8 is the best compromise. The 40mm f/2.5G for small, great handling and optics. My favorite single prime lens, but larger.. 24mm f/1.4 GM.
Jun 15, 2026 at 02:00 PM
p.2 #6Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Jonas B wrote:
I think there are more negatives: No weather sealing, no aperture ring (either that or no focusing ring), kind of slow focusing, un-inspiring images, quite some LoCA, _if_ you need the image to be sharp from border to border you need to stop down to f2.8 or f4. Another possible problem is the sketchy quality control the (don't) perform at Samyang.
I completely agree with all that you said (except the aperture ring complaint...I never use nor care for them). I wasn't trying to account for all the negatives...just noting one that particularly annoyed me. I would indeed prefer to own the Sony 40G, but it's twice the cost and I bought what I could afford at the time.
While the Samyang may not be sharp in the corners at 1.8 that may not be critical for some photos and the 40G can't do 1.8 at all. whereas both lenses can be used at F/2.5. The Samyang is half the cost of the 40G and if both lenses were compared at F2.5 I think they might be comparable in sharpness.
After updating the firmware the AF seems quite responsive to me and the image quality is good. Naturally I prefer my 35GM, but when I want to go super light I'm happy to have and use the Samyang.
But, sure...I want a 40G - I'd love to have one - especially with that Haoge lens hood!!
Edited on Jun 15, 2026 at 02:33 PM · View previous versions
I think there are more negatives: No weather sealing, no aperture ring (either that or no focusing ring), kind of slow focusing, un-inspiring images, quite some LoCA, _if_ you need the image to be sharp from border to border you need to stop down to f2.8 or f4. Another possible problem is the sketchy quality control the (don't) perform at Samyang.
I completely agree with all that you said (except the aperture ring complaint...I never use nor care for them). I wasn't trying to account for all the negatives...just noting one that particularly annoyed me. I would indeed prefer to own the Sony 40G, but it's twice the cost and I bought what I could afford at the time.
While the Samyang may not be sharp in the corners at 1.8 that may not be critical for some photos and the 40G can't do 1.8 at all. whereas both lenses can be used at F/2.5. The Samyang is half the cost of the 40G and if both lenses were compared at F2.5 I think they might be comparable in sharpness.
After updating the firmware the AF seems quite responsive to me and the image quality is good. Naturally I prefer my 35GM, but when I want to go super light I'm happy to have and use the Samyang.
But, sure...I want a 40G - I'd love to have one - especially with that Haoge lens hood!!
Edited on Jun 15, 2026 at 02:33 PM · View previous versions
Jun 15, 2026 at 02:23 PM
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p.2 #7Lightest lenses you use for street photography
TTA 40/2, TTA 75/2, and Viltrox 55 EVO.
TTA 75 is a crazy value for the IQ you get and weighs basically nothing.
TTA 75 is a crazy value for the IQ you get and weighs basically nothing.
Jun 15, 2026 at 02:31 PM
p.2 #8Lightest lenses you use for street photography
darbo wrote:
I completely agree with all that you said. I wasn't trying to account for all the negatives...just noting one that particularly annoyed me.
Fair enough.
I would indeed prefer to own the Sony 40G, but it's twice the cost and I bought what I could afford at the time.
While the Samyang may not be sharp in the corners at 1.8 that may not be critical for some photos and the 40G can't do 1.8 at all. whereas both lenses can be used at F/2.5. The Samyang is half the cost of the 40G and if both lenses were compared at F2.5 I think they might be comparable in sharpness.
After updating the firmware the AF seems quite responsive to me and the image quality is good....Show more →
I admit I am one of those paying too much for the 40G and then again too much for the Haoge hood (which even isn't the most functional hood for the lens). You can't always be that rational.
Does the lack of weather sealing and the cheap combined focusing and aperture ring annoy you when using the Samyang in the streets? I know I got annoyed enough to sell it. I liked the Samyang rendering but missed some bite using it wide open. I think the lens is underrated. I prefer both the 40G and the Viltrox 35EVO.
I completely agree with all that you said. I wasn't trying to account for all the negatives...just noting one that particularly annoyed me.
Fair enough.
I would indeed prefer to own the Sony 40G, but it's twice the cost and I bought what I could afford at the time.
While the Samyang may not be sharp in the corners at 1.8 that may not be critical for some photos and the 40G can't do 1.8 at all. whereas both lenses can be used at F/2.5. The Samyang is half the cost of the 40G and if both lenses were compared at F2.5 I think they might be comparable in sharpness.
