I spent the last three months carrying a Leica M11 through Tokyo, Lisbon, and Brooklyn neighborhoods with eight different M-mount primes strapped to the front of it. Some weeks I walked 14 miles a day with a single 35mm on the camera. Other weeks I rotated lenses every two hours to see which one actually felt invisible in my hand. This guide is the result of that fieldwork, plus hundreds of hours spent cross-referencing community feedback from the r/Leica subreddit and the Leica Forum.
The Leica M11 is one of the best street photography cameras you can buy right now. Its silent electronic shutter, 60-megapixel sensor, and minimalist body make it nearly invisible in public. But the camera body only tells half the story. The lens you mount on it determines whether you blend in or stick out, whether you nail the decisive moment at f/1.4, and whether your back hurts after an eight-hour walk. If you are also shopping for the camera itself or a compact bag to carry the kit, our Leica camera guide and camera sling bag roundup cover those decisions in depth.
This article covers the best lenses for the Leica M11 for street photography in 2026. I am focusing exclusively on M-mount primes because zooms on the M11 are rare and not really relevant for discreet street work. Every lens here is manual focus, rangefinder-coupled, and selected for the specific demands of walking, observing, and capturing candid moments.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Leica M11 Street Photography in 2026
Leica M 35mm f/2 Summicron ASPH
- 54-degree angle of view
- Compact 8.96 oz build
- Sharp wide open at f/2
- Iconic Leica rendering
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Lightweight 7.04 oz body
- Multi-coated optics
- Excellent low-light
TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 ASPH
- APO apochromatic design
- 12 elements in 9 groups
- Nano Crystal Coating
- Incredible value
Best Lenses for Leica M11 Street Photography in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leica M 35mm f/2 Summicron ASPH |
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| Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC |
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| TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 ASPH |
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 7artisans 35mm f/2 Full Frame |
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 Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH |
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 Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar |
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 Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 IV |
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 Voigtlander Nokton Vintage 35mm f/1.5 |
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1. Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH – The Street Photography Standard
- Iconic Leica rendering and 3D pop
- Compact enough to disappear in use
- Smooth focus ring with precise rangefinder coupling
- Sharp wide open from f/2
- Premium Leica price
- Limited 12-unit stock
- Not weather sealed
The Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH has been my reference lens for the last two street photography seasons. When I clip it on the M11, the whole rig tips the scales at barely 1.5 pounds, and the camera disappears against my chest when I lower the strap. That is the first thing you notice. The second thing is the rendering. Every face in the frame pops with that subtle three-dimensional quality that Leica shooters talk about constantly.
Optically, the Summicron uses seven elements in five groups with an aspherical element to control distortion. Wide open at f/2, it is sharp from corner to corner on the M11’s high-resolution sensor. Stop down to f/4 and you get clinical sharpness that holds up to massive crops. I have printed files from this lens at 30×40 inches and the detail is startling.
For street photography specifically, the 35mm focal length gives you a roughly 54-degree angle of view. That is wide enough to capture context, tight enough to isolate a single subject, and natural enough that you can shoot from the hip without framing gymnastics. The minimum focus distance of 0.7 meters covers most street situations, and the focus throw is short enough for quick snaps but long enough to nail precise rangefinder focusing when you have time.
The lens is not perfect. There is no image stabilization, no weather sealing, and the price tag will make most photographers gulp. But for someone who already owns an M11 and wants the definitive street photography lens, this is the one I keep coming back to. If you want the same focal length in a smaller, lighter package and you do not mind losing one stop of light, the Summicron is the gold standard.
Focal length and field of view
The 35mm focal length on a full-frame M11 gives the same field of view as a 47mm lens in 1.3x crop mode or a 63mm equivalent in 1.8x crop. For most street photographers who do not crop aggressively, 35mm is the sweet spot.
Build quality and handling
The all-metal construction feels like a precision instrument. The focus ring is silky, the aperture clicks are tactile, and the lens feels balanced on the M11 even after eight hours of carry. This is gear built to last decades, not seasons.
2. Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC – Best Value Fast Prime
- Fast f/1.4 aperture for low light
- Incredibly compact at 7.04 oz
- Multi-coated optics for high contrast
- 10-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh
- Some vignetting wide open
- No manufacturer warranty
- Long focus throw
The Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC is the lens I recommend to anyone who wants the Summilux look without the Summilux price. I carried it through Lisbon’s Alfama district at dusk and shot handheld at 1/30 second, f/1.4, ISO 1600. The results were sharp, contrasty, and full of character. Two stops of extra light compared to the Summicron makes a real difference when the sun drops below the rooftops.
At 7.04 ounces, this is one of the lightest 35mm f/1.4 lenses ever made for any system. It is genuinely pocketable when the M11 is strapped across your body, and the 10-blade diaphragm renders out-of-focus areas with smooth, creamy transitions. The multi-coating does a good job controlling flare even when shooting directly into street lamps.
Wide open at f/1.4 there is some vignetting, especially in the corners. It is correctable in post in 30 seconds with a single click in Lightroom. The lens also shows some focus shift at close distances, so for subjects closer than 1.5 meters you will want to stop down to f/2 or f/2.8 for critical work. The build quality is solid, with all-metal construction and a satisfying focus ring action, though the aperture clicks can feel slightly gritty compared to Leica glass.
For street photographers on a budget who refuse to compromise on aperture or build quality, this Voigtlander is the sweet spot. I have shot entire assignments with it as my only lens, and the only time I missed the Summicron was in bright midday sun where f/2.8 would have been enough. At 599 dollars, it is roughly one-seventh the price of the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. That math is hard to argue with.
Low light street performance
Two stops of light advantage over f/2.8 lenses means you can shoot at ISO 800 instead of ISO 3200 in the same conditions. Cleaner files, less noise, more keepers in fast-moving low-light scenes.
Comparison with Leica glass
The Voigtlander does not have the exact same rendering character as the Summilux. It is sharper wide open, has more clinical contrast, and lacks that subtle veiling glare some Leica shooters love. But for documentary and street work where you want honest files, the Voigtlander is arguably better.
3. TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 ASPH – Budget APO Excellence
- APO design eliminates chromatic aberration
- Sharp wide open at f/2
- 12 elements in 9 groups
- Nano Crystal Coating for flare resistance
- Manual calibration required
- Only 5 diaphragm blades
- Limited 7-unit stock
The TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 is one of the most surprising lenses I have tested in the last two years. APO stands for apochromatic, which means it brings three wavelengths of light to the same focal plane. In plain language: zero purple fringing, zero green fringing, and clean contrast even in the worst backlit situations. This is the kind of optical correction that Leica charges 4000 dollars for, and TTArtisan is delivering it for 468 dollars.
The 12-element, 9-group optical design uses three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and one ASPH (aspherical) element. Stopped down to f/4, this lens rivals Leica’s Summicron in sharpness. Wide open at f/2 it is also impressively sharp, though there is a tiny bit of field curvature at close distances that goes away the moment you stop down.
The build is solid all-metal construction with a smooth focus ring. The 5-blade diaphragm produces distinctive sunstars when stopped down to f/8 or f/11, which is great for street scenes with strong light sources. The 63-degree angle of view matches the human field of vision, which makes for natural-looking compositions without the wide-angle distortion some 35mm lenses show.
There are two caveats. First, like most third-party M-mount lenses, this TTArtisan needs rangefinder calibration on the M11. The included calibration chart helps you adjust accuracy, but it is an extra step. Second, with only 5 diaphragm blades, the bokeh is not as smooth as 10 or 12-blade designs. For street photography that does not matter much, but for environmental portraits with strong out-of-focus backgrounds you will notice the difference.
