My Favourite Lenses for Travel (And Why They Matter More Than You Think)
Let’s get something straight. You don’t need a massive lens that costs more than your van to take amazing travel photos. But the lens you choose makes a big difference in the kinds of stories you can tell.
Since hitting the road, I’ve had to keep my kit compact, practical, and versatile. These are the lenses I use most while travelling. Not the ones that look impressive on a gear list, but the ones that actually earn their spot in my bag.
📍 1. The All-Rounder: 24–70mm f/2.8
Why I love it:
This lens lives on my camera most of the time. It’s wide enough for landscapes and tight enough for portraits. A true multitasker.
Perfect for:
- Capturing wide-open roads and tight van interiors
- Travel portraits with beautiful depth
- Not constantly changing lenses in the rain (win)
Downside:
It’s a bit chunky. But worth the bicep workout.
🌄 2. The Landscape King: 16–35mm f/4
Why I love it:
When I want to capture those vast mountain views, epic cliffs, or ridiculously wide skies, this is my go-to. It makes everything feel cinematic.
Perfect for:
- Dramatic landscapes
- Vanlife setups at campsites
- Interiors, if you’re into showcasing how much not space you have
Downside:
You might catch your own foot in the frame if you’re not careful.
🕵️ 3. The Sneaky One: 35mm Prime (f/1.8 or f/1.4)
Why I love it:
It’s small, light, and sharp. Perfect for candid street shots, food photos, or moments when a zoom lens just feels too formal.
Perfect for:
- Low-light situations (sunsets, twilight, pub interiors)
- Storytelling shots with natural background blur
- Looking like you know what you’re doing even if you’re winging it
Downside:
You have to move your feet. But hey, that’s just cardio.
🦉 Bonus: The Telephoto I Wish I Had More Room For (70–200mm)
Let’s be honest. This one’s a bit of a diva. It’s powerful and brilliant for wildlife, candid portraits, or those far-off mountain peaks. I bring it out when I know I’ll need the reach.
So… Why Do Lenses Matter?
Because your lens shapes how you see the world.
It frames the story, literally.
It’s not just about gear. It’s about being prepared to capture your version of a place. Whether that’s wide shots of wild landscapes or close-up portraits of vanlife moments that make it real.
Travel photography isn’t about owning the most lenses. It’s about knowing the ones that help you see better.
What’s in your bag?
Got a go-to lens for the road? Drop a comment and let me know what lens you couldn’t travel without or the one still sitting in your wishlist.