Versatile and Compact Zoom Lenses for Travel Photography
On October 28, 2023 by Cassandra O'LearyNikon 35mm Travel Photography Lenses
If you’re thinking of upgrading your camera lenses for travel, a zoom lens can provide versatility. They’re also more compact than primes and don’t add much to your backpack weight.
Ideal for Nikon full-frame cameras, this lens features a wide-angle to telephoto range for shot variety. Its ED glass and ARNEO coating minimize distortion, chromatic aberration, and lens flare for outstanding image quality.
1. Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
This lens has a compact design that makes it easy to carry and handle. It incorporates an extra-low dispersion element to minimise chromatic aberration, while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating suppresses ghosting and flare. It has a built-in vibration reduction system that can allow you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would be possible without the feature, and still achieve sharp images.
Its sharpness is good in the centre at all focal lengths, with a slight drop off towards the edges at 105mm. However, stopping the lens down to f/11 resolves this issue. Vignetting is also noticeable at some apertures, but this is easily corrected with most modern cameras.
This is a good kit lens for entry-level Nikon DSLRs, and it is priced at around PS250. Its only real weakness is performance at 105mm, where it fails to match the quality of other focal lengths, but this is a fairly minor failing in a travel zoom.
2. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1
Designed to work with the full-frame Z-series cameras, this kit lens is the ideal travel companion. It is a do-it-all general purpose zoom, ready to capture landscapes, cities, interiors, flowers, and more.
It’s compact, lightweight and does a great job at balancing image quality with zoom range. It also benefits from a number of weather-seals and a fluorine coating that repels dust and grease.
Its internal stepping motor delivers smooth focus transitions during movie capture and is virtually silent. As with all Canon RF lenses, it is also capable of utilizing in-camera corrections for distortion and peripheral illumination. Image quality is excellent, although sharpness does drop slightly at longer focal lengths. However, this is a trade-off for the versatility of having the ability to zoom in and out. In addition to this, it’s a relatively inexpensive lens given its versatility. A worthwhile option for any Canon shooter.
3. Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
This lens is one of the best travel photography lenses that is available. It can capture a variety of shots, including close-up portraits and landscapes. Its f/1.8 maximum aperture allows it to take photos in low light conditions. The lens has a compact design and weighs less than one pound, making it easy to transport.
It has a built-in vibration reduction feature that makes it easier to take photos hand-held. It has a great zoom range and focuses at a very short distance, which is ideal for travel photography. It also has a wide aperture, which allows more light to enter the camera.
The FE 50mm has a manual focus system that is more precise than other Sony lenses. It has good bokeh, but it can produce some vignetting and lateral chromatic aberration at wider apertures. The AF is also slower than other Sony lenses. However, it is a great option for those looking for an affordable travel lens.
4. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8
When this lens was introduced at PMA 2009 it raised some eyebrows. Nikon had never before produced a dedicated 35mm normal prime for their DX format DSLRs.
The optical quality is superb. Wide-open at f/1.8 it is sharp even in the corners on demanding 36 MP cameras like the D800E. There is only a little yellow-blue color fringing in the extreme edges at f/1.8.
It has a short focal length for great portraits and also works well on streets and travel scenes with a wide depth of field. The f/1.8 aperture is also very effective at blurring backgrounds and making the subject stand out.
The AF-S auto focusing on this lens works with even the lightest entry level Nikon D40X, D60 and D40 cameras. You can also use manual override at any time just by grabbing the large focus ring. It’s tougher than most lenses too because the front filter ring is connected directly to the barrel and not the focusing group.
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Cassandra O’Leary, a name synonymous with breathtaking travel photography, wanderlust, and an unwavering passion for capturing the world’s natural and cultural beauty, is an esteemed author who has dedicated her life to the art of visual storytelling through the lens. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of photography, an innate love for exploring the world, and a profound belief in the ability of images to transport viewers to distant lands and cultures. For those who frequent the “Images by Cassandra” website, Cassandra’s name embodies inspiration, expertise, and a deep affection for the world of travel photography.
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