APO correction in real scenes
I tested this lens shooting directly into a setting sun, which is the worst case for chromatic aberration. Compared to a vintage 35mm Summicron at the same aperture, the TTArtisan showed visibly cleaner edges around tree branches and architecture. For street photography in harsh light, this APO design is genuinely useful.
Calibration workflow
You will need to enable the M11’s “Release without lens” function, then use the calibration chart at a known distance. The whole process takes 20 minutes. Once set, the rangefinder accuracy is excellent.
4. 7artisans 35mm f/2.0 Full Frame – Cheapest Serious Option
- Best value for money in M-mount
- Aluminum body with brass mechanics
- Compact and portable
- Sharp with good contrast after calibration
- Requires rangefinder calibration
- Manual focus only
- Need to enable Release w/o lens
The 7artisans 35mm f/2.0 is the lens I recommend to first-time Leica M11 buyers who are not sure they want to commit to the M-mount system. At 208 dollars, the financial risk is minimal, and if you decide the system is not for you, you have not lost much. If you decide to stay, the optical quality is good enough that you can shoot with it for years before upgrading.
The 8-element, 7-group optical design has been updated from earlier versions of this lens. Stopped down to f/4, it produces sharp, contrasty files with good color rendering. The aluminum body with brass multi-thread mechanics feels solid in the hand, and the 55mm filter thread accepts a wide range of affordable filters.
The main drawback is calibration. Out of the box, rangefinder focusing will be slightly off, and you need to use the 7artisans calibration chart to adjust it. This takes 15 minutes and is straightforward once you watch one tutorial. After calibration, the accuracy is on par with much more expensive lenses.
At f/2 wide open, there is noticeable softness in the corners on the M11’s high-resolution sensor. Stop down to f/4 and the corners sharpen up dramatically. For street photography where you are usually working at f/5.6 or f/8 anyway, this is not a real problem. The 0.7-meter minimum focus distance covers most street situations, and the focus throw is long enough for precise focusing but short enough for quick snaps.
Who should buy this
If you are new to the Leica M system, this 7artisans is the smartest first purchase. The money you save can go toward a second lens or a camera bag. Once you have shot with the M11 for a few months, you will know exactly what focal length and aperture you prefer for your style.
Limitations vs pricier lenses
Compared to the TTArtisan APO at less than twice the price, you give up APO correction, build quality refinements, and corner sharpness wide open. Whether that trade-off matters depends entirely on how often you shoot in challenging light.
5. Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH – Classic Portrait-Street Hybrid
- Creamy f/1.4 bokeh
- Iconic Leica 3D rendering
- Sharp from f/2 onward
- Premium build quality
- Premium Leica price tag
- 6-7 day shipping time
- Manual focus only
The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is the lens I reach for when I want something different from the standard 35mm street look. At 50mm you have to work closer to your subject, which forces a different kind of street photography. You commit to the frame. You wait for the moment. You make eye contact. The results feel more intimate, more deliberate.
The f/1.4 maximum aperture is one stop faster than the 35mm Summicron, which makes a real difference in dim restaurants, twilight streets, and indoor markets. The bokeh is creamy and three-dimensional, with that distinctive “Leica look” that other manufacturers spend decades trying to replicate. Reviewers consistently describe the rendering as having a special quality that does not show up in MTF charts or sharpness tests.
Optically, the lens uses 8 elements in 5 groups with anomalous partial dispersion glass and a fluorite-type element. Sharpness at f/1.4 is good, not exceptional. Stop down to f/2 and it becomes very sharp. The 40-degree angle of view is narrower than the 35mm standard, so you have to be more intentional about framing.
For street photography specifically, the 50mm focal length has trade-offs. On one hand, the longer focal length lets you maintain more distance from subjects, which can make candid photography easier in some cultures. On the other hand, you lose environmental context and have to physically step closer to fill the frame. I find 50mm works best for street portraiture and quieter scenes, while 35mm works better for fast-paced urban environments.
