Looking to get into street photography with my new Sony a7IV. Currently only have the kit lens but want something more suitable for street work. Considering the Sony 35mm f/1.8 or the Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary.
Budget is around $700. Priority is something compact with good AF performance in urban environments.
Any recommendations from street photographers using the a7IV? How's the Sigma 24mm vs Sony 35mm for this purpose?
For those who like to capture more of the scene and create immersive images, a wider lens is the way to go. I suggest the Sony FE 28mm f/2.
This lens is ideal for landscape and street photography, allowing you to capture the whole scene without being too far away. Its small size and light weight make it a fantastic walkaround lens that won't draw too much attention. The fast f/2 aperture is great for low-light conditions and can still produce a pleasant bokeh.
Some reviews mention minor vignetting and distortion when shooting in RAW, but this is easily corrected in post-processing or with in-camera JPEG corrections. Overall, it's a versatile and affordable option for street photographers who want to tell a broader story with their images.
Highlights:
I totally agree that sticking with the native 35mm is the smartest move for long term use. When you look at the current market, there is a lot of noise about the Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary because of that all-metal build, and it definitely feels more pro in the hand. But honestly, as an experienced shooter, I always lean towards the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for the a7IV because of the AF consistency. Sony keeps their autofocus algorithms under wraps, so third-party brands like Sigma or Tamron occasionally have those tiny micro-jitters in low light urban spots, right? Basically, you have to decide if you want the feel of the Sigma or the reliability of the Sony. From a market research perspective, native glass holds its value way better too. If you ever decide to trade up, that Sony 35mm will basically sell itself in 2 days. The Sigma is nice but the 24mm focal length can be tricky for street since it distorts edges if ur not careful with your framing. I would play it safe and go with the 35mm, its the more versatile choice for most urban environments.
Like someone mentioned, the AF reliability is a major concern. Honestly I'm having the exact same dilemma with my a7IV right now and it's making it impossible to decide. You spend all this money on a body and then get stuck worrying if a third-party lens like the Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary can actually keep up with the native tracking of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8. It's a difficult choice to make. I would suggest being very cautious about the weather sealing on these more compact options. Street shooting often involves unexpected conditions and not all seals are created equal. Quick tip: make sure to check if the lens has an internal focus design to prevent dust ingress during long days out in the city.
Same boat, watching this
This ^
Helpful thread 👍
Sony 35mm f/1.8.