best travel photography lens

Best lenses for travel photography in 2024: perfect all-in-one superzooms

The best lenses for travel will let you shoot almost anything, and save some space in your bag!

• Best for Canon
• Best for Nikon
• Best for Sony
• Best for Fujifilm
• Best for L-mount
• Best for MTF
• Best Canon DSLR
• Best for Nikon DSLR
• How we test

Best for Canon Best for Nikon Best for Sony Best for Fujifilm Best for L-mount Best for MTF Best Canon DSLR Best for Nikon DSLR How we test

The best lenses for travel photography will enable you to take amazing photos without weighing you down. Travel photography lenses are often versatile zooms that allow you to pack just one lens such as a superzoom but it all comes down to your shooting style and how much you want to carry.

With most of your bases covered, you can focus on snapping gorgeous landscapes, stunning sunsets or captivating portraits and the best part is if you choose to just take one lens with you, you'll never have to faff with changing it. 

When picking a superzoom lens, it’s tempting to go for the biggest zoom range you can get your hands on. However, such lenses tend to be quite large and weighty. They’re generally more convenient and less heavy than a combination of standard and telephoto zoom lenses but, when you want to travel light or go on walkabout, it’s nicer to have something smaller and more lightweight dangling off your camera strap.

Considering the 1.5x crop factor of most APS-C cameras (1.6x for Canon ), a zoom range of around 18-200mm is generally ideal. This gives you similar wide-angle coverage as from a standard zoom, while stretching your telephoto reach to 300mm in full-frame terms (320mm for Canon).

Best lenses for travel photography in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best travel lens for Canon mirrorless cameras

1. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're an EOS R-series shooter and want something with a longer focal range than the Canon's two 24-105mm options, then you're in luck as there’s also a superzoom option that isn’t overly big and heavy, and doesn’t cost silly money. It comes in the shape of the RF 24-240mm, which squeezes a very useful 10x zoom range into a reasonably lightweight and weather-sealed build. Further attractions include a Nano USM autofocus system which is super-fast for stills and enables smooth and virtually silent focus transitions during movie capture, and a highly effective 5-stop image stabilizer. At the short end of the zoom range, color fringing can be noticeable and barrel distortion is massive, but both of these aberrations are corrected in-camera by default, and when processing raw files. With this lens, Canon is combining optical and digital corrections rather than relying on optical corrections alone.

Read our full Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM review

Best travel lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras

2. Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

The list of travel-friendly credentials for this soon-to-be-launched lens is long and impressive. It’s particularly compact and lightweight for a full-frame lens that boasts such an extensive zoom range, yet has a sturdy construction that includes comprehensive weather-seals and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel moisture and grease. Image quality benefits from the inclusion of two aspherical elements, one aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element and two further ED elements. Nikon ’s high-tech ARNEO coating is also applied to minimize ghosting and flare. Not just for stills, the stepping motor-driven autofocus system enables smooth focus transitions during movie capture, along with minimal focus breathing and focus shift when zooming. Ideal, for full-frame Z-series cameras, the lens is also an interesting travel choice for the Z 50 , where this camera's 1.5x crop factor gives this lens an effective zoom range of 36-300mm. 

Read our full Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR review

Best travel lens for Sony cameras

3. Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

Although fully compatible with Sony ’s APS-C format E-mount cameras, on which this lens has an effective focal length of 36-360mm, this lens really comes into its own on full-frame bodies. It’s typically weighty for a full-frame format superzoom but doesn’t feel overly large and has refined handling. The 10x zoom range kicks off at 24mm, enabling a generously wide maximum viewing angle, and there’s good telephoto reach at the long end. Based on a stepping motor, the autofocus system is quick and quiet, while Optical SteadyShot gives a benefit of around 3-stops in beating camera-shake. The optical path includes no less than five aspherical elements, plus one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. Image quality is mostly very good for a superzoom lens although corner-sharpness is a little lacklustre at the short end of the zoom range, and overall sharpness drops off at the long end.

Best travel lens for Fujifilm cameras

4. Fujifilm 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR LM R OIS

From Fujifilm ’s acclaimed XF stable of lenses for its APS-C format mirrorless X-mount cameras, this one has an impressive string of letters after its name. It’s a WR (Weather-Resistant) lens with no less than 20 areas of sealing in its construction. It features a fast and virtually silent LM (Linear Motor) autofocus system that’s super-fast for stills and smooth for movie capture. Handling is enhanced by the ‘R’ control ring, and it has a particularly effective 5-stop OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). Quality glass includes four aspherical elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. The 7.5x zoom range is a little limited compared with some other travel lenses on the market but this helps to enable a relatively compact construction. Image quality is very impressive overall, although corner-sharpness is a little mediocre towards both ends of the zoom range.

Best travel lens for L-mount cameras

5. Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro O.I.S.

If you're in search of a versatile travel lens for your Lumix S5, the Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 O.I.S. fits the bill perfectly. This lens stands out as the most compact and lightweight 7x superzoom lens available for any system, making it an ideal companion for travel without adding bulk or weight to your carry-on. Covering a range of commonly needed focal lengths, it's a must-have addition to any Panasonic photographer's gear collection.

While the focal length falls slightly shorter compared to other brands, limiting its versatility for sports and wildlife photography, the trade-off for its compactness is reasonable and easily accepted.

There are no compromises on image quality to be found here – the 28-200mm lens performs admirably, with only minor inconsistencies at the extreme end of the zoom. While it may not match the sharpness of prime or professional lenses, Panasonic has achieved commendable results for a lens of this category.

The standout feature of this Lumix S 28-200mm lens is its Dual I.S.2 image stabilization, combining optical stabilization with in-body stabilization. This system is among the best available, significantly enhancing stability for both still photography and particularly impressive results in handheld video shooting, even at 200mm.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro O.I.S. review

Best travel lens for Micro Four Thirds

6. Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Power OIS

Micro Four Thirds format travel zooms from Olympus include the budget-friendly 14-150mm II and the up-market 12-200mm. They’re both very desirable lenses but we prefer this Panasonic option, which splits the two Olympus zooms for selling price, while adding a highly effective 4-stop optical image stabilizer. Thanks to the 2x crop factor of Micro Four Thirds cameras, the effective zoom range is 28-280mm in full-frame terms, thereby nearly matching 18-200mm lenses on APS-C format cameras. It delivers this in a remarkably compact package that weighs a mere 265g. That’s only about half the weight of some APS-C format 18-200mm lenses, making the Panasonic particularly travel-friendly. Even so, it packs a fast autofocus system and quality glass, including three aspherical elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. For a superzoom lens, sharpness is both very good and highly consistent throughout the entire zoom range.

Read our full Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Power OIS review

Best travel lens for Canon DSLR cameras

7. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon does make a proper full-frame superzoom travel lens - the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM - so why have we picked this 24-105mm instead? Quite simply, this is a better travel lens. At 795g, it's less than half the weight of the 28-300mm, so is much more travel-friendly, and it's also about half the price. That still doesn't make it cheap, but at least you can feel a little less conspicuous.

The new Mk II version of the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS has been redesigned to be tougher and more resistant to shock and vibration, and it features fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. More importantly, the optics have been revamped, with the aim of improving sharpness across the whole image frame, throughout the zoom range.

Barrel distortion from the preceding 24-105mm lens was notoriously bad at the short end of the zoom range, but the Mk II performs a little better. It’s also a bit sharper, autofocus is a little quicker and bokeh is smoother, thanks to the fitment of ten, rather than eight, diaphragm blades. Overall, however, each of the improvements is quite subtle rather than making a hugely noticeable difference.

Read our full Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM review

Best travel lens for Nikon DLSR cameras

8. Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Nikon and Tamron have both manufactured 28-300mm superzoom lenses for many years, offering a travel-friendly option for Nikon full-frame SLRs. There’s not a lot to choose between them for handling, image quality and all-round performance. Both are good rather than great. To make the most of Nikon’s recent full-frame SLRs, it pays to set your sights rather lower in terms of zoom range, and to go for quality instead. The latest edition of Nikon’s 24-120mm VR is our first choice. It’s relatively compact and has excellent handling characteristics. It also gives you more a generous wide-angle perspective at the short end of the zoom range. The flipside, naturally, is that you’ll lose out on powerful telephoto reach, but that's often less useful than you expect anyway.

Read our full Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR review

How we test travel lenses

We test lenses using both real world sample images and lab tests. Our lab tests are carried out scientifically in controlled conditions using the Imatest testing suite, which consists of custom charts and analysis software that measures resolution in line widths/picture height, a measurement widely used in lens and camera testing. We find the combination of lab and real-word testing works best, as each reveals different qualities and characteristics.

Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter

The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

Related articles

The leading authority in photography and camera gear.

Become a better photographer.

12.9 Million

Annual Readers

Newsletter Subscribers

Featured Photographers

Photography Guides & Gear Reviews

Best Lens for Travel Photography in 2024 (All Cameras)

Discover the ideal lenses for travel photography, balancing versatility, size, aperture, and durability to capture stunning images on your journeys this year.

Camera Gear Guides | Lens Guides | By Jeff Collier

This guide will help you find the best lens for travel photography , depending on your camera.

The right choice of lens can elevate your travel storytelling skills, allowing you to express and encapsulate the essence of each destination.

From wide-angle primes for shooting sweeping landscapes to versatile zoom lenses for dynamic versatility, the choices can be bewildering.

So, let us take you by the hand and walk you through some of the best options.

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Lens for Travel Photography

When selecting the best lens for travel photography, there are several key qualities to consider:

• Versatility: A good travel lens needs to be versatile. You want a lens that can handle various situations, from rolling countryside landscapes to detailed street scenes. A zoom lens with a range like 24-70mm or 18-135mm can be ideal, offering both wide-angle and moderate telephoto perspectives.
• Size and Weight: Traveling often involves moving around a lot, sometimes in cramped conditions. So, the size and weight of the lens are crucial. A compact and lightweight lens will be less burdensome during long days of sightseeing or hiking.
• Aperture: While zoom lenses with wide apertures like f/2.8 are great for low light and creating a shallow depth of field , they’re often heavier and more expensive. An f/4 lens strikes a good balance – it’s typically lighter, more compact, and less costly, yet still performs well in various lighting conditions.
• Prime or Zoom: A prime lens is typically smaller and lighter than a zoom lens, but it doesn’t offer the same versatility with only a single focal length. If you have space in your travel bag, a combination of one small prime lens (like a nifty-fifty) and one zoom would be ideal.
• Image Stabilization: This feature is a must for travel photographers, especially when shooting in low light or when using slower shutter speeds. It helps reduce the blurriness caused by camera shake, ensuring sharper images.
• Durability: A travel lens should be durable enough to withstand different environments. Look for lenses with weather-sealing if you plan to shoot in various outdoor conditions.
• Image Quality: High image quality is, of course, a priority. Look for lenses that offer sharp, clear imaging across their aperture range and focal lengths.

Best Full Frame Lenses for Travel Photography

Canon ef 24-105mm f/4l is usm (best canon ef zoom lens for travel photography).

• Great optical quality
• Durable build
• Versatile focal length
• Image stabilization
• Relatively expensive
• Some distortion at 24mm

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a travel photography favourite, thanks to its blend of versatility and image quality.

As part of Canon’s esteemed L-Series, it’s well-known for superior optical performance. It delivers exceptional image quality and sharpness, ensuring your travel photos are (hopefully) visually stunning.

It has a robust build and is completely weather-sealed. It’s also surprisingly light and compact, considering its focal range and capabilities.

Its 24-105mm focal range provides a huge amount of flexibility and is ideal for capturing everything from landscapes to detail shots.

The constant f/4 aperture across the zoom range makes exposure control very simple and allows you to maintain consistent settings in varied lighting conditions.

It’s also fast enough to be good in low light conditions and lets you play with a shallow depth of field, especially when fully extended.

The camera lens also comes with built-in image stabilization, which is essential for the kind of handheld shooting that’s normal when travelling.

Those looking for a less expensive alternative could consider the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM [ Amazon | B&H ] – although you should bear in mind that it’s not weather-sealed.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS (Best Canon RF Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Weather sealed
• Excellent build quality
• Image stabilisation
• Excellent autofocus capabilities
• f/4 is not the fastest

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens is among the mirrorless staples for Canon users.

The 24-105mm focal length is a versatile focal range, suitable for capturing wide-angle landscapes, portraits, and even some telephoto shots.

It’s an ideal range for travel photographers wanting to avoid constantly switching lenses.

As an L series camera lens, it’s very well-built, compact, and lightweight, with a robust construction and weather-sealing for added durability.

With its constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range, you get consistent exposure control, and the lens has impressive optical quality, producing sharp images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS also has in-built image stabilization. That means you’ll be able to take sharper images, even shooting handheld in low-light conditions, a common scenario when travelling.

Its Dual Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor) also ensures smooth, accurate, and quiet autofocus, giving you the ability to get all your shots in focus, regardless of how challenging your subjects or environments are.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G (Best Nikon FX Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Excellent image quality
• Well-designed
• Versatile focal range
• Great autofocus
• Some barrel distortion

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G is a great all-round lens for the Nikon shooter.

It has a nearly identical focal range to the Canon lens above and, as such, provides users with great versatility and the ability to shoot a wide range of photographic scenarios.

You can comfortably shoot expansive landscapes to detail shots and portraits. It’s the kind of lens you could just leave on your camera and be ready for anything.

Its constant aperture throughout the zoom range ensures consistent exposure settings. That means that, whatever the lighting conditions, you’ll be ready and won’t have to make a lot of setting changes to adapt.

Like the Canon, it’s also a high-end product that delivers sharp, clear images throughout its focal range.

It has Nano Crystal Coating, too, which reduces chromatic aberration and lens flare, ensuring consistently high image quality whatever the lighting conditions.

This lens is surprisingly compact and lightweight, given its focal range, and is fully weather-sealed, so you can confidently take it on your next adventure.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G has optical image stabilization – essential for handheld shooting – and its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology provides lightning-fast and silent autofocus.

Having such quick and quiet autofocus is a definite bonus during travel, for street photography, and for capturing candid scenes like a ninja.

• More: Best Lenses for Landscape Photography

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Best Nikon Z Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Excellent optical quality
• Customizable control ring
• f/4 not the best in low light

For the travel photographer shooting Nikon mirrorless, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a stellar choice.

Once again, it’s a lens with a 24-120mm focal range, which provides travel photographers with great versatility.

Whether you’re shooting landscapes or zooming in on details, you can adapt without the need for frequent lens changes.

This lens also has a constant f/4 aperture throughout its zoom range, which means consistent exposure. Plus, it’s easy to adjust your settings when moving between varied lighting conditions.

It’s compact and lightweight, given its capabilities, and has in-built image stabilization and extremely fast autofocus.

Travel photographers generally shoot most scenes handheld, so image stabilization is essential, and it’s always handy to have quiet and quick autofocus so you can react quickly and be discreet.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S boasts exceptional optics and delivers crisp, colorful images with excellent contrast.

One nice feature is the lens’ customizable control ring, which allows travel photographers to adjust settings like aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation on the fly.

This ability to tailor-make your shooting experience adds another level of versatility to this as a travel lens.

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 (Best Sony FE Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Great image quality
• Weather-sealed
• A little heavy
• Limiting aperture

Although it lacks a few millimeters of focal length compared to the others in this section, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 is a travel photographer favorite known for its exceptional performance and versatility.

Starting at 24mm, the lens has wide-angle capabilities to help you shoot landscapes and architecture. And 105mm is still enough for detail shots and portraits.

Like every other lens in this section, it has a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. That makes it easy on you when it comes to changing settings, gives you some depth of field to play with, and helps you out in low-light conditions.

Travel photography often involves shooting in dynamic environments, so having built-in image stabilization is a must, particularly when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. This lens delivers.

It’s also weather-sealed, so you can take it anywhere.

But what about its image quality? Well, Sony is renowned for producing lenses with outstanding optical performance, and the FE 24-105mm f/4 is no exception.

This lens produces sharp images with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting, so you should end up with stunning travel images.

For those photographers who need more range or want to save some money, consider the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III [ Amazon | B&H ].

• More: Best Lightweight Travel Cameras

Best APS-C Lenses for Travel Photography

APS-C cameras are more compact than their full-frame brothers and sisters, and they often have the specs to deliver great images.

So, if you’re someone who has one of these cameras, these lenses could be for you.

Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 (Best Fujifilm Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Lightweight and compact
• Variable aperture
• Some image softness

The Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (full review here ) is pretty popular thanks to its wide focal range and compact design.

The best feature of this lens is clearly its impressive focal range. It’s both a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, so provides users with exceptional versatility for capturing everything from landscapes to distant subjects.

Weighing in at a mere 490 grams, the XF 18-135mm is also remarkably lightweight. So, it’s an excellent choice for travel photographers who prioritize portability.

The lens is fully weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, and is equipped with Fujifilm’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology.

With this, photographers can shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image quality.

And, as you’d expect from Fuji, the lens has exceptional optical quality. The images are sharp, with well-rendered colors, minimal distortion, and chromatic aberration – a travel lens that can be relied on.

• More: Guide to the Best Wide-Angle Lenses

Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II (Best MFT Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

• Extremely versatile focal length
• In-built image stabilization
• Plastic construction

Just a note before I get into it: there are multiple versions of this lens, so it can be a bit confusing. The latest version, which is the version you want, says H-FSA14140 on the box and the barrel.

And if you get it, you’ll get a lens that is well-liked in the travel photography community for its broad focal range and compact design.

With its extensive 14-140mm range, it’s the most versatile lens in this guide. There is very little you wouldn’t be able to capture with it, thereby reducing the need to change lenses.

It’s also, especially given this focal range, exceptionally compact and lightweight and weighs in at a mere 265 grams. No need to use up much space or add unnecessary weight to your camera bag.

Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. technology is also integrated into the lens, providing effective image stabilization to ensure sharp, blur-free images, even when shooting zoomed-out.

It boasts an excellent autofocus system, fast and virtually silent. That’s particularly good for travel photography as you can shoot in quiet or intimate settings and capture moments without disturbing the atmosphere.

Thanks to both those last features, the smooth zoom and silent autofocus, the Lumix 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II is also well-suited to videography, adding an extra dimension to your travel storytelling.

Another option is the Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens [ Amazon | B&H ], though by most accounts, the Panasonic is a better performer.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm (Best Canon APS-C Zoom for Travel Photography)

• Light and compact
• Excellent autofocus
• Made of plastic materials

Weighing in at just 480 grams, the EF-S 18-135mm is a relatively lightweight and compact lens – important for travel photographers who want to minimize weight and maximize space in their gear bag .

And, with its 18-135mm focal range, whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or distant subjects, the Canon EF-S has you covered.

The lens features Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus technology, providing smooth and silent focusing during both still photography and video recording.

It is also equipped with Dynamic Image Stabilization (IS), which reduces the impact of camera shake.

This feature is invaluable for handheld shooting, ensuring sharp images even when using the lens at longer focal lengths or in low-light conditions – a common scenario in travel photography.

The overall image quality is excellent, too, something that Canon is well-known for. The images are sharp, well-contrasted, and with good color reproduction across its focal range.

Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR (Best Nikon Z DX Zoom for Travel Photography)

• Extremely lightweight and compact
• Good autofocus
• Good focal range
• Slightly cheap feel

The Nikon Z DX 16-50mm is exceptionally compact and lightweight, making it an ideal companion for travel photographers.

The lens’s sleek design ensures it takes up minimal space in your gear bag. It’s so sleek it almost looks like a pancake lens!

Not only that, but the lens also has an electrically retractable mechanism, allowing it to collapse into an even more compact form when not in use.

Despite its small form factor, it nevertheless covers a decent focal range, from 16mm to 50mm. This makes it well-suited for a variety of travel scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to portraits.

Overall, the image quality is good, and sharp throughout the range. That’s aided by built-in stabilization that eliminates the effects of camera shake when shooting handheld.

Equipped with a Stepping Motor autofocus system, the Nikon Z DX 16-50mm has fast, quiet, and precise focusing. This is super useful when shooting travel photos, as you need to react quickly and often be discrete.

• More: Best Lenses for Portrait Photography

Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E (Best Nikon DX Zoom for Travel Photography)

• Fast variable aperture

This lens gives you a bit more focal range to play with than the one above, and a faster variable aperture.

16-80mm gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of what you can shoot. It’s wide enough for architecture and landscapes, and also perfect for portraits and details shots.

It’s the kind of lens that, if you’re thinking of an all-around solution, this could be it.

Although variable aperture lenses aren’t the most convenient, f/2.8-4, gives this lens impressive low-light performance and creative depth of field control.

Its brighter aperture is especially good for dimly lit environments, so you can capture stunning images in indoor settings or even as the sun sets.

The lens also features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology, which ensures clear handheld images even at low shutter speeds and the end of the range.

The Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E has fast and accurate autofocus, as well as Nikon’s high-end Nano Crystal Coating and Extra-Low Dispersion elements, which help reduce lens flare, ghosting, and chromatic aberrations.

This means that the images it produces are high quality and with accurate color reproduction, even in the kind of challenging lighting situations that commonly occur in travel photography.

• More: 77 Awesome Travel Tips for Photographers

Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G (Best Sony E Zoom Lens for Travel Photography)

Credit: Marc Bergreen

• Great optics
• No image stabilization

This is an extremely versatile lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the focal range.

That bright aperture somewhat compensates for the lens’ lack of in-built image stabilization and allows for excellent low-light performance and creative control over the depth of field.

It’s compact and fairly light, and has a robust, weather-sealed build that can comfortably withstand the rigours of travel photography.

As photographers have come to expect from Sony, you also get excellent image quality, with sharp pictures and true-to-life colors, and great autofocus capabilities, essential for capturing those sometimes fleeting travel moments.

Best Prime Lenses for Travel Photography

In terms of both optical and build quality, nothing really beats primes.

So, if you can find one that suits your shooting style, choosing just one or two to put in your bag could be a good way to go.

The links below each section are to the full-frame equivalents.

As a focal length, 35mm is justifiably popular, as it provides a natural perspective that matches the field of view of the human eye.

They are sometimes referred to as the ‘storytelling lens’ because, given this natural feel, photographers easily feel in sync with their camera, which makes it easier to compose scenes.

They are ideal for capturing a wide range of scenarios, from street photography to environmental portraits.

Many 35mm primes feature wide apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/2, so they’re good in low light and can also handle high shutter speeds. This makes them extremely versatile.

Possibly the best lens for travel photography, and any photography.

A 24mm prime provides a broader view, allowing you to include more of a scene in your frame.

This makes it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture, particularly when you want to emphasize the scale or beauty of a location.

It’s also good for photographing, for example, bustling marketplaces or cultural events, as you can get right in the centre of the action and still fit plenty into the frame.

Despite being a wider focal length, a 24mm is also good for environmental portraits, as it can capture subjects in their surroundings, providing context and storytelling elements.

The nifty fifty is renowned for its flattering portrait perspective that allows you to isolate subjects from the background.

Many 50mm primes have wide apertures (f/1.8 or f/1.4), so you can create beautiful background blur and really emphasize your subject.

Those wide apertures mean they generally have great low-light performance, too.

50mm is also a good focal length for detail shots, such as a local artisan’s hands or the textures of street food or handicrafts.

What’s Best for Travel Photography: One Lens, Two Lenses, or a Three-Lens Kit?

Choosing the right combination of lenses for your travel photography kit is an important decision that can have a significant impact on what you can capture.

Do you travel as light as possible and take only one lens? Should you take more lenses to cover more situations?

Which focal lengths should you choose?

A telephoto lens? Zoom lenses or primes?

Let’s take a look at a few of the options.

One Lens Kit

My ideal one-lens kit would be my go-to lens for every kind of photography, a 24-70mm f/2.8, or a 24-105mm f/4.

These are generally high-quality lenses, and they are extremely versatile.

With their broad focal ranges, you can take wide-angle shots and also zoom in for portraits and other detail shots.

As you can shoot so much with them, and often won’t feel limited in any way, you can focus on being in the moment and just enjoy the photography.

Having one lens also means less weight to carry and less space taken up in your bag – perfect for those who prioritize traveling light.

If you have an f/2.8 aperture, it’s also fast enough that you can shoot in even challenging light conditions. With f/4, you may struggle more, but as a trade-off, you’ll get the extra focal length.

Two Lens Kit

My ideal two-lens kit would have a 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105 f/4, paired with either a 50mm f/1.4 or an 85mm f/1.2.

The 24-70mm covers a wide focal range, while 50mm and 85mm primes excel at portraits, detail shots and low-light situations.

As I’ve already run through the features of the 24-70mm and 24-105mm, I won’t repeat myself, so let’s consider the primes.

Choosing either of these primes will enhance your creativity. Their wide apertures can create beautiful background blur and enhance low-light performance.

Not only this, but shooting with primes forces you to move around more and immerse yourself in a scene to try out compositions, whereas, with a zoom lens, you can stand in one place and let the lens do more of the work.

In my opinion, when you’re traveling, anything that forces you to get more involved is a good thing.

A two-lens setup is also still relatively compact compared to a three-lens kit.

Three-Lens Kit

My ideal three-lens travel photography kit would be made up of a 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105mm f/4, with either a 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.2, and either a wide-angle lens (such as a 10-22mm) or a longer prime, such as a 135mm or a 200mm.

I’ll just cover the third lens here, to avoid repeating myself.

My reasoning for these two choices is that, with a third lens, you are starting to get into specialist travel photography.

The first one or two lenses are all-round options that will basically help you photograph pretty much anything.

When choosing a third lens, given it’s going to add more weight and cost, and is not totally essential, you need to pick something that will help you photograph something specific that your other two lenses might struggle with.

If you particularly like to photograph architecture or panoramas, you might want to consider a 10-20mm (or something close to those focal lengths).

If you like to take pictures with a lot of lens compression, shoot wildlife, landscape details, or creative portraits, a longer prime will definitely help.

With a three-lens kit, you’ll be ready for anything.

Single Zoom vs. Multiple Primes

When choosing the best lens for travel photography, you of course have to consider the differences between zoom lenses and primes.

If you choose to take a single zoom lens, you will have the ultimate in convenience and versatility.

You’ll never need to change your lens (or feel like you want to).

But there are limitations. They’re often not as good in low light, and they give you less creative control over depth of field compared to primes.

With primes, you get enhanced low-light performance, sharper image quality, and creative control with different focal lengths and apertures.

But, on the flipside, you’ll need to make (possibly frequent) lens changes, due to potential gaps in focal length coverage, and primes tend to weigh more.

FAQs About the Best Lens for Travel Photography

Which lens is used for travel photography?

Many lenses can be used for travel photography.

You can use a telephoto lens, zoom lenses or primes, and you can choose the focal length you need.

The important thing is that, whatever camera lenses you choose, they’re versatile enough that you can shoot in a variety of environments and situations.

What focal length is best for travel?

The best lens for travel photography in terms of focal length is the most versatile one.

Generally, if you have to choose one lens, a zoom with a focal range of 24-70mm or 24mm-105mm is best.

What is the best prime lens for travel photography?

The best prime lens for travel photography would be, depending on your shooting style and preferences, one of either a 24mm, 35mm, or 50mm. Only if you shoot wildlife would you need a telephoto lens.

What two lenses should I have for travel photography?

If you just want to take two camera lenses with you, I recommend you take one zoom lens (for versatility) and one prime (for creativity).

You'll Also Like These:

Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

IMO Sony’s best travel lenses are the 20-70 G and the 16-35 G. I take an RX1 or the FE 28mm as a (creative) prime.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

👋 WELCOME TO SHOTKIT!

🔥 Popular NOW:

Unlock the EXACT blueprint to capture breathtaking iPhone photos!

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Camera Lenses for Travel Photography

Last updated: April 7, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 71 Comments

As a professional travel photographer, I’m often asked about camera gear, and in particular, folks contact me to ask me what the best camera lens for travel photography is. Often people have bought a camera with an interchangeable lens, like a mirrorless or DSLR camera, and are looking to upgrade their kit to meet their needs.

I’ve already written a guide to the best cameras for travel photography , but as that only covers camera and not lenses, I thought it would make sense to follow up with a regularly updated guide to the best camera lenses  – specifically for travel photography purposes. After all, a camera is not much good without a lens!

Of course, this guide does assume you have a camera with interchangeable lenses, so that means a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera . Within those two groups though there are myriad camera and lens manufacturers. And for the most part, lenses made for one camera system won’t work on another system.

So for this post, I’ve first put together a general overview of what to look for when picking a travel lens, which will give you some pointers in terms of features to consider. That way no matter what brand and kind of system, you’ll know what to look for when shopping for a camera lens.

I’ve then provided specific recommendations for the more popular camera systems out there, including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony. Even if your particular manufacturer or camera mount isn’t mentioned, you should be able to get a good idea from this post of what to look for in a travel lens, which specifications matter, and an idea of price.

Speaking of price, as well as a guide to the best lens for travel photography for each camera brand, I’ve also suggested a couple of options for the best budget travel lens for each camera system. I know that lenses are expensive, and not everyone has a huge budget to spend! Let’s get started.

