Of course "best" anything is very subjective and bound to make some people disagree. What do you think is the best lens for travel photography? What do you think about my reasons for choosing the lens I chose?
I will not use a zoom Lens, I will use a wide-angle prime Lens and a short tele prime Lens, fx a Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical and a Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 or Leica Macro-Elmarit R 60mm 2.8.
@@winheiMR I will rather NOT do photography with crappy Cameras and Lenses or I will use a secondhand very good Camera and prime Lens ! For me a Camera are a tool and a tool has to very good.
Your summary of the reasons is pretty clear and hard to argue with. Only for the "candid" part, my experience is that quite often, it may actually work in the opposite way: some people are more likely to tolerate someone with a "pro looking" setup taking their images than "just another annoying tourist". And if you wait long enough, they will stop thinking about you and start behaving naturally again. But perhaps it's just that given my size, there is little hope of being stealth with whatever camera. :-)
I have Canon EOS-M and M6 mark II cameras for travel. I picked up a Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 EF mount for $500. It is heavy but since I have both Viltrox adapter and speedbooster, I can go to 17mm f/2 or 70 mm f/2.8. I am also taking a tiny 35mm f/1.4 manual focus TTArtisan lens. I can fit them is my rugged camera box for travel.
I used to travel with 35mm prime (i watched too many documentaty photographer channels). But turns out i’m more happy with a small zoom lens + a small prime for low light situation. It’s faster to shoot with a zoom so i can spend more time enjoying the trip with friends and family.
Nothing is greater than having both. This true specially if you are travelling with friends/families who aren't keen in waiting for you to obtain your masterpiece. :)
@@alvinbartolome1239 hahah exactly. I think u also had similar experience. A prime really takes a lot of time to compose - my friends and family won't wait that long 🤣 yes, both prime and zoom is a killer combo
i did the same mistake trying to be a “pro” with 35 prime until my wife got fed up of my time wasting while she wanted to enjoy the trip with me. I did the rest of the trip with a selfie stick and mobile and we enjoyed a lot. Now I have 24 105 f4
That's why I use the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2. Best of both worlds...lightweight, candid, flexible, affordable and takes awesome photos. Thanks for the video :)
I too am using the Sony system. My solution for the weight + size issue was to get the new Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens. Very good quality, lighter, smaller (and cheaper) than the Sony 24-70. As I see it, the only compromise was loosing important 4 mm at the wide end of the range. David
With the latest sensors and lenses an APS-C camera is a great choice for travel. The key here is if you're going to focus on photography then bring your Full Frame and large lenses. But if you're with the spouse and kids you don't need the professional equipment. For me I'll leave the FF camera at home and go with the Sony a6700 with the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 lens. It's a good all around combination, small and light. That lens produces surprisingly sharp images
I’m a retired professional commercial photographer. I had at my disposal the 16-35 f2.8, the 24-70 f2.8, the 24-105 f4, the 70-200 f2.8, and an assistant to carry the extra equipment. As got closer to retirement I started shooing more and more with the 35mm f1.8 and the 85mm f1.8 prime lenses. As a professional, when you absolutely must get the shot, in any kind of an uncontrolled situation, you’ll probably be best served by one of the zoom lenses, and the one I had on the camera most often was the 24-105. But, the joy of shooting with just those 2 prime lenses was part of the reason I didn’t retire earlier. In retirement I’m shooting almost exclusively with the 35mm & the 85mm for my personal enjoyment. A little caveat… in retirement, when photography is not the point of my day, I’m shooting with my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Actually an amazing camera.
Really like this comment. Definitely in case u deeply understand what do u want to shot and how to get best result u may sacrifice flexibility. May be in 30+ years I also will put my 24-105 and 24-70 on a shelf and start to enjoy only with primes ) may be ))
You helped me make up my mind that the 35mm is the better lens for me because I want the smallest, simplest setup for travel photos/videos with the new Sony A7C II. Thank you!
For me photography is just a hobby, so I'm not trying to make a living. However, I can relate to this discussion. I like taking street, travel and landscape. I have a fuji X100T with 23mm f/2 fixed lens, equiv to 35mm in full frame. I also have Nikon APS-C with zoom lens. 95% of rhe time I choose the Fuji with 35 equiv. It is light, compact and inconspicuous with great results.
Just came back from a two week photography job in Northafrica (mostly travel & street photography). Took the Fuji XT4 (APSC sensor/1,5x crop). Used the 16-55mm f2.8 about 75% of the time, the 16mm f1.4 and 33 f1.4 around 20%, and the 50-140mm f2.8 only 5% of the time. During the day the 16-55 is amazing, when the sun sets I use my primes. Works great for me :)
I’m using the new OM-1 since February 2022 and it is AMAZING for travel photography (and also for almost everything). Although I also use FF and APSC equipment, the M43 continues to be my favorite option (For Wildlife, birds and Macro the best option in my opinion). The Leica 10-25mm f1.7 is simply Wonderful (but as big and heavy as the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 ii) and I use it mostly for Video. The Olympus Duo 12-40mm and 40-150mm f2.8 is amazing for Travel photography, covering almost everything, also in moderate Lowlight (remembering that the new OM-1 has a better Low Light performance than the other M43 Cameras). But when I’m not working in Low light, the Olympus 8-25mm f4 or the Olympus 12-100mm f4 (depending on the subject) are BRILLIANT!! Like you I love the little Leica 15mm f1.7, but recently I’m in love with the Olympus 17mm f1.2 (the Nokton 10.5mm and 17mm f0.95 are also INCREDIBLE)! I love your videos! Your pictures are gorgeous!!
the best travel lens is obviously an 8mm-500mm f/22 zoom lens. Can be wide enough to get near 360degrees of landscape and zoom enough for a bird in a distant tree, and f22 makes sure the whole thing can stay small and light and not draw too much attention in street / event situations. Just make sure you have a really good sensor to deal with that f22 light handheld... and the bokeh is gorgeous, but microscopic. Only time I feel that set-up is limiting is when taking candid shots of distant nebulas... For that I hook my camera body up to a local observatory telescope.
The context in choosing a lens is so important. I'm glad you emphasized that. As a documentary filmmaker, the projects I work on are usually more cooperative than candid so the 24-70mm 2.8 is a great balance between mobility and beauty.
I brought a A7III with only a Samyang 35mm f/2.8 (which is one of the smallest lens for Sony) to Bologna in Italy. I was pretty impressed by the shots in the end. It was really versatile and pretty casual to walk around with. I did sometimes miss being able to go wider to take pictures of buildings outside and inside. But not missed zoom that much. Really happy about the result. A small 35mm is veristile, light weight, casual and easy to carry around where ever you go.
For me it’s the the Sony 24-105 for travel . Might be an f4 but has lens stabilisation and that extra reach makes it an incredible lens for travel. Plus for background separation at 105 it looks better than at 70 on the 2.8 imo.
I took a 35mm f1.8 and a 24-70 f2.8 for my recent travel to Italy and used mostly the 35mm lens. Some days i needed a wider lens but the drawbacks of the zoom lens (weight, bulky and attract more attention) outweigh the pros of it. When I am looking at the pictures now I thought I took some of those pictures with the zoom lens where in fact after checking the exit I realized they were with the 35mm. I think taking the two lenses was the right decision.
From a long time APSC user (not sure if I'm allowed to join in with all you FF's). My "Go To" lens is the Canon 15-85mm IS USM, it so versatile in the zoom range, going wider than the 18mm of many lenses, but it is tack sharp across the frame! Plus, and its's a big plus the colour rendition with this lens is un-equaled in my experience with just about all Canons APSC lenses. Trust me I travel a lot too! So, if folk are looking for a great APSC travel lens the 15-85mm is the best you can get! I also carry the 24mm STM Pancake lens, much like you use the 35mm on a FF camera.
The best 24-70mm F/2.8, you have a little of everything. I personally use Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for travel. I have Tamron 17-28mm (Rare use) and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 (exclusively for Portrait). Planning buy Sony 20mm G for astro-night photography. I use A7III.
Single lens only: Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS "kit" lens - fantastic image quality and fast for a small, light-weight, and discrete lens. Pair that with a small Fujifilm body and you're off to the races. Alternatively, a low-cost, two small camera+lens set ups: 1) Sigma 56 mm f/1.4 DC DN with Fujifilm X-S10 (has IBIS) - very fast and very light weight set up for the long end and 2) Canon EOS RP with 35mm f/1.8 IS MACRO - very fast, light-weight and versatile full frame set up for wide end and macro.
It is a hard choice to make. I find it quite difficult at times. So for me, i go with a simple kit lens as it's called a 18-55mm for my nikon d5600. It meets my needs as what i want to use if I'm not planning a specific shoot. As with all lenses they have pros and cons. Choice what best fits your own needs and go out and enjoy capturing life's moments.
I have the sony a7c and use the 35mm f1.8 and have it paired with the Sigma 90mm f2.8. Both lenses are small and light and (as a bonus) share the same 55mm filters. I prioritise the small and lightweight parts over big and flexible when traveling. If I have to go with just one though... hmmm... I have to go with the Sigma 90mm. I am too shy to get close to people.
