Last Updated on: 2nd June 2023, 10:06 am
Fujifilm produces high-quality cameras and lenses. Their lenses are also well known for their small size and high optical quality.
Fujifilm lenses balance portability, versatility, and image quality, allowing you to capture spontaneous and candid moments on the street with a shallow depth of field, fast autofocus, and sharp optics.
Ultimately, the best lens for street photography will depend on personal preferences and shooting style, but the lenses below are a great place to start exploring.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the best Fujifilm lenses for capturing stunning street photographs. From wide-angle to portrait lenses, read on to find out which will work best for your needs!
Recommended Fujifilm lenses for different Purposes
Below are the best ones we mostly used for street photography with different aspects when required while most widely used camera is Nikon Z6 for street photography but in this blog we are suggesting cameras by FujiFilm brands.
1. Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 – best Portrait Lens
Throughout my life, I’ve had a strong desire to travel since I was a teenager. I’m always looking for new inspiration. Exploring travel photography blogs with my camera is an excellent way to satisfy my desire, especially since traveling is challenging. The Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 lens has been my go-to for street photography for many years.
I used the 18-55mm focal length lens to take portraits since I could fill the frame with my subject from a reasonable distance. Due to its small size, this lens is an excellent choice since it has a viewing angle between 76.5 and 29 degrees. I can obtain more accurate photos with minimal motion artifacts and instantly capture the atmosphere of low-light situations.
It is, at the moment, the best lens for street photography I have seen. This lens aims to record the great moments in my vision. This lens has helped me always take advantage of every opportunity to catch fleeting moments and has made me fall in love with it.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions | 2.76 x 2.56 x 2.56 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.68 lbs |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Maximum Aperture | 2.8 mm |
| Maximum Focal Length | 55mm |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F2.8 – F4.0 |
| Maximum Format Size | APS-C / DX |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 18mm |
| Minimum Operating Distance | 0.4 m |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 58mm |
Why I recommend:
The wide aperture of f/2.8-4.0 allows me to focus quickly using a linear motor and create stunning images quickly while blurring the background. Recording otherworldly views in front of my eyes in various parts of my town and worldwide captures the emotions of dramatic occurrences.
Optical Image Stabilizer eliminates camera vibration, enabling me to shoot handheld. This image stabilization setting prevents camera motion, resulting in sharp, in-focus images because it corrects for up to four shutter stops. I could eliminate image degradation and achieve new levels of travel photography with this lens’s three aspherical, one ED lens component, and a 7-blade aperture.
Using this lens gave me a realistic way to frame the amazing movies I watched with amazing interactivity, as smooth and steady as a rocket. With its high-tech focal power and focusing efficiency, it captured stunning scenery images and recorded movies without deteriorating the quality. With a wide aperture and high focal power, it freezes the scene and prevents camera movement, making it perfect for street photography.
Why I don’t recommend:
As you zoom in, the lens’s aperture changes from f/2.8 to f/4.0, which can be problematic for low-light photography or controlling depth of field.
Pros
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Compact and lightweight
- Weather-sealed construction
- Excellent image quality
- Solid body structure
- Affordable price
Cons
- Slow maximum aperture
- Limited zoom range
2. Fujifilm’s XF 16mm f/2.8 lens – wide angled lens
Having to photograph furnished homes is an essential expense in the architectural photography field. To represent my abilities and attract editorial staff and potential clients to my photography, I want those images to be of the highest quality. As my camera companion in architecture photography, I use the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8.
Using the Fujifilm camera’s sensor to create reconnaissance architecture images while maintaining the qualities of the best wide-angle lens for street photography made me feel more comfortable. This tiny lens provides an excellent vantage point to monitor and capture video. I developed a groundbreaking recording and frame capacity system that offers outstanding efficiency and functionality.
A quick aperture rate and a long focal length enable it to produce crisp images when photographing architecture. It astonished me by creating vibrant photographs, which led me to invest in the best Fujifilm wide-angle lens I could find.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions | 6 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.90 lbs |
| Lens Type | Wide angle |
| Maximum Aperture | 2.8 mm |
| Maximum Focal Length | 16mm |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F2.8-22 |
| Maximum Format Size | APS-C |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 16mm |
Why I recommend:
I had never seen all the pixel cementation take place on trains in my professional experience as an architectural photographer. Using this wide-angle lens, I have taken more heightened and distinctive photos of buildings while focusing the greatest amount of light on the sensor.
The lens is weather and dust resistant and can operate at temperatures as low as -10°C so that it can be used with the Fujifilm in many situations. By demonstrating the compatibility of the 16mm focal length, I have finally figured out how to shift the angle of view so that the image in front of me is properly captured, which has been a challenge for decades.
It is designed for the camera’s image sensor, so I can alter focus without leaving AF mode. Its practically silent STM allows me to take architectural shots quickly and capture fleeting moments. The Fujifilm wide-angle lens produces the best quality and artistic expression.
