Whether you’re new to street photography or have been steadily moving forward with the genre, having the right lens for the job is crucial to getting the best results. So if you’re yet to find the lens that allows you to get the kind of street photos you want, this quick video talks about an unexpected option for you to consider.
While aware of the usual opinion that zoom lenses aren’t great for street photography, Josh Edgoose of Framelines says he really never agreed with that. In fact, he has recently picked up the new Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 II and paired it with Fujifilm X-T5 to test his theory that it would be all that he ever needs for street photography. It’s not a cheap lens, but for him, it essentially replaces several prime lens, making it a great all-around lens.
For the rest of the video, Edgoose talks about the zoom lens as a perfect tool for approaching street photography as a long-term project. Also, he mentions Martin Parr as an inspiration for this, since the iconic street photographer uses a 24-70mm zoom lens to do street photography with a documentary approach. Of course, there are downsides with this lens, and he also briefly talks about them for good measure.
So, do you agree with Josh Edgoose’s insights about using a zoom lens for street photography? Or have you also explored this option for your own street projects? Share your thoughts, experiences and results in the comments below!