I have a Sony APSC camera, and for my travels in Asia I paired it with a 17-70 F2.8. The full fame equivalent is 24-105, except as it is APSC, the size and weight of the camera and lens is much smaller than full frame and more discreet. It fits into a medium sling bag, as well as my wallet etc, so not a problem to take out in any scenario as I would always have a sling bag anyway. Versatile enough across different zoom ranges, all whilst being fixed at 2.8. Definitely the most versatile lens for me for travelling light.
I had watched your previous video on best travel lens a few years ago and this is another excellent video. Totally agree with your conclusion. I am now in Bangkok for a 3-week vacation and brought along three lenses - RF 24-70 f2.8, RF 70-200 f2.8 and RF 35 f1.8. I found myself using RF 35 1.8 all the time. Like you said, the lightweight 35 prime is enjoyable to use and it makes me want to bring it along anywhere I go and shoot more. Thanks for the great video!
If I’m going to cities I normally bring a 24-105 mm F4 for daytime. Indoors or at night I use a 35mm 1.8. The lenses are small and light, but are flexible enough for most any situation.
Just returned from a trip around Europe and I took ages to decide what lens or lenses to take (I probably have too many!). At first I thought take the 24-105 f/4, but it is heavy for walking around all day with. Then I was going to take a 17-35 f/2.8-4 and a 35-105 f/3.5-4.5, but then I decided, I might need a wider apperture than those could provide, so opted in the end to take three primes, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro. I did take a few shots with the 50 and 100, but the vasy majority were using the 35mm (about 95%). The only comment I got from my brother-in-law, was "why didn't you bring a zoom lens?"
Great insight and perspective. The 24-70 GM stays on my camera most of the time, it’s just so versatile and I don’t find the weight cumbersome at all. BUT I wouldn’t hesitate to toss the 35mm in my travel bag too - it’s so small that both lenses are still a pretty practical lens combo.
Great video, Mitchell. Would you consider making a video on how to be discrete? I’ve gotten in the habit of shooting documentary between 50-85mm only because I feel it’s difficult to fill a frame at less, while remaining unnoticed
Hi I enjoyed your video. I spent 2 weeks in France (Normandy, Paris and Loire Valley). In my opinion 16-35 is by far the best single lens for Sony. I got absolutely stunning pics of just about everything from people in Paris and Mont St Michel. I did not even bring my 24-70. 16-35 is also less bulky and lighter than 24-70.
For me my 6 year old Olympus PenF with a Lumix/Leica 15mm F:1,8 is my favorite travel companion. However, because it weights next to nothing, I also have the tiny Olympus 45mm F:1,8 in my pocket. Not that I am changeing back and forwards all the time, but I get some extra tele-capabilities if needed, and I stay small and inconspicuous.
It always depends where you are going and what you are shooting. The reality is that regardless of what you choose there are going to be shots you can't get. You go for a 24-70mm you are going to wish you had wider or longer. If you carry the holy trinity.... you are going to wish you had less gear, and you are going to miss shots because you have the wrong lens on. You take a superzoom, and you are going to miss image quality, low light performance and the shallow DOF you can get. You go for a prime... well you are a limiting your flexibility. The good news is that creativity is inspired by the limitations we impose upon ourselves. If you only have a 35mm... you start seeing in the 35mm focal length and if you need wider you might get creative and take a bunch of shots and stitch them together. Choose your gear based on where you are going and what you intent to shoot (if you are going to Yellowstone... you probably shouldn't choose a 16-35mm as your one lens). The important thing is that whatever you choose.... you embrace it, work within those constraints and don't focus on what you are missing. Some vacations I have just gone with a 24-240mm. I have 20x30" prints on my wall from taken at the long (least sharp) part of that 24-240.... and you know what.... people always comment on it because it is a great photo! Also knowing your gear helps... that same lens... I have some good low light shots because I stabilize myself and shoot a bunch of photos with a longer shutter speed (one in the middle somewhere is usually workable), I also know that if I am wanting a sharper image with it I should not zoom it past 135mm.
I have this lens too and love it. Recently, I added Samyang 45mm f1.8 and I travel locally with this combo. If air travel and there is a weight limit, I carry Sony APSC + Sigma 16mm + Sony 50mm.
Having done a lot of traveling, I recommend just one camera one lens. Did 16 months with just a 28mm equivalent, your eyes will adjust to the FL. I'd choose a good pancake, anywhere from 28 to 40mm.
Being fortunate to have six lenses (from macros to telephoto), I find my most used in travel photography are my 24-70/2.8 and an old 28-300/3.5-5.8. I have become accustomed to the versatility of zoom lenses. For wildlife I prefer my 180-400 with built-in 1.4 T to the 600. The 28-300 has an amazing range and is lighter and less conspicuous than the 24-70. Also, shooting from across the street is less noticeable than from a few feet away with the 35mm. Plus, with the newer cameras, the improvement in noise reduction at higher ISOs somewhat overcomes the smaller aperture.
Very underrated lens for street and candid shots is samyang 35/2.8, fantastic little lens (weights just 80g). Now, I am also using Sony 28-60 kit for that matter (supe compact, but high distortion @28mm). I used to use big lenses like 24-105, 24-70, 70-200 (heavy, bulky and attract a lot of attention, but still absolute tools for commercial work). I can say that with modern cameras, weight, size and focus speed matters much more that crazy f stops.
Olympus 12-100mm F4 IS mated with an EM1 mk 3 is my go to combo for travelling. Unbelievable quality, a 24-200mm range in the 35mm vernacular, fantastic image stabilization when paired with the body. Fits in a small bag with a couple of batteries. I carry an iPad as my computer and view the images on that after a days shooting.
Bingo. I've got the same setup. Got a 25mm f/1.7 when low light is an issue. But also a 9mm f/1.7 pairs nicely as well for Ultra Wide Angle. Those two f/1.7 primes basically weigh 250g and take up almost no space at all. That's what 'travel' lens means; small, light, versatile.
For the past few years I started shooting primes again. And I had planned on taking my 135mm GM, 35mm GM, and 14mm GM on an upcoming trip. Then the new 24-70 GM II and 70-200mm GM II were released. Now I plan to take the zooms including the 16-35mm GM on my trip. I love the primes, but it's hard to beat the zooms for their versatility.
Used a Sony 16-55 f2.8 on APS-C for a couple of years (because of its compactness), now I switched to full-frame and I just absolutely love the 50mm f1.8 for traveling. I realized that I don't really need wide angle very often and that I can do almost everything with 50mm. And f1.8 on full-frame just looks so much better than f2.8 on APS-C, that's really worth for me being limited to a prime lens (or two - mostly I take the 18mm Samyang with me, too).
Travel is the best lens for photography. i mean travel as a mindset, no need to go that far. Just take your camera and a specific lens that day. your photography improves when you are inspired by a lens, a light, a sky, a landscape, a seascape, a street, a culture, people, etc. Underwater photographers have to chose one lens before diving: So inspiring..
Thanks for your work. I am staying with 24-105 mm f4.0 since with our later generation cameras that have higher ISO with acceptable noise levels plus tweaks in post, and remembering - in-body and or lens stabilization permitting slower shutter speeds with hand held shots. I have be enable to capture excellent low light images. I also sometimes "cheat" by keeping in my pocket a 55mm f1.8 for extreme low light or when discretion is required.
Hello Mitchell, congratulations, very nice presentation and arguments ref. Lenses. My experience is slightly different. I use Sony 24-105 mm, f4.0 all the time. It gives me 100% of what I expect to achieve. Only if a photo assignment is very particular, I use prime lens and 35mm f1.4 is one of them. I used to walk around with 24-70mm, f2.8. Yet, I experimented with 24-105mm f4.0, and as a result, good old 24-70 is “collecting dust”. Todays cameras are so sophisticated, with super high ISO # , so I accepted a compromise and voluntarily sacrificed f2.8 by adopting f4.0. Of course, there is no magical recipe, so most important is spending time making photos wit different gear and find out what works the best for each individual. Btw, I love your photos. Best regards from Germany !!!
Hey Mitchell. Thanks for your work, and I love the vibrancy in your photos. Nobody will ever be able to accuse you of being "afraid of colour" (as per a recent article about a suggested shift towards Monochrome photography). I'm newly back to owning a decent camera after years with small point and shoots, and phones. I bought a cheap, second hand Sony a7 and the Zeiss 2/35 in July and I've carried it almost everywhere since. I also got an 85mm Batis, but I hardly use it (and now it's for sale). I'm actually looking for a fast 24 or 28mm lens and am even thinking about getting a Leica Q2M or Q3. The image quality of particularly the monochrom version is phenomenal! I'm not afraid of colour, but 47mp (q3m down the track with 60mp?) and monochrome? Yes please. Keep up the good work and travel safe. 🙏🏻
I'm just a hobbyist who likes to make good photos to keep the memórias of my trips. I have an old nikon D5600 and use a tamron 16-300 f3.5 - 6.3. It's definitely not the best equipment but they haven't let me down. I've always been able to capture what I wanted. So, I'd choose versatility. Great video. Cheers!
You brought it to the point. Now It’s become more easy for me to coose. To be candid, I use my Sony RX1 Mark2 with a 35 fixed lens. For all other purpose, I go for the 24/70 GMaster.
