Street photography is about capturing life's raw essence. It demands a lens that is fast, lightweight, and versatile enough to handle dynamic urban environments. The Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro might just be the perfect companion.
In this blog you will read about my first experience with the Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 lens. And if you are a photographer who want to document the streets with clarity and speed then keep reading.
Why 23mm is the sweet spot for street photography
The 23mm focal length (equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame sensor) has been a favorite among street photographers. It offers a natural field of view that balances context and subject, making it perfect for storytelling. Whether you’re capturing a bustling market or a quiet alley, this focal length ensures you stay close enough to your subject without distortion while preserving the surrounding environment.
I love to take pictures of single silhouettes and the 23mm on APS-C is perfect for that.
Low-light performance and depth of field control
One of the standout features of this lens is its fast f/1.4 aperture. In street photography, lighting conditions change in an instant—from the bright afternoon sun to the dark hours of the night. A wide aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance, helping photographers shoot handheld without worrying about high ISO noise. Plus, the shallow depth of field makes it easy to isolate subjects from a busy background, adding depth and emotion to your images.
I definitely kept the ISO quite low but Warsaw is very well exposed in places. Most lenses perform very well here. Therefore, my assessment of capabilities may not be entirely subjective.
Speed matters: Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 has a fast AF
Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of street photography, famously coined the term “the decisive moment.” Capturing those fleeting, spontaneous expressions or interactions requires quick and accurate autofocus. The stepping motor (DSM) in the Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 ensures silent and precise focusing, which is ideal for both stills and video. The last thing you want in the streets is a noisy, hunting autofocus system that draws attention to you!
Lightweight and compact design
Street photographers often spend hours walking, observing, and shooting. Therefore a bulky setup can be a hindrance, making a lightweight and compact lens a necessity. At just 368 grams, this lens won’t weigh you down, making it easier to stay discreet and move swiftly through the city.
I personally love how handy it is. My setup seemed well-balanced.
Innovative wireless control for a modern workflow
One of the most intriguing aspects of this lens is its 2.4GHz wireless remote control. Imagine setting up a shot from a distance or making quick aperture adjustments without touching your camera—this opens up creative possibilities for street photographers who want to experiment with angles and compositions while remaining inconspicuous.
Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 - is it worth it?
At an attractive price point of $241 (price at the time of writing this article), the Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro delivers impressive optical performance, fast autofocus, and modern features like wireless control. If you’re a street photographer looking for an affordable yet powerful lens to capture the beauty of everyday life, this might be the perfect addition to your kit.
So, grab your camera, step outside, and start capturing the poetry of the streets—one frame at a time!
And if you are still at home then watch my video 🙂