Best Lenses under $500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art 28mm

92 Street Score
28mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 constant aperture and 17-element optical design with 5 ED and 3 aspherical elements produce crisp, low-light shots with suppressed chromatic aberration. A weather-sealed, splash-proof body pairs with a bundled kit including a 128GB card, filters, and flexible tripod for immediate field readiness. This lens is best for portrait and studio professionals needing a fast 28mm prime with robust build and precise depth-of-field control.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm

73.4 Street Score
30mm 16 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 30mm f/1.4 prime with stepping AF and weather sealing weighs just 285g, delivering consistent edge-to-edge sharpness on APS-C mirrorless bodies. Its 9-blade diaphragm produces smooth bokeh, while the dual aspherical and ED elements keep chromatic aberration minimal even wide open. Best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize a fast aperture in a compact, weather-resistant package.

View Details & Prices

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm

48.9 Street Score
17-70mm f/2.8 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

With a 4-stop Optical Stabilizer and an 8.7-inch close focus across its f/2.8-4 range, this 17-70mm zoom delivers 1:2.7 macro shots and low-light flexibility. The HSM autofocus and viewfinder-visible stabilization keep the 535g build steady for handheld use, aided by anti-shake technology that works independently of camera body stabilization. It’s best for Sony APS-C shooters needing a single, budget-friendly lens for both everyday scenes and detailed close-up photography.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $1,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm

87.2 Street Score
15mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 15mm f/1.4 prime pairs its bright aperture with a 13-element optical design in a compact 221g body, providing a 22.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view. A stepping motor AF system delivers quiet, precise focus for video, complemented by a manual aperture ring for direct exposure control. This lens suits street and portrait shooters who need a low-light-capable ultra-wide perspective without the weight of bulkier options.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS 70-200mm

54.5 Street Score
70-200mm 22 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports combines a constant f/2.8 aperture with dual HLA motors for fast autofocus and up to 7.5 stops of stabilization via the OS2 algorithm. Its weather-sealed build and Super Multi-Layer Coating with water- and oil-repellent layers ensure reliable outdoor performance without sacrificing portability at just 212g. Best for landscape and travel photographers who need a lightweight telephoto zoom with excellent stabilization for handheld shooting in variable conditions.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $1,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II 24-70mm

77.4 Street Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm zoom range pairs with fast HLA autofocus and dust/splash-resistant construction. The aperture ring with click and lock switches and a 6.7-inch minimum focusing distance add tactile control and close-up flexibility. This lens suits event and portrait shooters who prioritize a weather-sealed, precise standard zoom over macro capability.

View Details & Prices
Price $1,190
Check Price at Newegg
Also available at:
Also available open box & refurbished:
Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II 24-70mm lens

Best Lenses under $2,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Art 35mm f/1.2 DG II 35mm

84.5 Street Score
35mm f/1.2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

As the first wide-angle AF lens with f/1.2 for full-frame L-mount, the Sigma Art 35mm delivers extreme light gathering and smooth bokeh from its 11-blade diaphragm. Its weather-resistant metal barrel and 1090g construction feel durable, while the HSM autofocus ensures quick, silent performance. Best suited for portrait photographers who need shallow depth of field in low light without sacrificing sharpness from its 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements.

View Details & Prices
Price $1,549
Sigma Art 35mm f/1.2 DG II 35mm lens

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports 60-600mm

65.9 Street Score
60-600mm f/4.5 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range from 60mm to 600mm, 7-stop optical stabilization, and dustproof/splashproof construction make it a uniquely versatile all-in-one telephoto for Sony E mount. The lens supports a 1:2.4 maximum magnification for close-up details, and its f/4.5-6.3 aperture remains effective in bright light without requiring a lens swap. This is best for travel and outdoor photographers who need one robust lens to cover landscapes through super-telephoto wildlife without changing glass in dusty conditions.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for street photography

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 300-600mm f/4 DG OS 600mm

58.6 Street Score
600mm f/4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/4 aperture across its 300-600mm zoom range, this lens pairs an HLA-driven autofocus motor with 5.5-stop optical stabilization for sharp results at long reach. Its weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction and internal zoom design provide durability and handling in demanding field conditions. Sports and wildlife photographers seeking a single, fast telephoto solution to replace multiple primes will find it most useful.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Cine 28-105mm T3 FF Cine 105mm

36.6 Street Score
28-105mm T22 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Constant T3 aperture across the 28-105mm zoom range and a 12-blade iris maintain exposure and soft bokeh, while the AF/MF switch brings rare autofocus to a cine lens. The 1300g build and 15.7-inch minimum focus distance offer versatile close-framing without heavy rigging, though it skips weather sealing. Best for indie filmmakers and solo shooters who need a single full-frame zoom with AF for handheld documentary or event work.

View Details & Prices