Best Sony Lens for Street Photography in 2023

Street photography is a unique genre of photography that captures real-life moments in public spaces. It requires a lens that is versatile, fast, and discreet. Sony offers a range of lenses that are perfect for street photography, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

When looking for the best Sony lens for street photography, there are a few critical things to consider. First, the lens should have a wide aperture to allow for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Second, it should be lightweight and compact for easy carrying and discreet shooting. Third, it should have fast autofocus to capture fleeting moments quickly.

After hours of research and testing, we have identified the top Sony lenses for street photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, these lenses will help you capture stunning street photos with ease.

Best Sony Lens for Street Photography

When it comes to street photography, having the right lens can make all the difference. As avid photographers ourselves, we understand the importance of having a lens that can capture the perfect shot in any lighting condition. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best Sony lenses for street photography. Each lens on this list has been carefully selected based on its image quality, focal length, aperture, and overall performance. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect lens for your street photography needs on this list.

Sony 12-24mm G Master™ Full Frame Ultra-Wide Zoom E-Mount Lens SEL1224GM

If you’re looking for the best Sony lens for street photography, the Sony 12-24mm G Master™ Full Frame Ultra-Wide Zoom E-Mount Lens SEL1224GM is a great option. With its ultra-wide angle and fast F2.8 aperture, you can capture stunning landscapes, architecture, street views, and night scenes without having to over-increase ISO or slow down your shutter speed.

Pros

• The world’s widest full-frame constant F2.8 at 12-24mm
• XD Linear Motor offering excellent response and low vibration for fast, precise, quiet AF
• Three XA elements, an aspherical lens, two Super ED glasses, and three ED glasses for high resolution throughout the zoom range

Cons

• Expensive price point
• Heavy and bulky design
• Not ideal for portrait photography

The Sony 12-24mm G Master™ Full Frame Ultra-Wide Zoom E-Mount Lens SEL1224GM is built for both still and video creators and has a compact, lightweight design that makes it ideal for both full-frame and APS-C cameras. It features a spectacular resolution with 3x Extreme Aspheric elements, 1x Aspheric, and 3x ED (Extra-low dispersion) elements that suppress chromatic aberrations. The lens also has a Nano AR coating II that suppresses reflections, flare, and ghosting, and a 9-blade circular aperture that contributes to gorgeous bokeh.

The lens has 4x Extreme Dynamic – XD Linear motors for fast, precise autofocus and Linear Response MF for precise manual focus control. The instant auto/manual focus selection via AF/MF switch and programmable focus hold button for multiple functions make it easy to use. The front fluorine coating prevents fingerprints, dust, water, and oil, and the rear filter holder expands versatility for sheet type ND filters. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant for robust reliability.

The bundle includes the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM G Master Full Frame Ultra-wide Zoom E-Mount Lens SEL1224GM, front cap, rear cap, soft lens carrying case, sheet filter template, Deco Gear Photo Video Photography Backpack for Cameras Lenses and Drones, SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC 32GB UHS-1 Memory Card, Up to 95/90MB/s Read/Write Speed, 48″ Adjustable Telescopic Photo Video Monopod Stabilizer, and Deco Photo Accessory Kit: Carry Case, Lens Blower, Lens/Sensor Brush, Lens Tissue Paper, Microfiber Cloth.

Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount Camera Lens

If you’re looking for a high-quality lens for street photography, we highly recommend the Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount Camera Lens. It delivers exceptional image quality and is built to last.

Pros

• The lens is incredibly sharp and delivers natural, lifelike imagery.
• With two aspherical elements and an extremely precise XA element, chromatic aberration is reduced to a minimum while maximizing resolution.
• The SEL2470GM lens has a 9 blade circular aperture for a gorgeous bokeh effect.

Cons

• The lens is quite heavy, which may be a concern for some photographers.
• The price point may be a bit steep for some budgets.
• Some users have reported that the zoom ring goes in the opposite direction of other lenses, which can be a bit confusing.

If you’re looking for a high-quality lens that delivers exceptional image quality and is built to last, the Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount Camera Lens is an excellent choice. With its natural, lifelike imagery and reduced chromatic aberration, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos with ease. However, the lens is quite heavy and may not be the best choice for those who prefer a lighter setup. Additionally, the price point may be a bit steep for some budgets. Overall, we highly recommend this lens for anyone looking to take their street photography to the next level.

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G)

If you’re a serious bird or wildlife photographer, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) is a must-have in your camera bag. It’s compact, fast, and incredibly sharp, making it the perfect lens for capturing distant subjects.

Pros

• The outstanding G Lens resolution throughout the zoom range delivers incredibly sharp images.
• The 5x ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring your images are clear and crisp.
• The Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor provides fast, quiet, and precise focus, so you never miss a shot.

Cons

• The lens is quite heavy, weighing in at 4.66 pounds, so it can be tiring to carry around for extended periods of time.
• The price point is quite high, so it may not be accessible for all budgets.
• The F5.6-6.3 aperture range may not be ideal for low-light photography.

