Street photography is all about being ready for the unexpected. Whether it's an interesting character walking by, a perfect moment of light and shadow, or an unexpected scene unfolding in front of me, I need my gear to be reliable, lightweight (as good as possible), and versatile. Over the last three years, I have refined my setup to a selection of essential tools that allow me to stay mobile while capturing high-quality images. A kit, that I can carry along several hours.

You can find all my gear (camera, lenses, bags, accessories, etc.) in this post.

But here’s what I bring with me for a typical day of shooting in the city:

My Camera: Sony Alpha 7IV

My go-to camera for street photography is the Sony Alpha 7IV. This full-frame mirrorless camera offers an excellent balance of image quality, speed, and portability. With its 33MP sensor, it delivers incredible detail, while the fast and accurate Sony autofocus system increases the chances, that I don’t miss a specific moment. The excellent dynamic range allows me to capture high-contrast scenes with rich shadows and highlights and I am also able to take photos at dusk, in the dark winter months or indoors without any problems. Additionally, its - for a full-frame camera - relatively compact and ergonomic design makes it easy to carry for long hours, and the silent shutter mode helps me stay discreet in street setting, when I get closer to people.

**Sony Alpha 7 IV**

Full-frame, 33MP Sensor

Zoom Lens: Versatility on the Streets

When I want flexibility without carrying multiple lenses, I rely on the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS. This zoom lens allows me to quickly adjust my focal length, making it ideal for capturing subjects at different distances without physically moving too much. This is especially useful in dynamic urban environments where I can’t always get closer to my subject, e.g. in a Berlin underground station. The constant F4 aperture provides reliable performance across the zoom range, while the optical image stabilization (OSS) helps reduce motion blur in low-light situations. Of course, the f4 aperture doesn't produce comparable bokeh to a f1.4 or f1.8 aperture, but I rarely need that in street photography anyway.

Prime Lens: when I do need more bokeh or light

For a more minimalist approach (because at 663 g, the zoom lens is by no means a lightweight), I often bring my Sony FE 85mm F1.8 (371 g). While an 85mm lens is not a typical choice for street photography—where 24mm or 35mm are more common—it offers a unique perspective. The longer focal length allows me to capture candid moments from a distance, which can be useful for isolating subjects in busy environments. The wide F1.8 aperture creates beautiful background separation and bokeh, making it perfect for capturing portraits with a dreamy look. While it requires a different shooting approach compared to wider lenses, it encourages me to focus on details, expressions, and storytelling from a slightly different angle.
The longer focal length also suits me personally, as I am rather introverted and therefore try to avoid direct contact with the people I photograph.
I would also say that this means that the people being photographed don't feel that I'm getting too close to them as I would if I pressed the shutter just half a metre away from their face.

Camera Bag: Keeping It Simple but still with enough room

Carrying gear for an entire day means I need a comfortable and discreet camera bag. My crossbody bag VIJIM via Amazon is compact but spacious enough to hold my camera with the 24-105mm Zoom lens, an extra lens, spare batteries, and memory cards. It’s fairly priced, lightweight, doesn’t scream “photographer,” and allows me to move freely through crowded streets without being weighed down.
For safety reasons, a wrist strap is always attached to my camera and I often just carry the camera in my hand for hours without putting it back in my bag every now and then.

Mini Tripod: For Self-Portraits

Although I mostly shoot handheld, I sometimes use a Carbon Tripod (K&F Konzept, 152 cm) for self-portraits or when I want to capture a long exposure shot (I haven't done this often yet, but I really want to experiment more with it!). It’s super leightweight, only 1 kg and the size of a pocket umbrella!

But when I bring it with me, I usually use my Camera Backpack (K&F Konzept, 20 L) instead of the crossbody bag, so that I can simply stow the tripod at the side and don't have to carry it in my hand all the time.

Why This Setup Works for Street Photography

This combination of gear allows me to stay agile while ensuring I’m ready for a variety of shooting situations. The Sony Alpha 7IV and lenses provide excellent image quality without unnecessary bulk, my bag keeps everything organized and easy to access, and the mini tripod gives me the option for more creative shots when needed.

Street photography is all about spontaneity, and the right gear can make all the difference in capturing fleeting moments. With this setup, I can confidently explore the streets and focus on what matters most: telling compelling stories through my images.

What’s your go-to gear for street photography? Let me know in the comments!

The gear I use for a typical day of street photography