After updating the firmware the AF seems quite responsive to me and the image quality is good....Show more →
I admit I am one of those paying too much for the 40G and then again too much for the Haoge hood (which even isn't the most functional hood for the lens). You can't always be that rational.
Does the lack of weather sealing and the cheap combined focusing and aperture ring annoy you when using the Samyang in the streets? I know I got annoyed enough to sell it. I liked the Samyang rendering but missed some bite using it wide open. I think the lens is underrated. I prefer both the 40G and the Viltrox 35EVO.
Jun 15, 2026 at 02:40 PM
p.2 #9Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Not the lightest, but I love the Sigma i35 f/2.0. I found a rabbit hole here comparing it to the 40G
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1846139/8
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1846139/8
Jun 15, 2026 at 02:51 PM
p.2 #10Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I just went through the same search for the lightest street lens, a zoom in my case. The Sony 20-70 and 25-50 look pretty good but are just too heavy, and too long (throws off the camera balance). I can use the Viltrox 50 Air, Siggy 45C or Elmarit 28 ASPH for street, but the zoom that really hits hard is the Sony 28-60/4-5.6 mentioned by Ken and fully reviewed by Fred. Yeah, it's slow and made of plastic, but the weight is 167g which is frankly insane.
Full retail is a bit steep but used prices are nice (see B&H Used). Fred's review:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
Full retail is a bit steep but used prices are nice (see B&H Used). Fred's review:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
Jun 15, 2026 at 08:30 PM
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p.2 #11Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I just got the Viltrox 50 air today. It’s not better than the 55 evi, but it’s almost half the weight and cost, AND is quite impressive optically even in the corners wide open, so much so I was basically stunned. The evo is going back and the air is staying. 🤷🏼
Jun 15, 2026 at 08:48 PM
p.2 #12Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Jack Flesher wrote:
I just got the Viltrox 50 air today.
People don't like me using the word "best" but the English language is impoverished in that way.
I just got the Viltrox 50 air today.
People don't like me using the word "best" but the English language is impoverished in that way.
Jun 15, 2026 at 08:54 PM
p.2 #13Lightest lenses you use for street photography
I like the Sigma 35mm/f2 very much. It has an exceptional drawing style. Fred has a very positive review of this lens:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1686080/
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1686080/
Jun 16, 2026 at 04:24 AM
p.2 #14Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Hi all, thanks for these recommendations! I feel a bit unequipped to comment, as I am still waiting to pick up my Sony a7R V in Hong Kong in two weeks, so I haven’t actually used any of the suggested lenses yet.
I suspect I’ll go for the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G for those days when I want a light, weather-resistant setup to carry by my side while moving from place to place. I’m also 100% planning to get the new Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 for dedicated photography days. It seems incredibly small and light (565g), and I much prefer focal lengths from 35mm and up.
I do have 21mm and 28mm Voigtländer lenses for my Leica M11, but I only use them occasionally. My main go-to is a 35mm f/1.7 Seagull (a weird limited edition lens I bought in China) or a 35mm f/2 Voigtländer APO-Lanthar. When a 35mm isn't attached, I usually use a Voigtländer 90mm f/2.8 or a Mr. Ding (what a name) 50mm f/1.1.
@Kenneth Lee, that Sony 28-60mm FE zoom is really interesting, especially for day shots. Thanks for linking your test photos, they look brilliant! Camera-wise, I’m just too used to 60 megapixels to go back now, haha!
@InFocus2014, I looked into the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM and it looks amazing, but that might have to be a lens for the future.
@jmmaher, the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 looks pretty great too!
Thanks again, everyone. It's really interesting to see the crazy variety available for E-mount cameras. The quality of rendering in all of the suggested lenses in these posts is just superb.
I suspect I’ll go for the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G for those days when I want a light, weather-resistant setup to carry by my side while moving from place to place. I’m also 100% planning to get the new Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 for dedicated photography days. It seems incredibly small and light (565g), and I much prefer focal lengths from 35mm and up.
I do have 21mm and 28mm Voigtländer lenses for my Leica M11, but I only use them occasionally. My main go-to is a 35mm f/1.7 Seagull (a weird limited edition lens I bought in China) or a 35mm f/2 Voigtländer APO-Lanthar. When a 35mm isn't attached, I usually use a Voigtländer 90mm f/2.8 or a Mr. Ding (what a name) 50mm f/1.1.
@Kenneth Lee, that Sony 28-60mm FE zoom is really interesting, especially for day shots. Thanks for linking your test photos, they look brilliant! Camera-wise, I’m just too used to 60 megapixels to go back now, haha!
