Why I only use prime lenses for Street Photography

28mmStreet
Oct 14, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Oct 15, 2025

October 2025 - Blog# 20

I have always used prime lenses for street photography even back on 2016 when I first picked up a camera and wanted to learn street photography.

Back then I didn't know the first thing about prime lenses or zoom lenses - only the fact that you could zoom with a zoom lens, obviously.

I briefly had a zoom lens - it was a kit lens those are typically 55-70mm. I bought it with my Olympus camera, the small price difference made it attractive at that time. That was when I realized how different a fixed focal length feels — sharper, lighter, and more intentional.

Not long after I sold the camera and never owned a zoom lens again.

So why do I use a prime lens for street photography and why do I believe it's the best choice when doing street photography?

Prime oh prime

Back in 2016-2019 I was hanging out with another photography enthusiast and he swore by zoom lenses.

I had my plastic fantastic camera the Canon 800D (T7I US market) and a 24mm pancake lens (35mm equivalent). Later I added a 50mm full frame that became closer to a 85mm on a crop sensor. Which I didn't know it would. Go figure :)

He had this glorious 70-200mm telephoto lens and looked like a professional grade photographer - and me I was the loyal sidekick with a kiddy camera. We were a great pair, I learned a lot back then. I have a lot of fond memories from that period in my life.

But it made me question what really makes the best lens for street photography — the one with range, or the one that makes you move?

But it wasn't until I upgraded my camera to my workhorse full frame camera the Sony A7C M1 back in 2021. I started to develop an interest in understanding lenses and focal lengths better. The pros and cons and when to use which.

Prime lenses made me work harder

From 2021 I slowly started to build my lens collection, the same core collection I still have to this day - with minor additions.

I spent a lot of time experimenting and understanding different focal lengths. I came from using a 35mm equivalent for 3 years exclusively and saw a world view according to that specific focal length.

Now was the time to let loose and experiment to my hearts content. I became interested in how different focal lengths could alter the perception and composition of a photograph.

Especially when comparing 35mm street photography to 50mm street photography, the differences in intimacy and compression completely change how a scene feels.

This lead to a deep love and appreciation for the 28mm, 50mm and 85mm focal lengths. In this period I never considered adding a zoom lens.

Why?

I was simply loving the challenge that comes with using a prime lens. If you ever used a prime lens you know how annoying it can be if you bring the wrong focal length to a photo shoot or photo walk.

That's why a lot of street photographer carry multiple focal lengths in their edc bags. Ironic isn't it. Carrying separate lenses to have a set of focal lengths just in case. That's the whole "raison de être" of a zoom lens. You get multiple focal length all in one package - a heavy and not so fast one - but still.

With a fixed focal length e.g. 35 or 28 you are basically stuck with that focal length. The hidden beauty is that it forces you as the photographer to become creative and find workarounds you never thought about.

I have many times experiment a mild irritation when doing street photography. There has been times where I've too far from the subject to get a decent frame and other times I've been too close and I've cut of the frame in a very unfortunate way.

I often shoot with the 28mm which is notoriously difficult to use. You have to be comfortable with being in other peoples personal space if you want a decent close-up and often times the scene is just to crowed as the focal length is quite wide.

But once you get a hang of it its a fantastic focal length to use out on the streets. I personally pair it with a 50mm. So I change from time to time and photo walk to photo walk.

Why you should use primes too..

Now this is a big statement and for some it might not "sit right". We all do things differently and so if you are a zoom only shooter you might want to switch up your workflow and try a prime lens.

Why not? Try to leave your comfort zone and see where the new line will be drawn. If not you can always go back to your "comfortable" zoom lens.

If you’re just getting started with prime lenses for street photography, I’d recommend beginning with a 35 mm lens. It's super versatile and beginner friendly. It's a great teaching focal length. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with 50mm street photography to explore new perspectives.

..and NO I don't have anything against a zoom lens - they serve a purpose for many types and styles of photography - just not mine.