So I finally upgraded to an a7c earlier this year and I've just been messing around with the 28-60mm kit lens for a bit but honestly I'm kinda bored of it. It's fine for hiking and stuff but I'm heading to Chicago in about three weeks for a short trip and I really want a fast prime for some serious street photography. I mostly like shooting late at night when the city lights are hitting the puddles and all that moody stuff.
I spent like three hours last night reading reviews and everyone keeps saying the Sony 35mm f/1.8 is the gold standard for street but then I see other guys swearing by the 55mm Zeiss. I'm torn because the 35mm seems great for getting the whole scene in but I'm a little shy about getting right in people's faces for candid shots and I'm worried 35mm is gonna be too wide and I'll end up with a lot of empty space. On the other hand, people say the 55mm has that pop but is it gonna be too tight when I'm walking around downtown? I don't wanna be constantly backing up into traffic just to frame a shot.
Budget is a bit tight since I spent way too much on the camera body so I'm looking to stay under $650 if I can. I'm totally cool with buying used from MPB or KEH if it means getting better glass. I also saw some people mention the 40mm G lens because it's tiny but I'm worried f/2.5 isn't fast enough for those low light shots I want.
Basically I just need something sharp and fast that won't make me look like a total tourist with a giant setup. If you had to pick just one prime to walk around a city like Chicago for a weekend what would it be? I'm honestly leaning towards the 35 but that Zeiss 55mm looks so sharp in every sample photo I see...
In my experience, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is the only way to go for the a7c. I've been shooting street for over a decade and while the Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA has that legendary contrast, it's just way too tight for narrow city sidewalks. You'll spend half your time trying to back up into the street just to fit a building in. For night shots, that f/1.8 is non-negotiable. I've tried the compact f/2.5 lenses but they just don't cut it when you're chasing moody puddle reflections at 1 AM. The 35mm is sharp, fast, and light enough that you wont look like a pro paps. If you feel too far from the action, just crop in. Its way easier to crop a 35mm shot than it is to stitch a 55mm shot you couldn't frame right.
Adding my two cents here. Re: "In my experience, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8..." - while that lens is technically proficient, I find it a bit clinical for moody night shots. I've been through a dozen setups for city trips over the years, and if you're worried about being too close at 35mm or too cramped at 55mm, you should seriously look at the Samyang AF 45mm f/1.8 FE. It's an oddball focal length but honestly, it's perfect for someone who's shy but wants a natural look. It gives you a bit more reach than a 35 without the claustrophobia of a 50. It weighs almost nothing, which is key for the a7c. I've used it for late-night street stuff in rain and the rendering is surprisingly dreamy compared to the sharper, more modern Sony glass. Plus, you can find them dirt cheap used. If you're dead set on the 35mm field of view but want something better built than the Sony, check out the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary. It has an aperture ring that feels amazing and the metal build quality is far superior. Don't worry about f/2 vs f/1.8... on an a7c, the high ISO performance is so good that a third of a stop wont matter for your puddle shots. You can usually find the Sigma used for around $450, leaving you plenty of cash for a good Tiffen 58mm Black Pro-Mist 1/4 Filter to really get that cinematic glow from the Chicago street lamps. Stick to the 45mm tho if you want that middle-ground perspective.
Honestly, if you're hitting Chicago, you want something that isnt gonna break if you bump into a subway pole. Ive been through a few setups and for the a7c, size is everything. You dont want a massive lens screaming 'steal me' while you're focused on puddles at 2am. Since you're on a budget, going used is definitely the move to get something reliable. Here are a few options that actually make sense for a city trip:
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is basically built like a little tank. It’s all metal and the image quality is super solid for the price. You can find these used for around $450-$500 and the f/2 is plenty fast for night street stuff. It feels way more reliable than the standard Sony 35mm and handles the damp weather a bit better.
- Dont sleep on the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G tho. I know you're worried about the aperture, but the a7c sensor handles high ISO like a champ. f/2.5 is honestly fine for city lights, and that 40mm focal length is the perfect sweet spot between being too wide and too tight. It fits in a jacket pocket which is huge for keeping a low profile.
- If you really want to save cash for some actual deep dish, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is a decent little sleeper. Its not as 'pro' feeling as the Sigma, but its light as a feather and very sharp for the price. Id probably grab the Sigma if I were you. It feels 'right' on that body and having a physical aperture ring is a lifesaver when you're moving fast in the dark...
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