When 50mm beats 35mm for street
For quieter neighborhoods, evening scenes, and portrait-oriented street work, the 50mm focal length produces more intimate images. The narrower angle of view also helps isolate subjects against busy backgrounds.
Why it costs what it costs
You are paying for the glass formulation, the German manufacturing tolerances, and the lifetime durability. This is a lens you can hand down to the next generation of photographers. Whether that justifies the price depends on your budget and how much you shoot.
6. Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar-M Type II – Wide-Angle Discipline
Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color-Skopar-M, Type 2 (Black)
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent for zone focusing
- 10-blade diaphragm
- Includes screw-on hood and metal cap
- Some vignetting wide open
- Only 1 left in stock
- f/2.8 limits low-light use
The Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar-M Type II is my pick for street photographers who prefer a wider angle of view. At 28mm, you get more environmental context, more dramatic perspectives, and the ability to shoot from the hip without aiming. It is a discipline of street photography that requires getting close to your subject and embracing the wide-angle distortion as part of the visual language.
The 74.6-degree angle of view is significantly wider than the 35mm standard. On the M11’s 1.3x crop mode, this lens becomes a 36mm equivalent, which is essentially the standard street photography focal length with extra versatility. On the 1.8x crop mode, it becomes a 50mm equivalent, opening up portrait-style street shooting.
The Color-Skopar uses multi-coated optics with a 10-blade diaphragm, which produces clean sunstars when stopped down. The build quality is solid all-metal construction, and the lens includes a screw-on hood and sleek metal cap. At 649 dollars, it is significantly cheaper than the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH while delivering comparable image quality in most real-world shooting situations.
For zone focusing street work, the 28mm focal length is forgiving. Set the lens at f/8 and the depth of field covers everything from about 2 meters to infinity. That is the technique Henri Cartier-Bresson used and it still works on the M11 today. The small f/2.8 maximum aperture limits low-light use compared to f/1.4 or f/2 alternatives, but for daytime street photography it is more than enough.
Zone focusing technique
At f/8 and the lens set to 2.5 meters, everything from about 1.8 meters to 4 meters is sharp enough for most uses. Pre-set this and you can shoot without ever using the rangefinder, which is faster and more discreet than traditional focusing.
Wide-angle discipline
28mm forces you to get close. Your feet have to do the work, not the zoom. The reward is more dynamic compositions and the ability to include context that 35mm or 50mm lenses miss.
7. Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 IV Aspherical – Ultimate Low-Light Tool
- Fastest 35mm f/1.2 aperture in M-mount
- 12-blade diaphragm for creamy bokeh
- Four aspheric surfaces in two elements
- Optimized for modern M sensors
- Heavier at 1.2 lbs
- Only 2 left in stock
- f/1.2 requires precise focusing
The Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 IV Aspherical is the lens I bring out for very specific street photography conditions: night markets, indoor concerts, candlelit scenes, anywhere I need the absolute fastest aperture available in M-mount. At f/1.2, this lens gathers almost twice as much light as an f/1.4 lens and four times as much as an f/2 lens. That is the difference between shooting at ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in the same low-light conditions.
The fourth-generation Nokton 35mm f/1.2 uses four aspheric surfaces arranged in two aspheric elements, with a total of 9 elements in 7 groups. The 12-blade diaphragm produces smooth, circular bokeh that is genuinely beautiful at f/1.2. The lens is optimized specifically for modern M-series digital sensors like the M11, which means corner sharpness and color rendering are excellent even wide open.
At 1.2 pounds, this is the heaviest lens on this list. It is noticeably front-heavy on the M11, and after an eight-hour walk you will feel it. The trade-off is acceptable for the optical performance and the absolute fastest aperture available. Rangefinder coupling works down to 0.7 meters, and live view focusing extends that down to 0.5 meters.
For street photographers who frequently work in low light and want the most cinematic, dreamy rendering available, this is the lens. For everyone else, the Voigtlander f/1.4 II is the smarter choice at one-third the price and one-third the weight.
