What Lens Should I Use for Street Photography?
In street photography, there’s a lot of misconception about focal lengths. Many photographers get caught up in the debate about which camera or lens is best suited for different situations. But in my experience, it doesn’t really matter which focal length you choose, as long as you commit to one and one only.
My Experience
“In 2015-2016, I used the Ricoh GRII in Baltimore because it was a really stealthy camera that got me through the streets and worked well in this particular environment.”
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different setups. In 2015-2016, I used the Ricoh GRII with its 18mm (28mm equivalent) lens while photographing the streets of Baltimore. The camera’s stealthy design helped me blend into the environment. However, when I traveled to Jerusalem, I switched to the 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent) lens on a Fujifilm X-Pro2, seeking a more robust setup for the conditions there. It took time to understand what worked best for me.
The Role of Experimentation
Experimentation is valuable early on. It helps you discover which setup suits your style and approach. But once I settled on the 23mm f/2, everything fell into place. It allowed me to create more complex compositions by layering foreground, middle ground, and background. As soon as I decided to stick with this one lens, my photography began to improve drastically.
Stick to One Lens
“From my experience, I’ve found that sticking to one lens is critical for improvement.”
The key to improvement is limiting yourself to one lens. After committing to the 23mm f/2, I found that my ability to see and compose images improved. This is why I appreciate fixed-lens cameras like the Fujifilm X100V or the Ricoh GRIII. These cameras simplify your choices, making it easier to focus on the photography itself.
Why Commit to One Lens?
- Builds familiarity with your tool.
- Encourages a focused approach to composition.
- Eliminates distractions from constantly switching lenses.
When you treat an interchangeable-lens camera like a fixed-lens camera, you can focus on getting closer to your subjects, dealing with confrontation, and refining your technique.
“It honestly does not matter which focal length you choose, but the fact that you are disciplined enough to use one, and only one, is what truly matters.”
The discipline of sticking to a single lens forces you to master that focal length. Switching between lenses will make it harder to develop your style and improve as a photographer.
Set Limitations
“In order to improve your photography, I believe that it’s best to stick to one lens.”
Setting limitations can be a powerful way to focus your practice. Committing to one lens simplifies your decisions, allowing you to connect more deeply with your camera. It’s like building a connection or an extension of your body and mind.
Photography as a Meditative Practice
When you use the same lens consistently, you enter a flow state—a meditative zone where you and your camera become one. You stop worrying about gear and start focusing on the life unfolding in front of you.
- Focus on intuition: Let your instinct guide when to press the shutter.
- Stay engaged: Be aware of the city’s rhythm, the movement of feet, and the ever-changing street scenes.
“The focal choice is now ingrained in your mind and body, and you no longer need to think about it.”
When you reach this level of familiarity, you don’t have to look through the viewfinder constantly. You simply raise the camera to your eye when the moment presents itself. This is why the focal length doesn’t really matter at the end of the day—it’s the connection to the camera that counts.
Flow State and Limiting Choices
“When you set a limitation to use only one focal length for a period of time, or for a specific day on the street, you’ll find yourself in a flow state.”
By setting limitations, you can reach a flow state where you focus entirely on the fleeting moments around you. This state is crucial for street photography because it allows you to react quickly to what’s happening in front of you, without getting bogged down in technical details.
Benefits of Limiting Your Gear:
- Reduces decision fatigue.
- Helps you be present and aware of your surroundings.
- Simplifies the act of photographing, leading to better results.
“The more you’re fumbling with your settings, or changing a lens, the less photos you will make successfully.”
Stick with It: The Path to Improvement
“Set limitations. Use one focal length for one year and stick with it for a long period of time after that. You will improve.”
To truly see progress in your photography, choose one focal length and stick with it for at least a year. This consistency will allow you to learn its strengths and weaknesses, and how best to work with it in various situations.
Over time, you’ll find that this discipline helps you to create stronger, more cohesive images. It’s about letting go of gear anxiety and embracing the simplicity of a singular focus.
Conclusion: Focus on Connection, Not Gear
In street photography, it’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities of gear. But the real key to improvement is finding a connection with your camera and learning to see the world through a consistent lens. By limiting yourself, you give yourself the freedom to focus on the moments that matter and become one with the street.
“When you become connected to your camera, you will dance along the street gracefully.”
Choose a lens, stick with it, and watch your photography grow. Let go of the endless debates about focal lengths and focus instead on the relationship you have with your camera. The rest will follow.