For me if I was traveling again full time I would take with me a 24-105mm lens on a full frame mirrorless body and a fixed lens camera with either 28mm/35mm focal length... I used a Canon EOSr with 24-105mm and a Leica Q traveling for 8 months and I was able to photograph 90% of everything that came my way (the exception being ultra-wide landscapes/tight city scapes where a 16-35mm came in handy).
I travel frequently and I've realized that I don't really value travel photos for the bokeh or lack of grain. More important is the ability to quickly and conveniently grab a variety of shots while I'm on the move.
Great Video! I still use Lumix m4/3 system and for Street photography I use lumix 20mm f1.7, 12-60mm f2.8-4 and SIGMA 56mm F1.4 paired to 2 Lumix G85 or old small Gx1 (no one notices you with GX1).
I've swapped my 24mm and 85mm lenses for a 24-70 sigma on Sony E. It's heavier and bulkier but I find that I don't miss out on shots. My main gripe is, that f2.8 seems to get me more noise than I'd like in cloudy and/or dark situations, which is more common in the winter. Over the summer, it's just the size and weight, which is a tad heavy but I'm comfortable carrying this thing around for a hike for example, so it's fine. You can also make up for the candidness with standing twice as far away and shooting at 70mm. I'm planning on picking up a 35mm prime later down the road though, for some low light shooting scenarios, as it's really my all time favorite focal length, it gets the most use on the zoom too. But I just love the versatility too much, to sell this lens, I'll have to keep it forever.
I do a lot of travel editorial photography and my current set up is a Canon 6D with an EF 24-105 f4 lens. I don’t like to switch lenses, but I am considering getting a 50mm prime/fixed lens for everyday and people photography.
If this video is for amateurs, then all in one zooms are the best choice, 28-300, 28-200, 18-300, 18-400 ext. Those give flexibility in all situations and are not expensive. I used to travel with film camera in 80's and 90's with 28-200 Tamron on Nikon camera and small tripod to use longer focal lengths. Once you became professional you are more picky and you make your own perfect choices.
As a travelcamera the Sony RX100 series is very good. It fits in your pocket. Then as something extra a bigger camera when you are out just for taking landscapes or architecture. My travel set is Sony IV with 24-70 f1.8-2.8 and a Sony a6500 with 18-135 (eqv. 28-200 mm). All bodies and lenses are stabilized, so I can take really long exposures. With the latter combo a 1/5 sec is not a problem. I also use the in body clearzoom to double the focal lenght when needed with no quality loss. In video you can even get away with the quadruple digital zoom if neccecery. RX100 is about 300 g and the aps-c combo is 790 g. Not bad.
So, I just found your channel when I searched for best lens for travel between the 28mm & 35mm. I recently purchased a Fuji x100v for my first trip to Italy. I've used Nikon for many years with predominantly zoom lenses. My fuji as you likely know, has a fixed 35 mm equivalent and I also have the 28mm WCL lens. I greatly enjoyed your video and found it very useful for the information I was looking for. Thanks so much. I'm sure I'll return often.
Great video. I’m a hobby photographer who recently bought a new OM System OM-5 with a 12-45 f4 lens. It would be equivalent to 24-90mm FF. Besides that lens I use a 17mm f1.8 lens. So basically I’m using the same lenses as you do. I know I lose depth of field with m4/3, and when shooting with f4 lens even more, but the weight and size of the kit make up for that. When I see your 35mm lens, I think it is even bigger than my 12-45 (24-90) lens! Have you ever considered going back to M4/3?
Thanks for video. once I took 24-120 f4 but regret that decision as it was kind of heavy and big combination with nikon d800e, next time I took Z6II with 24-70 f4 and result was not bad and package was light but still not very comfortable. now Im looking for a 28mm f2.8 to make it as light as possible or get a Q2 Leica which is almost perfect camera for travel. Basically it depends on your travel conditions and when I go on a domestic trip by car its easy to make a heavy pack but for abroad travel lightest is the best, just my experience and humble opinion.
Thank you for another great video. I actually looked at the previous video a couple of times; purely because I still struggle with my own choice. I am a NIkon user and most of my photos taken are as the dad that tags along my wife and kids capturing photos of them in the surroundings that I would feel proud to print and place it on a wall around the house. I currently own: 1) a 50mm 1.8. that I bought purely because at the beginning I did not know any different and was influenced by "you must own the nifty 50" advice, and 2) the 20-300mm 3.4-5.6 that was a choice based on the fact that often I use the compression effect to have my kids look closer to iconic landmarks ... and that their patience runs out with me when I get into one of my "move left a tad... nor mover back right.. come closer... wait that I try a different setting" moments :) . The aperture is not too much of a big issue as I have young kids and we do just about all site seeing between 7am-4pm in summer; i.e. lots of light. Overall, although I wish I had more money to by 2.8 zoom lenses, I am happy with the 28-300mm. However, I regret not getting a 35mm instead of the 50mm. The reason being that this f1.8 lens is mainly used at nighttime if we go for dinner or the evening stroll between the restaurant and our accomodation. Unfortunately, especially when in a restaurant, the 50mm is not wide enough... and 99% of the time I live the camera in bag and use my iPhone. So, my curiosity question to you is as follows; when you travel with family/friends, what is your lens of choice, and how do you balance between your passion and socialising?
Sigma 30, 1.4 is perfect for the personal way I see the world. Zooms are extremely practical but it is difficult no to be all over the place since you have the ability to do it. Primes make me think intentionally, inspire me to go after more specific subjects. Primes definitely makes me love photography even more.
Yes, each of us must try to make the right decision. I had the 24-105 F4, which was a great zoom, but for travel, I picked the Tamron 28-200 2.8-5.6, along with the 35 1.4 GM and the Tamron 17-28 2.8. If i'm not capturing great moments, it's probably because I'm too preoccupied with breakfast, and not focus.
If money is not a issue, and personally feel its always possible to add a small prime i would say : replace the 24-70GM with the 24-70GM2 and also take a 35GM1.4 with the size and weight savings of the new 2470GM2 :)
I am not a professional but I have been shooting and or processing for over 50 years. For travel…I use my Fuji XF 16-80, 24-120 - 35 equivalent. Maximum flexibility. Try using the 35mm in the mountains. I love my 23f2 lens (35mm ) too but for Travel I do not like changing lenses in the field. The issue of size was a flawed point because weight and size are significantly lighter and smaller on crop sensor cameras something a non professional may value. Yes the zoom is still bigger in scale but I have experience with Nikon, Canon and Fuji set ups with zooms and I prefer the smaller footprint…much easier to enjoy travel.
Thank you for making size and weight a major point. The lens I use the most is the 14mm Panasonic lens which is tiny. I can bring it with me all the time which makes the photos possible in the first place. I kinda want to get a slightly narrower lens and faster but I don't want to give up on the pocketability. There is a 20mm Panasonic that's slightly larger. And two collapsible zoom lenses that aren't even constant aperture and a lot of plastic. I do drop my camera quite a bit.
Great Video :) (no suprise) I can't wait for the Tamron 35-150mm f2.0-2.8. Of course I wish it was smaller but......from the focal lenght and the f-stop it's exactly what I need.
As I’m still using a Canon APS-C camera, I added the EOS RP and an EF adapter to use my wider lenses (mostly) to their full extent on a full-frame camera. I got the RP body w/o lens - the option was the 24-105mm f/4 at the time, and it’s the first RF lens I finally decided to buy. Just before the recent price hike. I’ve taken it regularly just walking about, or the small EF 24mm f/2 on the adapter. The 35mm f/2 IS is much heavier, I don’t take it as often. The 24-105 is almost tiny, it’s wide-ranging, well stabilized. I’m still under its spell. 😊 And come to think of it, I have gone out quite a few times with an old FD 35mm f/2 on an adapter (Simmod), a light and compact setup. I agree a good compact 35mm lens is an excellent option, but they tend to be big, or noisy like the new RF one. Thanks for your thoughts, that question is always relevant.
Well as an amateur photographer the idea of a trip using only one camera and one lens sounds like a dream. Unfortunately I don't have half of your talent or creativity but I am trying to learn. After much deliberation and research I have bought an Olympus EM5 mark iii. With regards to the lens most of my travel images are holiday shots so I don't generally have many opportunities or time to try again. Certainly don't get to live in foreign places so give my limitations I'm going to get the 12-100mm f4. The image quality is good enough for what I will be doing with the images. The compact size is ideal for travel and I know its f4 but the image stabilisation is amazing giving low iso handheld shots in low light. I have tried primes but honestly family holiday time pressure and alway finding I had the wrong lens on and need to change lens is a real buzz kill.
I think it also depends a lot on the trip landscapes and cityscapes vs street and people. I find myself sometimes struggling with composition for land and cityscapes with prime lenses only. So now I am back to a zoom lens 20-70f4 for Sony ;)
Sony has excellent primelenses (for creating 2-lens combo for light setup/travelkit). I usually travel with 16-35/2.8, 35/1.4 and 24-105/4. I would really like to see 24-105/2.8 from Sony. But, for the original question: If you need to pick just one lens, it would be 35mm. Started from Sony-Zeiss 35/2.8, switched to Sony 35/1.8 and ended up to 35/1.4.