@InFocus2014, I looked into the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM and it looks amazing, but that might have to be a lens for the future.
@jmmaher, the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 looks pretty great too!
Thanks again, everyone. It's really interesting to see the crazy variety available for E-mount cameras. The quality of rendering in all of the suggested lenses in these posts is just superb.
Jun 17, 2026 at 03:01 AM
p.2 #15Lightest lenses you use for street photography
No love for the 28 F2? Great little lens and cheap to boot.
Jun 21, 2026 at 03:18 PM
p.2 #16Lightest lenses you use for street photography
mfenske wrote:
No love for the 28 F2? Great little lens and cheap to boot.
I use the Sony 28 f2 and the Sony 35 2.8 quite often during travels depending on where I’m going. I have no problems with the results from these two lens.
No love for the 28 F2? Great little lens and cheap to boot.
I use the Sony 28 f2 and the Sony 35 2.8 quite often during travels depending on where I’m going. I have no problems with the results from these two lens.
Jun 21, 2026 at 03:33 PM
p.2 #17Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Love my Sigma 24mm 3.5 dg dn
For everything it does, it's an incredible lens
For everything it does, it's an incredible lens
Jun 21, 2026 at 05:18 PM
p.2 #18Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Munro303 wrote:
Hi all, thanks for these recommendations! I feel a bit unequipped to comment, as I am still waiting to pick up my Sony a7R V in Hong Kong in two weeks, so I haven’t actually used any of the suggested lenses yet.
I suspect I’ll go for the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G for those days when I want a light, weather-resistant setup to carry by my side while moving from place to place. I’m also 100% planning to get the new Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 for dedicated photography days. It seems incredibly small and light (565g), and I much prefer focal lengths...Show more →
I've come to the conclusion that the Sony 40/2.5 G (and its sister-primes) are a bit of a false promise on a Sony a7/9/1 full-sized body. Given the size and weight on those bodies, they will never be light or pocketable regardless of what lens you put on them - you will need to carry them on a strap, or in a bag/sling anyhow. I totally get the 40/2.5 on a a7CII or a7CR, then you get a 173 gr light little lens with good sharpness and AF speed, but something like a a7RV or a7V will never be that light or small anyhow.
Rendering-wise, it is a fine lens. Thanks to software correction, it is sharp, but f/2.5 isn't my ideal f-stop on a prime. If you shoot at f/4 or f/5.6, e.g. street photography style all day, then it doesn't matter.
Oh well, do your homework. Your needs and priorities will surely differ.
Hi all, thanks for these recommendations! I feel a bit unequipped to comment, as I am still waiting to pick up my Sony a7R V in Hong Kong in two weeks, so I haven’t actually used any of the suggested lenses yet.
I suspect I’ll go for the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G for those days when I want a light, weather-resistant setup to carry by my side while moving from place to place. I’m also 100% planning to get the new Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 for dedicated photography days. It seems incredibly small and light (565g), and I much prefer focal lengths...Show more →
I've come to the conclusion that the Sony 40/2.5 G (and its sister-primes) are a bit of a false promise on a Sony a7/9/1 full-sized body. Given the size and weight on those bodies, they will never be light or pocketable regardless of what lens you put on them - you will need to carry them on a strap, or in a bag/sling anyhow. I totally get the 40/2.5 on a a7CII or a7CR, then you get a 173 gr light little lens with good sharpness and AF speed, but something like a a7RV or a7V will never be that light or small anyhow.
Rendering-wise, it is a fine lens. Thanks to software correction, it is sharp, but f/2.5 isn't my ideal f-stop on a prime. If you shoot at f/4 or f/5.6, e.g. street photography style all day, then it doesn't matter.
Oh well, do your homework. Your needs and priorities will surely differ.
Jul 07, 2026 at 09:06 AM
p.2 #19Lightest lenses you use for street photography
chez wrote:
I use the Sony 28 f2 and the Sony 35 2.8 quite often during travels depending on where I’m going. I have no problems with the results from these two lens.
I enjoy both of these as well for walking around, they made my A7RV feel light and comfy carried in hand for hours at a time.
mfenske wrote
No love for the 28 F2? Great little lens and cheap to boot.I enjoy both of these as well for walking around, they made my A7RV feel light and comfy carried in hand for hours at a time.
Jul 07, 2026 at 09:36 AM
p.2 #20Lightest lenses you use for street photography
Even if you Can put them in a pocket the Sony 40 2.5 and the A7RV make a very easy to carry option for walking around all day.
Jul 07, 2026 at 12:23 PM