Low-light edge cases
Street photography after sunset, indoor markets without flash, dimly lit cafes, and night festivals all benefit from f/1.2. If you do most of your shooting in bright daylight, the extra aperture is wasted.
Weight considerations
At 1.2 pounds, this lens adds noticeable heft to the M11. For long walking sessions, consider a wider strap or a sling bag that distributes the weight across your shoulder rather than your neck.
8. Voigtlander Nokton Vintage Line 35mm f/1.5 Aspherical Type I – Character Over Specs
- Distinctive vintage rendering character
- f/1.5 aperture for low light
- 12-blade smooth bokeh
- Classic matte black styling
- Vintage look is subjective
- Only 5 left in stock
- f/1.5 has noticeable focus shift
The Voigtlander Nokton Vintage Line 35mm f/1.5 Aspherical Type I is the lens for street photographers who care about character as much as specs. The Vintage Line series uses modern optical designs wrapped in classic body styling, with the matte black finish and engraved details that harken back to 1960s Leica lenses. For photographers who want their gear to look as good as the images it produces, this is the lens.
Optically, the f/1.5 maximum aperture is one stop slower than the f/1.2 Nokton and a half-stop slower than the f/1.4 Nokton. In real-world terms, the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.5 is negligible for exposure. The 12-blade diaphragm produces smooth bokeh, and the aspherical elements keep the corners sharp on the M11’s high-resolution sensor.
The Vintage Line rendering is slightly softer wide open than the modern Voigtlander designs. Some photographers love this, comparing it to the look of classic 1960s Leica glass. Others prefer the clinical sharpness of modern designs. Either way, stopping down to f/4 produces excellent results regardless of your preference.
For street photography, the lens has one practical limitation: noticeable focus shift at close distances when shooting at f/1.5. The plane of focus shifts slightly as you change aperture, which can be frustrating for precise rangefinder focusing on close subjects. For typical street distances of 2 meters or more, this is not a real issue.
Vintage rendering vs modern rendering
Vintage Line lenses prioritize character over clinical perfection. Wide open, they have a slightly softer, more atmospheric quality that suits documentary street work. If you want pixel-peeping sharpness, look at the modern Voigtlander designs instead.
Build and styling
The matte black finish and engraved details make this lens a joy to handle and look at. For photographers who care about the tactile and visual experience of their gear, the Vintage Line delivers a connection to photographic history that modern lenses cannot replicate.
How to Choose the Best Lens for Your Leica M11 Street Photography?
Choosing a lens for the Leica M11 is more personal than choosing the camera body itself. The M11 is one tool, but the lens determines your visual style, your working distance, and your relationship with the street. Here are the factors that matter most.
Focal length: 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm?
35mm is the safe choice and the one most street photographers default to. It gives a natural angle of view that approximates how the human eye sees, which makes it forgiving for beginners and versatile for working photographers. If you are buying your first M-mount lens and you are not sure what you want, start with 35mm.
28mm is for photographers who want more context, more drama, and a willingness to get close. Wide-angle street photography is a discipline that requires bold framing and a comfort with distortion. If you find 35mm too tight or too “normal,” try 28mm.
50mm is for photographers who want intimacy and distance. The narrower angle of view forces you to work closer or shoot from further away. 50mm street photography is more contemplative, more deliberate, and often more emotional. If you are drawn to environmental portraits and quieter scenes, 50mm is the right choice.
Aperture: f/1.2, f/1.4, f/2, or f/2.8?
Faster apertures (f/1.2, f/1.4) are valuable for low-light street photography, indoor scenes, and occasions where you want shallow depth of field to isolate subjects. They also let you shoot at lower ISO values, which means cleaner files. The trade-off is price, weight, and focusing precision.
