14mm vs 35mm vs 85mm for Street Photography: Which Lens Is Best?

Since street photographers are always debating which lens is best to capture candid scenes and street portraits, Pierre T. Lambert decided to put a few to the test. In the below video Lambert compares the Sony 14mm f/1.8 Vs. 35mm f/1.4 Vs. 85mm f/1.8 to see which comes out on top for street photography.

"Today we've got a special test/challenge. Today I'm shooting the same location with three different lenses," he says. "The first one is going to be the 14mm f/1.8. I'm going to have five minutes to go around the same block and shoot."

Lambert then repeats the same street photography lens test with the two others as a comparison.

"All right, I’m super ready for this because I'm actually curious to see how differently I will create between a 14 to a 35 to an 85 in the same location," he notes. "And I'm interested to see those photos and how my eye will change with the different lenses."

What's nice about Lambert's street photo lens test is he positions the camera on his body, so you see the shootout from his POV. It makes you feel like you're right on the street with him testing out each lens, almost like a video game.

Check it out below to find out which of these three lenses he prefers. Of course, like many of these lens comparisons, it's really a matter of taste.

If you like your street photos wide, go with the 14mm and if you like them a little closer, such as for portraits, try the 85. And if you want something right in the middle, the 35mm lens is a great option.

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