What to think about when picking a lens for travel photography

Picking a lens to travel with is a bit different to picking a lens for other situations. Not only will you be concerned with image quality, but also size and weight.

Whilst it would be wonderful to have a wide range of expensive lenses to take with us on all our trips, the reality of travel is that there is only so much we can take with us, and when you’re out and about all day sightseeing, you probably don’t want to be carrying too much.

So for travel photography, it’s better to try and focus on getting a smaller number of lenses that work well in a wide variety of situations. That way you are likely to actually take them with you and use them.

Of course, there are always going to be compromises – it’s hard to find a lens that does everything well, doesn’t cost too much, and is lightweight! But for travel photography, I think there are some good travel lens options out there.

You have a few options for lens types. My suggestion would be to invest in two lenses – a walkaround lens and a fast prime. An f/1.8 50mm would be the ideal.

Some manufacturers sell a travel kit, like this bundle from Canon , which can be a great value way to get some good lenses.

If you only want to invest in one lens because you don’t see yourself changing lens often, or carrying more than one lens, then you will want a good walkaround lens, and that’s what this guide will be focusing on.

What is a walkaround lens you ask? Well, it’s a lens that “does everything”. It covers a good range of focal lengths, meaning you can get wide angle shots as well as zoom in on further away objects. It’s basically a one size fits all lens for your travel photography needs.

You will often find that if you invest in a camera that it will come with a lens that will suffice as a walkaround lens. These will work fine but tend not to be the top quality lenses.

If you are more serious about photography and your budget allows, I’d recommend that you buy your preferred camera “body only”, and then invest in a nicer walkaround lens, such as the ones I recommend, rather than the standard kit lenses. Don’t be surprised if the lens is more expensive than the camera either – good lenses are expensive, and a worthy investment.

Price considerations – how much to spend on a camera lens for travel photography.

Speaking of money, I’ve done my best to provide a range of lenses across various price points. More expensive lenses tend to be more capable, but can also be heavier, so aren’t always the best solution for travel photography.

For the budget-conscious reading this, I’m also providing my suggested best budget travel lens for each category. I appreciate that not everyone has a big budget for a new lens, so I want to provide some good value options too.

If none of the lenses in this post fit your budget, my advice would be to either stick with the kit lens that comes with your camera, or to check out the second hand lens market on either Amazon on eBay . For more on buying second hand camera equipment, see my guide to buying used camera equipment .

Now, before we dive into individual travel lens recommendations, let’s take a look at some of the key terminology and other considerations you need to be aware of when looking for a lens for travel photography.

Inside a lens, there’s a hole that lets the light through to the camera’s sensor. This hole is referred to as an aperture. An aperture can change in size, with a bigger aperture letting more light in, and a smaller aperture letting less light in.

An aperture can be thought of as the pupil of your eye. When it’s bright outside, it is smaller so less light gets in. When you’re in a darker environment, perhaps at night, it opens really wide to let more light in.

The important number for lens apertures is how big the hole goes, which will dictate how well the lens will perform in low light situations. A wider aperture also allows for greater control over depth of field. See my guide to depth of field for more on that.

When you look at the specifications for a lens, it will always have the widest aperture listed as one of the key specifications. It will be a number, something like 2.8, 4.0 or 5.6. It may also be written as f/2.8, which is the formal way of denoting aperture. The smaller the number, the wider the hole.

Some lenses, and in particular the walkaround lenses we are going to be looking at, will have what is known as a variable maximum aperture. This means that the aperture will actually change as you zoom in and out, or change focal length. This is because as the lens barrel gets longer, the maximum aperture get smaller.

So for example, you might see a lens with an aperture of f3.5-5.6. This means that at the wide angle, the aperture is f/3.5, but when you zoom in, the aperture will drop, down to f/5.6 when you are fully zoomed in.

For travel photography, as with most photography, the wider the aperture the better – more light getting in means better low-light performance, making the lens more versatile for a range of photography situations. This is particularly useful for situations like taking photos of the stars , or shooting the northern lights .

The trade-off is that wider aperture lenses tend to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive. This will be considered in the lens selection.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens is directly related to how much magnification it provides. It’s a number that’s measured in millimetres (mm), with the general rule being that the higher the number in millimetres, the more magnification you get, and the smaller the number in mm, the less magnification you get.

If you’ve previously used a compact camera (aka point-and-shoot), you’ll be used to this being described in terms of optical zoom – for example, a camera might have 10x optical zoom. That means that the difference in magnification between the most zoomed out setting and the most zoomed in setting is 10x.

In focal length terms, each doubling of the focal length results in a doubling of the magnification. So a 100mm lens will essentially make everything twice as big as a 50mm lens.

Unfortunately, matters get a bit confusing after this, because focal lengths have a different effect on different cameras. This is because camera’s have different sensor sizes, which affects the focal length, in what is known as a crop factor.

To take the example of the Canon DSLR camera systems. There are two main types of cameras available, the APS-C size cameras such as the consumer Rebel line, and the full frame size sensors in more professional cameras like the Canon 6D or 5D line.

Some of Canon’s lenses will work on both of these camera systems, but they will give different focal lengths. On the full frame cameras, the focal length will be as expected. On the APS-C sensor, there is a “crop factor” of 1.6, because the sensor is smaller. So a 100mm lens on an APS-C sized sensor will give the same result in terms of the image as you would be able to achieve with a 160mm lens on a full frame camera.

Thankfully, lens manufacturers all use the same focal length standard, so when buying lenses for your particular system, all you need to know is the crop factor. You can then multiply this by the focal length to get the equivalent focal length.

Don’t worry if this isn’t quite clear, for the lenses I recommend I will list both the focal length and the equivalent focal length where relevant. Equivalent focal length is what you need to really worry about, as it will let you compare lenses more effectively.

For travel photography, you want a lens that goes from fairly wide (16mm – 30mm) on the wide end, through to fairly zoomed in (70mm – 150mm) on the narrow end. This will give you good flexibility, letting you shoot wide scenes such as buildings on city streets, through to zooming in on the details. A good benchmark lens is a 24-70 f/2.8, which is generally known as the walkaround lens of choice for professional photographers.

There are some walkaround lenses which offer much greater focal lengths, well past 200mm, including some of the recommendations in this guide. Just be aware that there are always trade-offs to consider, and whilst these can offer tremendous versatility, it’s often at the expense of weight and image quality, and in particular, image sharpness, at the longer end of zoom range (beyond 200mm usually).

I’m not saying not to invest in these lenses, just to be aware that there’s no such thing as a perfect lens for all situations!

Filter Thread

When you buy a lens, it’s always a good idea to pick up a UV filter  to protect the front. You may also want a polarising filter  (read about polarising filters here ), or a neutral density filter  (see my guide to neutral density filters here ).

You’ll notice that these filters come in different sizes, and the filter thread size on the lens, measured in millimetres, tells you what that size is. It’s basically just a measurement of the diameter of the lens, which is the end you put the filter on. Ok, that was an easy one.

Image Stabilisation

Camera lens manufactures have all kinds of fun terms they use for image stabilisation. These include IS (Canon), OIS (Panasonic), VR (Nikon), OS (Sigma), VC (Tamron) – the list goes on .

Whilst the names and underlying technology vary, the aim is the same – to compensate for any movement introduced by the person holding the lens (that’s you), to help you shoot at lower shutter speeds without getting blurry photos.

As a general rule of thumb, the minimum shutter speed you can hand hold a lens for is the inverse of the focal length. So if you have a 200mm lens, you would not want to shoot at shutter speeds slower than 1/200th of a second. A 50mm lens would be 1/50th of a second.

Image stabilisation technologies exist to help you get shots at lower shutter speeds than that, and they are usually rated in terms of how many extra “stops” they give you to play with. A “stop” is photography dialog for a halving, or doubling, of the light.

So if you went from 1/100th of a second to 1/50th of a second shutter speed and didn’t change anything else, that would be 1 stop.

Modern image stabilisation technologies offer between 3 and 5 stops of stabilisation. To put that in practical terms, if you are shooting with a 200mm lens at 1/200th of a second, 3 stops would let you hand hold down to 1/25th of a second. 5 stops would let you hand hold and still get sharp images as slow as 1/6th of a second!

As you can see, image stabilisation can make a huge difference, and it is definitely worth thinking about when looking for a lens. Of course, as with everything, there are tradeoffs, and an image stabilized lens will often be more expensive and slightly heavier than an equivalent non-stabilized version.

Weight is a pretty key consideration when it comes to picking a travel lens, as the idea is that you’re going to be using the lens for travelling. I don’t know about you, but the less I have to carry the better, especially if I’m going to be on my feet all day. So definitely keep the weight of your purchase in mind.

As well as weight, you’re going to want to factor in the size of the camera lens. Portability can be an important factor for a travel photography lens, particularly if you’re travelling and prefer to pack carry-on only. So consider how big the lens is in physical terms when making a decision.

Mount Compatibility

When you attach a lens to a camera body, obviously it has to fit in place. It’s like a puzzle with two pieces – the lens has to be the right shape to fit into place and lock tightly.

In addition, because the camera needs to communicate with the lens to set things like aperture, focus and zoom, the electronic connections between the lens and the camera body need to line up and be compatible.

The system that is used is known as a lens mount. You basically “mount” the lens onto the camera. Most camera manufacturers have their own lens mount system or systems, so when you buy a lens, you need to make sure it is compatible with the mount type on your camera.

Many manufacturers have multiple lens mounts, depending on the type of camera. For example, Canon cameras can have an EF-S mount, an EF mount, an EF-M mount and an RF mount.

It is very important when buying a lens to ensure that it has a compatible lens mount for your camera. Note that some lenses will work with multiple lens mounts – for example, an EF lens will work on both an EF and an EF-S mount. However, an EF-S lens will only work with an EF-S lens mount, and not with an EF mount.

Usually the mount type is made clear in the name of the lens. For example, the Canon EF 16-35 f/4L IS is an “EF” lens, which you can see in the name of the lens. So this will work with an Canon EF or Canon EF-S camera body.

If you are buying a lens from a third party manufacturer such as Tamron or Sigma, be aware that they usually make multiple versions of each lens, with different mounts. So always make sure you buy the version that will fit your camera.

Well, that sums up some thoughts on the various factors, features and terminology you need to consider when looking to buy a travel lens.

Now, let’s dive into some specific recommendations across various camera systems to give you some idea of what’s available at different price points.

Note that these are primarily walkaround lenses that are suited for travel, rather than for a specific function like macro photography or astrophotography. If you are interested in the latter, see our guide to northern lights photography , which has some specific lens recommendations for night situations.

The Best Micro Four Thirds Lens for Travel Photography

Micro Four Thirds camera are a popular choice for photographers. These mirrorless systems are lightweight and portable, yet offer everything you would expect from a bigger SLR style camera, including full manual controls and great image quality.

There are a number of manufacturers, with the most popular being Panasonic and Olympus. We use and love our Panasonic GX8 which is a staple part of our travel photography gear .

Both of these manufacturers have their own proprietary lens stabilisation system that takes advantages of stabilisation technology in both the camera body and the lens. This means that whilst lenses will work across different micro four thirds cameras, to take full advantage of the stabilisation technology you need to match brands – so a Panasonic lens needs to go on a Panasonic camera body for the best results.

In terms of crop factors micro four thirds cameras have a 2x crop factor, so you need to double focal lengths to get the equivalent focal length.

1. Panasonic Lumix G Leica 8-18mm F2.8-4.0

With a 16-36mm equivalent focal length, this is the lens to get if you love shooting really wide. Personally, my wide angle lens is the lens I use the most, so this is what I’d go for on this camera system, even if it’s not quite as flexible across shooting situations as something with a greater focal range. It doesn’t have image stabilisation, but as the lens is so light that’s less of an issue, and image stabilisation on a wide-angle isn’t as critical.

Weight: 11.11 oz / 315 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here 

2. Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG 12-60mm Power O.I.S. F2.8-4.0

As a walkaround travel lens, it’s hard to argue with this 12-60mm lens from Panasonic, which offers a 24-120mm equivalent focal length and sharp results throughout that focal length, even shooting wide open. The aperture stops down a bit as you zoom in, but this is a lightweight lens that will do pretty much everything you could want, and includes image stabilization (Power O.I.S).

Weight: 11.29 oz / 320g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

3.  Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8

My choices for the Olympus micro four thirds system are essentially their versions of the Panasonic lenses above. This is the wide angle, with a focal length equivalent of 12mm – 28mm.

With a fixed f/2.8 aperture this is a very fast lens at all focal lengths, although this does make it a little bit heavier.

It also comes with dust and weather sealing. It doesn’t have lens based image stabilisation, but the majority of Olympus MFT cameras have in-body stabilisation which makes up for this.  

Weight: 1.17lb / 543g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

4. Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-100 F4.0 IS PRO

With a focal length equivalent to 24-200, this is pretty much the perfect walk around length for travel photographers. It is water and dustproof, and features image stabilisation equivalent to an incredible 6.5 stops when used with a compatible Olympus camera.

That added focal length does add some weight and bulk though. If you’d prefer a lighter lens and a faster aperture at the expense of focal length, check out the cheaper  Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-40 F2.8  instead.

Weight: 1.23lb / 561g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Budget Micro Four Thirds Lens

1. panasonic lumix g vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 power o.i.s.

This is essentially a slower version of the Panasonic 12-60mm lens above, at half the price. It’s also significantly lighter than that lens. Impressively for a lens at this price point, it comes with image stabilisation as well as a splash and dust-proof body, making it ideal as a travel lens.

At a similar price point there’s also the slightly heavier  14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens from Panasonic, but whilst you gain a lot in focal length, you lose out on that weather resistance, so it’s up to you.

Weight : 7.41oz / 210g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II

Weight: 10 oz / 284g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

The Best Mirrorless Lens for Travel Photography for Sony Cameras

For the purposes of this guide, I’m going to be talking about Sony’s E-mount lenses, which work on their mirrorless camera systems including APS-C models like the a6600 as well as full frame mirrorless models like the a7 range.

Note that there are two types of E mount lenses, “FE” lenses, which will work on both full frame and APS-C sized Sony cameras, and non FE lenses which are designed for APS-C sizes sensors only. While you can use a non-FE lens on a full frame camera, it will reduce the image resolution and field of view to be equivalent to an APS-C sized sensor, so I’d advise against that.

There are also “G” series lenses, which are Sony’s more professional lenses – similar to Canon’s “L” series. These offer greater image quality and performance, usually with a higher price tag to match.

Some Sony cameras offer in-body image stabilisation, but ideally you’ll want it in the lens. Sony’s image stabilization technology is known as OSS (optical steady shot).

1. Sony 18-105mm f/4 OSS G

With an equivalent focal length of 27mm – 158mm, and a fixed aperture throughout that focal length, this lens is ideal for travel photography. It’s also a G series lens, which means it is higher quality lens compared to their standard, non G lenses. It’s primarily designed for Sony’s APC-C sensor cameras, so not really recommended for their full frame bodies, but it is very well priced.

Weight: 15.06oz / 427g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Sony E 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 OSS

With an E mount lens for APS-C camera compatibility, this lens is firmly aimed at travel photographers wanting a great Sony walkaround lens at a price that won’t destroy the bank. With image stabilization and good performance across a good focal length, this lens is a great bargain if you’re looking for an easy upgrade from the kit lens.

3. Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 OSS

Covering the classic focal length of 24-70 on a full-frame camera (36-105mm on an APS-C), this is a relatively fast lens that offers excellent image quality and portability at a relatively affordable price point. There’s also an f/2.8 “G” version of this lens which is approximately twice as expensive and also heavier, but may be worth it if you need that extra stop of light.

Weight: 15.03oz / 426g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

4. Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5 – 6.3 OSS

Covering a truly staggering focal range of 24-240mm (36-360mm APS-C), this Sony FE lens is perhaps the ultimate walkaround lens for the Sony system. It may have a variable aperture, but given how well Sony’s cameras perform even at high ISO ratings, you probably won’t notice that too much.

If you want a lens that can shoot everything from far away wildlife to portraits to landscapes, this is a great choice at an excellent price point. Just be aware that it is heavier than the other options due to that extended focal length.

Weight: 1.72 lb / 780g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and A dorama here

5. Sony FE 16-35 f/4 OSS

If you’re after something wider, then this is the lens to go for, especially for full frame cameras (APS-C owners should instead consider the cheaper 10-18mm f/4 for wide angle work).

With a relatively fast fixed aperture, super-wide capabilities and even image stabilisation, this is the lens for landscape and architecture photographers to look at.

Weight: 1.14lb / 518g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here  

6. Sony 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OSS

If you’re on Sony’s APS-C sensor system, then you might want to consider this lens instead of the 24-240mm lens above, as it offers a wider 27mm equivalent at the wide end. It’s also a relatively light lens given the focal range, making it a good choice for travel photographers trying to keep the weight down.

Weight: 1.16lb / 524g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Budget Mirrorless Lens for Sony

1. sony fe 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 oss lens.

Being an FE lens, this will work on both full frame and APS-C sized Sony bodies – on the latter it would offer an equivalent focal length of 38 – 105mm, which is useful for many situations except particularly wide work. A good value lens.

Weight: 10.41 oz / 295 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Sony 55-210mm f4.5-6.3 OSS

If you’re looking for a bit more range, perhaps to compliment the kit lens that came with your Sony camera, this is one of the better priced telephoto zoom lenses from Sony that is also incredibly light for the focal range on offer.

Of course, it’s not the sharpest lens in the world, especially at the 200mm end (315mm equivalent), but it does feature image stabilisation and is a bargain to boot.

Weight: 12.16 oz / 345g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

The Best DSLR Lens for Travel Photography for Nikon Cameras

For the longest time, the two main choices for photographers looking for camera gear were Nikon and Canon. That has certainly changed, but these two manufacturers definitely account for the highest percentage of cameras sold today.

Because they’ve both been around for so long there are literally hundreds of lenses to choose from for each system, both made by the manufacturers themselves, and lenses made by third parties.

Sifting through these choices to find the perfect travel lens is definitely a challenge, but I’ve narrowed down the various options to some of the best options to help you make an informed decision.

1. Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

An ideal walkaround lens at a good price point for Nikon full-frame users (known as FX in Nikon speak). This lens covers a very wide focal range with a reasonable fast aperture, and offers image stabilisation (Nikon calls it VR, for vibration reduction).

Owners of Nikon’s APS-C sized sensor camera bodies (DX format) should consider either the 18-300mm lens below, or the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 , which will give a bit more flexibility on the wide end.

Weight: 1.76 lb / 800 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G VR II

There’s also an 18-200 version which can be found marginally cheaper, but as it weighs the same I’d go with this one.

Weight: 1.21 lb / 550g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

3. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR

Nikon’s 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is one of the most popular lenses for photographers of all types, particularly on full frame bodies. Its fast aperture throughout the focal length makes it great for low light photography and portrait work, and the relatively wide angle makes it a great landscape lens.

It even has image stabilization! It is expensive and heavy (consider the Sigma equivalent too), but if it’s the only lens in your bag you might not mind so much.

Weight: 2.35lb / 1070g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

4. Nikon DX 16-80mm f/2.4-4E VR

This lens is only for crop sensors, but it offers an excellent range of focal lengths, a fast aperture range and it is known for producing very sharp images. It’s also very light, making it a great option for travel photography, and features image stabilisation at a reasonable price.

Weight : 16.93 oz / 480g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Budget DSLR Lens for Nikon

1. nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 vr.

For a DX camera, this is an excellent Nikon lens that covers a wide focal range, has image stabilization, and produces sharp images. It’s very well priced for what you get, is relatively light, and will serve you well as a travel photography walk around lens.

Weight: 1.08lb / 490g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR

FX format users on a tighter budget should definitely consider this lens, which offers reasonably fast performance and a good range of focal lengths in an affordable and lightweight package that also includes image stabilisation.

Weight:  1.02 lb / 465 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

The Best DSLR Lens for Travel Photography for Canon Cameras

Like Nikon, the Canon camera system has been around for a long time, and there’s an incredible selection of lenses to choose from, both directly from Canon, and from third party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. This huge amount of choice can be overwhelming, but I’m going to do my best to provide a few options to get you started.

Note that Canon has three main lens mount systems – EF, EF-S, and RF. The first two are for their DSLR cameras, the latter is for their new full frame mirrorless camera system. This is a new mount, launched in 2018. I mention it because there is a Canon adaptor meaning all EF and EF-S lenses will work on RF mount cameras.

EF lenses will fit on all Canon’s cameras (RF with an adaptor), whilst the EF-S lenses will only fit EF-S mount cameras (and RF cameras with the adaptor).

EF-S cameras are essentially all the consumer focused models such as the Rebel series. Canon has its own stabilisation system, which it calls IS (image stabilisation).

1. Canon EF 16-35 f/4L IS

This ultrawide Canon lens is incredibly sharp, and an excellent choice for landscape and architecture lovers. It’s our current go-to lens for these purposes in our travel photography bag.

Whilst the f/4 aperture isn’t too wide, this lens features image stabilisation technology that promises up to four stops of stabilisation, which makes this a great choice for low-light work. It’s also not too heavy. APS-C owners should consider the cheaper and significantly lighter 10-18mm IS instead .

Weight: 1.35 lb / 615 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II

This is the walk around lens of choice for many full frame Canon professionals as it offers sharp performance and a fast fixed f/2.8 aperture across the frame. This lens is great for everything from portraits to landscapes, and is one of the most popular lenses amongst Canon shooters.

This lens is quite pricey and fairly heavy though, so do also consider the Sigma equivalent which is significantly cheaper and includes image stabilisation, which is notably absent from this Canon lens.

Weight : 1.77 lb / 805 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

3. Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L IS II

If the Canon 24-70 above is a bit pricey, or you’d prefer image stabilization and a slightly longer focal length, then the excellent EF 24-105 f/4 L is a great choice. Despite the longer focal length, it’s actually a slightly lighter option.

This lens will work with both full frame and crop sensor cameras, on the latter it will have an equivalent focal length of 38 –  168mm.

Weight: 1.75 lb / 795g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

4. Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC

There are lots of third party options for Canon, with Tamron being a popular choice for value oriented buyers. This Tamron covers an excellent focal range in a relatively lightweight, low-cost design.

This 28-300mm is a great walkaround lens choice covering a wide focal range, especially for full frame shooters who don’t want the weight or cost of Canon’s L series lenses.

Weight: 1.19 lb / 540 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here  

5.  Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 VC

Owners of APS-C Canon cameras should definitely consider this incredible Tamron lens, which offers a mind blowing focal length (29 – 640mm equivalent) on Canon’s crop sensor cameras. It also has image stabilisation and an aperture range which is not too bad considering that incredible zoom. It’s also very well priced, and less heavy than you might expect for the focal length.

If you’d prefer a first party lens walkaround lens for your Canon APS-C camera, another option is the Canon EF-S 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 IS , which is a tiny bit lighter, but loses a lot of that lovely focal length, and is also slightly more expensive.

Weight: 1.56 lb / 710 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Budget DSLR Lens for Canon Cameras

1. sigma 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 dc os.

If you’re looking for a lens that covers a very wide focal range, produces sharp images, and won’t break the bank, look no further than this excellent Sigma. This will only work on Canon’s APS-C range such as the Canon Rebel line, or Canon SL2, but it offers excellent performance, image stabilization and an incredible focal range (29mm – 480mm equivalent) in a well priced and lightweight package.

Weight: 1.28 lb / 584 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here  

2. Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX

Lovers of wide-angle photography should shortlist this Tokina lens for Canon’s EF-S camera mount. With a very wide f/2.8 aperture, and a superwide focal length, this lens is perfect for landscape photography, low-light photography, and even taking pictures of the stars . Well priced too!

Weight: 1.23 lb / 560 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

The Best Mirrorless Lens for Travel Photography for Canon Cameras

Canon also makes mirrorless cameras, which come in two mount types, EF-M and RF.

The EF-M mount launched in 2012, and is for Canon’s EOS M range of cameras. These mirrorless cameras feature an APS-C sized sensor, and are primarily aimed at consumers and prosumers.

The RF mount launched in 2018, and is Canon’s newest mount. This features on Canon’s full frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras, including the R5, R6, R7 and R10.

It’s worth noting that Canon produces an RF mount adaptor and an EF-M mount adaptor for both EF and EF-S lenses. This means you can use EF and EF-S lenses on the Canon EF-M mount cameras, as well as Canon RF mount cameras.

So if you have an EF-M or RF mount camera, you might still prefer to buy one of the previously mentioned EF lenses, as these have the widest compatibility, and will work across all Canon’s cameras.

That said, an EF-M lens will be smaller and lighter, whilst the RF lenses take full advantage of the wider size of the mount, meaning these lenses can offer wider apertures. RF and RF-S lenses also have additional control rings on the lens itself, which can make for fast on the fly settings adjustments.

Whilst there aren’t currently as many EF-M, RF or RF-S lenses on the market as there are EF and EF-S lenses, there are still plenty to choose from. Here are some options that should work well for travel photography, across a range of budgets.

1. Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC

Given the focal range, the lens is relatively lightweight, and you get good performance for a reasonable price. Definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a native EF-M mount lens.

Weight:   1.55lb /  459g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

Weight:   4.6oz / 130 g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

3. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

Moving onto the RF lenses for Canon’s full frame mirrorless cameras, and the first in our list is this versatile 24-240mm option. This offers an excellent focal range for travel photography, making this a good choice as a walkaround lens. You get a fairly fast f/4 aperture at the wide end, although this does drop off to f/6.3 as you zoom in.

You also get Canon’s image stabilization and fast, silent autofocus system. It’s also relatively light and compact for a full frame lens with this range, and the price is good for what you get.

Weight:   1.65lb /  750g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

4. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Naturally Canon also has a range of their premium “L” lenses available for the RF mount. The 24-105 f/4 is an excellent RF mount lens for travel photography, offering a useful focal range as well as a fixed f/4 aperture throughout the whole focal length.

You also get image stabilization, fast and silent autofocusing, in a relatively compact and lightweight lens.

Weight:   1.54lb /  700g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

5. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

If, like me, you love wide angle photography, then you are definitely going to want to check out Canon’s awesome 15-35mm wide angle lens for the RF mount. The RF mount has allowed Canon to go all the way to 15mm with their wide angle zoom, and you get a fast f/2.8 aperture through the focal length as well.

You also get image stabilization and fast and silent autofocusing. It’s not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but performance is superb.

This lens is the part of what photographers refer to as the “holy trinity” of lenses that professional photographers aim to have in their kitbag. They are all expensive, but image quality and performance can’t be beaten. If you are looking for the rest of the “holy trinity” of RF lenses, Canon also has the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM available for purchase.

Weight:   1.85lb /  840g Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

6. Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

In 2022, Canon launched the first of their mirrorless APS-C sensor cameras with an R mount, the EOS R7 and the EOS R10. These cameras actually come with an RF mount, meaning they are compatible with RF lenses and EF & ES-S lenses. For RF and EF lenses, you do get a 1.6x crop factor.

Canon has also launched RF-S lenses. Despite the name, the RF-S mount is the same as the RF mount, the only difference is that these lenses are designed for the new cameras, meaning they are smaller and lighter as they don’t need to produce such a large image.

The lens we recommend you consider as a walk around lens is the RF-S 18-150mm. On a R7 or R10, this has an equivalent focal length of 28.8-240mm, which is ideal for most travel photography situations.

You also get built-in image stabilization, and the maximum aperture of f/3.5 is very good. It’s also remarkably light.

Weight:   10.9oz / 310g Check price on  B&H here and Adorama here

Further Reading

Well, that sums up my guide to the best travel lenses for travel photography! I hope you found it informative and useful in your quest to find the perfect travel lens for you. Before you head off, I want to share with you a few more resources that will help you on your photography journey.

• My guide to picking the best travel camera – after all, a lens isn’t much good without a great camera to pair it with! We also have guides to the best point and shoot cameras , the best mirrorless cameras , the best cameras for hiking and backpacking , the best action cameras , and the best DSLR cameras for travel photography .
• Photos need editing to get the best out of them. See our guide to the best photo editing software for our suggestions. If you’re looking for something to edit your photos on, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing
• If you’re looking for something for someone else, see our guide to the best gifts for photographers for ideas
• My series of  Photography Tips , which I am always expanding and updating with posts like this one
• My always expanding series of  Photography Location Guides , to help you get the best shot in locations around the world.
• An overview of my  Travel Photography Gear , in case you wondered what a professional photographer has in his bag
• A  Beginners’ Guide to Improving your Travel Photos for those starting out in travel photography. We also have a guide to how to use a DSLR to help you if you are starting out with this type of camera system.
• Our reasons why you need a travel tripod

Looking to Improve Your Photography?

If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my  online travel photography course .

Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000 students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.

It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography, and HDR photography.

You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a Facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.

It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by  clicking here .

