Hey travel buddies! 👋 Ever wondered how some folks capture stunning photos while backpacking through Europe but without lugging around a ton of gear? Well, today I’m spillin’ the tea on the one best travel lens that can seriously up your travel photography game!
I get it…
As much as I’d love to cart around my entire photography arsenal on every trip, sometimes it’s just not practical. You wanna be able to move freely, blend in, and, you know, actually enjoy the experience. That’s why I love the challenge of taking only ONE lens on my trips. The big question, which one?
The Quest for the Best Travel Lens
So, what makes a lens perfect for travel photography? For me, it boils down to a few key things:
- Versatility: Can it handle landscapes, portraits, and a bit of street photography?
- Compactness: Will it add significant weight or bulk to my bag?
- Image Quality: Will it deliver those drool-worthy shots I’m after?
- Cost: Will it break the bank? (Spoiler alert: that’s optional!)
And the Winner Is… The 24-70mm Zoom Lens 🏆
Yes, you heard me right! If a friend would ask me for a lens that is great for travelling, this is it. I’m recommending a 24-70mm lens and here is why:
- All in one: The zoom allows you to be super flexible with what you shoot. Landscapes, portraits, street photography, wildlife, astro and nighttime photography – this lens can cover it all.
- Good price second hand: 24-70mm are so common lenses that you can choose a high end lens or score them quite cheap.
- Aperture speed: While faster lenses (f 2.0 or f 2.8) are my personal Holy Grail, a slower lens will still do a nice job while being more budget friendly.
How to Make the Most of Your 24-70mm on the Road
Okay, so you’ve got your 24-70mm lens – now what? Here are some tips for rocking it on your travels:
- Get Close and Personal: Step out of your comfort zone and get closer to your subjects for more intimate portraits. The 24mm’s wider angle can create some dynamic, engaging shots when you fill the frame.
- Play with Composition: Experiment with different angles and perspectives in your landscape shots. Use leading lines, foreground elements, and the Rule of Thirds to guide the viewer’s eye.
- Master Street Photography: The 24-70mm is perfect for capturing busy city life. Be quick, observant, and respectful, and you’ll come away with some incredible candid shots.
- Embrace Natural Light: Since it’s a zoom lens, a wider aperture helps to be faster. Learn how to harness natural light to your advantage. Shoot during the golden hours (sunrise and sunset) for that warm, dreamy glow.
The Lens I Chose
Now, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is my personal favorite and an absolute beast of a lens! It’s sharp, fast, and produces stunning image quality. But let’s be real – it’s an investment. A very good one, though. 😉 Check out the lens HERE.
Final Thoughts on The Best Travel Lens
While having a fancy camera and a bag full of lenses is nice, the truth is, the best tool is the one you have with you. A 24-70mm zoom lens is an excellent choice for aspiring photographers. Generally, it has the versatility, affordability, and image quality. As a photographer once said, “The tool in your hand is not what counts, it’s the vision that it helps you realize.” So, are you ready to elevate your travel photography game and capture stunning images? Grab a 24-70mm, pack your bags, and let’s hit the road! 📸✨
If you’re looking for stunning destinations to test your new lens, check out this itinerary for one of the best photography destinations in Europe!
And tell me, what’s your favorite lens for travel? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇”
