Focal Length in Street Photography: Does It Really Matter?

The Debate on Focal Length

Street photographers often engage in heated discussions about the best focal length. Should you shoot wide with 28mm or tighter with 40mm? But here’s the truth:

“The camera is merely an extension of your eyes, hands, and body.”

Once you’re in tune with your camera, the focal length becomes second nature. It’s not about choosing one lens over another to completely change your approach. Whether you’re shooting with a 28mm or a 40mm, you’ll instinctively know when to press the shutter.

Understanding the Differences

The real distinction lies in the aesthetic result. Each focal length offers unique characteristics:

28mm:

Captures more information within the frame.
Easier for quick snapshots.
Great for storytelling with layered compositions.

40mm:

Offers more compression, focusing on your subject.
Requires greater precision when composing.
Challenges you to think more deliberately about framing.

But let’s be clear: switching between these focal lengths doesn’t mean you suddenly have to alter your entire photographic style. You’re not thinking, “Oh, I’ve got to stand further back now.” Instead, you naturally adjust to how the scene unfolds.

Precision vs. Simplicity

Here’s the thing: with 28mm, it feels like you’re given a bit of leeway. You can snapshot away, capture more of the environment, and still tell a cohesive story.

With 40mm, there’s an added layer of precision. You’re framing tighter, emphasizing subjects more distinctly, and perhaps leaving out some of the background noise.

“The challenge isn’t about the lens, but about the photographer’s ability to adapt.”

The Ricoh GR Series: An Extension of You

Whether you’re using the Ricoh GR III or GR IIIx, the camera feels like an extension of your hand. You don’t overthink it. You don’t obsess about focal lengths. It’s about pressing the shutter at the right moment—when that person hits just the right spot on the sidewalk.

The magic isn’t in the millimeters. It’s in your connection with the camera and your ability to see.

Final Thoughts

So, does focal length matter? Sure, it influences the look of your photos. But at the end of the day, it’s about you—your vision, your timing, your instinct. The camera is just a tool, and the focal length is just one aspect of that tool. Don’t let it distract you from what truly matters: capturing the moment.

“The focal length to me doesn’t matter.”