And that’s it for my guide to picking the best camera lens for travel photography. I’ll be keeping this post updated as new lenses are released for the various systems, so you can always check back for advice if you need it. I’m also happy to answer your specific questions about picking a lens for your camera system – just pop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to give my thoughts and advice!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 71 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Vladielna says

4th October 2023 at 6:31 am

Hi Laurence,

Hope it’s not weird to get a comment on this post in 2023. I have a sony Alpha 6400 that I got earlier this year and I was wondering about the 55-210 e-mount lens you mentioned. My dad bought it for his 5N back in the day and I was hoping to use it for my camera however I have noticed that the AF is much worse on the 6400 than it is on the 5N where it will take multiple times to try and find the right focal length over the span of 3 seconds and yet still not be in focus I am not sure why that is and I was hoping you could provide some insight into this behaviour.

Thanks, Vladielena

Laurence Norah says

4th October 2023 at 8:10 am

Hi Vladielna

Of course, you are welcome to comment. I do keep our content up to date, so even if a post was originally published a while ago I do my best to keep to relevant 🙂

On to your question. So the 6400 should have a pretty good focus system, but it’s hard to diagnose the issue without knowing the focus mode in use and what scenario you are taking photos of. Some focus situations are more challenging for a camera to work in, such as lower light scenes or scenes where there isn’t much to focus on (like a plain surface). If you could let me know what you are struggling to photograph and focus mode you are using I can do my best to offer some input!

20th August 2022 at 11:50 pm

I’ve been looking to get into photography for a bit. Pretty settled on getting the 6D Mark II. Any recommendations for lens? I do a good bit of hiking, some traveling through the city and museums, some international travel, and a good bit of stuff outside. Any help is appreciated!

22nd August 2022 at 5:59 pm

Sure thing. So a lot will obviously depend on your budget. A good walk around lens with the 6D might be the Canon 24-105 f/4 L, which covers a useful focal range. If you want more range and are on more of a budget, Tamron’s 28-300 is a good option, although it isn’t quite as wide. Personally I prefer a wide angle lens, but it’s a personal preference. You can always shoot more frames and stitch them together of course.

If you wanted to give me an idea of budget, I’m happy to give some more ideas. Just one thing to bear in mind is that there’s always some sort of trade off when it comes to gear, be it maximum aperture, weight, cost or reach. No-one has come up with the perfect lens that does everything yet!

26th August 2022 at 11:28 pm

Hi Laurence! Thanks for the response! I think the 24-105 is purchasable with the body. For budget I’d probably like to stay under 2k for lens as I’m just getting my feet wet. I’ve seen a canon 50mm f/1.8 stm recommended, any thoughts on thus lens ?

27th August 2022 at 12:35 pm

My pleasure! Yes, the 6D Mark II does usually have the option for the 24-105 as a “kit” lens, but it’s definitely more than your standard kit lens and worth adding on in my opinion.

The 50mm f/1.8, or nifty fifty as it’s often referred to, is a fantastic lens, especially for the price. I recommend everyone has one. It’s not necessarily a “travel” lens because most folks looking for a travel lens want something that covers a range of focal lengths. However, I always suggest people pick one up because it’s a great option for portrait work and anything else where you want a nice shallow depth of field. It can also work as a travel lens, you just have to get used to moving yourself around rather than using the zoom, which is actually not a bad thing.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your new gear!

Arijit says

19th July 2020 at 3:46 pm

Great article! Hope you would be able to help me take my decision.

I own a Nikon D5200 (DX) and looking for a single lens which covers all or most aspects of photography (wide angle, portrait, zoom, etc). I had filtered down to 3 lenses- Nikon 18-300 mm (best for Nikon cameras as per your article), Sigma 18-300mm with Macro, Tamron 16-300 with Macro. I had Tamron 18-400 mm in my mind as well but then I thought that additional 100mm is not something I would fancy, as 300mm is still good enough for me and with the Sigma 300mm lens I am getting macro function.

All these 3 lenses are in same price range. But what I researched and understood was that Sigma lenses have best image quality of the three. Undoubtedly, Nikkor has the best overall optics but with Sigma I am also getting a macro feature which I feel I might use more than the 300mm though it is still good to have range.

I also heard that with Sigma 18-300, we might experience stabilization issues at higher mm for video. My requirement is to have the best of image and video quality with a single lens.

Would be grateful if you could share some thoughts on what should I consider.

Thanks in advance!

19th July 2020 at 8:18 pm

Thanks very much! So the lenses you list have some differences. Between the Tamron and the Sigma the Sigma as you say should have the best image quality, specifically sharpness, which is definitely important. Overall though the Nikon is generally better. I would also say that the Macro designation of the Tamron and Sigma is a bit misleading. Whilst they have a slightly closer minimum focus distance than the Nikon, neither are true macro lenses. A true macro lens would allow you to shoot an image with 1:1 magnification, meaning that the size of the image in real life is the same size as it’s reproduced on the sensor. The Tamron and Sigma both only offer a 1:3 magnification.

The reason these two lenses have the macro name is because they can both focus on objects that are within 39cm of the camera, whilst the Nikon has a minimum focus distance of 49cm. Honestly, this is not a big difference, and you will not get a real macro experience from any of these lenses, certainly not enough to make a difference. Usually a macro lens can focus on objects that are 30cm or less from the end of the camera.

So for this reason I would probably recommend the Nikon for overall best performance 🙂

I hope this helps!

Debasis Goswami says

27th February 2020 at 3:44 pm

You never want to put a UV filter for a digital camera. Useless and makes any lens perform poorly. That was such a put off right at the beginning.

27th February 2020 at 3:50 pm

Hi Debasis,

I have to respectfully disagree. A UV filter has protected my lens from damage on a number of occasions, where the filter has been destroyed but the lens is fine. In addition, a good quality UV filter is just a piece of glass, as is the rest of the lens. Studies have shown minimal to no impact in image quality, and it’s generally not noticeable either unless you’re pixel peeping.

In addition, the majority of “weather-sealed” lenses are only truly weather sealed with a filter on.

Of course, I don’t advocate putting a $10 filter on a thousand dollar+ lens. But I do think they are worth it. That said, each to their own. Whatever works for you is best 🙂

Thanks for your comment,

10th November 2019 at 1:14 am

I own a Canon 80D with 10-18 lens, 15-85 Aps-cl ens (probably selling),55-250 (never used probably selling) and Tamron 18-400. I just purchased 24-70 f/4L lens and am thinking of purchasing Canon 6D mark II. I use the 80D for everything and I am thinking the full frame 6DMII will help me get nice crisp pictures in low light and other shots. Do you think this is a good idea to have the crop and get a FF camera? I am not a beginner and not advanced photographer in between the two and still learning

10th November 2019 at 12:05 pm

The 6D Mark 2 is a great camera and will compliment your crop sensor nicely. I always have two bodies, although they are both full frame, it just makes it easier to get shots sometimes without having to mess around switching lenses.

6th September 2019 at 2:31 pm

Hello Laurence, We enjoyed your very well written article. We are getting ready to leave on safari and are looking at purchasing a mirrorless camera. We are very intermediate photographers. We currently use a Canon EOS 7D. We were contemplating staying with Canon due to familiarity. However, your article, as well as others, is pointing toward Sony. What is your recommendation? Lenses, etc? The Sony A7III sounds like the best set up (battery life, etc). What about ease of use? Also, I suppose a need a 200mm or longer telephoto lens, correct. I’m not sure I wanted to invest $5,000 in a camera as we are far from avid photographers. We are traveling more though and expect to get more into photography as we travel. Looking forward to your feedback. Thank you!

6th September 2019 at 3:37 pm

Thanks very much. I would say that if you are happy with the Canon 7D, you should stick with it and spend the money on a lens. A crop sensor camera is a good option for wildlife photography as it gets you closer to the action with the same focal length lens compared to a full frame camera. I would also add that if you are used to the Canon menu system, the Sony will take some getting used to, and many Canon photographers are not keen on the color of the images that Sony cameras produce.

I would instead suggest that you invest in a decent lens for wildlife photography for your Canon, or at least look to rent one. I’d advise something like the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 + a 2x doubler (quite a flexible setup), or the Sigma 150-500. The latter is a bit slower, but the zoom range is pretty amazing!

I hope this helps, let me know if I can help further,

EllenH says

4th September 2019 at 2:19 pm

I have one more question…if I rent a lens or two for my vacation to try out… which ones you choose to shoot Athens Greece and Paros Greece… I have only been in photography 6 months and have a canon EOS rebel T7i

EllenM says

4th September 2019 at 12:17 pm

I have a Canon Rebel T7i… on my next travel we are going to Greece… I will be taking pictures of sunsets, archeology sites, views of the acropolis, Parthenon, mount lycabetta; views of boats and white houses… what is your suggested lens? Sigma 18-300 or the canon 50?

4th September 2019 at 7:06 pm

I would definitely go for the 18-300 which would give you a lot more range and choices for your photography. The 50mm is a great lens, but having a fixed focal length will definitely restrict you!

4th September 2019 at 8:15 pm

I am considering renting… should I stay with this option?

5th September 2019 at 8:08 am

It’s up to you! Are you renting because you want to trial a lens for a future purchase, or just as a one-off? I’d say the Sigma lens you previously mentioned would be a good option in general, but you could rent a more premium lens. I don’t think it would make a huge difference – normally I’d recommend renting for more specialised trips like safaris or other wildlife encounters, where a really nice expensive zoom lens will make a huge difference – but it’s not a lens you’d really use very often otherwise.

I hope this helps 🙂

4th September 2019 at 1:36 am

Hello from Puerto Rico!

I currently own a Canon 6D Mark II eith a 24-105 mm f4 II Lens. I also own a Rokinon 14mm f 2.8 AF and a Tamron 35-105 mm f2.8. I have some traveling planned for November to Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. What should I bring in? Do I need a better Zoom lens such as a 70-200 mm ? I currently have a 75-300 mm f3.5-5.6 crop sensor lens from a previous Canon Camera. Can’t wait for your recommendations!

Best Regards!

4th September 2019 at 7:04 pm

it really depends what you want to photography and how much weight you want to carry! If it’s primarily landscapes and street photography, and you only want one lens, then the 24-105 would be my suggestions. If you want wider shots, then the Rokinon would be the best option.

It’s less likely you will need the extra zoom – it can be useful in some specific situations like wildlife and for candid portraiture from a distance, but it’s a lot of additional weight that you probably won’t use that often!

I hope this helps – have a great time in Europe!

4th September 2019 at 8:41 pm

Thanks! ????

30th August 2019 at 12:37 am

I travel with the Canon 24-70 f/4 on a 6D. Compared to both the 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105, it weighs less, cost less, and has a sort-of macro mode (.7x) for flowers and any strange bugs one meets. The extra 35mm on the long end I hardly ever miss. I either need no more than 70 or go straight to wishing I had 400.

30th August 2019 at 6:07 am

Great to hear that you have found the right lens for you 🙂 It’s certainly an excellent lens, and a great lighter option for sure. You are right, those few mm don’t make that much difference, especially with how many megapixels most cameras give you these days and the power of cropping!

Happy photography!

Usama Zulfiqar says

14th August 2019 at 10:41 am

Great article and fully endorse your views. I am enthusiastic photographer and have Nikon D750 with 24-120mm f/4, 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8 lens+Godox Flash. I am planning for a short trip to my home town with loads of indoors gathering and few outdoors gatherings as well, but wanted to carry only two lens max.due to weight issue.

I had previously used 24-120mm for shooting a wedding and it went very well as my photos were as good /sharp as photos taken by professional photographer. I am quite comfortable with this lens, despite losing bokeh compared to 50mm and 85mm.

I will also take some portraits and shots of toddlers and kids running around. My question, which lens you recommend to pack in my carrying bag?

14th August 2019 at 8:01 pm

Thank you very much 🙂 So I would say that if you are happy with the performance of the 24-120 f/4, then that would be a great option as it’s going to be pretty versatile. For the other lens (I think you wanted two), I’d personally go with the 85mm as it’s going to be better for portraits, and will be easier for candid work as you will be able to get photos of people with them noticing less. The 50mm is a great lens too, but it’s harder to get those candid moments if you have to stand closer.

I hope this helps. If you really only wanted to take 1 lens I’d probably pick the 50mm as you could always crop, and it will be a bit more versatile for more situations.

31st July 2019 at 2:53 pm

Hi.. On my weekend travels i normally use NIkon 18-55 VR. And Nikon 35mm 1.8G for low light situation. I don’t take Nikor 55-300 and Tamron wide angle in my bag for travel. It’s a little inconvenient to swap the lens for telephoto or wide angle in some situation since travelling with family (we have 2 year old kid) and the weight of the bag carrying too many lens..!

I’m thinking to buy a good walk around lens (Nikor or third party) and sell both NIkor 18-55VR and 55-300 (or at least keep my first lens 18-55VR).

Do you have any suggestion on my situation? what should be the walk around lens i should go for?

31st July 2019 at 3:02 pm

Obviously it will depend on your budget. I’d suggest either the 18-300mm in the list above, which would be a good all around option. Alternatively if you want a wider aperture for lower light, then you might consider the 24-70 2.8. However it has much less focal length and is also quite expensive, so I think the 18-300 would be a better walkaround option, and would replace your two other lenses you mention.

18th July 2019 at 4:31 am

Thanks for your great articles Laurence, I have found them very informative and clearly explained, which is most helpful to a beginner photographer trying to learn more about the key features of the camera/lens setup and how they impact picture quality. Please forgive the newbie question, but in describing the lenses, you talk about a lens being faster or slower than another? What does that mean in layman’s terms, ie. how is a lens faster than another ? does it refer to the time the light takes to reach the sensor and hence how quickly you can take multiple shots or something else ?

18th July 2019 at 6:08 am

My pleasure. That is a great question, and I should definitely explain it in the article. However, first I’ll tell you 🙂

So, a fast lens is so called because it will have a wider aperture. A wider aperture lets more light in, which means you can use a faster shutter speed, compared to a lens with a smaller aperture (in the same light conditions). Hence, a “fast” lens. The aperture, shutter speed and ISO are all linked in the way a camera works, which I explain in much more detail in my guide to exposure, which you can see here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/exposure-triangle-photography/

Let me know if that doesn’t make sense. It’s not a totally obvious concept I’m afraid, but with a bit of practice it should start to make sense 😉

10th July 2019 at 12:33 pm

Hi Lawrence,

Thank you so much for such nice explanations about different features of camera and lenses. I truly loved the details. I am just wondering in the sentence below, which you wrote

“So a 100mm lens on an APS-C sized sensor will give the same result in terms of the image as you would be able to achieve with a 160mm lens on a full frame camera.”

Shouldn’t it be the other way around? That is a 160 mm lens on APS-C camera will give same result for 100 mm lens on a full frame?

Thanks again, I look forward to your answer.

10th July 2019 at 12:46 pm

Just wondering if what you wrote is correct, does it mean that for a wide angle picture (for a given lens), a full frame sensor is better than APS-C? Whereas, for a magnified/zoomed image an APS-C sensor is better?

12th July 2019 at 4:23 am

For a zoomed image, an APS-C sensor is often preferred as it gives more “zoom” to the lenses, hence why wildlife photographers like crop sensors 🙂

12th July 2019 at 4:22 am

What I wrote was correct 🙂 A 100mm lens on an APS-C sensor has a crop factor applied. You multiply the lens focal length by the crop factor (for most APS-C lenses this is 1.6x), giving an equivalent of 160mm.

Liz Hetherington says

5th May 2019 at 6:01 am

Hi I recently moved from full frame Nikon to Nikon mirrorless and bought the standard z6 kit with 24-70 f4 for less weight while travelling. I did trade in my F 2.8 🙁 . I’m now a bit worried I’m not going to be happy with this new lens in comparison. Your thoughts? Also do you think it’s worth getting the 50mm 1.8 prime? I’m off to Alaska hiking and kayaking. I love taking landscapes, macro and wildlife Liz

5th May 2019 at 9:39 am

To be honest, unless you are doing a great deal of low light work, or shooting events like weddings, I think the lighter nature of the f/4 lens will make up for the loss of one stop of light. For travel, personally as a landscape photographer I rarely find myself shooting wide open, except for the odd portrait or wildlife shot. And the one stop I don’t think is hugely significant for wildlife photography. When I’m shooting wildlife, even though I have a 70-200 f/2.8 lens, I usually have a doubler on it, so it ends up being an f/5.6, and I’ve not had any problems!

For what you are shooting, I’m not sure the 50mm prime will be much use. It’s usually a nice way to get great portraits on the cheap, but I’m not sure you’d find yourself using it all that much 🙂

I hope this helps – I think you’ll be happy with your lens choice!

Image Earth Travel says

28th March 2019 at 1:44 pm

Great write-up and comparisons – lots of food for thought!

I have to mention that I don’t totally agree with your view on the Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. I’ve been using this lens on my Nikon D600 since 2013, but travelling full time since 2014. The lens diminishes my D600’s 24.3 MP to only 10P-MP. A testing link you may be interested to check out: https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/AF-S-NIKKOR-28-300mm-f-3.5-5.6-ED-VR-mounted-on-Nikon-D600__834

In addition, the distortion the lens creates when taking architectural images is much higher than my previous cheaper Canon EOS550D+Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 that I used on my 2011, 10-month trip. (Prior to these 2 models, I used a combination of film cameras and lenses.)

Overall, I’m disappointed with my decision to swap from Canon to Nikon – not only much more expensive, but not optimal for travelling as the camera+lens weighs around 3kgs.

I’m yet to discover the best travel camera+lens combination to handle candid and landscapes (including architecture) photography. I like the idea of just having one camera body+one lens – for me, it’s always going to be a zoom lens. So, I understand that the optics of the zoom will never be as good as a fixed lens and always a compromise, but for the money I spent back in 2013 on my Nikon kit I expected better quality. Only as good as the lens right? 😉

28th March 2019 at 3:33 pm

So I am a little confused – this is an FX lens on an FX body, so there should be no reduction in megapixel and it should be able to use the full sensor frame. I don’t understand how it would cause the images to go down to 10MP – that would normally only happen if you used a DX lens on an FX body.

Lens distortions are always going to be an issue for sure, although they can be often fixed in Lightroom or other photo editing software. But yes, the greater the focal range of the lens in my experience, the lower the image quality and the greater the distortion. It’s just a reality unfortunately.

I think you might overall be better off with a different system entirely in weight is more important. Perhaps one of the mirrorless systems. There are many to choose from, especially if you don’t mind stepping down a bit in sensor size. Ultimately though, you are right, good glass is critical to great images – but it tends to come at a price (and weight!).

Saikat Sen says

26th August 2019 at 4:42 am

Disappointed to see that you have not considered the Tamron 16-300 VC f/3.5-6.3, which according to my experience is a great walk around travel lens, weighing just about a pound, cheaper than any other lens you have mentioned here and providing 16mm at the wide end, which roughly equivalent to 24mm at the APS C sensor. Needless to say that it has full-time manual override, which is very useful to those who really like to use it manually with the library to get the auto focus as and when required.

26th August 2019 at 7:25 pm

Thanks for your comment, and I’m delighted you’ve found a lens that works for you. There are lots of great lenses out there! I think the 18-400 Tamron I recommend is a good option, but of course, if folks would prefer something a little lighter and don’t mind trading off a bit of focal length on the zoom end, then the 16-300 is a great option too 🙂

Lucas Peters says

11th February 2019 at 8:08 pm

Thank you for taking the time to put this article together. I’m sure it’s a ton of research. For the next one, really consider the Sony 24-105mm G OSS f/4. I’ve been using it for travel (England, Iceland, France, Spain and Morocco) over the last few months and am super happy. On a full-frame, you can crop to get an equivalent 150mm or so range for a nice little punch-in. Nice colors. Solid sharpness (though a tad softer at 105, but not too bad), an overall better performance than the SonyZeiss 24-70mm with a larger range. Check it out when you can.

12th February 2019 at 5:42 pm

Thanks for the input, that’s much appreciated. I will certainly take a look at that lens and consider including it 😀

12th February 2019 at 9:07 pm

If you liked the Canon L 24-105, you’ll probably like this a lot.

Curious why you are adverse to small primes. I probably do the vast majority of my shooting with the Sony-Zeiss 35mm 2.8 (you can get them 2nd hand pretty consistently for 300-400 now, making it a great budget option). It’s an awesomely light weight walk around kit.

13th February 2019 at 9:11 pm

I’m not adverse to them at all, I think they are awesome bits of kit. However, for this post the goal was picking lenses that the majority of folks would use without having to carry too many lenses, and whilst I love primes for their sharpness and speed, I think the majority of folks reading this guide are looking more for a one size fits all solution 🙂

Alicja Abela says

30th January 2019 at 12:44 am

I am a beginner photographer and am wanting to buy a Canon 80D for a trip to NZ in November. What lense/ lenses would you suggest for getting landscape shots but also wildlife? much appreciate your advice.

30th January 2019 at 7:28 pm

So for landscapes I’d recommend a wide angle lens like the Canon EF-S 10-18mm. That’s a really good value lens, and the ultrawide angle will let you get some great landscapes. The logical lens to pair it with would be the Tamrom 18-400, which would be great for pretty much everything else, including portraits and wildlife. These are not super expensive lenses, which also makes them lighter for travel, but if you wanted to spend more for some reason, I can recommend more expensive lenses too of course!

Have an amazing time in New Zealand 🙂

1st February 2019 at 8:48 am

Thank you for the recommendation. After looking at the pricing of both 80d and lenses I think I will have to look for a cheaper model such as a 200D. Are there a couple of lenses that I could take that would do a good job on landscapes, action and wildlife that would add up to around $1000 Aus doll ars max?

1st February 2019 at 6:43 pm

So you could get away with just the Tamron lens, and not getting the wide angle. It will work for the majority of shots. Or you could get the Sigma 18-300 and the Canon 10-18, which should come in to $1000.

I am assuming the $1000 doesn’t include the camera purchase. If that is included then you will likely be best buying that body only, and then getting the Sigma 18-300.

Alicja says

2nd February 2019 at 12:44 am

Thank you so much. That was so helpful!

12th December 2018 at 12:57 pm

You have the details wrong on the Lumix wide zoom, it is 8-18 not 8-14

12th December 2018 at 1:06 pm

Good catch! Thanks very much, I’ve updated the post 🙂

26th October 2018 at 3:53 pm

Great article..!

I have Nikon D3400 camera with kit lens amd 35mm Nikon prime lens. Normally i use 35mm lens when we go for family trip. Even if it is a good lens i miss many good shots since it is not wide enough. I am thinking about buying a wide angle lens for travel photography (weekend road trip with family 🙂 ). I considered Tamron 10-24mm VC and Nikon 10-20mm VR. What is your suggestion on my situation ? Should i stick with my kit lens for travel or buy any other walk around lens like Nikon 18-300 or Tamron 18-400?

26th October 2018 at 6:10 pm

Thanks! It’s hard to know exactly what to advise as I’m not sure if you are into wildlife photography or any other types of photography where you will be using the extra length of a longer zoom. So whilst the 18-300 or 18-400 or certainly good options, I think if your main issue is currently not being wide enough, and wide angle photography interests you more, then a 10-24 or 10-20 would be a better choice.

Another option is to try the 18-400 or 18-300 and see if it is wide enough for your needs. The difference between 10mm and 18mm is quite a lot, but you might find it suits what you want to do with, plus gives you a lot more flexibility and choice of focal lengths.

16th October 2018 at 8:34 am

Hi, Great article! I am planning to upgrade from 550D to an 80D, and was wondering about the lenses I could pair it up with. I have a canon 50mm f/1.8 STM prime which I love (and so does the rest of the world, it seems!). I ditched my 6 yrs old canon 18-55 IS II for a sigma 18-35 f/1.8. And on the telephoto end, I am aiming for the Tamron 100-400. Have read some good reviews about it, and its probably the lightest and most easy-to carry telephoto of that range (though not the best w.r.t. IQ, but would be a huge improvement over my notoriously soft canon 55-250 IS II). I shoot birds at times, and so need a good telephoto range. I am slightly worried about losing the mid range (50-100), but was analysing my pictures, and realised I don’t shoot very often in that range. Would love to hear your opinion as well.

17th October 2018 at 7:45 pm

So the good news as you no doubt already know is that the 550D and the 80D have the same sized sensor and mount, so all your lenses will just work across the cameras. I would say that you would be fine without the middle focal length. We usually travel with a 17-40 and a 70-200, and we’re usually shooting either very wide at 17mm or 100mm+, so don’t miss that middle range too much! It all depends on the kind of photography you do, and it sounds like you have a solid idea of what it is you want to shoot, as well as the focal ranges you use most regularly. So if that lens suits your budget and needs, I would say to go for it!

julie anne says

3rd October 2018 at 6:00 pm

hello I just want to ask what camera lens is compatible with canon m50? thanks

4th October 2018 at 4:00 am

Hey Julie! Great question. So you have two main options – there’s a range of EF-M lenses made by Canon for the camera, which I haven’t included here as they are quite specific to the EOS M range. The other option is to get the adaptor which will let you use any EF-S or EF lens, which you can get here: https://amzn.to/2DV5fy5

In which case, the Canon lenses listed here, as well as various third party lenses from brands like Sigma and Tamron will work. Hope this helps!

Caitlin says

25th August 2018 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much for this informative post. I am starting out on my travel photography journey across the Middle East and was overwhelmed by where to begin with cameras. This was very helpful!

25th August 2018 at 1:33 pm

My pleasure! Let us know if you have any questions 🙂

Ira Sockowitz says

9th August 2018 at 8:15 pm

Laurence, thanks for a very thoughtful and in-depth discussion of options for a wide range of shooters.

As an owner of two bodies, Canon 5D and 5D Mark II respectively, I already own some of the lenses you reference. As I am planning a 9-15 moth RTW trip, I have a couple of questions for you: 1. My everyday lens is the 24-70 f2.8L so covered there. If you are willing to bear the wight, should I carry my 70-200 f.28L? I think I see it in some of your photos and wonder of its uses – close ups of nice architecture as well as long landscape shots. If not, what lighter weight alternative do you use/recommend? 2. Should I consider a smaller, more pocket-sized or easily managed camera for urban travel? I note that you use a mirrorless and again ask about the utility of doing that versus carrying my larger DSLR everywhere.

Appreciate all that you and Jessica do to aide us travelers and look forward to your reply.

9th August 2018 at 8:36 pm

Hi Ira. My pleasure, and thanks for your kind words.

So I normally travel with a 17-40 and a 70-200. So you could say I’m missing that classic middle ground, but I find the other two lenses cover enough to make up for it. If I was going on a round the world trip, I think I would lean more towards leaving the 70-200 at home. It is massively heavy, and unless there are really specific shots you want, you might find yourself doing fine with the 24-70. I would perhaps look at investing in a 2x extender instead and using that with your 24-70. It won’t be quite as amazing as the 70-200 in terms of sharpness and autofocus speed, but if you’re not shooting fast moving subjects, or planning on selling your photos to be printed on the side of buildings, I don’t think you’ll notice 🙂

We do travel with a Lumix GX8, which is a great camera. However, if I was to start over, I think I’d likely look at one of the larger sensor compact cameras for more casual use. These are really quite compact and portable, shoot in RAW, and have decent manual controls. The later Sony RX100 models, or the Panasonic Lumix TZ100 / TX200 would be my choice I think, purely so I can have a simple solution that doesn’t come with its own lens ecosystem to worry about!

I hope this helps, happy to expand more of course 🙂

1st August 2018 at 1:51 am

Thanks so much for the very helpful article.

I’ve been using a T3i and the 18-200mm for years, and am upgrading for my latest trip. I just got the Canon 77D and am contemplating whether to get a new lens as well. Realistically, I usually only carry one lens since it is a pain to switch; the 18-200 has done a great job covering both landscapes and far off subjects, but lately I’ve been more aware when it isn’t crisp. Do you think it is worth it to go for something like an 18-55 (similar to the 24-70 full frame on an APS-C I think) or similar? I’m not sure how much better the image quality would be (obviously some with the smaller range, but unclear the degree of improvement).

1st August 2018 at 11:45 am

First, I’d definitely ask if you need the extra range of something like the 18-200 – if you often find yourself at the more zoom end of the lens, then you will likely be unsatisfied with a shorter focal length.

Second, a newer camera body with a better sensor is definitely going to highlight the issues with your existing lens, so if you are noticing problems on the T3i with your existing lens, these will only be more apparent with a better body unfortunately. Of course, it also depends on what you are using your photos for – whilst images can look bad when we inspect them close up, if your shots are mostly for social media or relatively small images, you might not really notice, but for larger use, and especially for printing, you will likely want a higher quality lens.

Without an idea of your budget, its hard to give an exact recommendation, but generally higher quality means higher cost unfortunately!

One good option would be to rent a couple of the lenses you are looking into to see if you can really tell the difference, and go from there 🙂

4th August 2018 at 10:27 pm

On past trips I’ve definitely found myself using the range of the lens to take portraits of people from far away, and get far off statues etc., though the majority of my use is landscape and smaller zooms.

