Best Lenses under $500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Art 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM

69.9 Street Score
30mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture excels in low light and provides excellent subject isolation for portraits. The lens offers a versatile 45mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras and features a quiet Hyper Sonic Motor for fast autofocus. This lens is best for Nikon DX-format photographers seeking a sharp, fast prime for portraits and street photography.

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Great Alternatives

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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

58.9 Street Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F (FX)
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for portraiture. The ring-type ultrasonic AF motor offers fast, quiet autofocus with the convenience of full-time manual override. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters seeking a classic portrait focal length with professional-grade optics on a budget.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 Macro

49.3 Street Score
105mm f/2 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its 105mm f/2.8 design and 1:1 magnification ratio make it a dedicated tool for capturing extreme close-up detail. The lens is a specialized, full-frame optic that can also adapt to APS-C cameras for a longer effective focal length. This lens is best for photographers dedicated to macro work who need true 1:1 reproduction and can manage its fixed focal length and lack of stabilization.

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Price $567
Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 Macro lens

Best Lenses under $1,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM

26 Street Score
150-600mm f/5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

It offers a versatile 150-600mm zoom range with built-in optical stabilization, making it a practical tool for long-distance shooting. The lens provides solid autofocus performance at a price point typically more accessible than first-party options. This lens is best for budget-conscious wildlife or sports photographers who need significant reach without the premium cost of professional-grade telephotos.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom

23.6 Street Score
120-400mm f/4.5 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its 120-400mm zoom range with a constant f/4.5 aperture and built-in Optical Stabilizer provides versatile reach for distant subjects. The lens incorporates three SLD glass elements and a super multi-layer coating to maintain sharpness and reduce flare throughout its zoom range. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers needing a stabilized telephoto for wildlife or sports, where its 150cm minimum focus distance also allows for occasional close-up work.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Nikon

48.8 Street Score
70-200mm f/2 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2 aperture provides exceptional light-gathering capability and shallow depth of field for a 70-200mm zoom lens. The inclusion of optical stabilization and autofocus makes it a versatile tool for handheld shooting in various lighting conditions. This lens is best for videographers and event photographers who require superior low-light performance and consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.

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Price $1,550
Sigma Sports 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Nikon lens

Premium Lenses for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Sports

33.6 Street Score
500mm f/4 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance for a 500mm prime lens, supported by a durable magnesium alloy build and optical stabilization. The lens delivers fast, silent autofocus via its HSM motor and is constructed with specialized FLD glass elements for high clarity and contrast. This lens is best for professional wildlife and sports photographers who need a reliable, bright super-telephoto for capturing distant, fast-moving subjects.