What system do you use for travel photography??

[AchilleasEmm]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

b) your favorite lens

c) your favourite walkaround lens

 

[Leonard Migliore]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

Well, I have a Nikon D750 with several lenses but when I travel I take a Sony RX-100 because it's easy to carry.

b) your favorite lens

Hard to say. I think my 105mm f/2.5 has the best rendering of any of my lenses but since it's a manual focus telephoto, I don't really take a lot of pictures with it. I'm completely happy with the image quality of most of my primes.

c) your favourite walkaround lens

Well, for the Sony it's the 24-70 equivalent lens that's permanently attached to it. I have a 24-120 for the D750 but despite its excellent range of focal lengths, it's an awful lens so I don't use it unless I have to. I really like the image quality with my 35mm f/1.8G but using a single focal length is sort of limiting.

 

[Leswick II]

Not trying to hijack anything, but the best system is useless w/o good brain behind that viewfinder. I use Z6ii and D750.....with over 1/2 dozen AIS glass and no desire to stretch into more resolution. My 0.02

 

[Amateur Photog]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

Well i recently bought an R5 with the 28-70 f2 and rf 70-200 2.8. I take both during hikes or small excursions. Hope to use them soon in travelling

b) your favorite lens

c) your favourite walkaround lens

For both i would say the 28-70. It is rather heavy but i just love the photos that come out of it. However about 30% of my favourite photos come from the 70-200

 

[AchilleasEmm]

Not trying to hijack anything, but the best system is useless w/o good brain behind that viewfinder. I use Z6ii and D750.....with over 1/2 dozen AIS glass and no desire to stretch into more resolution. My 0.02

What lenses you find that you use the most? Consider this a poll. I am just curious why people choose the lenses they choose. I mean some people enjoy really UWA lenses. Others dont. I find myself mostly in the second club. However it is always nice for me to know what people use when they do the same kind of photography as me. It is inspiring and makes me want to try more equipment to develop my style and skills

 

[Smaug01]

...
especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

I don't try to sell travel photos

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

I voted MFT (Olympus E-M10.3 body)

a) the travel go-tos

• Panasonic 12-60/3.5-5.6 (24-120 eq.) walk-around; do it all
• Olympus 17/1.8 (34 mm eq.) for the fast prime
• f/8 body cap fisheye for a super-compact ultrawide option

b) your favorite lens

• 17/1.8 - Small fast. I just love a good prime. Note that it's not as USEFUL as the 12-60, but it is my favorite.

c) your favourite walkaround lens

• 12-60

If I were trying to sell the photos, I'd probably lug my Nikon D610 with its 24-120/4 VR, 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR and a 35/2D

 

[Leswick II]

Not trying to hijack anything, but the best system is useless w/o good brain behind that viewfinder. I use Z6ii and D750.....with over 1/2 dozen AIS glass and no desire to stretch into more resolution. My 0.02

What lenses you find that you use the most? Consider this a poll. I am just curious why people choose the lenses they choose. I mean some people enjoy really UWA lenses. Others dont. I find myself mostly in the second club. However it is always nice for me to know what people use when they do the same kind of photography as me. It is inspiring and makes me want to try more equipment to develop my style and skills

Something I can't answer, since I use different optics for different things. Best way to determine what would I do is determine on your own < a style builder > when you see certain image. You can reach back to AA or others.....

For instance, I'd not use a 50mm or 24mm when I'm facing to shoot wildlife.



Not much effort in the edit....shot through the window.

 

[zackiedawg]

That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos

I use the Sony E-mount system, an A6600.

For travel photography, leaving out a specialized trip where I intend to shoot wildlife or birds, my default kit is the Sony 18-135mm lens, Sony 10-18mm F4 UWA zoom, and Sigma 16mm F1.4. That trio covers most generic or random travel photography needs that might pop up, and can all fit comfortably in a compact 12" x 7" x 7" shoulder bag that can be used sling-style or shoulder style, clipped onto a belt if hands-free needed, and fit easily in any compartment or bin in any type of vehicle, while remaining small and discreet enough to not gain attention in parts of the world where you may not want it.