For now, my pictures are mostly just stored on my computer, but eventually I would like to print larger versions of them (though more likely in the 16×24 range, not huge). I’d like to keep expenditure <$1000 on the lens – I think the rental idea is a good one!

Rick Petersen says

18th June 2018 at 3:11 am

My camera system and lenses are pretty set, but it was informative article. Like seeing others opinions on gear which is how I found this.

Currently shooting a Lumix GX8, with the Leica 12-60mm and Leica 25mm. Love this combo and concur with your recommendation of a standard zoom and fast prime.

19th June 2018 at 11:23 pm

Thanks Rick! We also have the GX8, it’s a lovely camera, and we have it with the Lumix 12-35 f/2.8 which is a great walkaround travel lens too. Sounds like you have the perfect set up for travel, light and discreet 🙂 HAppy shooting!

16th June 2018 at 8:21 pm

After reading all that you still don’t come up with a good travel lens??????? Whats the point????

16th June 2018 at 10:17 pm

Hey Max! The goal of the article is to help folk navigate the fairly overwhelming choice of travel lenses, with suggestions given for different camera systems and budgets. Most folks should have an idea of what their camera system is, and then what their budget is, and from that it should be easy to use this post to decide which is going to be the best lens for them 🙂

Thomas FISCHER says

31st May 2018 at 1:31 pm

Great great article.

I am wondering for MFT what do think about thoses lenses for travelling: – 14-140 II F3.5 – lumix 7-14 F4 – lumix leica 15 mm F1.7 – lumix 42.5 F1/7

31st May 2018 at 7:27 pm

Thanks very much. I do love prime lenses because you get that lovely shallow depth of field effect, and they tend to be really sharp. I didn’t recommend any in my post because, well, I would have been writing forever, but with a micro four thirds system they make good sense because the whole system is smaller, so for travelling you can still have some prime lenses. I’d say your selection is ideal for travelling, with a focal range to cover pretty much everything from landscapes to animals, plus some nice lenses for portraits. So yes, I think you’ve picked some excellent choices!

13th May 2018 at 8:33 am

Hi Scott, and thanks for your comment. THe post is definitely new, although we do of course update old posts to ensure they are still relevant. In this case though that isn’t the case, I just missed that lens. I’ll take a look and see where it would fit, and thanks again for your input. Cheers, Laurence.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

A Post By: Jeremy Flint

Travel photography is a highly rewarding pursuit, but if you’re serious about getting the best shots, it pays to carry the right equipment, including a lens that can handle a broad range of travel subjects: astrophotography, architecture, landscapes, people, food, and more.

That’s where this article comes in handy. Below, I use my experience as a professional travel photographer to rank the 10 best travel photography lenses on the market in 2024, including options for plenty of budgets, brands, and camera systems (including models for the latest and greatest mirrorless lineups).

So whether you’re new to travel photography and looking to purchase your first lens, or you’re a travel-photography veteran looking to invest in some pro-quality glass, this article will give you everything you need to get started.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

The Z 24-120mm f/4 S is our all-time favorite travel photography lens – and for a whole host of reasons, too. For one, it provides an impressive range of focal lengths, which is perfect for those seeking a single high-quality lens for all their travel needs. At 24mm, you can capture beautiful travel landscape shots; at 50mm, you can shoot portraits; and a 120mm, you can capture detailed photos of distant landscapes and architectural features.

The 24-120mm f/4 S is impressively sharp, so even if you’re hoping to create magazine-quality files or large prints, it’ll be up to the task. And while the lens only features an f/4 maximum aperture, this should be enough for all but the most demanding conditions, especially if you’re willing to carry a good travel tripod .

The elegant and attractive design, compact size, and solid build make it a great choice for amateur and pro-level travel photographers alike. It’s not the cheapest lens on the market, but the price is reasonable compared to f/2.8 alternatives, and you certainly get a lot for your money.

2. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Regarded as one of the heavyweights of the photography manufacturing industry, Canon offers some of the best travel photography lenses on the market – including the impressive EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, an absolute travel classic that combines a versatile zoom range with built-in image stabilization.

This lens is great for all-around shooting; it covers a broad range of focal lengths, and you can capture everything from expansive cityscapes to architectural details, which makes the lens suitable for travel photographers of all stripes. No, it can’t quite go toe to toe with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 in terms of versatility, but the price is significantly less, and the extra 15mm on the long end won’t make a huge difference for most shooters.

The 24-105mm f/4 boasts impressive sharpness, though the f/4 maximum aperture isn’t as fast as f/2.8 options (and therefore less than ideal for astrophotography and handheld photography in low light). But if you’re in need of a do-everything lens for serious travel shooting, the 24-105mm is a great pick.

3. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

If you are using Canon’s latest mirrorless cameras – such as the EOS R5, R6, or R7 – then the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is a great introductory lens, particularly if you travel frequently and wish to minimize gear weight.   This handy little unit is remarkably compact, and you can slip it in a bag, a backpack, or a purse without issue (though you’ll want to make sure you protect it from bumps and scrapes!).

The lens is also excellent for travel shooting thanks to its expansive focal-length range and outstanding versatility; with wide, standard, and telephoto focal lengths, you can capture pretty much any subject, including landscapes, cityscapes, detail shots, and street portraits.

The 24-240mm is also reasonably well priced, making it a decent choice for beginners (compared to other RF-mount lenses, anyway!). Unfortunately, the lens does include some disadvantages – the maximum aperture is relatively narrow for low-light shooting, the optics aren’t on the same level as Canon’s L-lens lineup, and no lens hood is supplied – but if you’re looking for a do-everything lens to get started with travel photography, it’s a solid choice.

4. Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

The Nikon Z 24-240mm f/4-6.3 is a solid mirrorless lens for travel photography; the zoom range makes it capable of handling nearly any situation, and the quiet autofocus is great for capturing people and even wildlife unobtrusively.

The lens boasts plenty of travel photography possibilities thanks to its impressive portability and great design. Optically, expect to capture clear, sharp, and vivid images at every focal length, though you may encounter some softening toward the image corners.

The weather sealing prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens, and even serious travel photographers will appreciate the wide-to-telephoto zoom range, ideal for pretty much any type of travel photography, including landscapes, architecture, flowers, portraits, and more. The variable maximum aperture isn’t great for folks who often work handheld in low light, but you can handle most difficult scenarios by carrying a tripod, so this shouldn’t pose too much of a problem.

5. Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS

Sony offers an excellent lineup of APS-C mirrorless cameras, many of which are perfect for travel photography thanks to their compact size and impressive image quality. Of course, every travel camera needs a good lens, and the Sony 18-105mm f/4 is our first choice; it combines solid build quality, great optics, and a good price for an all-around impressive package.

While not a superzoom, the lens spans an impressive 5.8x zoom range from ultra-wide to short telephoto. It works especially well for street photography and even landscapes, where you can zoom in and out to frame shots accordingly, though it’s certainly a capable portrait and architecture lens, as well.

Autofocus is smooth and quiet, plus the lens also boasts Optical SteadyShot technology, which reduces camera shake and prevents blur when working handheld in low light. The f/4 maximum aperture isn’t ideal for shooting in the dark, but it’s not terrible, either, and even serious shooters will manage to make do. Finally, the lens is a Sony pro-quality lens, yet despite the excellent image and build quality, it’s surprisingly affordable, so it’s a good pick for serious photographers who are on a budget.

6. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is an impressive all-around lens for travel photography; use it to photograph landscapes, architecture, people, and even (at 135mm) the occasional wildlife. Note that the lens is compatible with Sony’s E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras but will not give great results on Sony full-frame models.

One of the lens’s key features is the built-in OSS (Optical SteadyShot) technology, which is great for low-light handholding. And if you frequently capture detail shots, you’ll love the short minimum focusing distance. The 18-135mm is lightweight and compact, too, which makes it perfect for the amateur photographer in search of a first travel photography lens. You can easily store it in a backpack or bag, and thanks to its small size, you can leave it on your camera for days of shooting and you’ll hardly even notice.

It’s not the most optically impressive lens, and the variable maximum aperture is a bit of a letdown, but for casual travel photography, the 18-135mm is certainly worth a look.

7. Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR LM R OIS

If you’re a Fujifilm shooter, then look no further; the XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is one of the best travel lenses on the market, and it’s certainly an outstanding option for Fujifilm camera users. It’s great for capturing a wide range of travel subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to wildlife and people, while the 5-stop image stabilization will keep you shooting crisp handheld shots in low light.

You can get in close to your subjects thanks to a short minimum focusing distance (always handy for detail shots). And solid weather resistance, not to mention impressive image quality, are both welcome features of this amazing lens. As with a number of other models on this list, the variable maximum aperture is somewhat limiting, and the lens is on the expensive side, but the great optics and useful focal length range make this handy lens our favorite Fuji pick.

8. Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 OIS

If you’re a Panasonic shooter, then this 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens is one of the best travel lenses you can buy; it delivers a superb focal-length range on Four Thirds cameras , spanning from 24mm to 120mm. You’ll get plenty of travel photography opportunities, and you can expect to capture breathtaking wide landscapes, standard street shots, and even mid-telephoto portraits. Thanks to the telephoto reach on the long end, you can even zoom in to highlight specific features, or you can hunt for architectural abstracts and the like.

This lens is lightweight, compact, and delivers sharp image quality even at 60mm. And don’t forget about the built-in image stabilization, which lets you shoot in low light without a tripod, always helpful for travel shooters. Unfortunately, the maximum aperture does narrow as you zoom from 12mm to 60mm, but you can still work with a decently wide f/4 aperture, even at 60mm.

9. Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is a great travel lens for Canon and Nikon APS-C users, and it boasts an impressive combination of features, from a lightweight, compact design to an expansive zoom range. The price is highly reasonable for beginner travel photographers, too, which makes it a great budget lens (especially compared to standard Canon and Nikon options).

Note that the Sigma 18-200mm is designed for APS-C DSLRs, so you can expect focal-length reach spanning from around 27mm to 300mm, which is absolutely outstanding for basically any type of subject, be it landscapes, portraits, street scenes, or wildlife. You’ll also like the included lens hood, which lets you block out sunlight in impressive conditions for improved optical performance.

And although the lens is missing weather sealing, the built-in image stabilization offers improved performance in low light and is ideal for nighttime street photography, interior scenes, and more.

10. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC

If you need a versatile travel photography lens for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, then check out the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3, which offers an impressive zoom range for landscapes, cityscapes, architectural details, people, and pretty much everything else.

The built-in image stabilization system will keep your photos sharp in low light, while the advanced design delivers extraordinary image quality (even if sharpness falls off toward the telephoto end of the zoom range). Often lengthy zooms like this one suffer optically, but we’re quite impressed overall by its capabilities, and it offers enough detail for printing and high-quality displays.

The lens body is lightweight and compact, so you won’t feel weighted down by gear as you shoot, and the price is highly affordable – in other words, it’s yet another outstanding option for travel photographers on a budget.

The best lens for travel photography: final words

Ultimately, the best lens for travel photography depends on your camera setup, your image requirements, and what you plan to shoot. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice – and as long as the lens you choose is compatible with your camera system, covers the zoom range you require, is within your budget, and delivers the right image quality, you can’t go wrong.

So good luck choosing a travel lens!

Now over to you:

Which lens will you purchase? Which is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning photographer and writer, specialising in travel, landscape and location photography and is known for documenting images of beautiful destinations, cultures and communities from around the world. Jeremy has won awards including the National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize and the Association of Photographers Discovery Award, besides being commended in Outdoor Photographer of the Year. He has also been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the year and British Photography Awards several times. He has been commissioned by commercial and editorial clients worldwide including National Geographic Traveller, Country Life, Discover Britain, USA National Parks and Visit Britain and has travelled extensively to over 65 countries.

• Guaranteed for 2 full months
• Pay by PayPal or Credit Card
• Instant Digital Download

• All our best articles for the week
• Fun photographic challenges
• Special offers and discounts

No products in the cart.

• Lenses Travel

17 Best Lenses for Travel Photography

• Jonathan Jacoby

Last updated:

• March 11, 2024
• See comments

Travel photography can be physically and technically demanding. Not only do you need to stay on the move and maintain a certain awareness of your surroundings while utilizing your knowledge of composition to your advantage to really bring your travel destinations to life. You also need the right gear to pull it off!

This includes carrying only the greatest and best lens for travel photography. But what makes or breaks a good travel photography lens, apart from superior image quality?

Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste. Still, there are some qualities that experts and pro photographers prefer over others.

For instance, travel photography often necessitates carrying as little gear as possible and working only with natural light. That’s why excellent low-light performance is a hallmark of any high-end lens for travel photography. And that’s just one example!

In this guide, I’ll explain many of the key features and attributes that make up a perfect travel lens. Further down below, I will also make some recommendations on the top lenses for travel photography available today for different camera systems.

The Meaning of Focal Length in Travel Photography

Focal length affects the effectiveness and usability of a camera lens for travel photography in just about every way. The most fundamental of these is ergonomics.

Too long of a lens will be unwieldy to use in tight spaces. At the same time, a wide angle lens might not offer the kind of secure grip and stability that you’re after.

But the tradeoffs between focal lengths go much deeper than that! Let’s take a look at how and why in the following segments.

An Intro to Crop Factors and Sensor Sizes

You’re probably already aware of the term “crop factor” in relation to different digital sensor sizes and their effects on images. But what exactly is the crop factor about? And how does a crop sensor camera render photographs differently from a full-frame camera?

The answer is actually pretty simple. Focal length being equal, a larger sensor will always render photography with a wider field of view, greater dynamic range, and a shallower minimum depth of field than a smaller sensor.

The most important takeaway from this is that a 50mm prime lens on a full frame body will produce a different (more “normal”) perspective than on APS-C format (where it will be more like a short telephoto lens).

The “crop factor” is just a factor by which you multiply your lens’ focal length to arrive at the focal length you would need to use on full frame to achieve the same perspective and FOV.

For APS-C, the factor lies at an easy-to-remember 1.5. Because a Micro 4/3 sensor is even smaller than that, its crop factor is 2.0. Hence, a 50mm lens behaves as a 100mm would on full-frame, and so on.

Here is our guide to understanding the difference between crop sensors and full frame cameras .

Pros and Cons of Different Sensor Formats

All of that can be both a boon or a burden depending on your needs.

Travel photographers who specialize in wildlife or event photography, for instance, might prefer the more “zoomed-in” look that smaller sensors provide. It allows them to carry a shorter lens to get the same level of reach that they would with a larger camera body.

This also cuts down on bulk, making for a more luggage-friendly setup.

On the other hand, working professionals who often have to dabble in landscape photography, street photography, or similar genres might find it difficult to achieve truly ultra-wide angle shots with the limited FOV that comes with a crop sensor.

Take a note to assess the benefits and disadvantages of this fact yourself to see which sensor size is best for your travel photography needs.

Using a Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography

Lenses with longer focal lengths are commonly used in travel photography, where portraiture , animal photography, and faraway subjects play a key role.

This mostly includes 80mm and above on full frame bodies and 50mm and above on APS-C.

Telephoto lenses are great for their ability to home in on distant details. They also flatten out and minimize certain optical features and distortions, which again makes them preferable for portraiture.

The downside is that dedicated telephoto lenses are large, bulky, and more difficult to carry than other kinds of lenses. Longer lenses are also much slower on average than shorter ones – finding that elusive 200mm f/2.8 is possible, but it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, whereas 28mm f/2.8 options are plentiful and relatively cheap by comparison.

In practice, this means that using a telephoto lens for travel photography in low natural light can be very difficult without the help of a flash gun or other additional equipment.

The Value of a Wide Angle Lens

The complete opposite of longer camera lenses is a wide-angle design, generally of a focal length of 35mm or less on full-frame sensors.

These lenses can be produced in an extremely compact form factor which makes them handy and perfect for candid, fast-paced travel photography. They also cover a very wide field of view which can be useful for documenting landscapes and cityscapes and even for close-up portraits on location outdoors.

In the past, a moderately fast wide angle prime lens, in addition to a normal lens of about 50mm (full-frame FOV equivalent) and telephoto was an absolute must-have in every serious travel photographer’s camera bag.

Nowadays, there is an alternative that has seriously challenged that traditional paradigm.

The Convenience and Usefulness of Zoom Lenses for Travel Photography

The zoom lens is a fairly recent innovation, having only been in mass production since the 1960s and only having really supplanted the use of many different prime lenses since the beginning of the century.

The reason why the market eventually swung in favor of zoom lenses is self-explanatory. They combine the fields of view and perspectives of multiple lenses into one, saving a lot of space from any travel photographer’s camera bag.

However, there is also an equally good reason why this shift has taken so long.

First of all, zoom lenses that cover a very wide focal length spectrum (sometimes called a superzoom lens) are optically very hard to design. This is because the more a lens is capable of zooming, the more artifacts, distortions, and other optical flaws creep in, which have to be corrected.

The most straightforward way of implementing such corrections is by the inclusion of more specialized glass elements. Oftentimes especially nowadays, these elements will be specially coated, cut in an aspherical fashion, and made with rare earth-based materials.

Optically, this can bring amazing results. However, it dramatically increases bulk and cost. It gets even worse when a superzoom design has to be both optically stable and provide a fast aperture.

Therefore, the classic choice has always been between the cheap and small do-it-all zoom that optically pales in comparison to even bargain bin prime lenses, or alternatively the jack-of-all-trades professional superzoom that drains both the muscles and the wallet.

Thankfully, the advancement of modern optical science and technology has allowed for many zooms to be practical enough to serve as frontline lenses for working travel photographers, and I included some of the best of these in today’s roundup below!

Choosing the Best Camera Lens for Travel Photography is a Personal Matter

Before we dive right into the specifics of what makes certain lenses a better choice for travel photography than others, I would like to reiterate the value of personal preference.

Simply put, nobody can tell you what the “best lens” of any kind really is in objective terms. Travel photography simply covers too broad of a scope, with way too many disciplines and skill sets to focus on.

Maybe you mostly shoot landscapes on your travel adventures. In that case, super-fast apertures and lightning-fast autofocus probably won’t interest you.

However, the opposite is true should your needs and workload overlap more with those of classic photojournalism .

Some may say that all personal preference aside, optical quality, or the balance between optical quality and price, should be the main concern when choosing a travel lens.

That is a valid point, of course. The problem is that throughout the history of photography, what constitutes “good” optics has changed a lot!

You might not want your favorite, go-to travel lenses to be the sharpest in the whole world, and that’s okay. You might not need a super-compact pancake prime. In fact, I know plenty of photographers who purposely tend to go for larger, bulkier lenses because they prefer those kinds of ergonomics.

In the end, I am just a guy with a camera like anybody. So take my advice with a grain of salt and try to apply it to your own needs and requirements first before acting on it!

Top Wide Angle Prime Lenses for Travel Photography

To kick off this round-up, I am going to take a look at some of the finest wide angle prime travel lenses by lens mount and camera system. No matter where your brand loyalties lie, there is going to be a top-ranking pick for you!

While wide angle primes are becoming a less common sight, they still serve an important purpose for the discerning travel photographer.

They capture a wide field of view and do so while being many times more compact and lightweight than their wide zoom lens counterparts.

Often, their maximum aperture is also much faster than that of comparable zooms, which makes them the only serious option for outdoor photography in low light.

Sony Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4

With a mouthful of a name like that flaunting none other than Zeiss’ magic fingers involved in its design, it’s no wonder that the Sony Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 is a top-flight performer.

Thanks to excellent sharpness, wonderful bokeh rendition at larger apertures, class-leading low-light performance, and very few if any real optical flaws, this is a universally appreciated and desirable lens considered one of the best primes in the Sony FE lineup.

The main downsides of this lens are that it is quite bulky, heavy, and expensive.

The more compact Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 is a similar though much more portable lens at two stops slower of a maximum aperture and can often be had for half the price of its bigger brother.

Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8

Just as with Sony’s flagship FE full frame lenses, the cream of the crop of its E-series APS-C lineup is also designed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss.

The optical characteristics of this 24mm Sonnar-type lens are very similar to the 35mm-focal length variant I mentioned above. It features an extremely close minimum focusing distance of only 18cm while incorporating all the optical goodies of its full frame brethren like ED and aspherical glass and fully internal focusing.

However, the fast aperture combined with a much wider focal length (equivalent to the FOV that a 35mm lens gives on full frame) makes this the better choice for an APS-C camera.

If you really want to maximize the carry-anywhere factor and aren’t opposed to going wider than 24mm on a crop sensor, then take a look at the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 .

A truly fast pancake ultra-wide angle lens like this is rare, and Sony’s example is even relatively affordable! No wonder it’s quickly becoming a darling among travel and street photography pros worldwide.

Nikon 28mm f/1.4E ED

One of the shining jewels of the swansong era of Nikon’s legendary F-mount lens lineup, the 28mm f/1.4E ED is a revamp of the similar 28mm f/1.4D from the 1990s.

Like its predecessor, it’s an optically stunning and physically massive wide angle lens suitable for travel photography and documentary genres in every lighting condition.

Its super-sized maximum aperture has also made it popular among portraitists who don’t favor the traditionally more common choice of a short telephoto lens, preferring to get up close and personal with their subjects.

Those who would prefer to pack light should instead look at the Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED . Smaller, much easier to carry, just a smidge wider, and just two-thirds of a stop slower, it’s an excellent alternative, particularly for beginning photographers who don’t want to invest too much into a relatively niche wide angle prime travel lens right away.

Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S

The Nikon Z mount is the youngest among the mainline mirrorless camera lens lineups today, and as such it is understandable that the Japanese giant chose to focus on quality over quantity instead of playing catch-up with its competition.

What that mindset has created is a fine lineup of a few outright excellent wide angle prime lenses for Z mount. The most lauded of them all is the Nikon Z 20mm 1/1.8 S , an expensive but optically stunning fast prime with extremely snappy autofocus capabilities and a focal length that is very usable on both full frame and crop sensor bodies.

For street photography aficionados who prefer something a bit more incognito, I recommend the Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 . It’s neither as ultra-wide nor as hyperfast as its bigger brother, but it excels in cramming a ton of good glass into a minuscule package that you can keep on your camera all day long.

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

With a fast aperture and a perfect middle-of-the-road focal length that is perfectly suited to crop sensor as well as full frame cameras, the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed as the flagship wide angle prime lens of the EF DSLR line.

It succeeds in this role thanks to excellent sharpness, low light capability, and real class-leading build quality and ergonomics that rival the best that Nikon and Sony can offer.

Like other superfast wide angles, it is a bit on the larger side. Those who would like to achieve a similar FOV with a lot less metal sticking out of their camera should take a look at the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM .

A real pancake, it’s only two stops slower and features similar optical characteristics, making it one of the most useful Canon lenses in its focal range.

Top Normal Primes for Travel Photographers

Unlike wide-angles, whose optical formulas need to be quite complex to maintain distortion-free high image quality, a normal prime is one of the most ancient and simplest formulas to produce.

This makes normal primes many things – cheap, plentiful, fast, exceedingly sharp, and easy to handle. I’m of the opinion that any travel photographer should own a little “nifty fifty” as the simplest kind of walkabout lens.

Not only is it fun to use, but a fixed 50mm (full frame equivalent) is also a hugely versatile lens, perhaps one of the most versatile you can spend your money on!

Nikon AF-S 50mm f1/.8G

Descended from a long line of similar f/1.8 “nifty fifties”, the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is not just one of the stalwart brand’s best. It is also their cheapest.

For about 50% more, you can invest in the similar AF-S 50mm f/1.4G . However, I would only recommend the move if you have the money to spare and you really need the extra light that the wider aperture gives you.

The basic 1.8 model is just about excellent in terms of optics and deserves its title as one of Nikon’s most popular lenses ever!

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2R WR

The Fujifilm X System is chock-full of amazing prime lenses, and the XF 35mm f/2R WR is one of the best examples of that fact. Because the X System is APS-C-only, a 35mm lens is a much better choice for a walkabout normal prime than a 50mm.

This particular lens excels because it ticks every imaginable box at a more than reasonable price point. It’s small, light, and exceptionally well-made, with snappy controls and quick, silent autofocus.

What’s more, it’s plenty fast for its focal length, making it a good choice for portraiture and moderate low-light photography, too! As a nice bonus, this lens also features full weather sealing for use on any of the pro-grade Fujifilm X System bodies.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

Though it’s not as tiny as some alternatives, Sony’s 50mm f/1.8 more than makes up for that fact with its fast aperture, excellent sharpness, and low price.

There is little to fault with this lens, optically or otherwise. Despite its entry-level nature, it feels just as nice in the hands as any of the brand’s more upscale models, making it the perfect gateway into the Sony mirrorless system.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

When the Canon EOS R mirrorless camera system came out, it made a big splash in the world of photography.

Much of that had to do with the inherent innovation and high performance of the new design, but unfortunately, Canon R lenses and cameras also acquired a reputation for being prohibitively expensive.

To fix this problem and allow more young photographers to switch from existing DSLRs to the new R lineup, Canon devised a classic, cheap nifty fifty in the form of the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM .

There’s nothing more to say about the lens other than that it worked on every level that Canon was hoping for. It’s sharp, it’s fast, it’s genuinely affordable, and it does everything it’s meant to do while looking good, being reasonably well-built, and having fun. Bravo!

The Top Telephoto Primes for Travel Photography

As with wide angle lenses, the advantages of telephoto primes over a zoom lens are mainly that they are capable of the same (or superior) image quality at a lower cost and weight as well as at a smaller size.

This makes them particularly relevant to the modern travel photographer who might only require the telephoto end for a few occasional portraits or other specialist shots, not for the bulk of their work.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN C

Available for both Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, and Fuji X Mounts, this telephoto lens by Sigma stands out as one of their recent best.

Its excellent sharpness, wide aperture, and sturdy construction are impressive on their own. But what really sets the bar high with this lens is how affordably Sigma manages to market it while making it available for multiple different camera systems, no less!

Yes, there are some higher-quality options with slightly faster apertures of f/1.2. But for the vast majority of photographers who need a reliable, (somewhat) pocketable, and optically solid telephoto lens for travel, this is it.

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

One of the more affordable recent offerings for Z-mount, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a mid-size telephoto prime with a fast aperture that’s perfect for portraiture on the move.

Its autofocus system lags a bit behind that of its more expensive siblings, but for anything short of very demanding use in sports and action photography, it should suffice.

Simply put, this is a no-nonsense portrait telephoto option for anyone working with the Nikon Z mount in APS-C format or full frame.

Sigma DG HSM Art 50mm f/1.4

Available for multiple lens mounts, including Nikon’s F mount, Canon’s EF, and Sony’s E and A mounts, the Sigma DG HSM Art 50mm f/1.4 is a benchmark for modern crop-sensor telephotos.

It’s a complex optical design with a whopping 13 elements in 8 groups, giving it an incredibly balanced optical profile nearly entirely devoid of aberrations or distortions.

The main thing that the Sigma DG HSM Art 50mm f/1.4 sacrifices in favor of these admirable qualities is price – that might sound a bit counterintuitive for a 3rd party lens like this, but those are the times we live in!

Sigma has since expanded on the high-end performance of this 50mm with a whole family of similar “Art” lenses, many of which are also great choices for travel photography.

The Top Zoom Lenses for Travel Photography

With all that I have said about fixed focal length camera lenses so far, there is no denying that the real deal in convenience lies with zooms.

Whether just to cover the tricky wide end to save on glass or to replace an entire camera bag all at once, a well-made zoom lens with an appropriate zoom range for your needs can very well be one of the best lenses for travel photography, period.

Nikon AF-S FX 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

The modern successor to the original 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D from the 1990s aka “the Streetsweeper”, this jewel carries on the mantle of one of Nikon’s most versatile walkabout zooms.

Now equipped with built in image stabilization (Vibration Reduction or VR in Nikon lingo) and a constant maximum aperture, the 24-120mm is niftier than ever. Optical performance remains above average to excellent as before, depending on which part of the zoom range is most important to you.

Note that this isn’t meant to be a benchmark lens in terms of optics but rather a usable do-it-all that combines its impressive zoom range with enough character and extra features to stay on your camera all day.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

This is Canon’s spin on the “Streetsweeper” lens concept. Compared to the Nikon alternative, this lens is built tougher, larger, and heavier, with a zoom range that tops out a little bit short.

On the other hand, optical quality is a lot more uniform here, with fewer distortions, especially towards the ultra-wide end.

Thanks to the same f/4 constant aperture, image stabilization, and silent, worry-free autofocus as its rivals, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM manages to be a serious contender in this tightly packed field of travel camera lenses.

Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR

Equivalent to a 24-120mm on full frame, the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is a perfect showcase of how to adapt a formula like the above to an APS-C lens.

Small, lightweight, yet loaded with all the goodies you would expect from larger pro lenses, such as a constant max aperture, it’s among Fujifilm’s most usable do-it-all lenses for travel.

Unlike some of the faster constant-aperture zooms by Fujifilm, this one is also fully stabilized – another bonus that many travel photographers will surely appreciate!