I have done perfectly well using, exclusively one fixed aperture, fixed focal length lens: a 35mm f/2. When I travel I don't want lots of weight, and I don't care about gear. I focus solely on getting a photograph. Yes, I am limited for getting shots from a distance, but then I think the photographer can work around that by getting themselves in the right place, and plan ahead. With street or documentary I don't want to freak people out, so I use a stealthy full frame compact with full manual override on everything.
For me: Sigma 24-70mm dgdn, and for streets: Sigma 35mm dgdn, if I need extreme Wide: Tamron 17-28mm. Cheaper than GM lenses with a very good photo quality.
For me, my usual setup been the a7iii with 55 and 85 1.8, and the tamron 17-28 2.8 with a polarised filter on when doing landscaping shots. A year ago I added the x100v and the latest gopro10 and found this to be the easiest setup for me. If I had to choose one only, it will be the x100v for its small size, great versatility and uninterrupted feel among people. I'm looking to change my a7iii for the a7c ii when it's coming out (hopefully in a year or so) with the new sensor of the a7iv (the small size of it is more than enough for what I need when travelling, which is compact and easy weight while walking and moving around all day).
I shoot an A9 and a A7R4 and by far my favourite lens is the 35mm F1.8. I have used the 24-105mm extensively also but don't like the lack of good subject isolation. For me I'd be inclined to grab an 85mm f1.8 and cart that along with the 35mm, in place of a 24-70mm. The 90mm f2.8 macro is also a fantastic portrait lens which isn't heavy.
I shoot mostly with Fujifilm so my setup is slightly smaller but I find myself keeping a prime lens on them the majority of the time. Smaller size and wider aperture are both big factors, but the creative limitations are something I also find enjoyable. There are certainly shots that I miss, or don’t even attempt because I know my focal range is not well suited for that composition. Carrying around a camera at all times has been the biggest factor in the improvement of my photography over the past couple of years and 90% of the time my photos have been taken with prime lenses.
I'm a Canon user. I would use the 24-105 and carry around an EF 40mm F2.8 pancake lens as a spare. It's so small that it's hardly noticeable inside the camera bag, has good optics, and way cheaper than the 35mm F1.8 Sony.
I just brought my XC15-45mm on my travel and call it a day. It does not have the shallowest depth of field but it is extremely versatile for storytelling and documenting my family. I am more likely to bring my camera often with this setup compared to when I was using the massive XF16-55. Might just add a 33mmF1.4 for that occasional specialty shot though.
With today's cameras ability to shoot at high iso, and the ability to clean the images in post, just take a 24-105 f4 and enjoy. I personally use 35 and 85 f1.8..... Both Light compact and don't mind switching lenses on the go.
Size and weight would be a deal breaker, hence I'm thinking of an ASP-C camera rather than a full frame one; but then I'm not a professional photographer.
The 35mm is fantastic, so too the Zeiss 55mm f1.8 (albeit close focusing is limited). 85 f1.8 an unsung great value small tele. I have all these and many others. BUT beyond lens choice is your personal attitude and attempts to actively engage with potential subjects in a warm and friendly fashion. Many don't (understandably) like tourists sticking a lens in their face (for some it's intimidating and rude) but they will reciprocate warmly to you as a friend. It took me 3 years of 'cowering across the street' shooting with a tele before I realised that 'behaviour begets behaviour'. Talk to your subject(s) engage, relate, then ask or gesture and you will likely start reaping significantly better people pics. I found the more I practiced the better I got. Sure I get turned down sometimes but less often nowadays than many would imagine. Apart from better pics it's more fun too!
Great video mate! As usual, BTW. I like to work with two Canon systems: the M6 (mk 1!) cropped and the R6 FF. I totally agree with your thoughts. R6 (with a 24-105 and a 35 - and also a 16) is great and has amazing image quality, but very much larger and heavier, making it a pain to move, walk and hike, for that is what "travel photography" means to me. For those outdoor hiking experiences I much prefer the M6 with the kit 15-45 M (FF equivalent of a 24-70), but I also bring with me some recently discontinued EF-S lenses: the 10-18 and the 55-250. Because they are light and feature autofocus and stabilization they help me very much and give me a lot of flexibility. But there´s one more trick! I use two adpaters for those lenses, the Canon original and the Viltrox Speedbooster M2 (of course, it is made for EF lenses therefore you have to substitute the lenses mount ring for that, but that´s easy and China industry helps us...) so I end up with a 0.7 factor for the focal length and gain 1 stop of aperture at the cost of some very strong vignetting, but totally useful with creative crops or for video. So, I end up with a very economic and flexible system of 5 lenses having only three, yet light and effective (for a cropped sensor, obviously). Final hint: I also have a pancake EF 40 mm f2.8 that do wonders with both adaptors. With the Canon normal adaptor the cropped focal length is 64mm, and with the Viltrox M2 the effective Focus lenght is about 45 mm (40 x 0.7 x 1.6), with f2.0. Not bad at all.
Yet another insight-full video, Mitchell, thank you! Two thoughts/questions: - with IBIS I’m thinking the need for a wide aperture in low light is lessened,so maybe f4 is OK if you don’t need that extra depth of field. - with many FF bodies you have the option to shoot in APSC mode which turns a 35mm into a “near enough” 50mm lens and offers a little extra versatility. Any thoughts gratefully received 🙏
I used to have only one A7R3 and one 24-105 f4 lens so I travel with it and happy with the flexibility, the semi macro and stabilization. As I cumulating over 20 lenses, the choices became difficult, always ended bringing lenses that I didn’t use. My last trip to Australia with one backpack forced me to bring only one camera with fixed 28mm lens and an Insta360 RS One for video. Wasn’t sure how that will work, but even though I missed many opportunities I wish I had a long zoom but the result was fantastic, I went back to using my feet to zoom, pay more attention to composition instead of picking lens. I truly love my Leica Q2 now.
For travel photography by far the most usefull is 24-105 f4. Especially if it involves a lot of nature. So many times you see scenes than you don't have time to switch lens so 24-105 pretty much covers all the range you need. You most likely will not miss anything. However if you travel most of the time in cities and populated places...yes 35 is the best choice, maybe stick an 85 as well. Its all about environment and obviously what range you like photographing. You mighy like tighter shots even when you go in nature.
I couldn’t agree more with you on this video. I had the some questions 2 years ago and after a lot of discussion with myself 😂 I sold everything and bought only one camera, one lens, the fujifilm X100F. I don’t get the separation of the subject you get but that is not so important for me because most of the times I want my subject connected to the environment around. So most of the times I use f/4 - f/8, and when the light is limited f/2 and high ISO is enough to get the shot. At the end of the day this camera is always with me and I have made shots that I wouldn’t with any other camera because of this. The last point for me, which is equally important is that due to the focal length limitations you are “forced” to be creative. That means that you are going to lose many shots but it also means that those you are going to create will be unique and original. Once again thanks for the video I hope we have a new one soon.
"due to the focal length limitations you are “forced” to be creative." LOVE this. Yes! Should have listed it as a PRO of the prime lens. And... I was also looking to get that Fuji, whatever the latest one is, but, it's sold out everywhere. 😂
Thanks for this video and all of your amazing photography related goodies. I wish your channel a huge sucess because it is hard to find photography treasure channel like yours. Anyways my favorite travel lens after trying many lenses has bee the versatile 24-105 F4. I use the Canon system. Thank you!
Of course "best" anything is very subjective and bound to make some people disagree. What do you think is the best lens for travel photography? What do you think about my reasons for choosing the lens I chose?
I will not use a zoom Lens, I will use a wide-angle prime Lens and a short tele prime Lens, fx a Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical and a Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 or Leica Macro-Elmarit R 60mm 2.8.
@@cameraprepper7938 Wer genug Geld hat leistet sich eben mehr, ob nun die Fotos besser werden?
@@winheiMR I will rather NOT do photography with crappy Cameras and Lenses or I will use a secondhand very good Camera and prime Lens ! For me a Camera are a tool and a tool has to very good.
Your summary of the reasons is pretty clear and hard to argue with. Only for the "candid" part, my experience is that quite often, it may actually work in the opposite way: some people are more likely to tolerate someone with a "pro looking" setup taking their images than "just another annoying tourist". And if you wait long enough, they will stop thinking about you and start behaving naturally again. But perhaps it's just that given my size, there is little hope of being stealth with whatever camera. :-)
I have Canon EOS-M and M6 mark II cameras for travel. I picked up a Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 EF mount for $500. It is heavy but since I have both Viltrox adapter and speedbooster, I can go to 17mm f/2 or 70 mm f/2.8. I am also taking a tiny 35mm f/1.4 manual focus TTArtisan lens. I can fit them is my rugged camera box for travel.
I used to travel with 35mm prime (i watched too many documentaty photographer channels). But turns out i’m more happy with a small zoom lens + a small prime for low light situation. It’s faster to shoot with a zoom so i can spend more time enjoying the trip with friends and family.
