Street photography doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t need the latest Leica or a full-frame mirrorless camera to capture powerful, authentic moments. Some of the best street photos ever taken were made with gear that many photographers would overlook today.
If you’re just starting out or looking to travel light, there’s good news: affordable street photography gear exists. And not only is it budget-friendly, but some of it seriously punches above its weight in performance, image quality, and stealth. The gear you carry should help you stay nimble and creative, not weigh you down.
With that, let’s explore the cameras, lenses, and accessories that are perfect for street photography on a budget.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Great Street Photography Gear?
- Budget-Friendly Cameras That Deliver
- Affordable Lenses That Get the Job Done
- Accessories That Add Big Value for Little Money
- Smartphone Street Photography: Don’t Overlook It
- Tips for Buying Used Gear on a Budget
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
What Makes Great Street Photography Gear?
Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash (license)
Great street photography gear is all about simplicity and speed. You want something you can carry all day without strain. A small, discreet camera helps you blend into your environment and stay unnoticed while shooting candid scenes.
Responsiveness matters. The best street photography setups offer fast autofocus or make it easy to zone focus. The ability to quickly frame and capture a shot is more important than megapixels or fancy features.
Good image quality is important, but it doesn’t mean you need the newest sensor. What matters more is your ability to capture the light and moment. Whether you’re shooting at night, in harsh daylight, or during golden hour, your gear should support your creative instincts.
Budget-Friendly Cameras That Deliver
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There are plenty of used or lower-priced cameras that are excellent for street photography. These options provide great image quality, portability, and reliability without costing a fortune.
Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx – The GR series has built a loyal following among street photographers. The GR III features an APS-C sensor in a truly pocketable body. Its fixed 28mm equivalent (or 40mm equivalent on the IIIx) lens is razor-sharp, and it includes a built-in ND filter and fast startup time. It’s minimal, stealthy, and perfect for street work.
Fujifilm X100 Series (X100T or X100F) – Fuji’s X100 cameras deliver a classic rangefinder feel with modern digital performance. They have leaf shutters (perfect for silent shooting), Fujifilm’s beloved film simulations, and fixed 35mm-equivalent lenses, which make these cameras nearly perfect for street photography.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II with 22mm f/2 – This compact mirrorless body is often overlooked, but it packs a 32.5MP sensor, great autofocus, and a flip screen that works well for low-angle shots. When paired with Canon’s tiny 22mm pancake lens, it becomes an ideal budget street photography rig.
Sony RX100 V – Sony’s RX100 series offers 1-inch sensors, fast lenses, and high portability. The RX100 V, for example, has a 24-70mm f/1.8–2.8 equivalent lens and fits in your jacket pocket. It’s fast and responsive—great for grabbing candid moments.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II – These Micro Four Thirds bodies are small, capable, and come with in-body image stabilization. Pair one with a pancake prime and you’ve got a lightweight street shooter with solid performance.
Affordable Lenses That Get the Job Done
When it comes to lenses for street photography, size and speed are key. Small prime lenses let you travel light while staying inconspicuous. Here are a few budget-friendly picks worth considering.
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM – This pancake lens is a hidden gem. It’s sharp, lightweight, and extremely compact. If you shoot Canon DSLR or mirrorless with an adapter, this lens is a bargain.
Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS (APS-C) – This is a go-to lens for Sony APS-C shooters. It’s sharp wide open, has built-in stabilization, and offers great low-light performance.
Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 – For Fujifilm users, this pancake lens turns any X-series camera into a pocketable powerhouse. It has quick autofocus and a versatile 40mm equivalent field of view.
Olympus 17mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 – These lenses are perfect companions for Olympus MFT bodies. They’re tiny and deliver sharp, contrasty images. The f/2.8 version can be found used for around $150, while the faster f/1.8 is closer to $300.
Manual Options from 7Artisans, TTArtisan, and Meike – If you’re into manual focus and zone focusing, these budget-friendly third-party lenses offer excellent build quality and fast apertures at very low prices. Great for slowing down and being intentional with your compositions.
Accessories That Add Big Value for Little Money
Photo by NagornyiSergiy via Shutterstock
Accessories can improve your street photography experience without adding much cost. Here are a few essentials worth tossing into your bag.
Wrist Straps – A good wrist strap keeps your camera secure while staying out of the way. It’s more discreet than a neck strap and makes you faster on the draw.
Lens Hoods – These not only help reduce lens flare but also offer protection against bumps. For small primes, you can often find affordable metal hoods online.
Extra Batteries – Compact cameras often have smaller batteries. Having an extra or two ensures you won’t miss a shot during a long outing.
Inconspicuous Camera Bags – Consider small sling bags or even non-camera bags with padded inserts. Look for bags that don’t scream “expensive gear inside.”
Screen Protectors and Thumb Grips – These small touches help keep your camera in good shape and make shooting more comfortable.
Smartphone Street Photography: Don’t Overlook It
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Some of the most powerful street photography tools are already in your pocket. Smartphones today have impressive cameras, and they’re the ultimate tool for staying discreet. They’re fast, responsive, and easy to use with one hand.
You can also get creative control with apps like Halide, ProShot, or Lightroom Mobile. These apps give you manual exposure, RAW capture, and more professional tools.
If you want to expand your phone’s capabilities, try clip-on lenses for wide, macro, or telephoto shots. They’re inexpensive and open up more creative options.
Tips for Buying Used Gear on a Budget
Buying used is one of the smartest ways to stretch your street photography budget. There’s a ton of great gear on the secondhand market that still performs like new.
MPB is one of the best platforms for buying used street photography gear. They offer detailed product listings, condition ratings, warranties, and a massive selection of cameras and lenses. You can also sell or trade in your old gear for credit toward something new.
When buying used, be sure to check shutter count, physical wear, and battery condition. MPB provides detailed information about all these factors (and more!) so you can buy with confidence. I’ve done so many, many times over the years, and I’ve always been pleased with the products I’ve gotten in the mail from MPB.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Ozan Öztaskiran on Unsplash (license)
Street photography is about observation, timing, and storytelling—not gear. Still, the right camera or lens can help you move freely, shoot faster, and stay engaged with the world around you.
You don’t need to spend thousands to take beautiful, compelling street photos. What matters most is getting out there and shooting. The more you practice, the more your gear—no matter how humble—becomes an extension of your eye.
So grab what you’ve got, or invest in a few smart budget pieces, and hit the streets. You might be surprised by what you can create without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Photo by Lane Ramsey on Unsplash (license)
What is the best cheap camera for street photography?
The Ricoh GR III (used), Fujifilm X100T, and Sony RX100 V are all excellent compact cameras for street photography under $900.
Can I do street photography with a smartphone?
Absolutely. Modern smartphones are fast, discreet, and great for candid shots. Manual apps and clip-on lenses can take things further.
Where should I buy used gear safely?
MPB is a top choice thanks to their condition grading, warranties, and large inventory.
What lens should I start with for street photography?
A 35mm or 28mm equivalent prime lens is ideal. It gives a natural field of view and helps you stay light and mobile.
How can I shoot street photography without being noticed?
Use small, quiet cameras. Dress neutrally. Avoid eye contact after taking a shot. A wrist strap and silent shutter also help.
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Learn More:
- Travel Photography on a Budget: Affordable Gear for Beginners
- What Makes a Great Street Photo? A Look at Composition, Emotion, and Timing
Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash (license)