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM

Travel-friendly ultra-wide zoom lenses are difficult to design and manufacture, but Sigma managed to wow the industry with its fast 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM .

It’s not the most affordable lens by a stretch, but you can’t fault its quality whatsoever.

The big names like Nikon and Canon have their own in-house 14-24mm designs, but the Sigma manages to be fairly competitive in terms of optics while costing a notch less than any of them.

That, and its easily hand-holdable form factor combine to make it probably the single best ultra-wide travel camera lens at the moment.

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

Typically, travel lenses zoom within a range of somewhere between 3x and 6x to balance out complexity and optical stability with size and bulk. Nikon’s 24-120mm set the template with a 5x range that has been copied countless times by now.

With one of their latest FE-mount gems, Sony chose to double that and make a 10x superzoom lens that can replace an entire camera bag on its own.

Sure, it hasn’t got a fixed maximum aperture – that would involve ludicrous amounts of overengineering, given the number of focal lengths this thing covers.

If you can make that one concession though, Sony’s FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS is one of the greatest excuses to pack fewer lenses (or maybe just one, in fact) on your next trip.

I hope you enjoyed this take on the best travel-ready camera lenses available in 2024!

The selection included in this guide should contain a good fit for a whole lot of different shooting styles, camera systems, and experience levels.

However, remember that each and every photographer is different. I suggest to just trying out one lens at a time until you find one that fits you , even if what you end up with is not on this list.

Bon voyage, and don’t forget to enjoy your travels!

See more in

• Perrin Adams
• April 25, 2024

• Craig Boehman
• April 23, 2024

• April 21, 2024

The wait is over! 🎉 Our 'Great Big Photography World' podcast has officially relaunched, and you can now listen to our first episode featuring the incredibly talented Sean Critchfield.

There was a problem reporting this post.

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

• See blocked member's posts
• Mention this member in posts
• Invite this member to groups
• Message this member
• Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Photo Karma 2024 - Free Trend Report

• Luminar Neo
• Luminar for iPad
• Portrait Background
• Structure AI
• Supercontrast
• Composition AI
• Studio Light
• Water Enhancer AI
• Twilight Enhancer AI
• See All 30+ Features
• Extensions Pack
• Supersharp AI
• Focus Stacking
• Background Removal AI
• Noiseless AI
• Magic Light AI
• Panorama Stitching
• Landscape Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Family Photography
• Wedding Photography
• Newborn Photography
• Photoediting for beginners
• AI Photo Editor
• Real Estate
• E-commerce Photography
• Food Photography
• About Skylum
• Technology Licensing
• Photo Tours
• Ambassadors
• Affiliate Program

New tools. New look. New possibilities.

Special offer: Up to 83% off

February 26, 2022

ACT NOW! SAVE UKRAINE. DEFEND DEMOCRACY.

Team Skylum

Photography

At 5 am on February 24, Russia began the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. They are violently trying to steal our country.

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine, confirming our worst fears. At this very hour they are attacking us on the streets of many Ukrainian cities.  We are at war.

Skylum was proudly founded in Ukraine, and our core development center is based in Kyiv. At this harrowing time, unfortunately we cannot guarantee the on-time delivery of updates to Luminar Neo. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and we will make sure to further develop and improve Neo and to keep you updated on any news. 

However, today we ask our community for help and support. Here are some details on what has happened and how you can support Ukraine in this difficult time.

!   At 5 am on February 24, Russia began the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. They are violently trying to steal our country.

! Right now, there are missile strikes and bombardment of peaceful Ukrainian cities.   We must hide our families in bomb shelters and protect our land with weapons in our hands as part of the territorial defense forces.

! This disastrous and entirely unprovoked Russian war has already taken the lives of 198 civilians. 33 children have been injured, and 3 have been killed.

! The Armed Forces of Ukraine, young and brave heroes, are fighting all over the country not only for Ukraine but for Peace and Clear Skies in Europe. 

As we write to you from a city under attack, we want to be very clear: This war is not just something you see on TV. It is not happening in some distant lands. It is happening right now here in Ukraine, and the Russian forces who are invading our lands and threatening our families may come to your doorstep one day too if we do not stop them.

Sanctions that world governments are currently imposing are not enough. Russia must be completely isolated from all spheres of the civilized world: the financial system, technologies, sports, culture.  

Here is a list of simple actions you can take to help Ukraine. We MUST unite to quite literally save the world before it’s too late:

- Contact your local representatives and pressure them to provide more support for Ukraine and stricter sanctions on Russia. We need military and humanitarian aid and Russia must be cut off from SWIFT.

- Donate money to humanitarian aid organizations. Find a full list over here:  https://how-you-can-support-ukraine.super.site/  

- Follow the news from official channels. Avoid fake news and disinformation!

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa  

https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba  

https://twitter.com/Hromadske  

https://twitter.com/DefenceU  

https://twitter.com/backandalive  

Telegram:  https://t.me/Forbes_Ukraine_official  

- Support the Ukrainian Army —  Official Account of the National Bank of Ukraine

We stand together

Please share this information with your community.

#Ukrainians #NATO #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine

Experience the power of Luminar Neo

Did you enjoy this post.

Share it on your social media

Advanced yet easy-to-use photo editor

Most Popular

April 04, 2023

GIMP vs. Krita: which one is better for you?

December 02, 2023

GIMP vs Photoshop: Which Photo Editor Is Better?

May 25, 2023

Photography Composition Techniques: A Beginner's Guide

A special perk for our blog readers.

Get a 10% discount on Luminar Neo and dive into professional photo editing today!

I agree to my personal data being stored and used to received newsletters and commercial offers from Skylum.

Thank you for subscribing.

Your gift is waiting in your inbox!

Skylum Blog

The latest news and updates. direct from Skylum

Use Aurora HDR for free for 14 days.

Sent successfully!

Please check your inbox. We've sent you a copy via email.

Looks like you're subscribed already

This is sad. Looks like you’ve earlier unsubscribed from Skylum emails.

Thank you for downloading Aurora HDR

Preparing your download...

Did your download not start? Dont worry, just click here to try again.

Oops! Something went wrong. Don't worry, just click here to try again.

Step 1 Find & Open Aurora HDR Installer

Step 2 Follow the instructions to install Aurora HDR

Step 3 Enjoy new photo editing experience

Get started for free

Try out Luminar Neo for free for 7 days. No credit card needed.

Please check your email

Make sure it's a valid email address

• Student Successes
• My Learning

10 Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography in 2024

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

Choosing the best Canon lenses for travel photography will significantly improve your photo quality when you’re globe-trotting. You need something that’s portable, inexpensive, and captures any scene in all it’s glory. 

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM are our top choices for travel photographers. They are both nifty-fifty lenses that are lightweight, compact, and versatile. They also have sharp picture quality and a wide aperture range. And they are both affordable lenses you can take anywhere.

If those aren’t the lenses you’re looking for, our guide has all the best travel lenses for Canon mirrorless (RF) and DSLR (EF) cameras. We’ve made it easy to find the best Canon lens for your next international trip. 

If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything). Prices last updated on .

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What Is the Best Canon RF Lens for Travel Photography?

When selecting the best Canon RF lens for travel photography, you need to look at weight, versatility, and optical performance. Each lens offers unique advantages, from lightweight designs to wide focal ranges, ensuring travelers can capture stunning images no matter where they are.

• Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.8 aperture
• Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
• Produces beautiful bokeh for portrait photography
• Sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration
• Affordable option for high-quality photography

• Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
• Effective image stabilization for sharp handheld shots
• Lightweight design enhances travel photography ease
• Quick, precise autofocus perfect for dynamic scenes
• Customizable control ring for intuitive adjustments

• Broad focal range for versatile shooting scenarios
• Compact, lightweight design perfect for travel
• Image stabilization enhances low-light performance
• Quick, silent autofocus ideal for video and stills
• Affordable entry into Canon's RF lens ecosystem

• Ultra-wide angle perfect for landscapes and architecture
• Bright f/2.8 aperture enhances low-light shooting
• Compact, lightweight design ideal for travel photography
• Fast, accurate autofocus system suitable for video
• Affordable entry into ultra-wide RF lens lineup

• Expansive 18-150mm zoom range for versatile shooting
• Built-in image stabilization for sharper handheld images
• Compact design ideal for travel and everyday use
• Smooth, silent autofocus perfect for video recording
• Excellent magnification for close-up photography opportunities

Our Favorite Canon RF Lenses for Travel Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Canon RF lenses. From wide angles to telephoto zooms, there’s a lens here for every traveler. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your travel camera backpack. 

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM stands out for its lightweight and compact design. This makes it easy to carry around all day or carry in your backpack. It’s also an affordable lens, so there’s less stress about carrying expensive gear in unknown places.

Its fixed 50mm focal length offers a natural perspective, suitable for a variety of shots, from portraits to street scenes. Special coatings also reduce glare, giving you cleaner images in testing lighting conditions. 

However, its prime nature means less flexibility compared to zoom lenses like the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM , which gives you wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths.

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM delivers excellent image quality, with sharpness improving when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.

Its f/1.8 aperture is great in low light, allowing you to shoot at all times of day. There’s no image stabilization, but you don’t need it with a fast aperture on a standard-angle prime. It also gives you excellent depth of field control, helping you achieve a smooth bokeh background in your travel portraits. 

The AF stepping motor (STM) is quick and accurate in good lighting, capturing fleeting moments effectively. The lens’s simplicity keeps it affordable and straightforward. The lack of weather sealing is one frustration. But overall, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a brilliant option for an enthusiastic traveler with a Canon mirrorless camera.

2. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is the best zoom lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. The wide 24-105mm zoom range allows you to shoot anything from wide landscapes to detailed portraits without needing to switch lenses. It’s an all-in-one lens that gives you excellent flexibility. 

Optically, the lens offers good sharpness and uses aspherical elements to control chromatic aberration. Glass coatings also help to reduce imperfections like flare and vignetting.

The aperture range is limited. And you only have a max aperture of f/7.1 when fully zoomed in at 105mm. Thankfully, the lens does have image stabilization. This gives you up to five stops of exposure compensation. 

Light and easy to carry, the lens fits easily into any travel camera backpack . Its build is sturdy despite being made mostly of plastic, and it handles well on Canon’s mirrorless cameras. The lack of weather sealing is a downside, so you’ll need to take care in bad weather.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a lightweight, versatile zoom lens. It has some limitations, but it’s an affordable lens that allows you to travel light. It’s a great option for young travelers or older beginners. 

3. Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

The Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is another versatile zoom lens for travel photography. Its focal range from wide-angle to normal view allows you to adapt to new environments. You can shoot broad landscapes or more tightly framed street-style images.

The image quality is excellent, with two aspherical elements that reduce aberrations. Canon’s special Super Spectra Coating (SSC) also keeps flare and ghosting at bay. 

It doesn’t have the fastest maximum aperture, especially when you’re zoomed into 50mm. f/6.3 is ok in daylight, so you’ll have no problem in sunny destinations. But there is an image stabilizer to help you in lower light. It gives you an extra 4.5 stops of compensation.  

Weighing only 210 g, this lens won’t add much bulk to your travel bag. Its plastic construction keeps it light, though it lacks weather sealing.

While the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM may not boast the widest aperture or the longest zoom, its stabilization, versatility, and portability make it a practical choice for travelers. It’s also an affordable travel lens you can take anywhere. 

4. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a wide-angle prime some travel photographers will love. It isn’t as versatile as the previous RF lenses. But it’s the best option if your travel photography involves landscapes and architectural shots. 

Picture quality is reliably sharp from corner to corner. And a 13 cm minimum focus distance allows you to capture impressive close-ups. 

Its f/2.8 aperture helps you shoot in low-light conditions, allowing for clearer shots at dawn, dusk, or when shooting indoors. A circular aperture also gives you super-smooth boken when using a shallow depth of field. 

The light weight and compact design makes this lens is a dream for those on the move. Its construction is sturdy enough for a traveler’s life. But a lack of weather sealing means you’ll need caution when the weather turns bad. 

Its autofocus is quick and reliable, making very little noise in operation. The lack of image stabilization might be a drawback for some. But additional features like the custom control ring improve usability, giving photographers more hands-on control. 

Ideal for landscape and architectural photography, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM offers a unique view of the world. The ultra-compact design means it takes up no space in your pack. And the price tag makes it a suitable option for beginners.

5. Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

The Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a versatile zoom lens for travel photographers. Its lightweight design ensures it’s not a burden when traveling. And the wide zoom range gives you incredible flexibility. It’s an all-in-one lens that allows you to travel light. 

Zoom lenses with such large focal ranges are not known for their picture quality. But this lens really holds its own. You might experience some distortion at the extremes. But generally, the images are sharp and clear. 

The variable aperture might limit its use in low light, pushing photographers towards higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds. But thankfully, the built-in image stabilization gives you an extra 4.5 stops of exposure compensation. 

Built from high-quality plastics, the lens is durable yet light, ideal for on-the-go shooting. The lack of weather sealing is a downside, so you’ll need to take care if it rains. 

While the Canon RF-S 18-150mm may not have the fastest aperture or professional-grade features, it is versatile and affordable. It’s also reliable, helping you capture stunning images from all over the world. It’s a top option for travel photographers with a Canon APS-C mirrorless camera.

What is the Best Canon EF Lens for Travel Photography?

We now turn to Canon EF lenses for DSLR cameras. These lenses are chosen for their light weight, versatility, and ability to capture stunning images in various settings. From wide landscapes to detailed portraits, each lens offers unique advantages for travel, ensuring photographers can easily adapt to changing environments without compromising image quality.

• Quick, smooth autofocus perfect for candid shots

• Consistent f/4 aperture across all focal lengths
• Professional-grade build with weather sealing
• Effective image stabilization for sharp results
• Fast, quiet autofocus with manual override option

• Flexible zoom range for versatile shooting scenarios
• Constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure
• L-series build quality with weather sealing
• Hybrid IS for superior stabilization in macro mode
• Fast, silent autofocus with full-time manual override

• Exceptional low-light capability with f/1.4 aperture
• Superior image sharpness and clarity
• Robust L-series construction with weather sealing
• Smooth, aesthetically pleasing bokeh effect
• Fast, accurate autofocus with silent operation

• Broad focal range for versatile shooting options
• Smooth, silent STM autofocus ideal for video
• Built-in image stabilization for sharper images
• Lightweight design enhances portability for travel
• Compatible with Canon's APS-C DSLR cameras

Our Favorite Canon EF Lenses for Travel Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Canon EF lenses. These Canon lenses provide a range of options to enhance your travel photography. Whether you’re looking for the versatility of a zoom lens or the low-light capabilities of a prime lens, there’s something here for every travel photographer.

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a brilliant travel lens for photographers with a Canon DSLR. A nifty-fifty is one of the most popular types of lenses. That’s because the 50mm focal length gives you a natural, versatile field of view. And the fast f/1.8 max aperture gives you excellent exposure control. 

Its fixed focal length limits versatility compared to zoom lenses like the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM . But you have gifted sharper optical quality than most zoom lenses. Even on a budget-friendly lens like this, there’s very little chromatic aberration or distortion. 

Thanks to the STM motor, the autofocus is quick and accurate in well-lit environments. And the 35 cm minimum focus distance allows you to shoot detailed close-ups. A rounded 7-blade aperture diaphragm also gives you smooth bokeh for those close-up shots. 

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is versatile, reliable, and affordable. It’s an absolute dream for any travel photographer. 

2. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a versatile zoom lens Canon users will love for travel photography. The zoom range range allows photographers to capture everything from wide landscapes to detailed portraits without needing to switch lenses.

It’s light for its class, making it less of a burden when you’re traveling with a camera backpack. And it’s both durable and weather-sealed, giving you peace of mind when traveling abroad.

The f/4 maximum aperture isn’t the fastest. But it is constant throughout the zoom range, meaning you don’t lose any stops when zooming in. It also allows you to control the depth of field at any point in the zoom range. 

You’re also helped by the lens’s built-in image stabilization. This is a big help when shooting in low light or at slower shutter speeds. The IS can help keep photos sharp even when shooting from hand. That means you can travel lighter by leaving your tripod back at base.

Autofocus is quick and reliable, capturing moments as they happen. The lens’s minimum focusing distance and magnification ratio are adequate for close-up shots, adding to its versatility.

A wide zoom range and pro-level features make the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM a top choice for travel photographers. It’s reasonably priced and still available brand new. 

3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is a versatile lens for travel photography, offering a focal range that covers wide-angle to short telephoto shots. This makes it easy to capture vast landscapes and detailed portraits without swapping lenses.

With two aspherical and two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements, the optical quality is fantastic. There’s very little distortion at any point in the focal range. And Canon’s special lens coating prevents glare and improves light transmission. 

Its constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure, which is handy in changing light conditions. It’s not as wide as some lenses, meaning it might struggle in very low light. But you get an additional 4.5 stops of exposure control with the image stabilization.

 Its autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring important moments are not missed. The superior USM drive gives you fast focusing that’s also near silent in operation. 

It’s relatively light for its class, reducing fatigue during long days of exploration. The lens is also sturdy, with weather sealing that protects against dust and moisture. This durability, combined with its optical performance and flexibility, makes the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM a solid choice for travelers.

4. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is a brilliant wide-angle prime for travel photography. This lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes and architectural structures with clarity.

It doesn’t give you the flexibility of a zoom lens. But you can’t question the picture quality. The barrel contains several specialist elements, including UD glass, that deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. 

Its low-light ability is a significant advantage, allowing photographers to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions without compromising on quality. A f/1.4 aperture also gives you fabulous depth of field control, allowing for a lovely blurred bokeh background. 

It isn’t the lightest prime lens, but it won’t add much bulk to a travel bag. The lack of image stabilization is mitigated by the wide aperture, which gives you better exposure control. Its quick, accurate autofocus ensures that fleeting moments are captured sharply.

Durability is a key feature, with weather sealing protecting against the elements. This makes the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM a reliable companion for outdoor and adventure photography. While not as versatile or affordable as the 50mm prime, it delivers pro-level results for travelers wanting a wider angle of view. 

5. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is the best travel lens for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. This lens allows photographers to capture everything from sweeping landscapes at 18mm to detailed close-ups at 135mm. It’s an all-in-one lens that allows you to travel light thanks to its versatility.

One UD and one PMO aspherical element give you clean picture quality throughout the zoom range. The sharpness doesn’t match some of the prime lenses, especially at the edges. But it doesn’t disappoint for a lens in this price bracket. 

Its variable aperture isn’t the fastest, with only an f/5.6 at 135mm. But you are compensated by effective image stabilization, crucial for sharp images in varied lighting conditions.

The STM motor ensures autofocus is both quick and quiet, perfect for capturing spontaneous moments.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry around for long periods. Though it lacks weather sealing, its solid build and good optical performance make it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a good option for travel enthusiasts looking for flexibility. Its combination of a broad zoom range, image stabilization, and portability offers a practical tool for capturing diverse travel experiences. While professionals might seek lenses with faster apertures or specialized features, this is a great starting point for beginners with an itch to travel. 

Conclusion: The Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Our article on the best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography has showcased a variety of lenses that suit any traveler. From lightweight primes to versatile zooms, each lens offers unique benefits for capturing stunning travel images. The key takeaways emphasize the importance of considering factors like weight, focal length, and aperture when choosing a lens for travel.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM both stand out for their compact design and excellent low-light performance. These lenses are ideal for travel photography, offering a great balance of portability and image quality. They are must-have lenses for travel photographers with Canon cameras. 

• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Hiking Sandals
• Trail Runners
• Base layers
• Hiking Shirts
• Fleece Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Rain jackets
• Down Jackets
• Hiking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Base Layers
• Rain Jackets
• Hiking Bras
• Baby Carriers
• Cookware Sets
• Water Filters
• Water Purifiers
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Hiking Poles
• GPS Devices
• Solar Chargers
• Dive Regulators
• Dive Computers
• Dive Watches
• Dive Wetsuits
• Dive Gloves
• Dive Lights
• Dive Knives
• Spearfishing Wetsuits
• Spearfishing Masks
• Spearfishing Fins
• Spearfishing Watches
• Freediving Wetsuits
• Freediving Masks
• Freediving Fins
• Freediving Watches
• Sit On Top Kayaks
• Inflatable Kayaks
• Fishing Kayaks
• Tandem Kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Kayak Paddles
• Kayak Seats
• Kayak Roof Racks
• Kayak Carts
• Stand Up Paddle Boards
• Touring SUPs
• Inflatable SUPs
• Fishing SUPs
• SUPs For Yoga
• SUPs For Surfing
• SUP Paddles
• Climbing Boots
• Belay Devices
• Climbing Shoes
• Women's Climbing Shoes
• Bouldering Shoes
• Approach Shoes
• Climbing Pants
• Bouldering Pants
• Mountain Bikes for Men
• Mountain Bikes for Women
• MTB Handlebars
• Bike Saddles
• Bike Computers
• Bike Lights
• MTB Jackets
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Packing Gear
• Fat Biking Gear
• Ski Bindings
• Ski Helmets
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Jackets
• Snowboarding Bindings
• Snowboarding Boots
• Snowboard Helmets
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Pants
• Snowboard Jackets
• Snowshoe Poles
• Avalanche Beacons
• Avalanche Probes
• Avalanche Shovels
• Ski Backpacks
• Surfboards For Beginners
• Surfboards For Kids
• Surfboard For Small Waves
• Soft Top Surfboards
• Foam Surfboards
• Body Boards
• Boogie Boards
• Kiteboarding Kites
• Kitesurfing Boards
• Kiteboarding Harnesses
• Surfing Wetsuits
• Men's Rash Guards
• Women's Rash Guards
• Board Leashes
• DLSR Travel Cameras
• Mirrorles Travel Cameras
• Point and Shoot Travel Cameras
• Fuji Travel Lenses
• Nikon Travel Lenses
• Tripods for Travel
• DLSR Landscape Cameras
• Mirrorles Landscape Cameras
• Point and Shoot Landscape Cameras
• Fuji Landscape Lenses
• Nikon Landcape Lenses
• Canon Landcape Lenses
• Tripods for Landscape Photo
• Wildlife Cameras
• Wildlife Lenses
• Wildlife Tripods
• Wildlife Monopods
• Birdlife Cameras
• Birdlife Lenses
• Surfboards For Small Waves

Best Lenses for Travel Photography of 2024

What are the best lenses for travel photography? Difficult to say, considering that the way we experience our adventures changes every time, depending on who we are and where we decide to go. When we talk of travel photography we include capturing landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and architecture — subjects that all require different gear to be framed properly. While multipurpose lenses help you reduce bulk (and save some money), knowing what you want to focus on will make your decision process much easier.

This article features a selection of ten lenses for travel photography suited for all subjects and environments. You will find everything from wide-angle lenses designed to shoot vast nature scenes to telephoto zoom lenses built for capturing distant wildlife. The selection below covers all the main camera brands and takes into account both budget and expertise. Whether you are just looking for a lens to enhance your Instagram feed or you aim to shoot the next cover shot for Lonely Planet, we have something here for you.

For more of our top travel photography gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Fuji Lenses for Travel | Nikon Travel Lens

Quick Answer - The Best Lenses for Travel Photography

• Canon EF 8-15MM F/4L FISHEYE USM View at Amazon
• Nikon 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED View at Amazon
• Sigma 18-35MM F/1.8 DG HSM ART View at Amazon
• Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM View at Amazon
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM View at Amazon
• Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM View at Amazon
• Fujinon XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 View at Amazon
• Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E View at Amazon
• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm View at Amazon
• Fujinon XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Lens for Travel Photography

Reviews - the best travel photography lenses, canon ef 8-15mm f/4l fisheye usm.

• Type : Wide Angle
• Aperture : f/4
• Dimensions : 3.3 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches
• Focal Length : 8-15mm
• Weight : 1.9 lbs
• Weather Sealed : Yes
• Extreme Wide-Angle Shooting
• Lightweight And Compact
• Lens Coating Reduces The Risk Of Glare

BEST FOR: THE IMAGINATIVE SOUL

If you specialize in ultra-wide-angle photography, the Canon EF 8-15mm F/4L Fisheye USM is sure to catch your attention. An ultrasonic motor drives fast and accurate autofocus that you can always override with manual settings for full control. It has a maximum angle of view of 180 degrees, letting you take panoramas of the sights. Additionally, the lens offers both circular and rectangular fisheye effects, so you can experiment with different effects. 

While the lens is specialized for distortion, it does not allow chromatic aberrations. Its ultra-low dispersion optical elements enhance the contrast and clarity of your images, making sure they stay true to real colors. A Sub-Wavelength coating guards against flare and ghosting, so artificial lighting won’t disturb your photos. As a bonus, the lens has a built-in filter holder at the back that is compatible even with cut gel filters, so you can further spice up your shot.

Nikon 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED

• Aperture : f/3.5-4.5
• Dimensions : 3.43 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
• Focal Length : 10-24mm
• Weight : 1.01 lbs
• Weather Sealed : No
• Silent And Reliable Autofocus
• Fairly Affordable Price
• Great For Both Landscapes And Street Photography

BEST FOR: THE URBAN WANDERER

If you want more versatility, a lens that covers ultra-wide to wide-angle focal lengths is more suitable. This range is perfect to capture all the landscapes and cityscapes you travel to. The Nikon 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5G ED is one such lens. It has several aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements that eliminate fisheye distortions and color fringing. To enhance the work of optics, there is a Super Integrated coating that suppresses unwanted ghosting and flare, so you can take photos in museums and such. 

As for other features, the lens has a Silent Wave motor and a 7-blade aperture diaphragm. The motor uses an internal focusing design, so the moving of lens parts is not seen from the outside. This results in fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance, which is a must for on-the-go travel photography. The aperture has a 7-blade diaphragm useful for background blurring and selective focus techniques. Shallow depth of field can be experimented with while shooting portraits and motion, letting you explore urban scenes.

Sigma 18-35MM F/1.8 DG HSM ART

• Aperture : f/1.8
• Dimensions : 4.8 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches
• Focal Length : 18-35mm
• Weight : 1.79 lbs
• Wide Aperture For Exceptional Low Light Performance
• Solid Build
• Works Even In Freezing Temperatures

BEST FOR: WORK IN DIFFICULT LIGHTING

With a zoom range of 18-35mm, the Sigma f/1.8 DG HSM ART seems like a standard lens. However, it is distinguished by its maximum aperture of f/1.8. It is especially useful in hand-held and poorly-lit scenes, producing noise-free images in lighting that corrupts many other lenses. This aperture, along with a 9-blade diaphragm, gives you an exceeding amount of control over the depth of field so you can take portraits and landscapes, isolating your subject or building complexity as much as you need. 

Naturally, this lens also features extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements that produce true colors and a distortion-free perspective. As for focusing, this lens features a Hyper-Sonic motor with an internal design, making autofocus fast and silent. And if you like traveling to cold environments, know that the Sigma 18-35mm is built with a thermally stable composite material that allows it to function well in a wide range of temperatures, tropics to tundra.

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

• Type : Standard
• Aperture : f/2.8
• Dimensions : 5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
• Focal Length : 16-35mm
• Weight : 1.74 lbs
• Fast Aperture For Optimal Low Light Performance
• Lightweight And Portable
• Dust- & Water-Resistant

BEST FOR: THE DETAIL-ORIENTED

Canon EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM is another lens that seems ordinary with its focal length range and the maximum aperture. However, its beauty lies in its optical design. This lens uses a combination of large and small aspherical elements that minimize perspective distortions and correct illumination edge to edge. Thus, vignetting that often plagues lenses is reduced. Plus, extra-low dispersion elements also work to sharpen the colors in the corners of your image.

Besides this, the lens has other useful features. For example, its ultrasonic motor with internal design optimizes autofocus and offers accurate and near-silent action. The aperture diaphragm has 9 blades, allowing for the depth of field control. The body of the lens is sealed against dust and moisture, while the front element has a coating that protects against smudges. Thus, you don’t have to baby the lens, so you can take it with you anywhere.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

• Dimensions : 4.45 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
• Focal Length : 24-70mm
• Weight : 1.77 lbs
• Large Aperture Creates Beautiful Background Blur
• Fast And Accurate Autofocus
• Produces Realistic Colors With No Aberrations

BEST FOR: THE JOURNALIST

The Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM has advanced optics, an ultrasonic motor, and some other features in common with its relative above. However, the range of focal lengths distinguishes the two. This lens shoots up to 24-70mm, which is perfect for wide-angle and portrait photography. So if you like photojournalism, this zoom range is the one. Additionally, it has a zoom lock that secures the lens at 24mm, keeping it compact. 