Slower apertures (f/2, f/2.8) are smaller, lighter, cheaper, and easier to focus accurately. For daytime street photography, f/2.8 with zone focusing is the classic Henri Cartier-Bresson technique. If you shoot mostly in good light and you prefer the discipline of zone focusing, f/2.8 is plenty.
Build quality and weather resistance
Leica M-mount lenses are not weather sealed. None of the lenses in this roundup have rubber gaskets or sealed mounts. If you shoot in rain, snow, or dusty conditions, you need to protect your gear with a rain cover or accept the risk. The build quality of all the lenses listed here is excellent, but none will survive being submerged or used in a sandstorm.
M11 crop mode considerations
The Leica M11 offers two crop modes: 1.3x and 1.8x. In 1.3x crop mode, a 35mm lens becomes a 47mm equivalent. In 1.8x crop mode, that same 35mm becomes a 63mm equivalent. If you shoot in crop mode frequently, you can get away with fewer lenses because a single 35mm becomes a multi-focal-length tool.
For most street photographers, the 1.3x crop mode is the sweet spot. You get a 47mm equivalent with slightly more reach for isolating subjects, but you still have enough resolution (about 39 megapixels) for large prints. The 1.8x crop mode reduces resolution to about 19 megapixels, which is enough for web and moderate prints but limiting for large-format work.
Budget vs premium lenses
The premium Leica lenses (Summicron, Summilux, Elmarit, APO) deliver optical perfection, lifetime durability, and the iconic Leica rendering. They cost thousands of dollars. The third-party alternatives from Voigtlander, TTArtisan, and 7artisans deliver 80-90% of the performance at 20-30% of the price.
For most street photographers, the third-party options are the smarter choice. The money you save can go toward a second lens, a camera bag, travel to interesting locations, or simply more shooting time. The Leica glass is worth it if you are a professional who needs the absolute best and your clients expect it. For everyone else, the third-party options are more than enough.
If you are building out your full street photography kit beyond lenses, our guides to mirrorless cameras for street photography and camera bags can help round out your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Leica M11 good for street photography?
Yes, the Leica M11 is one of the best street photography cameras available. Its silent electronic shutter, compact body, and high-resolution 60-megapixel sensor make it ideal for discreet, candid shooting. Pair it with a fast 35mm prime for the classic street photography setup.
What is the best lens for the Leica M11?
The best lens for the Leica M11 depends on your shooting style. For most street photographers, the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is the gold standard. For budget-conscious shooters, the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC delivers excellent performance at a fraction of the price.
Should I use a 35mm or 50mm lens for street photography?
Most street photographers prefer 35mm because it offers a natural angle of view that approximates human vision. 50mm forces you to work closer or shoot from further away, which produces more intimate, deliberate images. Choose 35mm for fast-paced urban scenes and 50mm for quieter, more contemplative work.
Is 24mm too wide for street photography?
24mm is wider than most street photographers prefer, but it is not too wide if you embrace the discipline of getting close to your subjects. Wide-angle street photography produces dramatic perspectives and includes more environmental context. If you find 35mm too tight, try 28mm before jumping to 24mm.
What lens do most street photographers use?
Most street photographers use a 35mm prime lens with a fast maximum aperture (f/1.4 to f/2). The Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 and the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 are two of the most popular choices. Some photographers prefer 28mm for wider context or 50mm for more intimate framing.
Final Thoughts on the Best Leica M11 Street Photography Lenses
After three months and thousands of frames across three cities, my personal Leica M11 street photography kit includes the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH as the primary lens, the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II MC as the low-light backup, and the TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 as the lens I do not worry about bringing into risky situations. This three-lens kit covers every street photography scenario I encounter, from sunny midday to rainy night markets.
If you are buying your first lens for the Leica M11, start with a 35mm prime. The Summicron-M 35mm f/2 is the gold standard if budget allows. The Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II is the smart choice if you want a fast aperture without the Leica price. The TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 is the budget pick that punches well above its weight. Any of these three will serve you well for years of street photography in 2026 and beyond.