Why I don’t recommend:
The minimum focus distance of the XF 16mm f/2.8 is relatively long, making it less suitable for macro photography. Some users have reported that the corners of the image can be soft when the lens is wide open, especially at the wide end of the focal length range.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent image quality
- Weather-sealed
- 10 lens elements in 8 groups
- Affordable
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Does not work with older Fuji cameras
- Not as wide as some other 16mm lenses
3. Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 – Zoom lens for Close Photography
Photographing some of the most breathtaking places isn’t difficult because of the spectacular scenery. With my camera, I carefully scanned the area, noting how the weather varied as clouds drifted in and out, revealing bright patches from one spot to another. The Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 was capable of capturing the power of this incredible scene, even though I had seen similar settings with this particular lens in the past.
I used the zoom lens to frame this panorama to get the illuminated sweepy hills. I must mention that, combined with my camera for street photography, this lens has all the fantastic attributes of my pick. Due to its sturdy construction, plastic case, and metal mount, this focal length is perfect for trip photography, providing a crisp and clear picture description throughout its zoom range.
It is almost instantaneous to switch from automatic to manual focusing by spinning the lens’ focusing ring. Due to the great attributes I obtained in a single phase, I decided to upgrade to this lens, which is perfect for Fujifilm cameras. In the field of zoom lenses, Fujifilm’s 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 has set a standard with its cutting-edge technology.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions | 4.65 x 2.95 x 2.95 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.28 lbs |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Maximum Aperture | 3.5 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 200mm |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F3.5 – F4.8 |
| Maximum Format Size | APS-C / DX |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 55mm |
| Minimum Operating Distance | 1.1m |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 62mm |
Why I recommend:
The zoom lens offers an angle of view that can be compared to that of full-frame cameras with an APS-C sensor when used with the Fujifilm mount. I can get close to distant views with this lens’s zoom range while reacting quickly in a fast-paced situation with its zoom range.
At a focal length of 55-200mm, I zoomed into my desired position and adjusted the aggressiveness using the Zoom Touch Adjustment. With one Super ED lens element, chromatic aberration is reduced, similar to that of a fluorite lens element at long focal lengths. I have captured high-speed images with continuous exposures and performed excellent zoom photography throughout my career.
I have observed an immense improvement in sharp, in-focus photos and videos, regardless of the image stabilization mode’s setting. It allows shutter speeds to be five stops slower while walking around, resulting in sharp, in-focus images and videos. Using the zoom lens, I could capture handheld images of the region similarly to street photography.
Why I don’t recommend:
The maximum aperture of the lens, f/3.5-4.8, is relatively slow, making it easier to achieve shallow depth of field or use the lens in low-light conditions with a tripod or high. Some users have reported noticeable chromatic aberrations, especially in high-contrast situations, which can result in purple or green fringing around the edges of objects.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Image stabilization
- Stepper type AF motor
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Slow maximum aperture
4. Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 – Macro lens for street photos
Photography has profoundly influenced my daily existence in the past few years. I’ve developed an obsession with macro photography of fruit and vegetable vendors. I tried several local macro lenses with my Fujifilm camera, but they couldn’t deliver the macro images I wanted. Therefore, I upgraded to a Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 macro lens, the most incredible macro lens for street photography.
With a compact body with many gorgeous attributes, I got a lot of high-end fruit slices. Its most prominent feature is cutting-edge technology for recording static and moving objects. With its slim, lightweight design, I could capture precise, crisp pinpoints with its fast aperture and wide focal length.
As a result of these defining moments in my life, I developed a lifetime passion for macro photography. It is the most significant macro lens for street photography. This lens is your best bet if you want to add variety to your macro photography. The lens has surprised me with its focusing peak and the ability to enhance the enchantment of captured photos without distracting the viewer.
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions | 8.2 x 6 x 6.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.51 lbs |
| Lens Type | Macro, Telephoto |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 80 |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 80 |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 12 groups |
| 1.4x Teleconverter | 112mmF4 |
| 2.0x Teleconverter | 160mmF5.6 |
Why I recommend:
Incorporating a short-telephoto lens has inspired me to create stunning macro images. The wide aperture of f/2.8 enabled me to shoot many ideas, ranging from insects to dews. It yielded a fantastic result, and the 80mm focal length compatibility helped me visualize the distant subjects. With the Fujifilm X-T30, it works admirably with its nine-blade diaphragm.
With its 16 optical elements arranged in 12 groups, the lens produces stunning image quality. It includes one Super ED lens, three ED lenses, and one aspherical element. The combination of an accelerometer and five-stop Optical Image Stabilization reduced camera shake impacts. At a minimum focusing distance of 20.1m, the inner-focusing mechanism moves the focusing points quickly into place.
When using the Fujifilm camera, I noticed that the elements remained focused, causing the least disruption. This implies that resting butterflies have always been left alone and that delicate frost has always been captured delicately while I concentrated on making something beautiful.
