Best Lenses under £400 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm

90.6 Street Score
18-55mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The pulse motor delivers near-silent, fast autofocus and Vibration Reduction stabilizes shots on DX-format bodies, making this compact 18-55mm zoom remarkably capable for its 204g weight. Its constant f/3.5 aperture at the wide end and quiet stepping motor suit video shooters needing smooth, unobtrusive focus transitions. This lens is best for beginners and vloggers seeking a lightweight, stabilized kit lens for everyday capture without a heavy investment.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

72.5 Street Score
50-250mmf/16Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens provides a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop Vibration Reduction, delivering sharp telephoto shots even in dim light. At just 404g and a high-value price point, it maintains portability while adding near-silent stepping motor AF and suppressed focus breathing for polished video. Best for budget-minded DX Z-mount shooters needing a versatile zoom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially hybrid creators capturing both stills and video.

View Details & Prices

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20119 24mm

67.8 Street Score
24mmf/11Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.7 maximum aperture and 24mm focal length (36mm full-frame equivalent) make this lens a standout for low-light shooting and creating distinct subject separation from backgrounds. Its compact, 136g build combined with weather sealing offers exceptional portability and durability that belies its affordable positioning. This lens is best for APS-C Z-mount photographers wanting a lightweight, everyday walk-around prime for street scenes and environmental portraits.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £800 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D 20mm

78.8 Street Score
20mmf/2.8Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 97g, this 20mm f/2.8 prime is an ultra-portable full-frame wide-angle that relies on a Super Integrated Coating for contrast. Its compact build and 62mm filter thread make it a discreet, affordable entry into expansive perspectives on Nikon F-mount bodies with a focus motor. This lens is best for street photographers who prioritize a lightweight setup and can work around the lack of weather sealing.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm

65.5 Street Score
35mmf/16Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and 52.5mm equivalent field of view deliver strong subject isolation and low-light performance in a compact 200g body. Its Silent Wave Motor provides fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override, while the aspherical element and Super Integrated Coating maintain sharpness and contrast. This lens is best for DX-format Nikon shooters seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday photography and discreet street shooting.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £1,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

80.9 Street Score
16-80mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

A 16-80mm zoom range with f/2.8 at the wide end and Vibration Reduction delivers flexible, stabilized shooting for Nikon DX bodies. The bundled UV filter and cleaning kit provide immediate protection and maintenance right out of the box. Portrait and travel photographers using APS-C cameras will find this a practical, single-lens solution for varied handheld conditions.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

62 Street Score
14-30mmf/22Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/4 aperture across the 14-30mm zoom range and exceptionally light 119g weight make this an ultra-portable wide-angle option for the Z system. Its retractable design collapses to a compact size for travel, yet delivers sharp S-Line optics without the bulk of an f/2.8 lens. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit for long hikes and street shooters needing a discreet wide zoom.

View Details & Prices

Nikon 20068

40.6 Street Score
70-300mm
Why we recommend this ▼

A 70-300mm zoom for full-frame Nikon cameras, this 680g lens pairs a fast AF with Sport VR mode to keep action shots sharp. Its weather-resistant build and lighter design make it a practical choice for outdoor shooting without sacrificing portability. Best for Nikon photographers who need a telephoto zoom for sports or wildlife on a moderate budget.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £2,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm

69.1 Street Score
24mmf/1.4Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 aperture combined with Nano Crystal Coating and ED glass delivers exceptional low-light performance and sharpness with controlled flares. Its durable weather-sealed build and 12-blade diaphragm produce a painterly look with expressive bokeh and subtle highlight blooms. This lens is best for portrait and video shooters using Nikon F-mount DSLRs who need a wide-angle prime with organic rendering and shallow depth of field.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

49.8 Street Score
24-200mmf/36Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Covering a 24-200mm range in a weather-sealed, 567g body, this lens stands out for its 5-stop Vibration Reduction and compact all-in-one design for Z-mount cameras. The optical formula incorporates aspherical ED and ED elements with ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings to maintain sharpness and contrast across the zoom range. This lens is best for photographers seeking a single, versatile travel zoom that eliminates the need to switch lenses in the field.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

49.7 Street Score
70-200mmf/22Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The fluorite and ED elements in this 22-element optical design deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast across the frame, while the 4-stop Vibration Reduction ensures handheld clarity at 200mm. Its constant f/2.8 aperture and Nano Crystal Coat provide consistent subject isolation and flare resistance, paired with a robust, weather-sealed build that includes a detachable tripod foot. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need reliable autofocus and edge-to-edge sharpness in challenging light.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm

38 Street Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

View Details & Prices