> Is the 18-55mm kit lens actually better for beginners or just total junk? Honestly, dont listen to the snobs who call it junk. I started out with the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and honestly, it taught me everything about composition. For street photography, that versatility is a life saver. If you spot a candid moment, you dont have to run around trying to frame it with your feet like you would with a prime lens. That said, once you get the hang of it, definitely grab the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. The low light performance is just worlds apart. I remember walking around London at night and that lens made all the difference compared to the kit glass. Just get comfortable with the kit lens first, its totally solid.

Been thinking about your question for a few hours. Before you drop any cash, what is your actual budget range in GBP? Knowing that helps a ton because the used market here in the UK is pretty solid right now. Personally, I prefer having a bit more reach for street stuff, but primes are sharper. If you want a middle ground, look at these:

• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G if you want that fast aperture for low light
• Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM as a much better alternative to the kit lens Quick tip: definitely check MPB or Wex for used gear instead of buying new, you'll save a fortune. Don't stress too much about the kit lens either, just try shooting at 35mm only for a day to see if you actually like the focal length before buying a prime.

Coming back to this, I totally get the anxiety about primes before a big trip. Honestly, if you want something super reliable that wont let you down, grab a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD. I used one on my old body for a trip to London and it was an absolute workhorse. Constant f/2.8 gives you a bit of background blur when you want it, but you still keep the zoom flexibility for tight London streets. Quick tip: check MPB UK or Wex Photo Video for used gear before buying new. Saved me a ton of cash over the years and Ive never had a bad copy. Have an awesome trip!

Had a moment to think about this more. Honestly, people sleep on the prime lenses way too much. I spent my first two years shooting solely with the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G and it completely changed how I see light. Zoom lenses are convenient, sure, but having that f/1.8 aperture lets you shoot in dim alleyways where the kit lens would just fail.

• The 35mm forces you to move your feet instead of being lazy with a zoom ring.
• It is super compact, so you wont look like a tourist carrying a massive rig.
• The sharpness is miles ahead of anything else in that price range. If you really want to try something else, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a solid cheap companion, but for street stuff, keep it simple.