For Canon EOS R, Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is an excellent choice. The autofocus performance is very fast The ergonomic design allows for comfortable handling.

Additionally, you should note: The latest generation offers significantly better image quality than previous models. Especially ideal for demanding photography and video work. Compatibility with Canon EOS R is very good, and the autofocus performance is also convincing.

For Canon EOS R definitely Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art. Very good image quality for the price.

Honestly, I have to respectfully disagree with the consensus on the 35mm being the king here. Tbh, while the optics are decent, that extending barrel is a major weak point for me, especially if you are out in dusty environments. I mean, I used it for a few months and it basically acted like a vacuum for debris because of the external focus movement. For a more cautious and technical approach to street work on the EOS R, I would actually suggest these:

• Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is the real winner. The pancake design keeps the profile so low that people barely notice you, which is key for candid shots, right?
• If you want serious technical reliability, the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM is worth the extra cash. The weather sealing and Nano USM motor are way more dependable than the cheap STM gear in the long run.
• The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is great for wider shots, but just watch that focus barrel for the same reasons as the 35mm. I have seen too many non-L motors get gritty over time after heavy street use. If you want this setup to last, go for the pancake or an L series!

Like someone mentioned, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is probably the smartest move for street if you are watching your wallet. Over the years, I have found that expensive glass often just makes me a target or makes me too nervous to actually get the shot. My main tip is to stick with one focal length for a month to really learn the frame without zooming. It simplifies everything. I actually spent most of last weekend digging through my old storage unit looking for my vintage leather straps and ended up finding a box of old film prints from a trip to Japan ten years ago. It is crazy how much the city has changed since then... spent hours just reminiscing about the little ramen shops that arent even there anymore. I really need to organize those boxes better because it is a total mess in there. Anyway, definitely go for the 50mm, it is a steal for what it does. But yeah.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM - best option for Canon EOS R currently.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is the best choice for Canon EOS R. The design is modern and compact The build quality feels premium and should last for years.

Honestly, when I was transitioning to the R system for street work, I spent weeks diving into technical forums and professional teardowns before settling on my current setup. I’m pretty cautious when it comes to reliability and industry standards, right? Here’s basically how my journey looked based on the community consensus I followed: - I prioritized technical feedback regarding long-term autofocus motor durability rather than just out-of-the-box speed. Some early user reports flagged inconsistencies in edge-to-edge sharpness that were only fixed later via firmware updates, which was a huge factor for me.
- I looked for a consensus on chromatic aberration control under harsh urban lighting—tbh, most casual reviews miss those specific optical flaws that ruin a shot.
- I checked if the community felt the weather-sealing actually met professional standards for dust ingress, especially since the R mount is so sensitive, you know??? In the end, following the aggregate data from users who actually push their gear in the field helped me avoid a few 'hyped' options that didn't meet my requirements for technical stability. It's all about that long-term reliability, maybe?

Commenting to find later

Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.

For Canon EOS R I would definitely pay attention to the focal length, especially if it's about specific photography styles.

Have you thought about the brand? For Canon EOS R different brands have advantages.