Lenses for Scenic Traveling

I am 3 weeks into learning photography on my Canon T6i (my first SLR!) and preparing for a trip to southeast Asia.

I have 3 EF-S lenses: Canon 18-135mm IS STM f3.5-5.6, Canon 24mm STM f2.8, and Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6.

It can be a pain to switch lenses all the time, so I'm wondering which lenses people prefer for traveling? Should I even bother bringing my wide angle 10-18mm? Do people find they prefer a lightweight 24mm fixed lens most of the time, versus the versatility of a heavier 18-135mm lens?

Most photos will be lanscapes, beaches, buildings, and photos of us.

Because I'm always traveling with my wife, I want to reduce time spent fiddling changing lenses (I also want to stay light).  My traveling lens kit for my 70D:

10-22mm

15-85mm

70-200mm f/4L IS

The 15-85 gets (by far) the most use but the other two come in handy for some things.  So I'd take the 10-18mm.

I would take the 10-18 and 18-135 for sure I'm not a prime guy so can't say about it. I like to leave room along the edges with the 10-18 to crop because of distortion.

jon617 wrote:

I am 3 weeks into learning photography on my Canon T6i (my first SLR!) and preparing for a trip to southeast Asia.

I have 3 EF-S lenses: Canon 18-135mm IS STM f3.5-5.6, Canon 24mm STM f2.8, and Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6.

It can be a pain to switch lenses all the time, so I'm wondering which lenses people prefer for traveling? Should I even bother bringing my wide angle 10-18mm? Do people find they prefer a lightweight 24mm fixed lens most of the time, versus the versatility of a heavier 18-135mm lens?

Most photos will be lanscapes, beaches, buildings, and photos of us.

I suggest bringing all three lenses. They are all relatively light and it is better to have all your options available. I predict you will use them as follows:

#1, 70% Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
#2, 20% Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
#3, 10% Canon 24mm f/2.8 STM

Sequence is in order of use. Although the lion share of images can be taken by the flexibility of the 18-135mm, you can still take advantage the occasion use of the other lenses.

I live in SE Asia (14 years) and am out taking photos most days. The lenses I use most are the Canon 16-35f4L IS and the 70-200f2.8L IS II on the fullframe 5DM3. I suggest you take all 3. There's hardly a day goes by that I don't wish I had  one of my other lenses with me, and sometimes I'll go all the way home to get it. Yesterday I reaquainted myself with my 24-70f2.8L II which has been sitting at the back of the drybox since I bought the image stabilized 16-35 last year. Came home and thought ''Wow, I've got to start using this lens more!'' So that's what I'm about to do when I finish this post. I guarantee you will find uses for all 3 of your lenses. I took this shot with the 16-35 which on the full frame is equivalent to your 10-22 on your crop..........................I think.

jon617 wrote:

Thanks for your replies, everyone! Will definitely bring all 3 lenses!! Makes sense to have that variety on such a scenic trip. Shocked to hear the 24mm (lightest) lens may be used least, but I bet you all are right. Will report back in a few weeks!

Since I may be switching between the 18-135mm and the 10-18mm, what lens holster, shoulder bag, or belt clips people use during leisure travel? I don't want to be "that tourist" loaded with gear (and targeted by thieves), but perhaps there's some lens travel bag that is secure, convenient, and subtle?

Would you be carrying a backpack anyway?

When I travel, I just carry a nondescript backpack with a camera insert. No one knows there is a camera there.

Well, I am that ''tourist loaded with gear'' you mention and I've never had a problem in the 14 years I've lived here (Vietnam) and I do spend a lot of time by myself in remote places taking photos. Currently living in a village north of Phan Rang that has no other foriegners present. Its not unusual for me to carry over $10'000 worth of gear in my backpack + a heavy tripod, however I do travel everywhere by motorbike. If you're anxious about security let me put your mind at rest with one word.........................insurance. Don't have it myself, have never felt I needed it.