When traveling, the 10-18mm UWA is probably my favorite, as a lot of photography I do when traveling is concentrated on architecture and buildings, both inside and out, and being able to shoot old or historic buildings on tight narrow streets and tight interiors is necessary.

My favorite walkaround and the travel go-to would be the 18-135mm - as an 'extended kit' it can cover almost anything in a pinch with great range and solid IQ while still being very compact - I'll use that combo if I'm going without any bag at all and just want to travel as light as possible - just carrying the camera with one lens attached.

MY three different sized wildlife and birding zooms will come into play if my travels will involve opportunities to go birding or wildlife shooting - the FE70-300mm G if I need a lens that can fit in a small bag and be very portable, the FE100-400mm GM if the size restrictions are more generous, and because it's a much more versatile lens overall with closeup work and longer reach...and the FE200-600mm G if I'm going to be doing extensive birding and need all the reach I can get.

 

[tex]

[No message]

 

[AchilleasEmm]

...
especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

I don't try to sell travel photos

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

I voted MFT (Olympus E-M10.3 body)

a) the travel go-tos

• Panasonic 12-60/3.5-5.6 (24-120 eq.) walk-around; do it all
• Olympus 17/1.8 (34 mm eq.) for the fast prime
• f/8 body cap fisheye for a super-compact ultrawide option

b) your favorite lens

• 17/1.8 - Small fast. I just love a good prime. Note that it's not as USEFUL as the 12-60, but it is my favorite.

c) your favourite walkaround lens

• 12-60

If I were trying to sell the photos, I'd probably lug my Nikon D610 with its 24-120/4 VR, 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR and a 35/2D

I see that not just you but a lot of people use m43 for travel. Is this because of the smaller lenses and less weight? Wouldnt that be a hinderance in low light?? (i mean the fastest prime is actually like a f3.5.

 

[Klaus dk]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

b) your favorite lens

c) your favourite walkaround lens

a) Travel: ATM a Sony RX100M2 I got at a bagain price, but don't really like as much as the Canon PowerShot S120.

b) Favourite lens: Canon RF 70-200/2.8 L. Sharp, flexible portrait lens. Portraiture is my reason for making photos.

c) Favourite walkaround: Canon RF 24-105/4 L. Its position is threathed by the RF 24-240/4-6.3. I haven't had much chance to use it yet, I just bought it second hand.

 

[Smaug01]

[snip]

I see that not just you but a lot of people use m43 for travel. Is this because of the smaller lenses and less weight? Wouldnt that be a hinderance in low light?? (i mean the fastest prime is actually like a f3.5.

You can see in my Gear List that I have both systems. The difference in size and weight between FF and µ4/3 is enormous. Many of us have traveled with FF systems and had an aching back by the end of the day. OR, we brought fewer or inferior lens options.

We have found that µ4/3 gives very good results. Not as good as FF in low light or DoF control, but more than good enough to forgo carrying the heavy gear.

Opinions will vary and there will always be those people who feel it is ALWAYS worth it to carry the heavy gear, but I'm not one of them. (any more) Please note that I'm only 44 years old and in reasonably good physical shape.

What also comes into play is whether, when you travel, you would rather:

1. Enjoy the travel experience, or
2. Document it with the best technical clarity

Hence my "split vote" option. When I travel, it is with my own money with the primary goal being to experience another culture, not to make it into a photo expedition. I (no longer) have no delusions of being a National Geographic photographer. ;-)

***********

As for whether it is a hindrance in low light, I would say no. With my particular systems, in low light, with relatively static subjects, the outstanding IBIS of the µ4/3 system, combined with a fast lens is as good as the FF system without stabilization or with a slower, stabilized lens.

If have low light AND subjects in motion, I just have to take my lumps. Shoot at higher ISO in raw and de-noise later, if needed.

To me, the superiority of FF in low light is a much lesser concern than the DoF control of FF. I can't afford the f/1.2 PRO lenses in µ4/3, just to get to the DoF control that an f/2.8 lens will give in FF. It sounds like it's picking nits, but it's really not. In FF, even at f/5.6, with a short telephoto, we can see truly limited DoF. With a slow f/4 or f/5.6 lens on µ4/3 , it's like f/8 or f/11. Useless. You really need the fastest optics or the right conditions to limit DoF in µ4/3.

