Best Lens For Travel Photography (2024)
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- This video answers the BIG question for many of you. "What is the best lens for travel photography? For documentary photography?"
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0:00 - Introduction
1:09 - What kinds of photos do you want to make?
1:49 - New candidates in the battle for best travel lens.
3:06 - The main couple of candidates.
3:57 - The PROS of both lenses.
7:08 - The CONS of both lenses.
12:39 - The case for my preferred lens.
15:15 - The choice depends on what you shoot.
16:06 - What about the smaller cameras?
17:04 - Final words.
![Best PRIME LENS for STREET PHOTOGRAPHY? [24mm vs 35mm vs 50mm]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bqyuSMhDizY/mqdefault.jpg)
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’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 ))
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
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.
my best travel choice is the 24mm f1.4. The use of the super35 mode allows to get around 35mm when needed
35+85 combo is my go to setup.
you shooting weddings when you travel?
Me too 😊
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.
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!
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
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 :)
so so informative . big help for new beginners . thank you so much 💕💕💕
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.
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’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!!
Thanks for your valueable information with great sample photos. they are really beautiful.
I have the FE 35mm F1.8 and it is my favorite.
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.
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.
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.
Very good info! Congratulations 👏
The best lenSES are the ones you're willing to cary. If you can take along only one lens, take a 35mm (or perhaps a 50mm) f1.4.
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 think I would go for three lenses: 20 mm, 50 mm and 100 - 400 mm. The 20 mm for landscapes and astro; 50 mm for street, portrait photography; and 100 - 400 landscape and wildlife.
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?"
Your video was great. Amazing photos as well. I agree with you that the best rig is the one you will take with you.
First time watching and I love your manner, approach, and expertise. Great video! Totally awesome pics too 🤪
Would like to have heard more about digital zoom, which is available on at least some Sonys, as well as teleconverter attachments.
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.
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. 🙏🏻
Fantastic comparison and analysis. You just got a sub from me. Keep it up
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.
My travel combo: 24mm f1.4 GM + 55mm f1.8 Zeiss
That was an excellent video, really very helpful so clear and focused on the real life considerations
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.
Sigma 18-50 f2.8 on a6*** series. Biggest bang for buck. Light and small.
Very interesting and thanks for sharing some really great images and tips. I love your approach, the 35 is a really happy medium and i used this same angle of view with a Fuji X100 pocket APSc crop sensor for many years but just found on many occasions i needed to go a bit wider for landscape or street scape or a bit tighter with the portraits i love doing. I then updated to the Fuji XT5 interchangeable lens body and thats been a step up, I take two lenses with me the 18mm f1.4 (28mm FF equivalent) and 33mm f1.4 (50mm FF equivalent) both lenses are fairly lightweight, compact and fairly discrete although admittedly the X100 was the most discrete setup you can get apart from a phone. The 40mpx also allows plenty of cropping power which really surprised me the amount of detail a small camera can give you these days.
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.
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!
Very interesting as always. (And the photos are a huge bonus!) I’m using the 24-70 2.8 on my Z7ii but really loved the 24-120 on my old D750. You tempt me to run out and get a 35 as I’m about to leave for a college reunion.
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.
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 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.
As always, you seem to make so much sense without much fluff and convincing arguments! :)
Muchas gracias por tus videos Mitchel, son muy didácticos
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.
Hi Mitchell. As new photographer, I really appreciate this conversation. I've been traveling perpetually and creating photos along the way for a bit over a year now. I pounded the pavements and beaches of Mexico for almost a year. Now I'm exploring Southeast Asia. Wanting to keep my gear to a minimum, I decided to bring two lenses with me. A 24-70 f4 and a 35mm f1.8. I considered the 24-70 f2.8, but decided it was too large and too expensive for me at the time. I don't do much shooting at night and f4 has worked well for me so far. As an amateur, it was nice to get a bit of confirmation regarding my lens choices. So thank you for that. Now, to bring my photos to the next level I feel I need to develop more confidence with taking photos of people. I tend to avoid it due to fear of offending my subjects. I feel this has really limited me. The photographs I have taken of people have almost always been with permission. Even that is tough for me to do. I will take a look at your written content regarding people. I would really appreciate a video and discussion on this topic, especially since you excel as a photographer in this area. I look forward to viewing more of your excellent content and photography.
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😊
Always best to bring a decent zoom and fast prime on any vacation. Personally, I chose the Sony 24-105/f4 and 35GM/f1.4. The zoom is awesome for video and the prime is perfect for candid shots and low light conditions. If I want to go really light, I'll just grab my Fuji X100V and GoPro - that'll get the job done surprisingly well.
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.
juhuu, a new video!
Very helpful video with a great explanation of the pros and cons - as someone that has stuck to solely prime lenses for the last 18 months, I've started to consider getting a versatile zoom just from the hassle of switching when on vacation - I've got a 50 and a 20, so have been considering the 24-70 and even the 28-70 for Nikon Z, so this has been hugely helpful. The unfortunate thing is I just want my cake to eat by having a candid lens with versatility 🤣🤣
You've earned yourself another subscriber 👌👌
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
Nice rundown. 👍
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.