Why I don’t recommend:
The Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 lens is relatively heavy and bulky compared to other lenses in the same category. This can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods. The lens is expensive compared to different lenses in the same category, which may only be feasible for some photographers.
Pros
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent sharpness
- Good build quality
- Weather-resistant
- Optical image stabilization
- Fast maximum aperture
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Limited focal length range
5. Fuji XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 – Quality Travel lens photography
Despite having repurchased my first travel lens five years ago, travel lenses have come a very long way since I got my hands on the undisputed king of travel lenses, which might be great for as well as street photography, the Fuji XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, I realized that moonlight adventure shots required more. As a vacation lens, it had the emblazonments I wanted in my travel shots.
As a result of Linear motor technology, when filming movies, the focus lens is directly powered by the Linear motor and is silent, allowing for an extremely smooth operation. In AF mode, which was designed specifically for Fujifilm’s image sensor, I can change the focus without leaving the AF mode. This camera focuses quickly when I am shooting travel photos, allowing me to react swiftly and easily capture fleeting moments.
There is no doubt that this Fujifilm-compatible travel lens offers the highest level of artistic expression and quality, making it a great choice for street photographers. After all that, I can’t help but give it the title “best travel lens for street photography.”
Specifications:
| Item Dimensions | 3.86 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.08 lbs |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 135 mm |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F3.5 – F5.6 |
| Maximum Format Size | APS-C / DX |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 18mm |
| Minimum Operating Distance | 0.45m |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 67mm |
Why I recommend:
With a five-stop Image Stabilizer, camera vibration is minimized. With these image stabilization settings, you get crisp, in-focus photos because the Image Stabilizer corrects for up to five shutter speed stops. The four aspherical and two ED glass lenses of the lens eliminated picture degradation, enabling me to achieve new photo quality levels.
Using the 18-135mm focal length, I could capture my target from a decent distance. In the natural environment where I have been working, its weather-resistant structure, which features sealing in 20 areas of the lens barrel, has allowed me to take more accurate photos by taking into account the ambiance of a low-light environment, such as sudden rain, dust, and splashes of water.
Its versatility appeals to me when it comes to travel photography. Although it is a consumer zoom lens, it delivers optical quality, value, and weight. Travel photographers will appreciate the slow focusing and small maximum aperture. Mobility is the best feature. I appreciate its 7.5x zoom capability and its tiny size.
Why I don’t recommend:
Some users have reported that the lens’s image quality is not as sharp as expected, especially at longer focal lengths and faces; the autofocus can be slow, especially in low light conditions.
Pros
- Image quality is excellent
- wide Aperture for most situations
- Well-built body
- 7.5x zoom range
- Fast and precise autofocus
- Weather sealed
Cons
- Slow maximum aperture
- Can’t use filters
Buyer’s guide:
Below is the buyer’s guide which might help you before finding the best lens.
1. Focal length:
Consider the lens’s focal length that you require for street photography. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the bustling streets, while a normal or a telephoto lens can capture close-up portraits of people in the streets.
2. Aperture:
A lens with a fast aperture of f/2.8 or lower is ideal for street photography as it allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
3. Autofocus:
A fast and accurate autofocus system is important for street photography, where you must quickly capture fleeting moments.
4. Size and weight:
Street photography often involves a lot of walking and moving around, so choosing a compact, and lightweight lens is important.
5. Budget:
Fujifilm lenses come at various prices, so consider your budget when choosing a lens for street photography. You can find high-quality lenses at a premium price or opt for more affordable ones.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm lens lineup is full of great options for street photography, but these five are some of the best. All five lenses provide excellent image quality and can capture stunning images in various conditions; one should fit your needs. With the right tool, capturing amazing street photos is easier than ever!
FAQs
Is 35mm or 50mm better for street photography?
The choice between 35mm and 50mm for street photography ultimately depends on personal preference and shooting style. A 35mm lens provides a wider field of view, which can be useful for capturing more of the environment and context in street photos.
On the other hand, a 50mm lens has a more traditional field of view, which can help create a more focused and intimate look in street photos. Ultimately, the best lens for street photography is the one that allows the photographer to achieve their creative vision and comfortable shooting style.
What should you not do in street photography?
Avoid taking photos of people without their consent, especially if they are in a private or intimate moment. Don’t use other people’s images without permission. Avoid taking photos in places or of subjects considered disrespectful or culturally sensitive. Try not to get too close to your issues or disrupt their activities.
What is the shutter speed for street photography?
The ideal shutter speed for street photography varies based on the situation and the desired outcome. Street photography often uses a shutter speed between 1/60th and 1/250th of a second to capture motion and freeze action. However, a slower shutter speed can also create an interesting effect by showing motion blur in a photo. In these cases, a shutter speed of 1/30th of a second or slower may be used.