By the way, when I got back into FF, I was toying with the idea of selling off my µ4/3 system, because of the superior DoF control. But in the end, I decided to hold off until I can travel again, as that is where µ4/3 really shines. When I do travel, it will be a choice for me of:

• Nikon D610 w/24-120/4 VR, [3 lbs., 8 oz.] or
• Olympus E-M10.3 w/12-60 (24-120), 17 (35), 40-150 (80-300), 9 (18) [2 lbs., 11 oz.]

...with the Olympus system STILL coming out way ahead, in terms of weight, and bulk is about the same.

 

[AchilleasEmm]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

b) your favorite lens

c) your favourite walkaround lens

a) Travel: ATM a Sony RX100M2 I got at a bagain price, but don't really like as much as the Canon PowerShot S120.

b) Favourite lens: Canon RF 70-200/2.8 L. Sharp, flexible portrait lens. Portraiture is my reason for making photos.

c) Favourite walkaround: Canon RF 24-105/4 L. Its position is threathed by the RF 24-240/4-6.3. I haven't had much chance to use it yet, I just bought it second hand.

Someone here mentioned carrying the rf 28-70 and 70-200 2.8 during travels. What is your opinion on that?

 

[Smaug01]

[...]

[...] I have a 24-120 for the D750 but despite its excellent range of focal lengths, it's an awful lens so I don't use it unless I have to. [...]

Really? Are you sure you're talking about the G / VR version that's in your Gear List? Most people find that to be an excellent lens. I've heard this comment about earlier versions of Nikon's 24-120, but not the G.

 

[AchilleasEmm]

[snip]

I see that not just you but a lot of people use m43 for travel. Is this because of the smaller lenses and less weight? Wouldnt that be a hinderance in low light?? (i mean the fastest prime is actually like a f3.5.

You can see in my Gear List that I have both systems. The difference in size and weight between FF and µ4/3 is enormous. Many of us have traveled with FF systems and had an aching back by the end of the day. OR, we brought fewer or inferior lens options.

We have found that µ4/3 gives very good results. Not as good as FF in low light or DoF control, but more than good enough to forgo carrying the heavy gear.

Opinions will vary and there will always be those people who feel it is ALWAYS worth it to carry the heavy gear, but I'm not one of them. (any more) Please note that I'm only 44 years old and in reasonably good physical shape.

What also comes into play is whether, when you travel, you would rather:

1. Enjoy the travel experience, or
2. Document it with the best technical clarity

Hence my "split vote" option. When I travel, it is with my own money with the primary goal being to experience another culture, not to make it into a photo expedition. I (no longer) have no delusions of being a National Geographic photographer. ;-)

***********

As for whether it is a hindrance in low light, I would say no. With my particular systems, in low light, with relatively static subjects, the outstanding IBIS of the µ4/3 system, combined with a fast lens is as good as the FF system without stabilization or with a slower, stabilized lens.

If have low light AND subjects in motion, I just have to take my lumps. Shoot at higher ISO in raw and de-noise later, if needed.

To me, the superiority of FF in low light is a much lesser concern than the DoF control of FF. I can't afford the f/1.2 PRO lenses in µ4/3, just to get to the DoF control that an f/2.8 lens will give in FF. It sounds like it's picking nits, but it's really not. In FF, even at f/5.6, with a short telephoto, we can see truly limited DoF. With a slow f/4 or f/5.6 lens on µ4/3 , it's like f/8 or f/11. Useless. You really need the fastest optics or the right conditions to limit DoF in µ4/3.

By the way, when I got back into FF, I was toying with the idea of selling off my µ4/3 system, because of the superior DoF control. But in the end, I decided to hold off until I can travel again, as that is where µ4/3 really shines. When I do travel, it will be a choice for me of:

• Nikon D610 w/24-120/4 VR, [3 lbs., 8 oz.] or
• Olympus E-M10.3 w/12-60 (24-120), 17 (35), 40-150 (80-300), 9 (18) [2 lbs., 11 oz.]