As for optics, this lens is oriented for color fidelity, so it has ultra-low dispersion elements that enhance the true colors of your image and add clarity to it. A Super Spectra coating stabilizes colors in strong light, preventing ghosting and flare, so you can seamlessly work indoors. If you are more inclined to work outside, the lens is sealed against dust and moisture, withstanding inclement conditions.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

• Dimensions : 3.6 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches
• Focal Length : 17-50mm
• Weight : 1.25 lbs
• Image Stabilization System For Blur Free Images
• High-Speed, Silent Autofocus
• Versatile Focal Range

BEST FOR: HANDHELD SHOTS

Yet another wide-angle to portrait lens, the Sigma 17-50mm is a great lens for walking around. It is designed to fit APS-C-format Canon EF-mount cameras, translating this range into 27.2-80mm. It boasts a Hypersonic motor for fast, accurate, and silent autofocus – perfect for any situation. Plus, an optical stabilizer deals with any camera shake that seeps into your image. Coupled with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens has a great grasp of poorly lit and handheld scenes.  

And special low dispersion elements suppress color fringing for improved quality of your shots. If you plan on indoor photography, the lens further offers Super Multi-Layer coating that reduces flare and ghosting. For all those stylish street photographers, Sigma created this lens with a sleek profile. This is not only aesthetic, but compact as well, so you can easily pack your lens away and carry it effortlessly.

Fujinon XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6

• Type : Multipurpose Zoom
• Aperture : f/3.5-5.6
• Dimensions : 2.98 x 3.85 inches
• Focal Length : 18-135mm
• Weight : 1.1 lbs
• Smooth, Quiet Autofocus
• Protected Against Rain, Dust, And Moisture
• Great Focal Range To Shoot Everything From Landscapes To Portraits

BEST FOR: BASICS OF TRAVEL

The Fujinon XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a lens with a versatile zoom range, starting from wide-angle for landscapes and portraits, and ending with telephoto for macro and long-distance shots. All this to give you lots of opportunities to experiment with photography in your travels. If you are especially keen on portraiture, the lens has a 7-blade aperture diaphragm, producing a bokeh effect. Besides the zoom, the lens offers a linear motor that delivers fast and silent  autofocus, so you don’t disturb any bypassers or animals.

The lens also takes care of any blurring with its image stabilization that reduces camera shake up to 5 shutter speed stops. However, motion blur is not the only aberration the XF 18-135mm deals with. It includes a complex optical design with extra-low dispersion elements and aspherical elements that correct perspective and colors. And, of course, the lens is protected with 20 different weather seals, so you can record your travels in any weather.

Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E

• Type : Telephoto
• Aperture : f/4.5-5.6
• Dimensions : 5.75 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
• Focal Length : 70-300mm
• Weight : 1.5 lbs
• Vibration Reduction Technology
• High-Speed Autofocus With Quiet Operation
• Produces Elegant Background Blur

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND BALANCE

If you need a slightly more telephoto-oriented lens, the Nikon f/4.5-5.6 may sound interesting. It has a zoom range up to 300mm, which can be turned into 450mm on DX-format DSLRs. Because it is cumbersome to shoot with such focal lengths without stability, this lens offers a vibration reduction technology that lets you leave your tripod at home and travel lightly. Better yet, the autofocus of this lens is silent and precise, so you can take photos of moving subjects from afar, and not get distracted by noise. 

The Nikon f/4.5-5.6 also boasts a lightweight and ergonomically balanced build. It will fit nicely into your backpack, so you have less to worry about. Nikon’s special optical design with extra-low dispersion elements correct chromatic aberrations for more vivid and truthful shots. As for background effects, the 9-blade diaphragm of the lens’ aperture produces soft bokeh in shallow depth of field.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm

• Dimensions : 7.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches
• Focal Length : 70-200mm
• Weight : 3.4 lbs
• Built With Durable Materials
• Powerful Image Stabilization System
• Anti-Smudge Coating On Glass

BEST FOR: ANY-WEATHER ADVENTURE

Shifting from wide-angle lenses, we have the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II that has a range from portrait to telephoto. Thus, you can take photos from afar or macro shots. This lens is built for FX image sensors, but it is also compatible with DX sensors, turning into a 105-300mm lens. The maximum aperture with such zoom ranges is quite remarkable, allowing for work in poorly lit and zoomed-in scenes, as well as selective focus techniques. 

Plus, a vibration reduction system reduces camera shake up to 4 shutter speed stops, even as you take hand-held shots, or pan the camera. During travel, the risk of smudging the lens may increase. However, the Nikon 70-200mm has a fluorine coating that protects from this. As well, the lens is made with a magnesium alloy, which means that it can survive dusty, humid, and inclement weather.

Fujinon XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8

• Aperture : f/3.5-4.8
• Dimensions : 2.95 x 4.65 inches
• Focal Length : 55-200mm
• Weight : 1.28 lbs
• Image Stabilization System
• Silent And Fast Autofocus
• Great For Close-Up Shots And Macro Photography

BEST FOR: INDOOR AND OUTDOOR

The Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a standard versatile lens that is compatible with mirrorless Fujifilm cameras. It also offers a 4.5-stop image stabilization and a silent autofocus system. The stabilization reduces camera shake to make it seem like you were shooting with a higher shutter speed. Meanwhile, the linear motor is great for fast-moving subjects like wildlife, cars, and people.

The lens’ optical design is devoted to reducing color fringing, such as cyan outlines and other color inaccuracies, especially those showing up in telephoto zooms. As a nice side effect, it promotes sharpness, vibrancy, and control over the depth of field. Moreover, the XF 55-200mm has a Super EBC coating. The coating ensures that your photos are not compromised by flare, so you can fearlessly shoot photos indoors with artificial lighting. Finally, – another plus for a traveler – the lens is fairly affordable.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A LENS FOR TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Focal length.

Focal length is the first thing you look at when choosing a lens. Focal length is measured in millimeters and affects the framing perspective of the lens. If you are interested in shooting landscapes , architecture, or interiors it is a good idea to go for a wide angle lens that will allow you to include the whole scene. If you are more interested in wildlife or portraits, however, a telephoto lens might be a better idea. Standard lenses range around 50mm, a versatile focal length standing between wide-angle and telephoto that can be used for street photography, people, and spontaneous shots you may feel inspired to capture as you explore a new destination.

PRIME OR ZOOM

Lenses can have a fixed or adjustable focal length. In the first case, they are known as “prime,” while in the second case they are known as “zoom.” Prime lenses have the advantage of producing crisper images and performing better in low light photography , but they require switching more often as the framing angle cannot be changed. Because of this reason, zoom lenses tend to be preferred by travel photographers , as they offer more versatility and can be used in different situations.

WEATHER SEALING

Unless you own a magic wand to control the weather, buying gear that is resistant to rain, dust, and humidity is always a good idea. Weather sealed lenses are designed to keep working even when conditions are not ideal, allowing you to shoot when the elements are fighting against you.

WEIGHT AND SIZE

Professional lenses are usually heavy pieces of gear composed by a multitude of elements that all play a part in producing the best possible shot. When you travel, being able to pack the least possible weight is a big advantage, so take this factor into account when buying. Prime lenses are usually lighter than zoom lenses, but one single fixed lens might not be enough to shoot every subject you encounter. Wide angle and standard lenses do not normally take up too much space, but telephoto lenses can be bulky and require a tripod to be used, especially in low light.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

The distance separating the sensor from the lens, measured in millimeters, that affects the framing perspective.

A lens with a fixed focal length.

A lens with an adjustable focal length.

The channel that lets the light reach the sensor through the lens. A wider aperture (measured in f-stops) means better performance in low light.

WIDE-ANGLE LENS

A lens with a low focal length, designed to capture landscapes and vast, open scenes.

TELEPHOTO LENS

A lens built for photographing distant subjects, often used in portraiture or wildlife photography .

For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Landscape Cameras

Landscape Lenses

Cameras for Wildlife Photography

Lenses for Wildlife Photography

Cameras for Travel Photography

Lenses for Travel Photography

Best Fuji Lenses for Stunning Travel Photos (In 2024)

Trying to pick a lens to buy can be a super daunting task. I remember when I finally decided to upgrade from the kit lens that camera with my camera, and I had to do SO MUCH GOOGLING. How can you possibly decide what lens is best for you? It came with learning a ton of terminology I had never grappled with before: Aperture. Focal length. IQ (Image Quality).

There is a sea of choice and as beginners looking for information it’s hard to know what’s going to be best.

There there is the fact that lenses are expensive .

The last thing you want to have happen is that you buy a lens and then you don’t like it! 😱

I personally own and have purchased all the lenses in this guide (except one I borrowed 😁), so I can provide you with lots of sample images taken with each lens to help your decision-making process!

Read on for a guide on picking a Fujifilm lens for travel , including information on how to choose a lens based on the kind of pictures you want to capture, and my top pick if you have to pick just ONE lens .

This post was originally published in January 2019, and has been updated for Summer 2024 with the latest additions to Fujifilm’s lens lineup.

What makes a great lens for travel?

I have a few main criteria when picking lenses for travel. Any lens needs to match at least 2 of the following three criteria:

• Lightweight – You don’t want to have shoulder pain from carrying a ton of gear by hauling heavy gear around for long hours while traveling.
• Versatile – You’ll find no ultra-specialty lenses in this guide, only meant for one thing. Every lens needs to help me in a couple different ways.
• Necessary – Whether I absolutely need to pack the lens because I’ll be in a special situation, like shooting wildlife.

Hence, all of the lenses I include here are at least two of these things, and hopefully they are more like all three!

Why did I pick Fujifilm?

Back in the day when I started looking for a camera, a friend of mine who majored in Film in college unequivocally recommended that I start my photography journey with Fujifilm .

A big part of the draw is that Fujifilm focuses on mirrorless cameras , which are smaller and more light-weight than bulky DSLRs. When I know that my images will end up on this blog, rather than a billboard, I don’t need the difference between the 24 megapixels of the $1,000 Fujifilm X-T2 and the 30 megapixels of the $3,000 Canon 5D Mark IV.

I will keep my extra $2,000, thanks!

And in turn, I have a camera that’s light enough to pop in my day bag without me noticing the weight.

That can be a huge benefit when you’re traveling, because the last thing you want to do is leave your camera in your room because it’s too heavy and you don’t want it to weigh you down.

Best Fuji Lens For Travel Photography

As I said before, I personally own or have extensively used all of these Fujifilm lenses. So you know you’re getting recommendations based on my experience!

If you have any questions about them , please LEAVE A COMMENT! I am more than happy to help you pick the lens that is going to meet your individual needs and help you capture the kind of photos you dream about 😄

Legend WR - Weather resistant (can withstand rain and below freezing temperatures). OIS - Optical image stabilization (helpful with zoom lenses to avoid blurry photos). ★ - My all-time favorite lens!

1. Fujinon XF 16mm f1.4

This is one lens that I always bring with me when traveling. A wide-angle lens is a super necessary part of the traveler’s arsenal. If you aren’t familiar with wide-angle lenses, it essentially means that you can fit more in to the picture than with a typical lens. This can be great, but it also means sometimes you need to get really close to something in order to use this lens and get the framing that you want.

Use this lens for: Landscapes, tight indoor spaces, low light photography, astrophotography, architecture.

The reason I think a wide angle lens is necessary for every traveler is because these kinds of situations are the ones we encounter a lot.

• Want to get that beautiful mountain landscape? Wide angle.
• Want to photograph that impressive church or parliament building? Wide angle.
• Want to capture people in the context of an landscape, instagram-style? Wide. Angle!
• “Follow me” style portraits? If that’s what you want, you need a wide angle!

There are a lot of shots you just miss if you don’t bring a wide angle lens.

What makes this lens special This lens can focus very closely and has a very wide aperture. What it means is you can get bokeh (blurry background) from a wide angle lens by getting close, which is not a very common thing at all. The wide aperture also makes it a great candidate for night photos, I’ve used it to take plenty of photos of stars and northern lights!

My best tip for using a wide-angle lens is GET CLOSER any time you are using it and you are not shooting a landscape!

If you’re still not sure, you can read my detailed Fujifilm 16mm f1.4 review for more sample images and an in-depth look at this lens.

Alternatives: Fuji’s other wide-angle lenses

Prime lenses : These lenses don’t zoom, but are often lighter and more compact than their zoomable counterparts. Fuji is known for its primes, and you can save hundreds of dollars if you don’t really need the f1.4 aperture and can sacrifice a little sharpness.

• 16mm f2.8 WR – Very affordable alternative to the 16mm f1.4 which was just released last year (in 2019). Weather resistant, compact, and has consistently great reviews .
• 14mm f2.8 – Has a wider angle but is not weather resistant. A good option for astrophotography or taking pictures of the northern lights.
• 18mm f2.8 – Affordable and compact wide angle lens, but not weather resistant.

Zoom lenses : Fuji has a number of wide to mid-range zoom lenses. There are a few besides these, but these are the most modern and/or the ones with the best quality. You can find them at an entire range of price points as well.

• 16-55mm f2.8 WR – Considered the highest quality wide-to-midrange zoom in Fujifilm’s lineup. Weather resistant, though a little bit on the heavy side. With the the latest Fujifilm camera bodies you can even bundle this lens as your kit lens for a steal.
• 10-24mm f4 – Possibly the best lens for landscape photographers. Super versatile because it’s a zoom, but only f4 which is not really enough for low light. It does have optical image stabilization (OIS), which will help with handheld shots.
• 16-80mm f4 WR – Fuji’s newest zoom offering (as of January 2020). Reviews for this lens are, however, mixed at best. Many are waiting for firmware updates to see if some of the key focus issues are resolved. Has optical image stabilization (OIS).

The reason I chose the 16mm f1.4 over these lenses is I wanted to be able to take low light photos , for example photos of the northern lights or stars. But, still have the flexibility of a lens that isn’t “ultra wide”. Any of these cameras can also take low-light photos, but you’ll need to hold the shutter open for longer, which could mean the stars have moved. Plus, since it’s weather resistant, I can use it in rain, snow, and winter which is important for me!

Check current price for Fuji's 16mm f1.4 on Amazon

2. Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4

I’ve owned this lens for a couple years now, I’ve added new lenses to my kit in the mean time, but none of them really displaced the 35mm lens as being my favorite lens I own .

It’s not just me – a lot of people say that the 35mm f1.4 lens by Fujifilm is the standard by which all other lenses should be judged. It’s super sharp, has gorgeous bokeh, and the image quality is just really, really beautiful. You can take a picture of garbage with this lens and it will look like magic. Seriously.

Use this lens for Everything! This is my all-time favorite lens.

The first big trip I took this lens on was Japan, where I was still using a super low-end camera that didn’t even have a viewfinder – meaning, I was composing all my photos by looking at the LCD screen. Even with the low-end camera body (and the very sad fact that I did not shoot in RAW :sad:), I captured so many beautiful photos in Japan.

The fact that these photos look so good is a testament to the fact that the lens matters more than the camera when it comes to getting great shots. Yes, having both is best, especially in extreme conditions (low light or fast-moving subjects) but in 90% of travel scenarios, the lens is what is responsible for the beautiful image.

Now, this lens is one of the oldest lenses that Fuji makes. So you need to be aware that it has some drawbacks – it is slower and louder to focus than more modern lenses. It’s simply a fact that technology has progressed since this lens came out.

For me, even with those two facts, I love the images created by this lens so much that I don’t mind. It normally doesn’t affect me at all, but you should be aware that more modern “versions” of this lens like the Fujinon XF 35mm f2 have greatly improved on these issues. That said, I take the f1.4 over the f2 any day!

Alternatives The Fujinon XF 35mm f2 is a very good alternative to this lens. It’s fast to focus, compact, weather sealed, and costs about $200 less. The question for you is whether you are really looking for that extra magic from the original lens – something only you can decide!

Check current price for Fuji's 35mm f1.4 on Amazon

3. Fujinon XF 23mm f2 WR

I originally bought this lens for an upcoming trip to Iceland during the winter, because I knew that I needed to have more than one weather-resistant lens. I already owned the 16mm lens, but I needed something that would be useful for everything in between.

This lens has a couple of key benefits: it focuses really fast and quietly (meaning, great for snapshots but also video), it’s very lightweight, and of course it is weather resistant so you can feel safe using it in rain and snow.

Use this lens for Just about everything!

Here you can see the snow is falling everywhere and I am basically unconcerned about using this camera in very low temperatures. Officially, Fujifilm’s weather resistant cameras and lenses operate as low as -10°C / 14°F. I’m not sure if I’ve gone lower than this before, but with the wind and cold it would not surprise me (especially when I was out photographing northern lights, brrrr!)

The two most classic focal lengths are the 23mm and the 35mm on a crop sensor. That’s because these lengths are very versatile – in fact, 23mm is considered to be the same as the human eye, making the photos feel natural in what they contain.

The fact that the Fujifilm 23mm XF f2 lens has a maximum aperture of f/2 means that it’s much lighter than anything at f1.4, just because it takes a lot more glass to accomplish wider apertures. That said, f2 is perfectly good for a lot of low light photography. Check out this slightly longer exposure of the parliament building in Budapest.

Alternatives The main alternative is the 23mm f1.4 lens, which is an absolutely gorgeous lens. If you are looking for a lens that is a little bit wide angle but can still do very low-light, it is a great option. Unfortunately that lens is not weather resistant, so you can’t take it everywhere you can take the 23mm f2.

Check current price for Fuji's 23mm f2 on Amazon

4. Fujinon XF 50-140mm f2.8 WR LM OIS + 2x Teleconverter

I’m not going to lie, this lens is a bit of a beast. It’s larger than my head (though that’s not to say I have a particularly large head). That said, I’m not a big girl, and I had no trouble wielding this lens while I was on safari to take wildlife photos. Yes, the lens is heavier than any of Fujifilm’s prime lenses, but there are photos you can’t capture without it . Cropping a photo can only get you so far. If you’re going somewhere in nature where you think you’ll see some animals, I can’t recommend anything more than to bring a powerful zoom lens with you.

Use this lens for: Wildlife, safari, nature, portraits

This photo shows BOTH the 50-140mm attached, as well as the 2x teleconverter. Without the teleconverter, it would be about 2 1/2 inches shorter.

How does a teleconverter work? A teleconverter is basically like a smaller lens that you attach to an existing lens. It’s going to allow that lens to zoom in further, but it also reduces the amount of light getting into the lens. For example, if you attach a 2x teleconverter to the 50-140mm f2.8 lens, the lens will have the reach of 100-280mm f5.6. This is a great way to be able to zoom in twice as much as you could before, but do be aware, teleconverters are expensive and basically cost as much as a smaller lens themselves!

Did you know? Zoom lenses with a longer focal length (meaning, bigger number of “mm”) are often used to take portraits? This is because they provide the face with nice proportions, and compress the background to better isolate the subject!

As you can imagine with these photos above and below, I could’ve never captured them on a different lens. But they are somehow magical in their own right, and totally worth it.

Alternatives: Fuji’s other telephoto lenses

• 100-400mm f4 is the main alternative if you’re specifically looking to shoot wildlife . The real question here is whether you want something portable or you care about getting CLOSE. For mega, mega close photos, you’re going to need the 100-400mm lens. But if you are looking for a flexible middle ground, stick with the 50-140mm.
• 55-200mm f3.5-f4.8 is probably considered the best bang-for-your-buck zoom from Fuji. Pros: Affordable, great range, great image quality, comparatively lightweight. Cons: Not weather resistant, not as wide aperture, cannot be extended with a teleconverter. It has consistently stellar reviews on Amazon and around the web despite those tradeoffs.

Check current price for Fuji's 50-140mm f2.8 on Amazon

5. Fujinon XF 27mm f2.8

Did you know that tiny lenses like this are often called pancake lenses ? Because they are flat and compact like a pancake! If you’re looking for a lens to put on your camera to bring your camera with you anywhere, this would be a great lens for that. It’s so light it feels like nothing around your neck.

Use this lens for: Street photography, sharp landscapes, keeping a low profile

But my most prominent usage of this lens is when I want to keep a low profile, and not look like I have a thousand dollars hanging from my neck. Or, I want to be able to zip up my camera under my jacket without it being too noticeable.

For example, I went to Rio de Janeiro , which is unfortunately famous for petty theft against tourists. But at least with this lens and a light jacket, I could snap some photos without looking too much like a walking target the whole time. The bigger challenge was how much I was sweating while wearing a jacket in Rio 😂

Photo taken in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana Beach

Besides just for places where you don’t want to flash a huge camera and lens setup, it can sometimes just be nice to pack light and not worry too much about switching lenses. If I need to take just one lens, it’s probably either this one or my favorite lens (described at the bottom of this post!).

Alternatives The 27mm is not the only Fuji pancake lens available, you can also pick up the 18mm f2.8 .

Both can be good options, it just depends on whether you want to have a wide-angle lens or a more neutral focal length. Given I already own the 16mm, adding the 18mm would be too similar. I also own the Fuji kit lens which starts at 18mm, so it would be too much repetition all around.

Check current price for Fuji's 27mm f2.8 on Amazon

Compatible Fujifilm X-Series Cameras

You can choose any X-mount compatible camera. I personally use and love the Fujifilm X-T2 , which comes with me absolutely everywhere. But the Fujifilm X-T30 (linked below) has the same image quality, just slightly less performance and is not weather-resistant (which maybe you don’t really need, it depends on where you’ll travel!).

The important thing is to invest in lenses because new cameras are released every year, but lenses stand the test of time and will serve you for many years to come.

Plus, lens quality affects your photos more than the camera in the vast majority of cases. Of course, a high end lens on a cheap camera is like putting a sports car motor in a Buick, but we’ve all got to upgrade gradually so it’s totally fine!

You don’t have to spend all your money at once, just start small and pick a camera and a lens that is going to give you the photos you want. You can always upgrade over the years 😄

The latest version of the Fujifilm X-series flagship cameras

Same quality as the X-T2 but without weather resistance.

The camera I use. Still excellent and can be found at good prices.

TIP – Fuji is about to release the Fujifilm X-T4 . Unless you need the in-body stabilization or new flip-out LCD screen, you can get the same sensor in the Fujifilm X-T3 at a significant savings!

Lenses recommended in this post

As I said at the beginning of the post, these are all lenses that I have bought with my own money or (in one case) borrowed and traveled with extensively. If you have any questions , please feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you determine which lens is going to help you capture the travel photos you want!

Landscapes, architecture, astrophotography.

General purpose, classic, sharp, the gold standard.

Landscapes, street photography, low profile.

General purpose, versatile, everyday lens that's weather-resistent

Wildlife, safari, portraits, zoom

Extend zoom ability of the 50-140mm lens.

More Fujifilm accessories

Lenses are probably the most important piece of your arsenal when it comes to producing beautiful images. But there are also lots of other useful Fujifilm accessories that will help you capture images you can’t get without them! Keep reading this post for accessories to add to your travel photography kit .

In my 5+ years shooting with Fuji cameras, these are the best Fujifilm accessories that can help you boost your image quality and create stunning photos.

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

You might also like...

Review: One year with Peak Design's Slide Lite camera strap

Pros & Cons of Fujifilm's 27mm Pancake Lens

How to choose the best budget travel tripod (you'll actually use)

• Photography Articles
• Camera Buying Guide
• Lens Buying Guide
• How to Learn Photography
• Time Lapse Photography
• Learn & Explore Photography
• How to Articles
• Holiday Gift Guides
• Photography Blog
• Color Management
• Travel Guides
• Astrophotography
• Free Photography eBooks
• Real Estate Photography
• Bird & Wildlife Photography
• Tip of the Week
• Photography Quotes
• Best Canvas Print Company
• Best Workshops & Tours 2020/2021
• Photography Glossary
• Photography Lighting
• Drone Photography
• Portrait Photography Tips
• Beginner Photography Tips
• Best Large Print Companies
• Gallery Home
• Latest Uploaded
• View by Categories
• Inspirational Photos
• Upload Your Photos
• Photography Forum Home
• Latest Posts
• Search Photography Forum
• General Discussion
• Taking The Photo & Editing
• Photo Galleries & Critiques
• General Manufacturers
• Equipment Research
• Recommended Vendor
• Camera Bags
• Camera Straps
• Maternity Gear
• Community Badges
• Get Metal Prints
• PT Scholarship
• Member Interviews
• 30 Day Creative Eye Challenge
• Bird Photography Mastery Course
• Business Builder Mastery Course
• Landscape Photography Mastery Course
• Travel Photography Mastery Course
• Portrait Photography Mastery Course

Remember me

• Forgot Username?
• Forgot Password?

Best Canon Lens for Travel Photography

photo by martin-dm via iStock

If you have a Canon camera and aren’t sure what Canon lens to bring on your next trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to tell you which are the best canon lenses for travel photography and why.

The main thing to consider when deciding on a Canon travel lens is portability. Other things you will want to consider are focal length, aperture, image stabilization, mount compatibility, weather sealing, and, of course, price.  

When traveling, you have limited space and, unfortunately, most of the time, it’s impossible to bring your whole kit. Carrying only one or two lenses is what I recommend for most people. That’s why choosing the right lenses is critical! 

Zoom lenses are a popular choice for travel photographers due to their versatility, while new superzoom lenses are also gaining popularity. Prime lenses are less versatile, and telephoto’s are often quite heavy, but depending on the type of travel photography you like to shoot, they can also come in handy. 

With all that said, let’s jump into this ultimate guide of the best Canon lenses for travel photography! 

Best Canon Zoom Lens for Travel Photography

The Canon EF 24-105mm ​​f/4L IS USM is my overall favorite canon travel lens! Speaking plainly, it’s hands down one of the best lenses for travel photography ever built, regardless of brand. 

For starters, it weighs in at a very reasonable 1 pound, 8 ounces, and has an incredibly useful 24-105mm focal length. If you’re using it on an APS-C camera, the focal length grows by 1.6x to 38.4-168mm. 

Additionally, the constant f/4 aperture helps in low light situations and creates a nice bokeh effect when shooting portraits and street photography. 

If you shoot video, this lens works great too! It has image stabilizer technology built into the lens, which helps avoid shaky footage, and if paired with a gimbal, it works even better! It’s a top choice by travel vloggers, wedding videographers, and documentary filmmakers alike.  

Other fantastic features of this Canon lens for travel photography include a dust and moisture resistant metal construction, silent and quick autofocus, and a large easy to use focus ring.

Best Canon Superzoom Lens for Travel Photography

Superzooms have been getting extremely popular in the world of travel photography in recent years due to more of them being made as well as the fact that they cover such a wide range of focal lengths.

Without a doubt, the best superzoom lens for travel photography is the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM ! If you only want to carry one lens when you travel, this is certainly the best Canon lens for travel photography. 

At almost half the price of the Canon 24-70mm that we just spoke about, this is a terrific budget lens for travel photography. It weighs in 1 pound, 5 ounces,, which is also less than the 24-70mm and has an unbelievable zoom range of 18-300 (28.8-480 with an APS-C camera). 

More travel features I love are the fast autofocus, optical stabilization, a zoom lock switch which helps prevent accidental zoom adjustments, and its compact build.  

The biggest faults of this lens are the plastic body and the lack of any sort of weather resistance. When shooting outdoors, you have to be a little more careful with it and try to avoid dust and water. Also, when compared with the Canon 24-70mm, the images aren’t quite as sharp. 

Learn More:

• Best Canon Camera for Travel
• Top Photography Travel Bags

Best Canon Prime Lens for Travel Photography

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the perfect prime lens for travel photography to pair with a traditional zoom lens. This nifty fifty is compact and lightweight (6 ounces) and will take up almost no additional space in your camera bag. 

With this lens on, your camera will be much more low key and may even fit in your jacket pocket, depending on which body you pair it with. 

The 50mm focal length is the closest to that of the natural eye and is a superb option for street photography. Additionally, the f/1.8 aperture makes this lens great for shooting portraits, sports, and astrophotography!

Further features this lens provides are an 80mm focal length when paired with an APS-C camera, smooth and silent autofocus when shooting video, a metal mount to increase its durability, and the fact that it’s the most compact Canon 50mm lens ever! 

Best Canon Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography

The majority of people won’t want to travel with a telephoto lens since they are some of the biggest and heaviest lenses out there, but if you like photographing animals, sports, or super detailed shots (of architecture, for example), you may decide you need to pack one. 

My go-to Canon telephoto lens for travel photography is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM . That’s a whopping 160-640mm when paired with an APS-C crop sensor camera. It’s compact for a lens of its focal length, but at 3 pounds, 7 ounces, it’s definitely not light. 

This lens was built for the outdoors and is extremely weather-resistant. You can comfortably take this beast even into the harshest of conditions without a second thought.  

Moreover, it has three image stabilization modes that deliver astounding results no matter the situation. There are tons of customization options on this lens, too, so you can set it up and adjust it however it best works for you. 

One thing to keep in mind is that this is certainly a professional lens. The performance and the price tag both reinforce that. While the quality of the images is hard to match, unless you are a pro photographer, I’d opt for a superzoom such as the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM . 

Final thoughts on the Best Canon Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography

photo by alejomiranda  via iStock

Personally, I like to travel with two lenses when I travel. If I’m going to be mostly staying in the city, I’ll go for a setup that includes a zoom lens and a prime lens.

On the other hand, if I’m going to be heading into nature, I like to pack a superzoom and a prime. The extra zoom range is useful for both wide dramatic landscapes shots as well as close-up animal shots. 