Fuji XF 16-80mm fix f4 all around for me Thank you! And thanks for this video Mitchell.
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.
Great video. I travel light with Sony 35mm f/1.4 gm, Sigma 65mm f2, and sometimes, the Sigma 90mm f/2.8. Get great resolution on my Sony a7riii. I do have a 24mm when needed.
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.
7R3- 24 GM
A6100- 90 2.8
35 Zeiss & 55 1.8 I swap with each other.
24 GM turns into a 36 1.4 18 MP on crop mode on R3 or 24 MP on the A6100.
24 GM- astro /wide angle
35 zeiss 2.8- street/ stealth lens
55 1.8- portraits/ mid telephoto
90 2.8-macro/portraits
All these lens are specialized.
I use 16-50 kitlens PZ on video for its OSS. Maybe a more versatile wider stabilized lens soon and a more versatile birding zoom lens
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.
Use the Olympus 12-40 F2.8 or 12-100 F4 for travel!
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 !!!
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?
Great Video
We're off again on some global travels. Prev I've carried around the 24-70 & 70-200 and a 50,, on a FF 5D2. The lens that lived on the front? the 50mm
I've just sold all my glass and bought into Sony, and the A7C. I'm looking at this 35mm as a great all-rounder (I'm going to keep the kit lens to give me the flexibility) - but I'm looking at the 35mm 2.8 vs 35mm 1.8. The size of the 2.8 on the 7C is compelling!
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).
Very good video and beautiful examples! I would alway choose the lightest set. FF camera plus a 35mm f1.8. Then a zoom lens or a f1.2 lens for planned shootings.
What you do is kind of travel/street photography. You‘re not afraid to get close and you know how to communicate with your subject.
Your photos are insane, man
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).
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).
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.
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
I have the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 E-mount for events and weddings, its very light and does the job fine.
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.
The Sigma 18-50 f2.8 is my go to lens for my APSC a6000 and a7r, with the Sony FE 85 f1.8 for both bodies. IF there is pixel loss when mixing formats I suck it up, The worst case is a final file of 15MP which is normally enough. Both are brilliant budget giveaways and are both sharp and fast.
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.
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.
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....🤪
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for this video. Fabulous images! I use mostly Sony Zeiss 35mm 2.8 and 55mm 1.8. I love the character and the beautiful rendition of these lenses.
I love Sony Zeiss 35mm 2.8 too
Amazing photos!
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 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.
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.
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.
Man alive Mitch - this is the exact dilemma I'm going through at the moment. You highlighted the exact things that are going around in my head. I'm going to Japan in less than a week for a fantastic photographic tour. I have been over in my head a thousand times - going back and forth between my Z 24-70 2.8s and my Z35mm 1.8s. You did a great job with the video, but alas, i'm still just as confused. I can't take a lot so it really has to be one body and one lens. I'll be in crowded cities, subways, some rural stuff and inside work/factories environments. I'd love to take the zoom, but it's heavy and sticks out like a sore toe. I'll be catching trains and walking everywhere, so need to be light. My 35mm is fantastic and I can shoot a whole wedding on it just about, but it may limit me because 24mm is my favourite wide and that is the range I use most on my zoom, and I can't get the creamy backgrounds on the 35. So, around and around I go. I'm hoping by week end the light bulbs may come on in my head.
I agree! This is where I've come to. I travel to remote areas and my Sony a1 with a big lens --- No! I use the 20 a lot as I'm often in dark interiors and up close to things. 55 and 85 are in my bag. You've made me think about adding the 35. A zoom under f4 needs a fork lift. And I do love having a blurry background.
Thanks for the tip. I'm going to Melbourne and I will bring my fuji Xt3 and 23mm f1.4 (35mm f2)
Thank You Mitchell Kaneshkevich!
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.
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.
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.
Try the 24-70 GM II, substantially smaller than your original GM and incredibly sharp and superb color fidelity.
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 🙏
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✨
Hi Mitchell ! Great video as always. I prefer primes over zoom lenses. I do have the 24-70 but because of the weight, I use to take a 35mm, and a 85mm simultaneously to get variety of photos when I am traveling. For the Sony system, I found that the Sigma (f/1.4) are incredible glasses, however those are not small or candid lenses…. and the bokeh is really amazing from an other world !!
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.
I use a 50 mm 1.8 lens on my Nikon d850 most of the time when am traveling. Great all round prime lens
Great stuff. I have exactly the two lenses you have here (and many more :D ) And exactly like you, I went through exactly the same thinking and decision making. Now I almost have the 35mm/1.8 on my camera all the time, and only have the 24-70/2.8 on when I am on a road trip or in studio or covering some events. One thing I do when walking around with the 35mm/1.8 is to also carry the 28-60 PZ or 16-50 PZ (on A7R bodies cropping is fine) so that I have some flexibility while not gaining too much weight.