Best Lenses under €500 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

74.5 Street Score
16-85mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Covering a versatile 16–85mm focal range (5.3x zoom) with Vibration Reduction that compensates for up to four shutter-speed stops, this AF-S DX lens handles wide-angle to short-telephoto shots on Nikon DX DSLRs. Its Super Integrated Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and the compact 794g build, often available renewed, offers an affordable all-in-one walkaround solution. It’s best suited for Nikon DX hobbyists and travelers who prioritize a single lens for everyday photography, though landscape sharpness rates low at 29/100.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €900 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED

66.7 Street Score
12-24mmf/4Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture across the 12-24mm zoom range, combined with three aspherical and two ED glass elements, delivers consistent exposure and well-controlled distortion for an ultra-wide DX lens. Its Silent Wave Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override, and the 465g build keeps it portable for a constant-aperture zoom. This lens is best for Nikon DX-format DSLR users shooting landscapes and architecture who need a reliable, rectilinear ultra-wide perspective without the bulk of f/2.8 glass.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S 70mm

50 Street Score
24-70mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €1,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm

72.9 Street Score
60mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Delivering true 1:1 reproduction with edge-to-edge sharpness, its optical formula includes one ED and two aspherical elements alongside Nano Crystal Coat to suppress flare and chromatic aberration. The internal focusing design and silent wave motor provide fast, quiet autofocus without a rotating front element, making filter use straightforward. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters who need a precise, lightweight macro lens for detailed close-up work and copy stand reproduction.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €2,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm

71.4 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

No Lenses found in this category. See our top picks under €2,500