Want to see more options? Check out these bonus Canon lenses for travel photography:  

• Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II
• Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS
• Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC
• Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 VC

And if you have a Canon mirrorless camera with the RF mount, these lenses are great choices: 

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM
• Travel Photography Do’s and Don’ts
• How to Get Started With Travel Photography

We Recommend

• Maternity Photography
• Portrait Photography Master Course

• Accessories
• Camera Reviews
• Become a Photographer
• Photo Editing
• Photography 101
• Photography Tips
• Astrophotography
• Travel Photography
• Livestreaming & YouTube
• Video Cameras
• Video Lenses
• Video Monitors
• Video Lighting
• Streaming Accessories
• Videography
• Audio for Video
• Microphones
• Desktop & Laptop
• Console Gaming
• iPads & Tablets
• Televisions
• Camera News
• Adorama Business
• Adorama Rentals
• 800.223.2500

The Best Travel Lenses for Canon Cameras

Now more than ever, photographers are working on-the-go, taking jobs across the country, and even around the world. We need lenses built to travel with us, that perform at the highest level, but don’t weigh us down. As the major camera manufacturer, Canon develops some of the best lenses and professional glass on the market. However, more recently, they have shifted to develop more portable, lightweight lens options in their RF series line up, that complement the lighter, travel-friendly, full-frame mirrorless, EOS R series of cameras. They’ve also done a fantastic job with their EF series lenses, to keep up with the ever-changing demands of travel photographers.

These lenses truly strike the perfect balance, and provide the travel-friendly options that content creators, photographers, and videographers need this year and beyond. So, let’s break down some of these best travel lenses , shall we? Here are the top  Canon lenses for travel . This article will highlight RF and EF series lenses that combine weight, size, portability, and performance in one package, perfect for travel and the modern-day photographer.

What to look for in a travel lens

A solid travel lens, whether it’s perhaps the best travel Canon lens or a lens from Sony, Nikon, or other brands, has a few key features. These include:

Airline weight restrictions can make life tough on travel photographers. That’s why you should look for a portable, lightweight lens whenever possible to keep your pack easy to carry and well within airline requirements.

The faster the aperture, the more versatility you have to work in low-lit conditions and to get creative with the shot (e.g., blurred backgrounds or bokeh). Look for an aperture range of at least around f/4, although even faster, like f/2, is ideal — especially for night-sky images .

Make sure the lens has solid autofocus capabilities, including fast and accurate focusing. You don’t want to waste precious travel minutes perfecting (or missing) the shot.

Focal length

The focal length you need depends on the type of images you hope to create. If you want to try landscapes or astrophotography, get a wider focal length like 20mm. If you hope to break into wildlife photography, nab a telephoto lens with at least a 300mm focal length. A zoom lens that transitions from wide to telephoto is also a great option for travel.

Best Travel Lenses for Canon Cameras

Whether you’re shooting with a Canon DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll find a lens that you can bring with you on your next trip or turn into your favorite primary lens. All you’ll likely need is a Canon Mount Adapter — if you’re using the newest Canon mirrorless systems  — and you’re good to go!

Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses for Travel

Canon rf 28-70mm f/2 l usm lens.

When it comes to the best Canon travel lens, it’s hard to top the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens. This Canon travel lens is bursting at the seams with coveted features, including a constant f/2 aperture for stunning bokeh no matter the focal length, a 12-pin communication system to optimize data transfer, and a control ring for easily adjusting settings. It also comes with reliable image stabilization, so you can rest assured that you’ll capture sharp shots, even when shooting handheld.

Key Specifications:

• Full-Format Wide Angle to Telephoto Zoom
• Focal Length of 28-70mm
• Aperture Range of f/2 – f/22
• 9 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
• Weighs 1,430g (3.15 lbs.)

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Another solid option on the list of the best Canon travel lens options is the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens, which offers up to five stops of image stabilization with five stops of shake correction, high image quality via a large-diameter RF mount, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.92 feet — which means you can go from wide-angle landscapes to creative macro shots. The clarity and focusing work in tandem to make this one of many options for the best Canon travels lenses on the market.

• Full-Frame Wide Angle Zoom
• Focal Length of 15-35mm
• Aperture Range of f/2.8 – f/22
• Optical Image Stabilization Technology
• Weighs 840g (1.85 lbs.)

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

This Canon RF-mount lens is designed for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras, and more dedicated shooters would appreciate the fact that this mirrorless lens offers a true wide-angle perspective of 24mm and that it bears Canon’s L-series lens technology, ensuring more vibrant, sharp, high-quality images.

For many professionals, it’s a dream to be able to use a smaller, pro-level mirrorless camera and have the option to mount a premium lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths. The RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM offers it all, especially when you want pro-quality images to bring home from your travels.

• Full-Frame Wide-Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens
• Focal Length of 24-105mm
• Aperture Range of f/4 – f/22
• Ring-Type Nano USM AF System
• Weighs 700g (24.7 oz)

Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

When it comes to the best Canon lenses for travel, it’s hard not to include the powerful and impressive Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 . This, Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm interchangeable zoom lens, promises seriously high quality images—even when zoomed in. The camera features five stops of shake correction (and up to 7.5 stops with coordinated optical image stabilizer and in-body image stabilization). The result? Sharp, crisp shots, even when used handheld.

The lens comes with a control ring for easy settings changes, a 12-pin communication system, and a coating that’s dust and water resistant—all must-have features for travel photographers and videographers .

Learn more about the lens in this hands-on review by Vanessa Joy .

Key Specifications: 

• Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens
• Focal Length of 70-200mm
• Aperture of f/4
• Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5 Stops of Shake Correction
• High Speed, Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus with Dual Nano USM
• Minimum Focusing Distance of 1.96 ft.
• Dust- and Water-resistant with Fluorine Coating
• Weighs 695g (1.5 lbs)

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Another Canon lens you can’t skip when it comes to travel is the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 lens . The lens is perfect for those looking to experiment with landscape , architecture , and even night sky photography . With a wide angle focal length of 14-35mm, this lens will capture entire sweeping scenes that truly draw the viewer in.

Specs-wise, this ultra-wide-angle lens features up to seven stops of shake correction when it’s used in tandem with the EOS R series cameras that feature in-body image stabilization. It also has a minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches across all focal lengths, not to mention a lightweight construction that’s easy to pack for trips close to home or halfway around the world.

See the lens in action in this hands-on review by Josh Katz .

• Wide Angle Zoom Lens
• Focal Length of 14-35mm
• Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 stops of shake correction
• High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon’s Nano USM
• Control Ring for direct setting changes
• Dust- and weather-resistant
• Weighs 540g (1.2 lbs)

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens is an all-in-one lens, and one of the best Canon lenses for travel. For starters, this compact lens features a flexible zoom range of 24 to 105mm, which means photographers can go from wide-angle streetscape shots to zoomed in portraits or wildlife subjects—all within seconds, and without the need for a lens change.

The wide-angle zoom was also built for close-up shooting, which means you can capture flowers while on the go , or food from your favorite restaurant in a new city. The lens comes built-in with smart and effective autofocusing to ensure each snap is as sharp as the last. And, this lens is budget friendly and therefore perfect for the aspiring travel photographer.

• Wide Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens
• Aperture range of f/4-7.1
• Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops of Shake Correction
• Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes
• In-camera Digital Lens Optimizer
• Leadscrew-type STM enables Smooth Autofocusing for Still-image and Video Shooting
• Weighs 395g (13.93 oz)

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Whether it’s for portraits of the people you meet or food films to showcase the delicious cuisines around the world, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L lens has you covered. It’s another one of the best Canon lenses for travel creators, starting first and foremost with the lifelike photos this stunning 50mm focal length produces. The lens also has a fast aperture that helps it work in low-light situations without compromising on quality.

With the tactile control ring, it’s easy to adjust exposure settings like shutter speed. And, the new RF lens mount design promises a shorter distance between the rear element and camera sensor—meaning improved optical performance your fans and clients will adore.

• Standard Lens
• Focal Length of 50mm
• Aperture of f/1.2
• Three Aspherical Elements and One UD Element
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) Minimizes Lens Flare and Ghosting
• 12 pin Communication System
• Weighs 950g (2.09 lbs)

Best Travel Lenses for Canon DSLR Cameras

Canon ef 24-70mm f/2.8l ii usm.

If you’re willing to invest more in a professional-quality Canon travel lens, the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a top choice. Not only does it offer a more versatile “medium zoom” focal length that reaches 70mm, but it also combines a bright maximum constant aperture with the brand’s L-series technology to provide superior low-light, color, and quality performance. Even its Ultrasonic Motor autofocus system is fast and silent, so you’re sure to always catch the perfect moment.

What makes this full-frame lens near perfect is that the premium optics are housed in a rugged, weather-sealed body, making it all the more ideal for outdoor and travel photography.

• Full-Frame Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
• Focal Length of 24-70mm
• Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) AF System
• Weighs 805g (28.4oz)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Looking for an awesome “nifty fifty” to document your travels? Fortunately, Canon makes high-quality 50mm lenses that are great for a wide variety of photography styles. The 50mm f/1.8 STM, in particular, is almost everything you’d want in a travel lens: it’s small, lightweight, fast, versatile, and inexpensive.

And with the same maximum aperture of f/1.8, you get nothing less than tack sharp focus and luscious bokeh quality. No wonder it’s still one of the most popular Canon lenses to date.

• Full-Frame Standard Prime Lens
• Fixed Focal Length of 50mm
• Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/22
• Gear-Type Stepping Motor (STM) AF System
• 7 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
• Weighs 161.59g (5.7oz)

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

This Canon lens also covers a short wide-angle focal range, with a smaller aperture of f/4. What really makes this a must-have (especially for travel photographers with a focus on landscapes or architecture ) is that it’s a full-frame lens, which makes it the only short focal length lens we’ve mentioned so far that offers a true wide-angle perspective.

Bonus features include the brand’s coveted L-series lens technology, image stabilization (helpful for handheld shooting), incredible sharpness with reduced chromatic aberration or vignetting, and a rather compact form factor.

• Focal Length of 16-35mm
• Optical Stabilizer (OS) Technology
• Weighs 615g (21.7oz)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

We already mentioned a 50mm earlier, but this other Canon nifty fifty offers a faster maximum aperture of f/1.4 — the perfect choice for those who want to really throw out backgrounds with a much narrower depth of field. Its eight rounded aperture blades (one more compared to the f/1.8) helps create gorgeous bokeh .

These make the lens even more perfect for taking portraits while traveling. Canon also developed it with high-grade plastics, so it’s lightweight, handy, and incredibly easy to stash in your camera bag.

• Aperture Range of f/1.4 – f/22
• Ultrasonic Motor (USM) AF System
• 8 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
• Weighs 290g (10.2oz)

Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM

There aren’t too many lenses for Canon crop sensor mirrorless cameras, so the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM clearly stands out. At first glance, it’s the perfect “pancake lens” that you’ll definitely want to match with your compact camera if you want to be equipped with the lightest camera setup possible.

Once the sensor’s crop factor has been taken into account, you get to shoot with an extended focal length of 35mm, making it great for street photography and other day-to-day snapshots while you’re traveling. You could even insert it right into your pocket and forget it’s there because of its very minimal weight of 105g.

• APS-C Wide-Angle Prime Lens
• Fixed Focal Length of 22mm
• Inner Focusing (IF) AF System
• Weighs 105g (3.7 oz)

Third-Party Lenses:

Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ed as um.

For travelers with a penchant for capturing spectacular images of the night sky, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC prime helps you capture those dreamy images without having to break the bank. It offers a fixed focal length of 20mm and is suitable for full-frame cameras so you get the exact wide-angle perspective.

Rokinon is well-known for producing competitively priced, sharp, and effective lenses. The result? You can capture starry night skies or the Milky Way from wherever in the world you decide to travel to. This is also a great lens for group shots and daytime landscapes .

• Full-Frame Wide-Angle Prime Lens
• Focal Length of 20mm
• Manual Focusing System
• Weighs 490g (17.2oz)

Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM ART Lens

For those shooting with APS-C format Canon cameras, this other Sigma lens is perhaps the most effective and most admired third-party travel lens. It boasts gorgeous optics that professionals can use, such as a blazing fast autofocus and a shorter wide-angle zoom range that enables the use of a much wider maximum aperture.

As for image quality, you get brighter photos in low-light conditions, enhanced sharpness from corner to corner (even at f/1.8), and distortions and aberrations reduced to microscopic amounts.

• APS-C Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
• Focal Length of 18-35mm
• Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/16
• Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) AF System
• Weighs 800g (28.2oz)

Shop the entire collection of Canon lenses at Adorama. 

You Might Also Like

The Best Mirrorless Cameras for Video Recording

Aputure Introduces the World’s First Bowens Spotlight Mount

Best Point and Shoot Camera

SLR vs DSLR: What’s the Difference?

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » best nikon travel lenses

The 16 Best Travel Lenses for Nikon • Comprehensive Guide

Nikon is one of the oldest and most respected camera manufacturers in the world. For over 100 years, this company has been producing photographic equipment that is used and loved by all types of people.

Nikon gear is used by professional photographers, journalists, enthusiasts, and everyday-folk alike; it is thanks to their mutual love for Nikon that the company has been so successful.

Nikon is well-known for its camera sensors, which are among the most advanced camera bodies on the current market. That said, a sensor is nothing without a lens. Nikon users should be just as concerned with their travel lens selection as they are with their camera body, which is what we’re going to talk about today.

There are over 90 Nikon lenses to choose from and even more when you consider 3rd parties like Sigma, Tamron, and Rokinon. If you’re having trouble sorting through these lenses and choosing the best Nikon travel lens for yourself then we don’t blame you.

That’s why we’re here to help! We at Broke Backpacker have an extensive knowledge on Nikon’s lens library are ready to help you out with any and all of your questions.

We’ve compiled a list of the 16 best Nikon lenses for travel photography. Each lens is uniquely designed and will appeal to a certain type of photographer. Whether you’re a run-and-gunner, a Zen landscape master, or a pro at portraiture, there is a lens out there made just for you.

So let’s get to it then! Here are the best Nikon lenses for travel photography currently available!

Quick Answers: Best Nikon FX Travel Lenses of 2024

Quick answers: best nikon dx travel lenses of 2024, best nikon travel lenses for fx mount, best nikon travel lenses for dx mount, things to consider when buying the best nikon travel lenses, faq about the best nikon travel lenses.

• Overall Best Travel Lens for Nikon FX – Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
• Best Budget Travel Lens for Nikon FX – Nikon 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S
• Best Professional Travel Lens for Nikon FX – Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G
• Best Prime Travel Lens for Nikon FX – Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW
• Jump to -> The List of Best Nikon FX Travel Lenses of 2024

Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4.0

• > Great focal range
• > Lightweight

Nikon Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5

• > Good center sharpness
• > Good autofocus
• > Affordable

Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8

• > Outstanding sharpness
• > Very robust
• > Great autofocus

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

• > Light and durable
• > Very affordable
• Overall Best Travel Lens for Nikon DX – Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
• Best DX Budget Travel Lens for Nikon DX – Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD
• Best DX Professional Travel Lens for Nikon DX – Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8
• Best EF-S Prime Travel Lens for Nikon DX – Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
• Jump to -> The List of Best Nikon DX Travel Lenses of 2024

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3

• > Good optics
• > Well designed

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8

• > Fast aperture

Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8

• > Unbeatable resolution
• > Unbeatable resolution Very fast aperture
• > Limited optical imperfections

Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.8

• > Great performance
• > Amazing price
• > Very portable

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

Overall Best Nikon Travel Lens (FX): Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f4 G ED VR

• Weight: 1.56 lb / 710 g
• Dimensions: 3.31 x 4.06″ / 84 x 103 mm
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Optical Stabilization: Yes

The Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 ED VR is our pick for the best Nikon travel lens! This iteration of the classic “do-everything travel zoom” is a worthy piece of equipment, thanks in part to its solid optical performance, effective vibration reduction, and relative lightweight.

Those who are traveling the world and need something both powerful and portable will find the 24-120mm is one of the best options.

The Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR appealing because of its useful focal range. At 24-120mm, this lens can capture all sorts of subjects and will appeal to many types of photographers.

Landscape photographers will appreciate the relatively wide 24mm angle while portrait photographers will get some pretty solid headshots at the telephoto end.

Optically, the Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 performs very well. Images are super sharp, particularly in the center, from the widest aperture. The corners are bit soft but improve dramatically when the lens is stopped down.

Vignetting and distortion are visible at both ends of the focal range but luckily these problems can easily be fixed in post-processing. The bokeh created by the 24-120mm isn’t the best, and many photographers find it too busy or chaotic.

To be honest, the problems that the Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR suffers from are to be expected. Travel zooms like this one are usually prone to optical imperfections but, given the usefulness of the lens’ focal range, these tradeoffs are almost always acceptable.

The Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 is made of high-grade plastics. Although these plastics are pretty durable, they are not weather resistant. Those who expose their lenses to elements frequently may be concerned with the Nikon 24-120mm’s ruggedness or lack thereof.

• Excellent sharpness.
• Very useful focal range and VR.
• Relatively lightweight.
• Vignetting/distortion when shot wide or telephoto.
• Unattractive bokeh.
• Plastic construction.

Best Budget Nikon Travel Lens (FX): Nikon 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S

• Weight: 1.02 lb / 465 g
• Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.23″ / 78 x 82 mm
• Filter Size: 72mm

For those who don’t want to shell out $1,000+ for a professional zoom, the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is an excellent alternative. For around $500, you can have a lens with good image quality, a solid set of features, and excellent packability. Though the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 is far from perfect, it still does a great job of capturing beautiful images.

Optically, the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR performs pretty well. Center sharpness is excellent throughout the entire focal range. The vibration reduction and autofocusing systems are very capable as well and should increase photo quality in either dimly lit or fast-paced environments.

The Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR does suffer from quite a few optical blemishes. Distortion, both the barrelling and pincushion varieties, is noticeable throughout the focal range. Vignetting and corner softness are also strong when the lens is used wide open.

Even though it was designed to be used on the FX mount, the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR oddly enough feels more suited for a DX camera. Because of the sensor cropping, the corners suffer less from softness and vignetting while on a DX body.

Regardless of its inherent flaws, the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is still an effective lens that is capable of delivering excellent photos. It will require a little extra effort to get the most out of this camera but, once you master it, the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR can be one of the best budget travel lenses for Nikon FX users.

• Good center sharpness throughout the focal range.
• Quick, silent autofocus.
• Affordable.
• Distortion throughout the range.
• Heavy vignetting.
• Optical blemishes more apparent on FX mount.

Best Professional Nikon Travel Lens (FX): Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G

• Weight: 1.98 lb / 900 g
• Dimensions: 3.27 x 5.24″ / 83 x 133 mm
• Optical Stabilization: No

For those looking for a superlative lens and are willing to fork out the necessary dough, the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G is one of the best that money can buy.

Thanks to its stellar image sharpness, blazing fast autofocus, and superb build quality, the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G is our choice for the best travel lens for professional Nikon photographers.

The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G is a worthy addition to the photographic world. Like most other fixed-aperture zooms, the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G is near-flawless optically.

More than that, it just performs amazingly well – autofocus is some of the fastest in the Nikon line, and construction is of such high quality the lens can handle most forms of weather.

All and all, the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G strives to be a perfect lens and, for the most part, comes close. As is the case with pro medium zooms though, the question is “what doesn’t this lens have?”

Like a lot of Nikon lenses, distortion and vignetting are present in the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G, but to a much lesser degree. Many photographers will not notice these imperfections. Those that do can easily fix them with post-processing software as always.

The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G also lacks vibration reduction tech, perhaps to keep costs and/or size down to a minimum. The fast f/2.8 aperture should do well enough in low light. For those that really want the VR though, there’s a newer, more expensive model that comes equipped with it.

• Outstanding sharpness.
• Extremely quick autofocus.
• Very robust build-quality.
• Some corner softness and vignetting.
• No vibration reduction tech.

Best Prime Nikon Travel Lens (FX): Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

• Weight: 6.53 oz / 185 g
• Dimensions: 2.84 x 2.06″ / 72.1 x 52.4 mm
• Filter Size: 58mm

Almost every photographer’s first prime lens is a 50mm, or “nifty fifty.” These lenses are popular first choices because they’re almost always a) useful b) effective and c) affordable. Nikon’s own 50mm f/1.8 is no exception to this trend!

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is everything that you’d expect from a nifty fifty – it’s sharp, portable, very fast, and, best of all, a screaming deal.

Optically, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is a solid performer. Sharpness is respectable when shot wide open and becomes impressive when stopped down to f/2.8 and f/4.

Vignetting and corner sharpness are present in the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G when it’s shot wide open. Most will hardly recognize these faults since the background will probably be thrown out anyways and lost in the lens’ bokeh, which is gorgeous by the way. Distortion is a bit heavy for a prime lens but this can easily be fixed in post-processing.

It goes without saying that the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is very portable, weighing only a paltry 185 grams. The lens doesn’t have the best depth of field markings, which may or may not turn off traditional photographers who like to know their hyperfocal values.

At the end of the day, what makes the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G so great is its unbeatable price. For around $200 new, you can have an extremely useful lens that sacrifices little in the way of performance.

Those looking for the best prime lens for Nikon then should look no further than the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G.

• Light yet durable.
• Amazing price.
• Distortion.
• Vignetting/corner softness at widest aperture.
• Poor DOF markings.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Landscape Photographers (FX): Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

• Weight: 1.50 lb / 680 g
• Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.92″ / 82.5 x 125 mm

The Nikon Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is an exceptional wide-angle lens. The photos that this camera produces have an awesome resolution, are generally free of optical blemishes and just drop-dead gorgeous.

For landscape photographers, the Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is one of the best Nikon travel lenses that they can own.

There’s little to begrudge of the Nikon Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR in terms of image quality. From f/4.0, center sharpness is superb and by f/8.0 the entire frame is crisper than a fresh set of bed sheets. Corners do show a bit of softness when the lens is used wide-open but this is to be expected from an ultra wide angle.

Distortion is very apparent when the lens is set to 16mm. This distortion is nothing debilitating – modern post-processing software can fix this imperfection – but it just really stands out within the focal range.

Luckily, all other forms of optical blemishing are well controlled in the Nikon Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. Chromatic aberrations are nearly absent and vignetting is limited throughout the focal range.

The Nikon Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR comes equipped with vibration reduction technology, which is great for those using their DSLR for filmmaking. Pure landscape photographers may use this feature less frequently but it doesn’t hurt to have.

• Impressive sharpness.
• Well controlled vignetting and chromatic aberrations.
• VR tech for filmmaking.
• Corners are a bit soft at wide apertures.
• Heavy distortion when shot at 16mm.
• Perhaps a bit large (but only).

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Portrait Photographers (FX): Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

• Weight: 12.35 oz / 350 g
• Dimensions: 3.15 x 2.87″ / 80 x 73 mm
• Filter Size: 67mm

85mm lenses are some of my favorites because, aside from their useful focal length and portable size, they almost always have near-perfect optics. The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is such a lens.

With stellar sharpness and not too much else to complain about, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best Nikon travel lenses for portrait photographers.

Optically, there’s not a lot that the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G could improve on. Images are very sharp even at the widest aperture. Corners are a bit soft at the widest aperture but these will probably go unnoticed since this lens is primarily a portrait lens. When the lens is stopped down, images are tack sharp from corner to corner.

Any and all other optical blemishes are not an issue in the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G. Vignetting and distortion are practically non-existent and chromatic aberrations are very limited.

Unfortunately, the autofocus is a bit of head scratcher in the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G, at least when compared to its predecessor. The Nikon 85mm’s new autofocus system is quieter but is for some reason slower than the older model.

Even with its slightly slower autofocusing system, we still believe that this model is the best version of the lens. Most photographers will find that they don’t need the autofocus to be any faster.

Construction-wise, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is small and well-built. Overall, it’s a sturdy lens and should hold up quite well although its plastic construction may not appease photographers that don’t care for the material in the first place.

• Fantastic image quality.
• Fast and light.
• Great price.
• A little soft at larger apertures (but still great!).
• Autofocus is a bit slower than its predecessor.
• Plastic construction may irk some purists.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Astrophotographers (FX): Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC

• Weight: 1.09 lbs/497 g
• Dimensions: 3.27” x 3.48”
• Image Stabilization: No

Lenses produced by the Korean company Rokinon, or Samyang as it’s sometimes referred to, are very popular with astrophotographers mostly due to their excellent performance and price. The Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is one of the best lenses from this company. With an ultra-wide angle and super fast aperture, you can capture the night sky in all of its splendor and not have to break the bank in the process.

For these reasons, we think that the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is the best Nikon travel lens for astrophotography.

Rokinon lenses are cheaper because they do not use a lot of expensive electronics that are usually included in modern day lenses. As such, most if not all of Rokinon lenses do not have autofocusing capabilities. This means that you’ll have to focus the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC manually.

Honestly, focusing manually isn’t as much of a pain as some make it out to be; it is, sometimes, preferable. The zoom ring is smooth and easy to understand, thanks to the detailed DOF markings on the side of the barrel.

Optically, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC performs very well. Sharpness is great but CA is noticeable at wider apertures. To alleviate chroma, try stopping the lens down a tad to eliminate CA but not so much too much to cause diffraction, which sets in about f/11.

The body of the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is built from high-grade plastics while the mount is metal; both are quite sturdy. The whole lens can feel quite bulky, though not as much as some other full frame lenses.

• Great bang for your buck.
• Limited distortion.
• Awesome aperture for an ultrawide.
• Manual only.
• CA and vignetting present at the widest aperture.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Telephoto Lovers (FX): Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR

• Weight: 26.3 oz / 745 g
• Dimensions: 143.5mm x 80mm / 5.6 in. x 3.1 in

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is one of the most surprising lenses on this list. For less than $500, this lens is, somehow, shockingly sharp, very lightweight, and functionally complete thanks to additions like VR and internal zooming.

In short, we love this lens and think it’s not only one of the best telephotos but hands-down one of the best lenses for Nikon.

There is a lot to like about the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR. Optically, this lens impresses, beginning sharp at its widest aperture and staying respectably sharp throughout its entire range.

The resolution does drop a bit as the lens approaches the 200mm mark but the degradation is marginal. CA also picks up as you zoom in but, as the image resolution, is relatively unobtrusive.

Since the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR has a slower aperture, it’s not very adept at shooting in low-light situations. The normally responsive autofocus tends to get lost and shutter speeds can become dangerously low. Vibration reduction tech is thankfully included in the lens, which helps a lot when the light is dim.

Construction-wise, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is made from high-grade plastics that are assembled very well. The lens feels robust in your hands yet still light.

What more is there to say about this lens except that it’s fantastic. Granted, it does have a few shortcomings and it obviously can’t match the resolution of the more expensive telephotos e.g. the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. These points being made, what the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR accomplishes for its price point is still remarkable.

• Awesome sharpness.
• Very light body that includes VR, internal zooming, and sealing.
• Struggles in low-light.
• Sharpness drops as you zoom in.
• CA present.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Overall Best Nikon Travel Lens (DX): Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

• Weight: 20.6 oz / 585 g
• Dimensions: 4.0 in. x 3.1 in / 101.5mm x 79mm

Superzoom lenses get a bit of a bad rap sometimes. Many of them, in the process of doing so much, sacrifice a lot of optical quality.

Though every once in a while, a superzoom comes along that doesn’t give away too much, and is able to perform up to and beyond the call of duty; the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is one such lens.

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is able to capture excellent photos and does a good job of covering up its inherent flaws.

The inclusion of optical stabilization helps to mitigate the lens’ limited aperture and an excellent build quality ensures both durability and portability.

Price-wise, there’s little to complain about with the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 as well. Given these points, we think that the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is the best overall travel lens for Nikon DX users who want to have their cake and eat it too.

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM offers commendable image resolutions. Sharpness is excellent at wider angles but does drop marginally as the lens is zoomed in. This lens also produces some excellent colors and contrast but not so much a pleasing bokeh.

Chromatic aberrations in the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM are well controlled. Distortion and vignetting are predictably present, as is the case usually with superzooms, but these are never debilitating.

Most users will be shocked at and probably even sold by how light the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is. At 585 grams, this baby is practically feather-like especially when you consider how much it does.

The body still feels solid, although the zoom ring is somewhat fiddly at times.

• Solid optical performance for a superzoom.
• Durable, lightweight construction that includes optical stabilization.
• Very affordable.
• Bokeh is unattractive.
• Focus ring is tedious.
• Does more but at a sacrifice of quality.

Best Budget Nikon Travel Lens (DX): Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD

• Weight: 1.24 lb / 565 g
• Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.6″ / 8.38 x 9.14 cm
• Image Stabilization: Yes

Like its 18-300mm cousin, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS is a well-performing piece of equipment that is made unignorable by its low cost. For only $300 (!!!!), you can own a fixed aperture medium zoom lens that performs admirably.

Given this amazing deal, it’s no wonder that we think the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the best budget lens for Nikon DX users.