Nothing is greater than having both. This true specially if you are travelling with friends/families who aren't keen in waiting for you to obtain your masterpiece. :)
@@alvinbartolome1239 hahah exactly. I think u also had similar experience. A prime really takes a lot of time to compose - my friends and family won't wait that long 🤣 yes, both prime and zoom is a killer combo
i did the same mistake trying to be a “pro” with 35 prime until my wife got fed up of my time wasting while she wanted to enjoy the trip with me. I did the rest of the trip with a selfie stick and mobile and we enjoyed a lot. Now I have 24 105 f4
@@DeepikaAditya woww. Same experience. One prime isn't practical for travel. Now I use 16-80 on a crop camera (so 24-120 in ff like yours)
That's why I use the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2. Best of both worlds...lightweight, candid, flexible, affordable and takes awesome photos. Thanks for the video :)
I too am using the Sony system.
My solution for the weight + size issue was to get the new Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens.
Very good quality, lighter, smaller (and cheaper) than the Sony 24-70.
As I see it, the only compromise was loosing important 4 mm at the wide end of the range.
David
With the latest sensors and lenses an APS-C camera is a great choice for travel. The key here is if you're going to focus on photography then bring your Full Frame and large lenses. But if you're with the spouse and kids you don't need the professional equipment.
For me I'll leave the FF camera at home and go with the Sony a6700 with the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 lens. It's a good all around combination, small and light. That lens produces surprisingly sharp images
I’m a retired professional commercial photographer. I had at my disposal the 16-35 f2.8, the 24-70 f2.8, the 24-105 f4, the 70-200 f2.8, and an assistant to carry the extra equipment. As got closer to retirement I started shooing more and more with the 35mm f1.8 and the 85mm f1.8 prime lenses. As a professional, when you absolutely must get the shot, in any kind of an uncontrolled situation, you’ll probably be best served by one of the zoom lenses, and the one I had on the camera most often was the 24-105. But, the joy of shooting with just those 2 prime lenses was part of the reason I didn’t retire earlier. In retirement I’m shooting almost exclusively with the 35mm & the 85mm for my personal enjoyment. A little caveat… in retirement, when photography is not the point of my day, I’m shooting with my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Actually an amazing camera.
Really like this comment. Definitely in case u deeply understand what do u want to shot and how to get best result u may sacrifice flexibility. May be in 30+ years I also will put my 24-105 and 24-70 on a shelf and start to enjoy only with primes ) may be ))
my best travel choice is the 24mm f1.4. The use of the super35 mode allows to get around 35mm when needed
You helped me make up my mind that the 35mm is the better lens for me because I want the smallest, simplest setup for travel photos/videos with the new Sony A7C II. Thank you!
For me photography is just a hobby, so I'm not trying to make a living. However, I can relate to this discussion. I like taking street, travel and landscape. I have a fuji X100T with 23mm f/2 fixed lens, equiv to 35mm in full frame. I also have Nikon APS-C with zoom lens. 95% of rhe time I choose the Fuji with 35 equiv. It is light, compact and inconspicuous with great results.
35+85 combo is my go to setup.
you shooting weddings when you travel?
Me too 😊
Just came back from a two week photography job in Northafrica (mostly travel & street photography). Took the Fuji XT4 (APSC sensor/1,5x crop). Used the 16-55mm f2.8 about 75% of the time, the 16mm f1.4 and 33 f1.4 around 20%, and the 50-140mm f2.8 only 5% of the time. During the day the 16-55 is amazing, when the sun sets I use my primes. Works great for me :)
I’m using the new OM-1 since February 2022 and it is AMAZING for travel photography (and also for almost everything). Although I also use FF and APSC equipment, the M43 continues to be my favorite option (For Wildlife, birds and Macro the best option in my opinion). The Leica 10-25mm f1.7 is simply Wonderful (but as big and heavy as the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 ii) and I use it mostly for Video. The Olympus Duo 12-40mm and 40-150mm f2.8 is amazing for Travel photography, covering almost everything, also in moderate Lowlight (remembering that the new OM-1 has a better Low Light performance than the other M43 Cameras). But when I’m not working in Low light, the Olympus 8-25mm f4 or the Olympus 12-100mm f4 (depending on the subject) are BRILLIANT!! Like you I love the little Leica 15mm f1.7, but recently I’m in love with the Olympus 17mm f1.2 (the Nokton 10.5mm and 17mm f0.95 are also INCREDIBLE)! I love your videos! Your pictures are gorgeous!!
the best travel lens is obviously an 8mm-500mm f/22 zoom lens. Can be wide enough to get near 360degrees of landscape and zoom enough for a bird in a distant tree, and f22 makes sure the whole thing can stay small and light and not draw too much attention in street / event situations. Just make sure you have a really good sensor to deal with that f22 light handheld... and the bokeh is gorgeous, but microscopic. Only time I feel that set-up is limiting is when taking candid shots of distant nebulas... For that I hook my camera body up to a local observatory telescope.
Riiiiight....🤪
The context in choosing a lens is so important. I'm glad you emphasized that. As a documentary filmmaker, the projects I work on are usually more cooperative than candid so the 24-70mm 2.8 is a great balance between mobility and beauty.
I brought a A7III with only a Samyang 35mm f/2.8 (which is one of the smallest lens for Sony) to Bologna in Italy. I was pretty impressed by the shots in the end. It was really versatile and pretty casual to walk around with. I did sometimes miss being able to go wider to take pictures of buildings outside and inside. But not missed zoom that much. Really happy about the result. A small 35mm is veristile, light weight, casual and easy to carry around where ever you go.
For me it’s the the Sony 24-105 for travel . Might be an f4 but has lens stabilisation and that extra reach makes it an incredible lens for travel. Plus for background separation at 105 it looks better than at 70 on the 2.8 imo.
Yeh, I do like it, but I don't want to go to 105 to get that separation.
I took a 35mm f1.8 and a 24-70 f2.8 for my recent travel to Italy and used mostly the 35mm lens. Some days i needed a wider lens but the drawbacks of the zoom lens (weight, bulky and attract more attention) outweigh the pros of it. When I am looking at the pictures now I thought I took some of those pictures with the zoom lens where in fact after checking the exit I realized they were with the 35mm. I think taking the two lenses was the right decision.
From a long time APSC user (not sure if I'm allowed to join in with all you FF's). My "Go To" lens is the Canon 15-85mm IS USM, it so versatile in the zoom range, going wider than the 18mm of many lenses, but it is tack sharp across the frame! Plus, and its's a big plus the colour rendition with this lens is un-equaled in my experience with just about all Canons APSC lenses. Trust me I travel a lot too! So, if folk are looking for a great APSC travel lens the 15-85mm is the best you can get!
I also carry the 24mm STM Pancake lens, much like you use the 35mm on a FF camera.
I had a 15-85. Foolishly, I sold it. Maybe I shall get another.
The best 24-70mm F/2.8, you have a little of everything.
I personally use Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for travel. I have Tamron 17-28mm (Rare use) and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 (exclusively for Portrait).
Planning buy Sony 20mm G for astro-night photography.
I use A7III.
Single lens only: Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS "kit" lens - fantastic image quality and fast for a small, light-weight, and discrete lens. Pair that with a small Fujifilm body and you're off to the races. Alternatively, a low-cost, two small camera+lens set ups: 1) Sigma 56 mm f/1.4 DC DN with Fujifilm X-S10 (has IBIS) - very fast and very light weight set up for the long end and 2) Canon EOS RP with 35mm f/1.8 IS MACRO - very fast, light-weight and versatile full frame set up for wide end and macro.
It is a hard choice to make. I find it quite difficult at times. So for me, i go with a simple kit lens as it's called a 18-55mm for my nikon d5600. It meets my needs as what i want to use if I'm not planning a specific shoot. As with all lenses they have pros and cons. Choice what best fits your own needs and go out and enjoy capturing life's moments.
I have the sony a7c and use the 35mm f1.8 and have it paired with the Sigma 90mm f2.8. Both lenses are small and light and (as a bonus) share the same 55mm filters. I prioritise the small and lightweight parts over big and flexible when traveling. If I have to go with just one though... hmmm... I have to go with the Sigma 90mm. I am too shy to get close to people.
I have a Sony APSC camera, and for my travels in Asia I paired it with a 17-70 F2.8. The full fame equivalent is 24-105, except as it is APSC, the size and weight of the camera and lens is much smaller than full frame and more discreet. It fits into a medium sling bag, as well as my wallet etc, so not a problem to take out in any scenario as I would always have a sling bag anyway. Versatile enough across different zoom ranges, all whilst being fixed at 2.8. Definitely the most versatile lens for me for travelling light.
I have always my Panasonic G 81 with the kit lens 12 to 60 f 2,8 to 5.6 with me and the Panasonic 25 mm f 1.8 . I m really happy😊
I had watched your previous video on best travel lens a few years ago and this is another excellent video. Totally agree with your conclusion. I am now in Bangkok for a 3-week vacation and brought along three lenses - RF 24-70 f2.8, RF 70-200 f2.8 and RF 35 f1.8. I found myself using RF 35 1.8 all the time. Like you said, the lightweight 35 prime is enjoyable to use and it makes me want to bring it along anywhere I go and shoot more. Thanks for the great video!
For travel, I'd take the zoom everyday of the week over the 35 which is more of a street photography lens.
If I’m going to cities I normally bring a 24-105 mm F4 for daytime. Indoors or at night I use a 35mm 1.8. The lenses are small and light, but are flexible enough for most any situation.
