Best Lenses under CA$700 for street photography

Best Pick

Sony E 11mm f/1.8

82.3 Street Score
11mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 11mm focal length and large f/1.8 aperture enable dynamic, low-light shooting in an exceptionally compact and lightweight design. The lens also delivers fast, precise autofocus that is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. This prime is best for travel and street photographers using APS-C cameras who prioritize portability and a unique, ultra-wide perspective.

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Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

82.1 Street Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact, lightweight prime lens. This lens is a strong, affordable option for Sony full-frame shooters prioritizing portability. It is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who value a natural 35mm perspective without a heavy kit.

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Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 lens
Price CA$700

Sony SEL50F18 Compact ILC Lenses 50mm f/1.8

74.4 Street Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact 206g design and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization make it a highly portable option for handheld shooting. The fast f/1.8 aperture and linear autofocus motor contribute to smooth, quiet focusing ideal for video work. This lens is best for Sony E-mount videographers and street photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized prime lens for run-and-gun situations.

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Sony SEL2860 Full Frame E-Mount

69.4 Street Score
28-60mm Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 167g build paired with a full-frame E-mount, delivering high-resolution image quality across its 28-60mm zoom range. The lens achieves sharp results and smooth bokeh using three aspherical elements, while its linear motor provides fast, quiet autofocus ideal for video. This lens is best for travel and everyday photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing full-frame sensor coverage.

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Sony VCLECF2 10-13mm f/2.8-22 Fisheye

61.6 Street Score
10-13mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance for a fisheye lens, paired with a lightweight 295g build. This lens offers a unique, adaptable fisheye perspective that changes focal length based on the attached converter lens. It's best for budget-conscious Sony Alpha shooters seeking creative, exaggerated distortion effects for urban or experimental photography.

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Sony G E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 OSS Power Zoom

60 Street Score
18-105mm f/4 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot provide reliable performance for both stills and video across its versatile 27-158mm equivalent zoom range. The lens is relatively compact for its focal range, making it a practical all-in-one option for Sony APS-C camera users. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a stabilized, power-zooming lens for documentary or travel content.

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Sony SEL55210 Compact ILC Lenses

42.2 Street Score
10mm f/4 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 55-210mm telephoto zoom range, paired with Optical SteadyShot stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens also incorporates ED glass elements to minimize color fringing and offers smooth, quiet internal autofocus. This is best for Sony APS-C mirrorless shooters needing an affordable, lightweight telephoto option for subjects like distant wildlife or sports on a budget.

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Sony SEL057FEC 16mm f/3.5-22 Fisheye Converter

33 Street Score
16mm f/3.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This fisheye converter transforms compatible 28mm lenses into a 16mm prime with a 180-degree angle of view for full-frame cameras, while transmitting EXIF data. Its built-in petal-type lens hood offers practical flare protection without adding bulk. This accessory is best for architectural or creative photographers looking to experiment with extreme perspective on their existing Sony E-mount lenses.

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Sony SEL16F28 Compact ILC Lenses 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle

25.3 Street Score
16mm f/28 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-compact pancake design makes it just 22mm long, ideal for pairing with mirrorless bodies for a pocketable setup. The fast f/2.8 aperture and 16mm focal length (24mm equivalent) provide a versatile wide-angle perspective. This lens is best for street photographers and travel vloggers who prioritize a minimal, lightweight kit over specialized features like weather sealing.

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Best Lenses under CA$1,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sony SEL24F18Z Compact ILC Lenses Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle

72 Street Score
24mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its Carl Zeiss Sonnar optics and large f/1.8 aperture deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful background blur, even in low light. The compact 224g design and smooth, quiet autofocus make it highly portable and ideal for video work. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers using Sony APS-C cameras who prioritize optical quality and discreet handling in a lightweight package.

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Sony G E 16-55mm f/2.8

68.5 Street Score
16-55mm f/2.8 Sony E (APS-C) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced aspherical elements deliver outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness and suppress aberrations. The lens is further defined by its XD linear motor, which provides fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for both photos and video. This is an ideal primary zoom for Sony APS-C shooters who prioritize optical performance and a bright aperture for everyday photography and controlled-depth-of-field work.