The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM performs very well. Sharpness is overall very good though the edges can be a little soft when the lens is used wide open. Vignetting is present at wider apertures as well but chromatic aberrations and distortion are both well-controlled.

Image stabilization is built into the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 and works as it should. Combined with fast aperture, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a stud in low light situations. Filmmakers will especially appreciate this setup when trying to film in dim interiors or dusky streets.

The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an overall lightweight lens, more so than many of Nikon’s other zooms. This is due to its all-plastic construction, which is great for cutting weight but does make the lens feel a little more fragile.

The focus ring of the Sigma Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM feels a little more finicky than usual and can be difficult to use sometimes.

• Excellent price point.
• Great center resolution.
• Fast aperture and image stabilization
• Visible corner softness when shot wide open.
• Tedious focus ring.

Best Professional Nikon Travel Lens (DX): Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM

• Weight: 1.78 lb / 811 g
• Dimensions: 3.07” x 4.76” / 78 x 121 mm

If I were trying to convince someone to invest in a DX system over the full frame FX one, I would submit to them the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8.

Simply put, this lens is one of the most gorgeous, useful, and respected lenses in all of photography. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest lenses made in recent years and is, deservingly, the best professional travel lens for Nikon’s DX mount.

The Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 has it all – supreme image quality, a super fast aperture, robust construction, and lightning-quick autofocus. The Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 is amazingly sharp, frame-wise from corner to corner and focal-wise from end to end.

Chromatic aberrations, vignetting, and distortion is present but in microscopic amounts. Optically this lens is superlative.

The Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 is made from various alloys and feels very robust, perhaps tank-like. Topping out at over 800 grams, this lens is definitely on the heavier side. Many photographers enjoy the weightiness though and find that it adds a nice balance to the lens.

The focal range of the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 is pretty small and one may wonder if it can be considered a travel lens at all.

At the very least, the range of the Sigma Art 18-35mm lies in that sweet spot where many of the most useful focal lengths lie. Given the unprecedented performance of this lens as well, we think that it’s a worthy tradeoff.

• Ridiculously sharp at all times.
• Extremely fast.
• Very few optical blemishes (CA, distortion, vignetting, etc)
• Big and fat.
• Pretty limited focal range for a travel lens.

Best Prime Nikon Travel Lens (DX) : Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

• Weight: 10.76 oz / 305 g
• Dimensions: 2.83 x 2.81″ / 72 x 71.5 mm

Much in the same way every full frame owner needs a “nifty fifty,” every owner of an APS-C camera should own 35mm prime lens. The best 35mm prime lens that a DX owner can buy is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G.

With excellent optics, solid performance, and an insignificant price tag, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is one of the most reliable Nikon lenses available.

Like the Nikon 50mm f/1.8, the 35mm will be very useful to every kind of photographer, and may end being the most used lens in their kits.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G performs much in the same as the other enthusiast-level f/1.8 primes in the Nikon library – images produced by the 35mm, though not devoid of problems, are for the most part very attractive.

Sharpness is excellent even at the widest aperture and peaks at around f/2.8 and f/4.0. Distortion is present, sometimes in disconcerting levels although editing software can still fix this. Chromatic aberration and vignetting are well controlled.

True to the other f/1.8 Nikon primes, the body of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is very small and portable. That being said, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is still made primarily of plastics and is not meant to withstand extreme weather.

The key consideration when buying this lens – and the thing that will most likely convince people to do so – is the fact that it’s so cheap. For only a few hundred dollars, you get a lens that works very well and produces some really beautiful photos.

For the amount of money you’re putting up, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is an excellent investment.

• Great performance.
• Very portable.
• A bit more distortion than usual for a prime.
• Some CA and vignetting.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Landscape Photographers (DX): Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

• Weight: 8.11 oz / 230 g
• Dimensions: 3.03 x 2.87″ / 77 x 73 mm

For the price you pay, the AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is a total diamond in the rough and certainly one of the best lenses for Nikon shooters who like wide angles!

Though somewhat unimpressive on paper, the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 offers excellent image quality, packability, and even vibration reduction, which is a bit of treat considering this lens is than $300!

Resolution-wise, the Nikon 10-20mm does pretty well. Center sharpness is great throughout the zoom range while the corners catch up once the lens is stopped down. 15mm appears to be the sweet spot as well as 10mm and 20mm are both admirably sharp as opposed to being excellently sharp.

Vignetting and distortion are all present in the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G but no more than what should be expected from a wide angle zoom. Chromatic aberrations are the most obvious optical blemish with this lens and will have to be addressed in post-processing.

The vibration reduction and autofocusing systems in the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 both perform very well. The autofocus is quick, accurate, and virtually silent. The VR does a great job making up for the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G’s less than inspiring aperture, and promises up to 3.5 stops of compensation.

Aside from the price, one of the best features of the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G is its size. This pint-sized lens is so small that it could fit in a pocket. For those traveling light, the ability to do this is hard to turn down.

• Great image quality.
• Very light and small.
• VR tech compensates for aperture.
• Pretty slow aperture.
• Noticeable CA that will have to be corrected.

Best Nikon Travel Lens Portrait Photographers (DX): Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

If you know a bit about the physics of photography, then you probably know that a full frame lens can be mounted on an APS-C camera. When a full frame lens is used a such, the focal length is effectively lengthened as well.

If this concept is foreign to you, please refer to the Sensor Size section located at the end of this guide for a brief explanation.

When the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is mounted on a DX body, it makes for a great alternative to the classic 85mm. With a new, equivalent length of 75mm and without sacrificing any optical quality, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is a very capable tool and one of the best travel Nikon lenses for portrait photographers.

In terms of optics, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G  barely changes at all when mounted on a DX body. This lens is still as sharp, responsive, and useful as ever.

For a more detailed explanation of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G’s performance, refer to our earlier review in the Best Travel Lenses for Nikon FX section.

With an extra 25mms of length comes a narrower field of view with more isolated subjects. Portrait photographers will immediately latch on to these changes and take advantage of them in their work.

Using the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G primarily as a portrait lens also limits its flaws, as the inherent corner softness and vignetting become less noticeable. All-in-all, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is just as impressive on a DX if not an improvement.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Astrophotographers (DX): Rokinon 16MAF-N 16mm f/2.0

• Weight: 1.26 lb / 571 g
• Dimensions: 3.27 x 3.42″ / 83 x 86.9 mm

Rokinon delivers another winning lens! With excellent image quality, a fast aperture, and a low price tag that Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 is one of the best travel lenses for Nikon astrophotographers, so long as they don’t mind focusing manually.

Like the Rokinon 16mm f/1.8 reviewed prior, the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 performs more than admirably. Center resolution is excellent at all apertures and by f/5.6 the entire frame is tack-sharp. CA, vignetting, and distortion are all well controlled in this lens and are only present in moderate amounts.

As is commonplace with Rokinon lenses, there are no electronic components in the 16mm f/2.0, which means that there is no autofocus. Users will have to manually focus this lens like they used to do in the good ol’ days.

Manual focus isn’t so bad. Landscape photographers will hardly miss autofocus as it’s not like their subjects are moving all that fast. Astrophotographers will not sweat the exclusion of it either as they usually just leave the lens set to infinity to capture those stars.

The Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 is made from high-grade plastics and has a solid metal mount. Those who are apprehensive of buying plastic lenses should feel good about the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 as it feels very sturdy.

I’ve taken Rokinon lenses into some pretty hairy situations and they’ve held up just as well if not better than my weather-sealed equipment.

Ultra-wide angles lenses with fast apertures are usually very pricey. You can get the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 for around only $300, which should be a convincing price. Granted, you don’t have autofocus but who needs it anyway?

• Distortion, CA, and vignetting are well controlled.
• Inexpensive.
• Manual focus.
• Softer corners and more imperfections when used wide-open.

Best Nikon Travel Lens for Telephoto Lovers (DX): Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR

• Weight: 10.58 oz / 300 g
• Dimensions: 2.78 x 3.27″ / 70.5 x 83 mm
• Filter Size: 52mm

Though not the sharpest telephoto lens nor the fastest one, both in terms of autofocus and aperture, the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR still manages to impress, thanks to its small size and price point.

For DX users who need something longer, this is one of the best Nikon travel lenses available.

Sharpness is pretty good in the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G – centers are crisp throughout the focal range while the corners are acceptable.

You’ll have to stop down to about f/8.0 to achieve maximum sharpness. Luckily, the VR is effective and helps to counteract the slower shutter speeds that occur when stopping down.

In terms of optical blemishes, chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, distortion is average, and vignetting is pronounced. Any and all of these can be addressed in post-processing, of course.

Unfortunately, the autofocus of the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G is a bit slow. Taking the slower aperture into account, action photographers may become frustrated with this lens. Those who shoot fast moving targets (e.g. sports or wildlife) may want to look for a different lens.

Like many of the best Nikon travel lenses on this list, the biggest selling point of the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G is the fact that it’s so small and affordable.

Travel photographers who don’t want to fork out $1,000 for a giant telephoto lens and don’t mind the slower performance should take fancy to the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G.

• Good center sharpness.
• Effective vibration reduction.
• Small and affordable.
• Slow autofocus.
• Corners are just ok.
• Not so good for action photographers.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Photographers should value lenses just as much as their travel camera ! Lenses are one of the most important aspects of photography because they are the ones that actually refract the light and create the image (which is then written by the camera sensor).

Sharpness, contrast, color, composition; all of these aspects are influenced greatly by the quality of your lens. As one photographer once aptly put it: “you don’t invest in cameras; you invest in good glass.”

There are several things to consider when you are looking for the best travel lenses for a Nikon camera. Aspects like size, weight, vibration reduction, and more are all vital components to the making of a great travel lens.

Below is a list of features to consider when searching for the best travel lens for your Nikon camera.

Note that I’m going to be giving a crash course on several photographic concepts here. I’ll try to explain them as best as possible; otherwise, feel free to post any question regarding photography in the comment section below.

Size/Weight

Lenses vary greatly in size and shape; some are small enough to fit in your pocket, others are gargantuan pieces of equipment that require special storage. A lens’ mass and dimensions will play a large part in the size of a photographer’s bag and how they conduct themselves in the field.

Larger lenses obviously take up more space and add more weight to your pack. Sure, that lens appears small when it’s by itself but add 3 or 4 more to your pack and things quickly add up.

I have carried both ultralight and heavy camera packs and can attest that even a moderately heavy bag feels good for about a half-mile of walking.

If your camera bag has limited space and/or you like larger, higher-grade lenses, you’ll have to pick and choose your equipment wisely. Be very conscious of how much a lens weighs and how it measures. Be sure to think hard about how much you’re willing to carry.

If your camera bag is looking a bit shabby, maybe consider upgrading it as well. A good camera bag should fit your body like a glove and be able to hold all of the necessary equipment. Be sure to read our guide on the best travel camera bags for some ideas!

Along with shutter speed and ISO, the aperture is a vital part of the exposure triangle , which every photographer should be well-versed in.

Though shutter speed and ISO fall within the jurisdiction of the camera, the aperture is controlled via the lens. With the proper aperture and ability to use it, photographers will have much more power when it comes to creating the photos that they want.

Fast apertures – those that have a value of around f/2.8 or less – are usually the most desirable. Though not always the case, a faster aperture is usually indicative of optical quality. Regardless, fast apertures are usually most useful during situations that call for bokeh or those that are dimly lit .

In zoom lenses, constant aperture s are much more important as these definitely lead to higher quality images. The most common constant aperture ratings are f/2.8 and f/4.0. Both offer excellent quality of images.

A quick aperture is not always necessary as lots of lenses with slower apertures offer exceptional image quality.

Peak sharpness isn’t usually reached until around f/5.6 or f/8.0 anyway and shooting at extremely low apertures (e.g. f/1.4) can be more difficult than you think. Unless you really want a fast aperture, you may not need to spend the extra money.

Focal Length/Type

Without getting into the physics of focal lengths , I will simply say that certain lenses with certain focal lengths are better for capturing certain scenes. Longer lenses, renowned for their shallow depth of field and isolating qualities, are great for portraits. Wider lenses, with their expansive fields of view, are great for interior shots when space is tight or for capturing big vistas.

It is very important to think about whether or not you want a lens that covers a single focal length or many.

If you’re like many photographers then you’ll probably value optical flexibility with a lens that covers more than one focal length. Lenses that can change their field of view are called zoom lenses , and these are among the most popular types of lenses.

Some zoom lenses o have trouble with certain optical imperfections (vignetting, chromatic aberrations, etc) and with maintaining sharpness. Generally speaking, the more expensive zooms do handle these issues better.

If you’re ok with shooting at only one focal length then consider a good prime lens . Prime lenses are usually sharper, cheaper, and more durable than zooms.

What type of photographer you are will determine what kind of focal length you find most useful. You’ll often find that certain lengths are more suitable to your style of shooting, or that you favor a particular lens over another.

Do not feel handicapped by what kind of lens you own though. With a bit of creativity and skill, you can make a lens do whatever you want. Remember: a lens is only as good as the photographer that uses it.

Not every autofocusing system is created equal – some are lightning-fast, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, while others are sluggish doofuses that can’t make heads or tails of a subject. How well an autofocus system behaves in a lens may or may not be a deal breaker for you.

Those who photograph fast-moving subjects – like in sports, concerts or wildlife photography – will need a lens that can keep up. In these cases, a quicker and more accurate autofocus system will be very beneficial.

These types of photographers also need to know that camera sensors play a role in autofocus as well – it’s not always just the lens doing the work.

Some photographers may not need fast autofocus or even autofocusing at all for that matter! Manual focusing lenses are still prevalent today and, aside from being markedly cheaper, can be very useful in certain situations.

Astrophotographers may actually prefer manual lenses because of their superb focus rings and because autofocus is usually useless in the pitch-black anyways.

Other photographers may even enjoy the vintage-like feel that comes with manual lenses, much like a musician might enjoy an old record.

Filter Thread

Filters are used in photography to achieve creative effects as well as provide extra protection to a camera. These filters are attached to the front of a lens along a threading that has a unique rating (e.g. 58mm. 77mm, 82mm, etc).

There really isn’t such a thing as a proper filter threading. Most filter sizes have become standardized and there is almost always a full set of filters for each threading. No matter your lens, there’s a filter that will fit it.

One big reason to consider filter sizes has to deal with costs. As you buy more lenses you may end up with multiple filter threadings and, in turn, have to invest in filters for each one. This can be frustrating, especially when you know that filters behave in the same regardless of their size. Who wants to spend more money on the same?

A good way to avoid this annoyance is to invest in step-down rings, which then be used to adapt larger filters onto smaller threadings. Simply buy a set of filters that you know will be large enough for all of your lenses and then adapt to different threadings using the step-down rings.

Or think about investing in a slot-in filter system, which uses a screw-in adapter to hold a plate-like filter. Polarizer filters are not effective with slot-in filter systems.

For more information on filters, refer to the filter section of our Best Camera Accessories guide . You’ll also read about more general tools for your travel camera.

Vibration Reduction/Optical Stabilization

Optical stabilization technology has become extremely commonplace in modern-day lenses. This tech is found in all sorts of lenses, from cheap pieces of shit to luxurious, professional-grade glass. It is, at the end of the day, a very useful feature to have in your lenses as it can allow for some very crisp images.

Optical stabilization is referred to differently by different companies (e.g. image stabilization, IBIS, etc). Nikon refers to their optical stabilization tech as vibration reduction.

Vibration reduction (VR) works by compensating for shake caused by hand holding a camera. Handshake causes blurry images, which appears as a distinct softness, and most photographers tend to dislike this.

This shakiness is often unavoidable unless you’re using a tripod. With VR, blurriness caused by shaky hands is much less noticeable and sometimes eliminated altogether.

Whether or not you need optical stabilization is something to consider when you choose from the best Nikon travel lenses. If you’re a landscape photographer who constantly has their camera mounted on a tripod, optical stabilization is pretty redundant.

On the other hand, if you shoot subjects that require you to move often or you just like to have your camera ready in your hands, then VR would be useful.

Sensor Size

Nikon makes a full frame DSLR and an APS-C DSLR. Each type of camera has its own lens library as well – Nikon’s full-frame system is referred to as FX while the APS-C one is referred to as DX .

DX lenses can only be mounted on an APS-C mount while FX lenses, though functional on an APS-C camera, work best on a full frame body.

If you mount an FX lens onto an APS-C body, then there are a few things to consider. 1) vignetting is possible; 2) certain lenses will behave differently on certain bodies; and, most importantly 3) the lens’ focal range will be lengthened i.e. a 24mm EF lens mounted onto EF-S camera will behave more like a 35mm lens.

For more on what happens when you mount a full frame lens onto an APS-C body, you can read this informative article here .

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best Nikon FX lens for travel photography?

The Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4.0 is the best lense for travel photography and our favorite. For a Nikon DX camera, check out the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 .

What is most affordable Nikon lense?

Check out these budget lenses: – For Nikon FX – Nikon Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 – For Nikon DX – Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8

What do you need to consider when buying a Nixon lense?

Aspects like size, weight, vibration reduction, and more are all vital components that need to be considered when purchasing a lense.

What are the best Nikon lenses for professional travel photographers?

If you’re shooting with a Nikon FX consider getting the Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 . For the Nikon DX, check out the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 .

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Final Thoughts

There you have it folks – the 16 best travel lenses for Nikon users! Over the course of explaining these 16 lenses, we have given photographers all sorts of shooting options.

Each lens will be catered to a different type of photographer and each will have its own strengths and weaknesses. Figure out what kind of photographer you are and then choose from the best Nikon travel lens for yourself.

Know that each one will be different and dramatically affect the quality of your pictures.

Are you a traveling portrait photographer who wants some creamy bokeh? Then get the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 ! Do you want a DX lens that is optically flexible but affordable at the same time? Perhaps the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 will be right up your alley.

Think carefully about these 16 best Nikon travel lenses. The fact that you’re here reading this article means that you’re ready to take the next step into travel photography; perhaps you’re even ready to become a freelancer ?!

Look sharp out there my fellow backpacking photographers and make sure your lens is just as sharp too.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

I’ve had both Nikon 24-70s and would always choose the newer one with VR, especially for travel since, even if you bring a tripod, you won’t want to use it any more than necessary. Also, for travel, the better edge to edge sharpness is welcome. Having said that, it IS more expensive and heavier.

Good information. Note, the latest version of the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 ED VR has VR, but really expensive. The newer Tamron G2 maybe an option at much lower cost but has external zoom. I have no experience with Tamron so comments are my opinion only.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Passing Thru Travel

Capture the World in 2024 – 12 Expert Tips for Travel Photography Essentials and Techniques!

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

Travel photography is about telling a story, preserving memories, and seeing the world through a different lens. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a passionate amateur, understanding the right gear and techniques can elevate your travel photography. This guide will explore essential equipment and practical tips to help you capture stunning photographs embodying your spirit of travel.

1. Choosing the Right Camera

Selecting the right camera is the first step in travel photography. For professionals, a DSLR or a mirrorless camera offers versatility and high-quality images. These cameras provide manual control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing for more creative freedom. Compact point-and-shoot cameras or advanced smartphones can suffice for casual photographers or those with space constraints.

They offer convenience and increasingly high-quality results. Consider factors like weight, size, durability, and functionality when choosing your camera. Remember, the best camera is one that fits your travel style and photography needs.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good quality camera bag with padding to protect your equipment during travels.

2. Understanding Lighting

Mastering lighting is crucial in travel photography. The best natural light is typically during the golden hours — shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is soft and warm. Harsh midday sun can create strong shadows and overexposed spots.

Learn to work with available light by adjusting camera settings or using techniques like backlighting to create dramatic effects. In low-light conditions, a tripod can be invaluable to stabilize your shot and avoid blurriness.

Insider’s Tip: Use a reflector or even a simple white sheet to bounce light onto your subject for better illumination.

3. Composition and Perspective

Composition is key to creating visually appealing photographs. Familiarize yourself with basic rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find unique ways to capture a scene.

Don’t be afraid to play with symmetry or break conventional rules for a more dynamic composition. Pay attention to your foreground and background to ensure they complement rather than distract from your subject.

Insider’s Tip: Sometimes, stepping closer to your subject or changing your vantage point can drastically improve your composition.

4. Lens Selection

The lenses you choose can greatly impact the style and quality of your photographs. A versatile zoom lens is practical for travel, covering a range of focal lengths without switching lenses frequently. With their fixed focal length, prime lenses offer superior image quality and wider apertures, ideal for portraits and low-light photography. Consider the types of subjects you’ll be shooting most often to determine the best lenses for your travel kit.

Insider’s Tip: A wide-angle lens is excellent for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife.

5. Capturing Local Culture

Travel photography offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the essence of local cultures. Respect and sensitivity are key when photographing people. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo. Try to capture candid moments that reflect the everyday life and traditions of the place.

Local markets, streets, festivals, and events are great for this type of photography. Engage with locals to understand their story, which can add depth and context to your photographs.

Insider’s Tip: Spend time in one location to observe and understand the rhythm of life there, which can lead to more meaningful photographs.

6. Dealing with Different Climates and Environments

Different climates and environments pose various challenges for photography. Protect your gear with waterproof cases or bags in humid or rainy conditions. Keep your camera and lenses clean and protected in dusty or sandy environments like beaches or deserts.

Cold weather can drain your batteries faster, so keep spares in a warm pocket. Adapt your camera settings to suit the environment, such as a faster shutter speed for windy conditions or a polarizing filter for bright snowscapes.

Insider’s Tip: In challenging environments, taking extra precautions with your gear can save you from costly repairs or damage.

7. Travel Tripods and Stabilizers

A tripod or stabilizer can be crucial for certain types of travel photography. They’re essential for long exposures, time-lapses, or shooting in low-light conditions. For travel, consider lightweight and compact tripods that are easy to carry around. A stabilizer or gimbal for video shooting can also be beneficial if you capture moving subjects or shoot while in motion.

Insider’s Tip: Some compact tripods double as monopods, offering greater flexibility when on the move.

8. Editing and Post-Processing

Post-processing is vital in travel photography to enhance your images and achieve the desired effect. Familiarize yourself with photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Basic adjustments such as cropping, adjusting exposure, and color correction can significantly improve your photographs.

Be careful not to over-edit; the goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the shot, not to create an unrealistic image. Organizing and backing up your photos regularly is also crucial, especially when traveling for extended periods.

Insider’s Tip: Learn to shoot in RAW format for greater control during editing, as it captures more image data compared to JPEG.

9. Street Photography

Street photography is a compelling aspect of travel photography, capturing the essence of a place through its people and everyday life. It requires a blend of patience, observation, and, sometimes, spontaneity. Use a lens that allows you to maintain a respectful distance from your subjects.

Be aware of your surroundings and look for interesting scenes, expressions, or interactions. Street photography often involves quickly capturing fleeting moments, so being ready and comfortable with your camera settings is crucial.

Insider’s Tip: Blend into your surroundings and observe without interrupting the natural flow of the street to capture authentic moments.

10. Wildlife and Nature Photography

Wildlife and nature photography can be incredibly rewarding but requires patience and respect for the environment. Use a telephoto lens to capture animals from a safe and respectful distance. Understanding animal behavior and being patient is key to capturing compelling wildlife shots.

For nature photography, consider the landscape’s vastness and use a tripod to achieve sharp, well-composed shots. Be mindful of the natural environment and adhere to local guidelines to avoid disturbing wildlife or delicate ecosystems.

Insider’s Tip: Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural lighting for wildlife and nature shots.

11. Backup and Storage Solutions

Regularly backing up your photographs is essential, especially during long travels. Invest in portable hard drives or cloud storage solutions to safeguard your images. Consider having multiple backup methods to ensure the safety of your photos.

Organize your images in a way that makes them easily accessible for future use or reference. Losing photographs due to a lack of backup can be a traveler’s worst nightmare.

Insider’s Tip: Use a wireless hard drive to back up photos directly from your camera or phone without needing a laptop.

12. Ethical Photography

Ethical considerations in travel photography are paramount. Always respect local customs and people’s privacy. Be aware of and sensitive to cultural norms, especially when photographing religious sites, ceremonies, or local communities.

Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in close-up situations. Your responsibility as a photographer is to capture beautiful images and do so in a way that respects and honors the subject and the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Research and understand the cultural and ethical photography guidelines for each destination you visit.

The Bottom Line

Travel photography is an art that combines technical skill with creativity and cultural sensitivity. It’s about capturing moments that tell a story, convey an emotion, or reveal the beauty of the world. With the right gear, techniques, and ethical approach, your travel photographs can transcend being mere snapshots to become lasting memories and powerful narratives of your journey.

Remember, the best photographs often come from a deep understanding and connection with the subject. So, immerse yourself in the environment, engage with locals, and explore different perspectives. Your camera is not just a tool but a passport to experiencing the world in a unique and profound way.

Keep shooting, keep exploring, and let your photographs be a celebration of the incredible diversity and beauty of the world around you. Happy shooting, and may your travels bring endless opportunities for stunning photography!

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Capture the World in 2024 – 12 Expert Tips for Travel Photography Essentials and Techniques! republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Zukiman Mohamad.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

Megan Fox Signs With UTA

Team USA Issues Statement Regarding Caitlin Clark's Olympic Status

19 Things People Treat As Safe That Actually Are Pretty Dangerous

Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born

28 celebrities you probably did not know are nonbinary

7 Things Stroke Doctors Say You Should Never, Ever Do

For Better Or For Worse by Lynn Johnston

Sports Cars As Cool as the Porsche 911 But Way More Affordable

LeBron James explodes on Darvin Ham during Lakers' Game 4 victory over Nuggets

Fox Host Tells Jim Jordan People Are 'Sick' of Investigations Going Nowhere

The most expensive state to live in isn't California or New York, based on data. Here are the top 10.

19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

Best Movies Now on Netflix

Drone attack on Russian airfield - Satellite images of consequences appeared

Farmers warn food aisles will soon be empty because of crushing conditions: 'We are not in a good position'

29 common human foods you may not realize are poisonous to your dog

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis

This Social Security Spousal Rule Is Officially Finished in 2024 — But These 3 Strategies Remain

8 Netflix shows with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score you need to watch

Best small camera for travel

I currently shoot with a Canon EOS R and a Sony ZV-1. My Canon Eos R is my go to camera when I want the highest image quality and intend on going out just for phogoraphy. The Sony ZV1 I use for family video's and general snapshots as it's easy to carry around in my pocket.

Whilst the Sony ZV-1 is great for a 1 inch sensor and I would highly recomend it for a compact camera, the level of detail it captures/Noise handling ability when pushing shadows doesn't compare to a mirrorless/DSLR full frame.

This leaves with me with a middle ground of when I go travelling with the family where I want the highest IQ possible but photography isn't the main intention. I am looking for a camera that is small enough to fit in a rucksack along with other day items such as food, water etc but not large enough that I have to lug around a separate rucksack full of lenses all day.

Are there any options out there? or are my requirements unrealistic..

Requirements:

- Image quality on par with a mirrorless full frame camera

- Image stablisation in camera or on the lens

- Well built, to withstand being thrown in a rucksack, taken to the beach etc

- Small enough to go in an average size rucksack with other day bits (food, water, jacket etc) (Would need a lens in the approx. range of 16 - 70 F2.8).

- Half decent AF system (doesn't need to track moving subjects, just needs to have reliable eye AF for portraits).

I don't care about FPS and any other bells and whistles.

Latest sample galleries

Latest in-depth reviews

The Panasonic Lumix S5II launched the second generation of Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless camera system and was the first Panasonic to feature phase detect autofocus. As our review reveals, it’s a heck of an all-around camera for both still and video shooters.

The latest Lumix puts a Four Thirds sensor in a full-frame body with boosted AF and a wealth of stills and video capabilities to create a Swiss Army Knife of a Micro Four Thirds camera.

The fourth camera in Leica's SL series of full-frame mirrorless cameras sees the 60MP BSI sensor from the Q3 and M11 models arrive with a significant interface redesign.

The Fujifilm X100VI is the sixth iteration of Fujifilm's classically-styled large sensor compact. A 40MP X-Trans sensor, in-body stabilization and 6.2K video are among the updates.

The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that brings significant improvements to Nikon's mid-price cameras. We just shot a sample reel to get a better feel for its video features and have added our impressions to the review.

Latest buying guides

What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.

What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.

If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.

'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.

Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.

• Gear Patrol
• Work for us
• Advertise with us
• Feedback / Contact us
• Camera reviews
• Lens reviews
• Printer reviews
• Buying guides
• Sample images
• Editorial enquiries
• Camera search
• Camera comparison
• Lens search
• Product timeline
• Browse all products
• Community Guidelines
• My Settings
• My GearList

Member registration

•  Reply
•  Remove
•  Block user

Upload photos to the contest

Other cities:

6th 35AWARDS!

35AWARDS 2024 35PHOTO Professional Photo Community © Kochergin Valery

Privacy Policy

THE 10 BEST Resorts near Electrostal History and Art Museum, Elektrostal

Resorts near electrostal history and art museum, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance from Electrostal History and Art Museum See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.