Just returned from a trip around Europe and I took ages to decide what lens or lenses to take (I probably have too many!). At first I thought take the 24-105 f/4, but it is heavy for walking around all day with. Then I was going to take a 17-35 f/2.8-4 and a 35-105 f/3.5-4.5, but then I decided, I might need a wider apperture than those could provide, so opted in the end to take three primes, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro. I did take a few shots with the 50 and 100, but the vasy majority were using the 35mm (about 95%). The only comment I got from my brother-in-law, was "why didn't you bring a zoom lens?"
Great insight and perspective. The 24-70 GM stays on my camera most of the time, it’s just so versatile and I don’t find the weight cumbersome at all. BUT I wouldn’t hesitate to toss the 35mm in my travel bag too - it’s so small that both lenses are still a pretty practical lens combo.
My travel combo: 24mm f1.4 GM + 55mm f1.8 Zeiss
Great video, Mitchell. Would you consider making a video on how to be discrete? I’ve gotten in the habit of shooting documentary between 50-85mm only because I feel it’s difficult to fill a frame at less, while remaining unnoticed
Interesting idea for the future. Thanks.
Hi I enjoyed your video. I spent 2 weeks in France (Normandy, Paris and Loire Valley). In my opinion 16-35 is by far the best single lens for Sony. I got absolutely stunning pics of just about everything from people in Paris and Mont St Michel. I did not even bring my 24-70.
16-35 is also less bulky and lighter than 24-70.
For me my 6 year old Olympus PenF with a Lumix/Leica 15mm F:1,8 is my favorite travel companion. However, because it weights next to nothing, I also have the tiny Olympus 45mm F:1,8 in my pocket. Not that I am changeing back and forwards all the time, but I get some extra tele-capabilities if needed, and I stay small and inconspicuous.
It always depends where you are going and what you are shooting. The reality is that regardless of what you choose there are going to be shots you can't get. You go for a 24-70mm you are going to wish you had wider or longer. If you carry the holy trinity.... you are going to wish you had less gear, and you are going to miss shots because you have the wrong lens on. You take a superzoom, and you are going to miss image quality, low light performance and the shallow DOF you can get. You go for a prime... well you are a limiting your flexibility. The good news is that creativity is inspired by the limitations we impose upon ourselves. If you only have a 35mm... you start seeing in the 35mm focal length and if you need wider you might get creative and take a bunch of shots and stitch them together. Choose your gear based on where you are going and what you intent to shoot (if you are going to Yellowstone... you probably shouldn't choose a 16-35mm as your one lens). The important thing is that whatever you choose.... you embrace it, work within those constraints and don't focus on what you are missing. Some vacations I have just gone with a 24-240mm. I have 20x30" prints on my wall from taken at the long (least sharp) part of that 24-240.... and you know what.... people always comment on it because it is a great photo! Also knowing your gear helps... that same lens... I have some good low light shots because I stabilize myself and shoot a bunch of photos with a longer shutter speed (one in the middle somewhere is usually workable), I also know that if I am wanting a sharper image with it I should not zoom it past 135mm.
I’ve been using the tamron 28-200 and so far I’m really loving it. It’s not perfect but the flexibility is great without being an enormous lens
I have this lens too and love it. Recently, I added Samyang 45mm f1.8 and I travel locally with this combo. If air travel and there is a weight limit, I carry Sony APSC + Sigma 16mm + Sony 50mm.
Having done a lot of traveling, I recommend just one camera one lens. Did 16 months with just a 28mm equivalent, your eyes will adjust to the FL. I'd choose a good pancake, anywhere from 28 to 40mm.
Being fortunate to have six lenses (from macros to telephoto), I find my most used in travel photography are my 24-70/2.8 and an old 28-300/3.5-5.8. I have become accustomed to the versatility of zoom lenses. For wildlife I prefer my 180-400 with built-in 1.4 T to the 600. The 28-300 has an amazing range and is lighter and less conspicuous than the 24-70. Also, shooting from across the street is less noticeable than from a few feet away with the 35mm. Plus, with the newer cameras, the improvement in noise reduction at higher ISOs somewhat overcomes the smaller aperture.
Very underrated lens for street and candid shots is samyang 35/2.8, fantastic little lens (weights just 80g). Now, I am also using Sony 28-60 kit for that matter (supe compact, but high distortion @28mm). I used to use big lenses like 24-105, 24-70, 70-200 (heavy, bulky and attract a lot of attention, but still absolute tools for commercial work). I can say that with modern cameras, weight, size and focus speed matters much more that crazy f stops.
Use the Olympus 12-40 F2.8 or 12-100 F4 for travel!
A7c is good for travel. If one prime, then Batis 40 is good. If two primes, then 24 f2.8 G + Zeiss 55, or 35 & 85 combo
Try the 24-70 GM II, substantially smaller than your original GM and incredibly sharp and superb color fidelity.
Olympus 12-100mm F4 IS mated with an EM1 mk 3 is my go to combo for travelling. Unbelievable quality, a 24-200mm range in the 35mm vernacular, fantastic image stabilization when paired with the body. Fits in a small bag with a couple of batteries. I carry an iPad as my computer and view the images on that after a days shooting.
Bingo. I've got the same setup. Got a 25mm f/1.7 when low light is an issue. But also a 9mm f/1.7 pairs nicely as well for Ultra Wide Angle. Those two f/1.7 primes basically weigh 250g and take up almost no space at all. That's what 'travel' lens means; small, light, versatile.
For the past few years I started shooting primes again. And I had planned on taking my 135mm GM, 35mm GM, and 14mm GM on an upcoming trip. Then the new 24-70 GM II and 70-200mm GM II were released. Now I plan to take the zooms including the 16-35mm GM on my trip. I love the primes, but it's hard to beat the zooms for their versatility.
I agree!
I really want that new 24-70 f2.8 GM 2 as well for my A74...
Used a Sony 16-55 f2.8 on APS-C for a couple of years (because of its compactness), now I switched to full-frame and I just absolutely love the 50mm f1.8 for traveling. I realized that I don't really need wide angle very often and that I can do almost everything with 50mm. And f1.8 on full-frame just looks so much better than f2.8 on APS-C, that's really worth for me being limited to a prime lens (or two - mostly I take the 18mm Samyang with me, too).
My choice is the sony 24mm F1.4 Gm and 50mm F1.4Gm 😊, light and can get most of the ranges with the super35 mode on my a7iv
Travel is the best lens for photography.
i mean travel as a mindset, no need to go that far. Just take your camera and a specific lens that day.
your photography improves when you are inspired by a lens, a light, a sky, a landscape, a seascape, a street, a culture, people, etc.
Underwater photographers have to chose one lens before diving: So inspiring..
That's true about underwater photogs, but still... which one to choose? 😂 I like what you say, though I tried to be as practical here as possible.
Thanks for your work. I am staying with 24-105 mm f4.0 since with our later generation cameras that have higher ISO with acceptable noise levels plus tweaks in post, and remembering - in-body and or lens stabilization permitting slower shutter speeds with hand held shots. I have be enable to capture excellent low light images. I also sometimes "cheat" by keeping in my pocket a 55mm f1.8 for extreme low light or when discretion is required.
Hello Mitchell, congratulations, very nice presentation and arguments ref. Lenses. My experience is slightly different. I use Sony 24-105 mm, f4.0 all the time. It gives me 100% of what I expect to achieve. Only if a photo assignment is very particular, I use prime lens and 35mm f1.4 is one of them. I used to walk around with 24-70mm, f2.8. Yet, I experimented with 24-105mm f4.0, and as a result, good old 24-70 is “collecting dust”. Todays cameras are so sophisticated, with super high ISO # , so I accepted a compromise and voluntarily sacrificed f2.8 by adopting f4.0. Of course, there is no magical recipe, so most important is spending time making photos wit different gear and find out what works the best for each individual. Btw, I love your photos. Best regards from Germany !!!
Hey Mitchell. Thanks for your work, and I love the vibrancy in your photos. Nobody will ever be able to accuse you of being "afraid of colour" (as per a recent article about a suggested shift towards Monochrome photography).
I'm newly back to owning a decent camera after years with small point and shoots, and phones.
I bought a cheap, second hand Sony a7 and the Zeiss 2/35 in July and I've carried it almost everywhere since.
I also got an 85mm Batis, but I hardly use it (and now it's for sale). I'm actually looking for a fast 24 or 28mm lens and am even thinking about getting a Leica Q2M or Q3. The image quality of particularly the monochrom version is phenomenal! I'm not afraid of colour, but 47mp (q3m down the track with 60mp?) and monochrome? Yes please.
Keep up the good work and travel safe. 🙏🏻
I'm just a hobbyist who likes to make good photos to keep the memórias of my trips. I have an old nikon D5600 and use a tamron 16-300 f3.5 - 6.3. It's definitely not the best equipment but they haven't let me down. I've always been able to capture what I wanted. So, I'd choose versatility.
Great video.
Cheers!
Well, there's also a saying - the best lens is the one that you have. So if you have that... :)
You brought it to the point. Now It’s become more easy for me to coose.