...with the Olympus system STILL coming out way ahead, in terms of weight, and bulk is about the same.

Thank you very much for the detailed answer! To be honest my first priority is to enjoy the experience during my travels. I have plans for a long term euro trip where i will spend 2-3 days per country (maybe 5-6 in some). My idea was to have two lenses, a standard zoom and a telephoto (rf 24-70 or 28-70 and the 70-200 2.8). Those would double down as my everyday kit for hikes, general shooting, portraits. And i think that 3,5 kilos of just camera equipment in a backpack isnt much. Up until now i had about 2 kilos max. I dont know what the difference will be. I would love to hear your input.

 

[Leonard Migliore]

[...]

[...] I have a 24-120 for the D750 but despite its excellent range of focal lengths, it's an awful lens so I don't use it unless I have to. [...]

Really? Are you sure you're talking about the G / VR version that's in your Gear List? Most people find that to be an excellent lens. I've heard this comment about earlier versions of Nikon's 24-120, but not the G.

It's the G and yes, I've seen favorable comments on it. But mine is useless for landscapes because the corners are fuzzy at all focal lengths and f/stops. It's OK for snapshots but so is my RX100. Perhaps I have a trashy example.

 

[Leonard Migliore]

Not much effort in the edit....shot through the window.

An open window, I assume. I think that a 500mm would be affected quite badly by shooting through window glass.

--
Leonard Migliore

 

[Klaus dk]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

b) your favorite lens

c) your favourite walkaround lens

a) Travel: ATM a Sony RX100M2 I got at a bagain price, but don't really like as much as the Canon PowerShot S120.

b) Favourite lens: Canon RF 70-200/2.8 L. Sharp, flexible portrait lens. Portraiture is my reason for making photos.

c) Favourite walkaround: Canon RF 24-105/4 L. Its position is threathed by the RF 24-240/4-6.3. I haven't had much chance to use it yet, I just bought it second hand.

Someone here mentioned carrying the rf 28-70 and 70-200 2.8 during travels. What is your opinion on that?

I don't travel to photograph and use my FF gear on assignments (unpaid, but striving for pro quality). Travel photography is primarily for the memories, so a 1" sensor is good enough.

I once brought a DSLR with me on a holiday, but regretted it. Since then it's been compacts.

If someone would pay me to shoot an exotic location, I'd love to bring an RF f/2.8 trinity - if the price was right

 

[Pinnacle Photo]

18-810mm in just part of my backpack rocks. They have been all over the place with me. Nothing else can do what these cameras can at this tiny size.

I have a wall of 8x10s and a few poster size prints from these cameras.

Would have no issues selling my travel shots, except there is little money in landscape work these days. Everything has been done to death at this point & you can just go get cheap stock shots. Not worth the marketing time/money. Also getting that one of a kind shot takes more time than it is worth.

I do event photography, it still pays well.


Leave my work Z6/D500 combo and lenses at home.

 

[Barry Twycross]

Recently i had a conversation with a few photographers in my town. Most of them had some of the most popular camera systems for photography, especially for travel photography. That got me thinking what system most of you use and what lenses you use for travel photos (note: i mean photos you could sell or use as a professional travel photographer not just those funny family moments).

Difficult to vote as I use two different systems. For what I call travel, where I'm concerned about lightness, I use micro-4/3rds. If I ever wanted to sell a photo (which I don't), I'd be using the Fuji GF system.

(if you use the medium format i am impressed)

So you can be impressed. We're on a little break, with photography as one of the aims, so I've lugged the Fiji GFX and three lenses with me, and the 4x5 I'm trying some Velvia.

Please vote what system you use and comment what lenses are:

a) the travel go-tos

Micro-4/3rds the 12-32/3.5-5.6. Tiny and I use it for about 60% of my travel stuff.

Fuji GF, either the 30/3.5 or the 110/2. I've been using both about equally.

b) your favorite lens

The Fuji GF 110/2

c) your favourite walkaround lens

The 12-32 or the micro-4/3rds 20/1.7, I took both with me this afternoon when I didn't want to lug the Fuji.