What it’s like to use a 200-600mm lens for street photography
Nov 14, 2019
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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When you think of street photography, a super-telephoto lens probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Evan Ranft thought: why not? He teamed up with Chris House to test out a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens in the street. While it still wouldn’t be his first choice for street photography, it does have its perks, and Evan shares his impressions and some photos in this interesting video.
If you hit the streets with a 200-600mm lens, you’ll quickly get tired from its weight. It’s heavy and bulky, and definitely not something you’d want to drag around in your hands all day. It’s also not discreet at all, which is quite the opposite of the lens you’d normally want to use for street photography. But hey, on the other hand – your subject likely won’t even see you because you’ll need to stand so far away from them, so… I guess the lack of discretion isn’t such a big deal.
On the plus side, a lens like this gives you a whole lot of background compression. It looks cool, and it’s definitely unusual to see it in street photos, which are often shot by 50mm, 35mm, 28mm or even wider lenses. This compression can give an interesting look to your images and make them stand out.
The thing that first crossed my mind when I saw the video was “this is ideal for shy photographers!” I’m pretty awkward when photographing even the people I know, not to mention photographing strangers in the street. So, a lens like this would be ideal for me if I ever wanted to try street photography. I’ve heard many people argue that it’s not “real” street photography. But I tend to disagree. And I won’t judge. Just don’t be creepy and we’re cool.
Despite the drawbacks, this lens isn’t completely useless for street photography. It’s not something you’d keep in your bag all the time, that’s for sure. But, if you want to try something new in your photography or if you want to challenge yourself… Then try using a telephoto lens in the street. It could help you get some amazing and unusual photos.
[Sony 200-600mm for Street Photography via FStoppers]
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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15 responses to “What it’s like to use a 200-600mm lens for street photography”
Creep photography…
For taking picture of hair follicle off the ass of a NYC rodent
That defeats the whole purpose of street photography, clearly you don’t have a clue ?
Does it really?! I don’t think you know what street photography is if you claim that. Seems like you’re the one that doesn’t have a clue.
You couldn’t be more observant. 600mm lenses are not at all, even remotely strangers to Street Photography.
Sure
Actually.. I think it’s you who are clueless at the textbook case of irony staring back at you.
That’s not street photography, that’s stalking
Papparazzi
I really don’t understand those comments about “not street pics”.
How can you have that kind of depth of field and perspective without using that kind of lens ?
Street pics are absolutely not reserved to 35mm.
But I think you should attach your camera and lens with a good strap.
plus, guys here talks about creepy, paparazzi photog, because you don’t know you are tracked by photographer, but on the other hand, the same guys will talk you about some pancake lens and tiny camera that nobody will notice. It’s the same thing. At the end, you just steal image in the street and nobody noticed.
It’s exactly the same thing as you very accurately pointed out- Street photography being a genre of wide and normal lenses a common notion that is utterly ridiculous… especially when it’s coming from the obviously clueless telling others that they “don’t have a clue”.
Always, a neck or wrist strap. If a lens weighs a lot, or you are new to handling it, higher chance of it twisting out of your grip. Forget “looking cool,” and instead look smart, sort of like wearing a helmet when biking. “Look Smart.”
And besides–it is not your lens, you rented it. What is the point of being on the hook for full price replacement?
Also, at times, good for your physical health!! ;)
I don’t need to see the video or read anything more than the title to know that this is an assanign idea.