To be candid, I use my Sony RX1 Mark2 with a 35 fixed lens. For all other purpose, I go for the 24/70 GMaster.
For me if I was traveling again full time I would take with me a 24-105mm lens on a full frame mirrorless body and a fixed lens camera with either 28mm/35mm focal length... I used a Canon EOSr with 24-105mm and a Leica Q traveling for 8 months and I was able to photograph 90% of everything that came my way (the exception being ultra-wide landscapes/tight city scapes where a 16-35mm came in handy).
I travel frequently and I've realized that I don't really value travel photos for the bokeh or lack of grain. More important is the ability to quickly and conveniently grab a variety of shots while I'm on the move.
Great Video! I still use Lumix m4/3 system and for Street photography I use lumix 20mm f1.7, 12-60mm f2.8-4 and SIGMA 56mm F1.4 paired to 2 Lumix G85 or old small Gx1 (no one notices you with GX1).
I've swapped my 24mm and 85mm lenses for a 24-70 sigma on Sony E. It's heavier and bulkier but I find that I don't miss out on shots. My main gripe is, that f2.8 seems to get me more noise than I'd like in cloudy and/or dark situations, which is more common in the winter. Over the summer, it's just the size and weight, which is a tad heavy but I'm comfortable carrying this thing around for a hike for example, so it's fine. You can also make up for the candidness with standing twice as far away and shooting at 70mm. I'm planning on picking up a 35mm prime later down the road though, for some low light shooting scenarios, as it's really my all time favorite focal length, it gets the most use on the zoom too. But I just love the versatility too much, to sell this lens, I'll have to keep it forever.
I do a lot of travel editorial photography and my current set up is a Canon 6D with an EF 24-105 f4 lens. I don’t like to switch lenses, but I am considering getting a 50mm prime/fixed lens for everyday and people photography.
If this video is for amateurs, then all in one zooms are the best choice, 28-300, 28-200, 18-300, 18-400 ext. Those give flexibility in all situations and are not expensive. I used to travel with film camera in 80's and 90's with 28-200 Tamron on Nikon camera and small tripod to use longer focal lengths. Once you became professional you are more picky and you make your own perfect choices.
As a travelcamera the Sony RX100 series is very good. It fits in your pocket. Then as something extra a bigger camera when you are out just for taking landscapes or architecture.
My travel set is Sony IV with 24-70 f1.8-2.8 and a Sony a6500 with 18-135 (eqv. 28-200 mm). All bodies and lenses are stabilized, so I can take really long exposures. With the latter combo a 1/5 sec is not a problem. I also use the in body clearzoom to double the focal lenght when needed with no quality loss. In video you can even get away with the quadruple digital zoom if neccecery.
RX100 is about 300 g and the aps-c combo is 790 g. Not bad.
So, I just found your channel when I searched for best lens for travel between the 28mm & 35mm. I recently purchased a Fuji x100v for my first trip to Italy. I've used Nikon for many years with predominantly zoom lenses. My fuji as you likely know, has a fixed 35 mm equivalent and I also have the 28mm WCL lens. I greatly enjoyed your video and found it very useful for the information I was looking for. Thanks so much. I'm sure I'll return often.
Great video. I’m a hobby photographer who recently bought a new OM System OM-5 with a 12-45 f4 lens. It would be equivalent to 24-90mm FF. Besides that lens I use a 17mm f1.8 lens. So basically I’m using the same lenses as you do.
I know I lose depth of field with m4/3, and when shooting with f4 lens even more, but the weight and size of the kit make up for that. When I see your 35mm lens, I think it is even bigger than my 12-45 (24-90) lens! Have you ever considered going back to M4/3?
Thanks for video.
once I took 24-120 f4 but regret that decision as it was kind of heavy and big combination with nikon d800e, next time I took Z6II with 24-70 f4 and result was not bad and package was light but still not very comfortable. now Im looking for a 28mm f2.8 to make it as light as possible or get a Q2 Leica which is almost perfect camera for travel.
Basically it depends on your travel conditions and when I go on a domestic trip by car its easy to make a heavy pack but for abroad travel lightest is the best, just my experience and humble opinion.
Thank you for another great video. I actually looked at the previous video a couple of times; purely because I still struggle with my own choice. I am a NIkon user and most of my photos taken are as the dad that tags along my wife and kids capturing photos of them in the surroundings that I would feel proud to print and place it on a wall around the house. I currently own:
1) a 50mm 1.8. that I bought purely because at the beginning I did not know any different and was influenced by "you must own the nifty 50" advice, and
2) the 20-300mm 3.4-5.6 that was a choice based on the fact that often I use the compression effect to have my kids look closer to iconic landmarks ... and that their patience runs out with me when I get into one of my "move left a tad... nor mover back right.. come closer... wait that I try a different setting" moments :) . The aperture is not too much of a big issue as I have young kids and we do just about all site seeing between 7am-4pm in summer; i.e. lots of light.
Overall, although I wish I had more money to by 2.8 zoom lenses, I am happy with the 28-300mm. However, I regret not getting a 35mm instead of the 50mm. The reason being that this f1.8 lens is mainly used at nighttime if we go for dinner or the evening stroll between the restaurant and our accomodation. Unfortunately, especially when in a restaurant, the 50mm is not wide enough... and 99% of the time I live the camera in bag and use my iPhone.
So, my curiosity question to you is as follows; when you travel with family/friends, what is your lens of choice, and how do you balance between your passion and socialising?
I carry 24-70 in camera bag. But use it only as needed. Most of the time I use 50mm f1.8 and 24mm f1.4. Both very lightweight.
I love my Sony 24-104 and 24GM for my travels! 24-105 for daytime and 24 for night shoots!
Sigma 30, 1.4 is perfect for the personal way I see the world. Zooms are extremely practical but it is difficult no to be all over the place since you have the ability to do it. Primes make me think intentionally, inspire me to go after more specific subjects.
Primes definitely makes me love photography even more.
I use a 50 mm 1.8 lens on my Nikon d850 most of the time when am traveling. Great all round prime lens
Yes, each of us must try to make the right decision. I had the 24-105 F4, which was a great zoom, but for travel, I picked the Tamron 28-200 2.8-5.6, along with the 35 1.4 GM and the Tamron 17-28 2.8. If i'm not capturing great moments, it's probably because I'm too preoccupied with breakfast, and not focus.
Interesting combination of lenses. Thanks for watching.
If money is not a issue, and personally feel its always possible to add a small prime i would say : replace the 24-70GM with the 24-70GM2 and also take a 35GM1.4 with the size and weight savings of the new 2470GM2 :)
I am not a professional but I have been shooting and or processing for over 50 years. For travel…I use my Fuji XF 16-80, 24-120 - 35 equivalent. Maximum flexibility. Try using the 35mm in the mountains. I love my 23f2 lens (35mm ) too but for Travel I do not like changing lenses in the field. The issue of size was a flawed point because weight and size are significantly lighter and smaller on crop sensor cameras something a non professional may value. Yes the zoom is still bigger in scale but I have experience with Nikon, Canon and Fuji set ups with zooms and I prefer the smaller footprint…much easier to enjoy travel.
Thank you for making size and weight a major point. The lens I use the most is the 14mm Panasonic lens which is tiny. I can bring it with me all the time which makes the photos possible in the first place.
I kinda want to get a slightly narrower lens and faster but I don't want to give up on the pocketability. There is a 20mm Panasonic that's slightly larger. And two collapsible zoom lenses that aren't even constant aperture and a lot of plastic. I do drop my camera quite a bit.
Great Video :) (no suprise)
I can't wait for the Tamron 35-150mm f2.0-2.8. Of course I wish it was smaller but......from the focal lenght and the f-stop it's exactly what I need.
As I’m still using a Canon APS-C camera, I added the EOS RP and an EF adapter to use my wider lenses (mostly) to their full extent on a full-frame camera.
I got the RP body w/o lens - the option was the 24-105mm f/4 at the time, and it’s the first RF lens I finally decided to buy. Just before the recent price hike.
I’ve taken it regularly just walking about, or the small EF 24mm f/2 on the adapter. The 35mm f/2 IS is much heavier, I don’t take it as often.
The 24-105 is almost tiny, it’s wide-ranging, well stabilized. I’m still under its spell. 😊
And come to think of it, I have gone out quite a few times with an old FD 35mm f/2 on an adapter (Simmod), a light and compact setup. I agree a good compact 35mm lens is an excellent option, but they tend to be big, or noisy like the new RF one.
Thanks for your thoughts, that question is always relevant.
Well as an amateur photographer the idea of a trip using only one camera and one lens sounds like a dream. Unfortunately I don't have half of your talent or creativity but I am trying to learn. After much deliberation and research I have bought an Olympus EM5 mark iii. With regards to the lens most of my travel images are holiday shots so I don't generally have many opportunities or time to try again. Certainly don't get to live in foreign places so give my limitations I'm going to get the 12-100mm f4.
The image quality is good enough for what I will be doing with the images. The compact size is ideal for travel and I know its f4 but the image stabilisation is amazing giving low iso handheld shots in low light. I have tried primes but honestly family holiday time pressure and alway finding I had the wrong lens on and need to change lens is a real buzz kill.