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Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 Standard Zoom

46.9 Street Score
16-50mm f/2.8 Sony/Minolta Alpha
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the 16-50mm zoom range provides excellent low-light capability and consistent depth-of-field control for APS-C cameras. The inclusion of a Super Sonic wave Motor ensures fast and quiet autofocus, making it responsive for dynamic shooting. This lens is best for Sony APS-C DSLR users needing a versatile, fast standard zoom for everyday photography and general video work.

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Best Lenses under CA$2,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.4

75.3 Street Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and G Master design with 14 elements deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, even wide open. The lens is further distinguished by its fast, quiet autofocus system powered by two XD Linear motors and an internal focus design that maintains balance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who demand both high-resolution stills and smooth, reliable focus for video work.

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Price CA$1,987
Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.4 lens

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Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G

72.3 Street Score
16-25mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 408g weight make it a remarkably compact and portable standard zoom lens for travel. The lens delivers outstanding G Lens image quality with high resolution across its 16-25mm range, supported by a fast and quiet dual Linear Motor AF system. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who prioritize a lightweight, high-performance zoom in their camera bag.

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Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G lens
Price CA$1,598

Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II

38 Street Score
58mm f/1.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.5 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and sharp, characterful images. The manual focus design and substantial 1329g metal build prioritize tactile, deliberate control over speed or portability. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a specific, classic rendering and who value a premium, hands-on shooting experience.

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Best Lenses under CA$3,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.2

73 Street Score
50mm f/1.2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and advanced optics deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh for professional portrait work. The lens is built around four XD linear motors for extremely fast and quiet autofocus, making it responsive for both stills and video. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize ultimate image quality and speed over portability, given its substantial 771g weight.

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Price CA$2,498
Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.2 lens

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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II

51.3 Street Score
70-200mm f/4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant 0.5x maximum magnification across the entire 70-200mm zoom range, offering true macro capability in a telephoto zoom. Its internal focus and floating elements design ensure sharp performance at all distances while maintaining a compact, 771g build. It is best for photographers who need a versatile telephoto for both portraiture and close-up product or nature macro work.

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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II lens
Price CA$2,110

Sony RF Blazar

42.3 Street Score
85mm Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 1.5x anamorphic squeeze and fast T1.8 to T2.8 apertures deliver a classic cinematic look with signature silver flares and oval bokeh. The three-lens set covers a versatile 33mm, 50mm, and 85mm range for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the 16-blade iris contributes to smooth out-of-focus rendering. This kit is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers seeking an accessible anamorphic lens set to achieve a distinct, widescreen aesthetic.

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Sony RF Blazar lens
Price CA$3,426

Premium Lenses for street photography

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 28-70mm F2

77.8 Street Score
28-70mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant f/2 aperture, providing exceptional low-light performance and background blur across its 28-70mm zoom range. Its optical design delivers sharpness and contrast that challenge many prime lenses, offering versatility without sacrificing image quality. It is best for portrait and event photographers who need a single, high-performance zoom for varied shooting conditions.

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Price CA$3,998
Sony G Master FE 28-70mm F2 lens

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Sony APSARA LUMIERE APSARA LUMIERE T1.4 Super Speed 4

42.2 Street Score
24mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its T1.4 maximum aperture and 12-blade iris enable an ultra-shallow depth of field with a painterly, vintage-inspired look characterized by organic rendering and controlled flares. The lens is built for manual cinema use with a 270-degree focus rotation, 0.8 MOD gears, and a soft, low-profile focus mark light for precise operation. This lens is best for cinematographers and filmmakers seeking a specific, characterful optical signature for narrative or commercial projects.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS

41.4 Street Score
400-800mm f/6.3 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long 400-800mm zoom range with a constant f/6.3 aperture, offering full-frame coverage in a relatively compact internal zoom design. The lens is built for professional use with dual linear motors for fast autofocus and a focus limiter switch for responsive tracking. It is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme reach without the bulk of traditional super-telephoto primes.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens
Price CA$4,100

Sony Blazar

32.6 Street Score
25mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 1.33x anamorphic squeeze and consistent T2.0-T3.2 aperture across a six-lens kit deliver a signature cinematic look with oval bokeh and amber flares. The 14-blade iris and 0.8 MOD gearing provide precise, professional-grade focus control and visual character. This set is best for filmmakers building a full-frame anamorphic workflow who prioritize a cohesive aesthetic across multiple focal lengths.

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