Our experience with the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) has been exceptional. The lens is incredibly sharp, even at the longest zoom range, and the fast autofocus ensures that we never miss a shot. The lens is also surprisingly compact, making it easy to carry around in our camera bag.

One thing to keep in mind is that the lens is quite heavy, so it may not be the best option for those who prefer to travel light. Additionally, the price point may be a bit steep for some, but we believe that the quality of the images that this lens produces more than justifies the cost.

If you’re a serious bird or wildlife photographer looking for a lens that can capture distant subjects with incredible sharpness and clarity, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) is definitely worth considering.

Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens

We highly recommend the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens for street photographers who want a versatile lens with excellent image quality and a wide range of focal lengths.

Pros

• The G-lens design with 4 aspherical and 3 ED glass elements provides high corner-to-corner resolving power throughout the entire zoom range, resulting in sharp and clear images.
• The constant F4 maximum aperture maintains exposure and depth of field throughout the zoom range, making it easier to capture stunning street photos in any lighting condition.
• The 9-blade circular aperture contributes to beautifully de-focused backgrounds, which is perfect for isolating your subject and creating a professional-looking image.

Cons

• The lens is quite heavy, which may be an issue for some photographers who prefer a lightweight setup.
• The lens is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for photographers who are on a tight budget.
• The lens is not weather-sealed, which means it may not be suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens is a versatile lens that provides excellent image quality and a wide range of focal lengths. We found that the lens is perfect for street photography, as it allows us to capture stunning images with ease. The lens is well-built and feels sturdy in the hand, which is reassuring when shooting in busy urban environments. We were impressed with the lens’s autofocus system, which is fast, quiet, and precise. Overall, we highly recommend the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens to any street photographer who is looking for a high-quality lens that can deliver outstanding results.

The lens is compatible with Sony Alpha E-mount cameras and has a minimum focusing distance of just 1.25 feet, which provides close-up ability for an expansive range of expression. The lens also features Sony’s unique DDSM (Direct Drive Super-Sonic Motor System) internal focusing system and a responsive manual focusing ring, which makes it easy to focus on your subject quickly and accurately. Overall, the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens is a fantastic lens that is perfect for street photographers who want to capture stunning images with ease.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens, you can find it on Amazon.

Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Full-Frame Large-Aperture Ultra-Wide Angle G Lens

If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality lens for street photography, the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G is a great option.

Pros

• The fast F1.8 max aperture provides excellent exposure and depth of field, making it perfect for low-light situations and creating beautiful bokeh.
• The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry around all day, without weighing you down or taking up too much space in your camera bag.
• The advanced aspheric elements ensure natural, lifelike high resolution, with outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness.

Cons

• The fixed 20mm focal length may not be suitable for all types of photography, as it is quite wide and may not be ideal for portraits or other close-up shots.
• The lens is relatively expensive, which may put it out of reach for some photographers on a budget.
• It may take some time to get used to shooting with an ultra-wide angle lens, as it can be challenging to compose shots and avoid distortion.

We’ve had the chance to use this lens in a variety of different settings, and we’ve been consistently impressed with its performance. The fast, accurate autofocus makes it easy to capture sharp, detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lightweight design and compact size make it a great choice for travel and street photography, and the advanced optics ensure that your photos will always look their best. Overall, we highly recommend the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile lens for their Sony camera.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, this lens is sure to impress. With its outstanding image quality, fast autofocus, and compact design, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level. So why wait? Click the link above to order your Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G today!

Buying Guide

When looking for the best Sony lens for street photography, there are a few factors to consider. We will help you understand what to look for so you can make an informed decision.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view and magnification. For street photography, we recommend a lens with a focal length between 35mm and 50mm. This range allows you to capture the scene without distorting the perspective too much. Wide-angle lenses can be useful for capturing more of the environment, but they can also introduce distortion. Telephoto lenses can be useful for isolating subjects, but they can be too conspicuous and heavy.

Aperture

The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can gather and how shallow the depth of field can be. For street photography, we recommend a lens with a wide maximum aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/1.4. This allows you to shoot in low light conditions and create a blurred background that isolates the subject from the surroundings. However, keep in mind that a wide aperture also means a shallow depth of field, which can make it harder to keep the subject in focus.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization can help you get sharper shots in low light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. However, it can also add bulk and weight to the lens. For street photography, we recommend a lens with image stabilization if you plan to shoot in low light conditions or if you have shaky hands. However, if you plan to shoot in bright daylight or with a fast shutter speed, you may not need it.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a lens can affect how inconspicuous you are and how comfortable you feel carrying it around. For street photography, we recommend a lens that is compact and lightweight, so you can blend in with the environment and move around freely. However, keep in mind that a smaller lens may not have as many features or as good image quality as a larger lens.

Price

The price of a lens can vary greatly depending on the brand, the features, and the quality. For street photography, we recommend a lens that is affordable and offers good value for money. However, keep in mind that a cheaper lens may not have as good image quality or durability as a more expensive lens.