I think it also depends a lot on the trip landscapes and cityscapes vs street and people. I find myself sometimes struggling with composition for land and cityscapes with prime lenses only. So now I am back to a zoom lens 20-70f4 for Sony ;)
Sony has excellent primelenses (for creating 2-lens combo for light setup/travelkit). I usually travel with 16-35/2.8, 35/1.4 and 24-105/4. I would really like to see 24-105/2.8 from Sony. But, for the original question: If you need to pick just one lens, it would be 35mm. Started from Sony-Zeiss 35/2.8, switched to Sony 35/1.8 and ended up to 35/1.4.
Hi Mitchell, I have a 35mm and 50mm with Leica M10-D and after many years of different lenses, these are ones that suit me the most!
Nice setup. 🙂
so so informative . big help for new beginners . thank you so much 💕💕💕
I have done perfectly well using, exclusively one fixed aperture, fixed focal length lens: a 35mm f/2. When I travel I don't want lots of weight, and I don't care about gear. I focus solely on getting a photograph. Yes, I am limited for getting shots from a distance, but then I think the photographer can work around that by getting themselves in the right place, and plan ahead. With street or documentary I don't want to freak people out, so I use a stealthy full frame compact with full manual override on everything.
For me: Sigma 24-70mm dgdn, and for streets: Sigma 35mm dgdn, if I need extreme Wide: Tamron 17-28mm. Cheaper than GM lenses with a very good photo quality.
For me, my usual setup been the a7iii with 55 and 85 1.8, and the tamron 17-28 2.8 with a polarised filter on when doing landscaping shots. A year ago I added the x100v and the latest gopro10 and found this to be the easiest setup for me. If I had to choose one only, it will be the x100v for its small size, great versatility and uninterrupted feel among people.
I'm looking to change my a7iii for the a7c ii when it's coming out (hopefully in a year or so) with the new sensor of the a7iv (the small size of it is more than enough for what I need when travelling, which is compact and easy weight while walking and moving around all day).
For traveling Leica Q2 is a fantastic camera,small discret light fast and givs superb pictures.
I shoot an A9 and a A7R4 and by far my favourite lens is the 35mm F1.8. I have used the 24-105mm extensively also but don't like the lack of good subject isolation. For me I'd be inclined to grab an 85mm f1.8 and cart that along with the 35mm, in place of a 24-70mm. The 90mm f2.8 macro is also a fantastic portrait lens which isn't heavy.
I shoot mostly with Fujifilm so my setup is slightly smaller but I find myself keeping a prime lens on them the majority of the time. Smaller size and wider aperture are both big factors, but the creative limitations are something I also find enjoyable. There are certainly shots that I miss, or don’t even attempt because I know my focal range is not well suited for that composition. Carrying around a camera at all times has been the biggest factor in the improvement of my photography over the past couple of years and 90% of the time my photos have been taken with prime lenses.
I'm a Canon user. I would use the 24-105 and carry around an EF 40mm F2.8 pancake lens as a spare. It's so small that it's hardly noticeable inside the camera bag, has good optics, and way cheaper than the 35mm F1.8 Sony.
My favorite lens as a canon user (APS-C) is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8
It's such an awesome lense! The only thing it lacks is stabilization.
I used to almost exclusively use Nikon 35mm f2. More recently my rf24-105 f4 L lives on my camera backed up with 100-500 L.
I just brought my XC15-45mm on my travel and call it a day. It does not have the shallowest depth of field but it is extremely versatile for storytelling and documenting my family. I am more likely to bring my camera often with this setup compared to when I was using the massive XF16-55.
Might just add a 33mmF1.4 for that occasional specialty shot though.
Jep. Same here with 16-50 fuji + 23/1.4 Viltrox.
With today's cameras ability to shoot at high iso, and the ability to clean the images in post, just take a 24-105 f4 and enjoy. I personally use 35 and 85 f1.8..... Both Light compact and don't mind switching lenses on the go.
I love the sound effects you add to each photo you show, it makes them feel more immersive 14:48
Thanks :)
Size and weight would be a deal breaker, hence I'm thinking of an ASP-C camera rather than a full frame one; but then I'm not a professional photographer.
The 35mm is fantastic, so too the Zeiss 55mm f1.8 (albeit close focusing is limited). 85 f1.8 an unsung great value small tele. I have all these and many others. BUT beyond lens choice is your personal attitude and attempts to actively engage with potential subjects in a warm and friendly fashion. Many don't (understandably) like tourists sticking a lens in their face (for some it's intimidating and rude) but they will reciprocate warmly to you as a friend.
It took me 3 years of 'cowering across the street' shooting with a tele before I realised that 'behaviour begets behaviour'. Talk to your subject(s) engage, relate, then ask or gesture and you will likely start reaping significantly better people pics. I found the more I practiced the better I got. Sure I get turned down sometimes but less often nowadays than many would imagine. Apart from better pics it's more fun too!
Great video mate! As usual, BTW. I like to work with two Canon systems: the M6 (mk 1!) cropped and the R6 FF. I totally agree with your thoughts. R6 (with a 24-105 and a 35 - and also a 16) is great and has amazing image quality, but very much larger and heavier, making it a pain to move, walk and hike, for that is what "travel photography" means to me. For those outdoor hiking experiences I much prefer the M6 with the kit 15-45 M (FF equivalent of a 24-70), but I also bring with me some recently discontinued EF-S lenses: the 10-18 and the 55-250. Because they are light and feature autofocus and stabilization they help me very much and give me a lot of flexibility.
But there´s one more trick! I use two adpaters for those lenses, the Canon original and the Viltrox Speedbooster M2 (of course, it is made for EF lenses therefore you have to substitute the lenses mount ring for that, but that´s easy and China industry helps us...) so I end up with a 0.7 factor for the focal length and gain 1 stop of aperture at the cost of some very strong vignetting, but totally useful with creative crops or for video. So, I end up with a very economic and flexible system of 5 lenses having only three, yet light and effective (for a cropped sensor, obviously).
Final hint: I also have a pancake EF 40 mm f2.8 that do wonders with both adaptors. With the Canon normal adaptor the cropped focal length is 64mm, and with the Viltrox M2 the effective Focus lenght is about 45 mm (40 x 0.7 x 1.6), with f2.0. Not bad at all.
Some good info.
The Sony 20-70 f/4 is my go-to. Can shoot in crop mode on a high MP camera to get more zoomage.
Mine too!!! Sold my fav 24-105 for the 20-70 f4. I love it!!
Yet another insight-full video, Mitchell, thank you! Two thoughts/questions:
- with IBIS I’m thinking the need for a wide aperture in low light is lessened,so maybe f4 is OK if you don’t need that extra depth of field.
- with many FF bodies you have the option to shoot in APSC mode which turns a 35mm into a “near enough” 50mm lens and offers a little extra versatility.
Any thoughts gratefully received 🙏
I used to have only one A7R3 and one 24-105 f4 lens so I travel with it and happy with the flexibility, the semi macro and stabilization. As I cumulating over 20 lenses, the choices became difficult, always ended bringing lenses that I didn’t use. My last trip to Australia with one backpack forced me to bring only one camera with fixed 28mm lens and an Insta360 RS One for video. Wasn’t sure how that will work, but even though I missed many opportunities I wish I had a long zoom but the result was fantastic, I went back to using my feet to zoom, pay more attention to composition instead of picking lens. I truly love my Leica Q2 now.
For travel photography by far the most usefull is 24-105 f4. Especially if it involves a lot of nature. So many times you see scenes than you don't have time to switch lens so 24-105 pretty much covers all the range you need. You most likely will not miss anything. However if you travel most of the time in cities and populated places...yes 35 is the best choice, maybe stick an 85 as well. Its all about environment and obviously what range you like photographing. You mighy like tighter shots even when you go in nature.
For my travel lens I take the Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8 + for my wider shots, I use Iphone 15 pro max.
My pick would be fuji xf 18-55mm and xf 35mm 1.4r combo 🥳 ... on any fuji camera. Still very compact set and they yield SWEET BEAUTIFUL photos✨
I have the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 E-mount for events and weddings, its very light and does the job fine.
I couldn’t agree more with you on this video. I had the some questions 2 years ago and after a lot of discussion with myself 😂 I sold everything and bought only one camera, one lens, the fujifilm X100F. I don’t get the separation of the subject you get but that is not so important for me because most of the times I want my subject connected to the environment around. So most of the times I use f/4 - f/8, and when the light is limited f/2 and high ISO is enough to get the shot. At the end of the day this camera is always with me and I have made shots that I wouldn’t with any other camera because of this. The last point for me, which is equally important is that due to the focal length limitations you are “forced” to be creative. That means that you are going to lose many shots but it also means that those you are going to create will be unique and original. Once again thanks for the video I hope we have a new one soon.
"due to the focal length limitations you are “forced” to be creative." LOVE this. Yes! Should have listed it as a PRO of the prime lens. And... I was also looking to get that Fuji, whatever the latest one is, but, it's sold out everywhere. 😂
Thanks for this video and all of your amazing photography related goodies. I wish your channel a huge sucess because it is hard to find photography treasure channel like yours. Anyways my favorite travel lens after trying many lenses has bee the versatile 24-105 F4. I use the Canon system. Thank you!