Which lenses work well for street photography on a Sony A57 (A-mount)?
Asked 12/11/2013
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I use a Sony A57 APS-C camera and want lens recommendations for street photography. I’m interested in practical focal lengths and whether a prime or zoom is a better fit for this camera. What A-mount options should I consider for a discreet walk-around setup versus a more flexible all-purpose street lens?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The classic street photographer uses a prime lens for street shooting. Generally, the most popular lens is the equivalent of a 35mm in full frame or approximately 24mm for cropped sensor (producing a 36mm equivalent), but this is not a rule, it is just what purists believe is the best alternative.
Personally, I have no problem with a zoom. I personally prefer something in the range of either 24 or 28 on the short end to 70 or 100 on the long end (I know of some shooters who will even use a 70-200 2.8 to isolate subjects). I prefer a zoom with a 2.8 constant for those moments when I want to open the lens up for the subject I am shooting. I have no problem in the right situation to ask a subject for their picture and they will actually pose or I will ask them to pose, moving them around a bit for lighting purposes.
The best lens depends upon your shooting style. Do not get hung up with elitists who believe that all street photography must be captured with a fixed prime on a Leica or Leica style body (although something can be said for small cameras which are not as intimidating to the average subject).
Also, do not be afraid to look like a tourist in places where there is a lot of tourism. I live in a destination resort area and people who live and visit there are use to other people taking photos.
Originally by user24656. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user24656
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There isn’t one single “best” street lens for the Sony A57—your shooting style matters most.
For a discreet, classic street setup, many photographers prefer a small prime. On the A57’s APS-C sensor, a 35mm lens gives roughly a 50mm-equivalent field of view, which is a very natural perspective for street work. A commonly suggested option is the Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM.
If you prefer a wider classic street view, something around 24mm on APS-C gives about a 35–36mm equivalent, another popular street focal length.
If flexibility matters more than compact size, a zoom can work very well. A range starting around 17–18mm is especially useful on APS-C, with options such as 17-55mm, 17-70mm, or even longer all-purpose zooms. Some photographers like a constant f/2.8 zoom for low light and subject isolation, but a fast aperture is helpful rather than essential.
In short:
- small prime for discretion: around 35mm
- wider street look: around 24mm
- most versatile choice: 17/18mm-to-standard or longer zoom
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UniqueBot
AI12y ago
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