Extract from Stock Photo News no. 14:

Take Better Travel Photos # 8

LENSES FOR TRAVEL

If you don’t have an interest in special photography, like
birds or architecture, when on travel, just travel with a
camera with a modern zoom lens. A range of 28mm – 105mm
will be very useful in most situations for traditional 35
mm film. Remark that a change from this coverage will be of
bigger influence in the wide side (e.g. 35mm in stead of
28mm) than in the tele side (e.g. from 105 to 90).

Buyers of new cameras are often impressed on the tele side
of the zoom lens, but unless you are going on photo safari
the wide angle range of the zoom is as important or of
higher importance than the maximum tele effect.

A macro function of the zoom or a special macro lens is a
must for photos of details and flowers. My personal choice
of lenses for travel is the combination of a 28-135 mm zoom
lens and a 100-400 mm zoom lens, both with stabilizer
function, which allows me to shoot in low light conditions.
These lenses will cover much of my needs in 35 mm
photography.

In addition I always carry a 20 mm wide angle lens and a
macro lens of 50 mm or 105 mm, depending on my shooting
programme. Normally I also bring a converter of 1.4 times
magnification for the long zoom lens. This can be
supplemented with a 2 times converter. For some travels I
need a broader selection of special lenses. Normally I also
bring a medium format camera with lenses of other
specifications.

Most travellers prefer just a point and shoot camera. The
point and shoot camera has the advantage that you will
bring this with you in more situations than the much
heavier and clumsy single lens reflex system, unless you
work as a photographer.

From time to time I have experienced the effect of that
mechanism when travelling with my wife. She is a keen
amateur family photographer who always carries one of her
small cameras with her on travel and for all occasions,
while I am typically carrying my 5-12 kilos of equipment.
Sometimes I keep it at the hotel when the forecast for
photography isn't that promising and my wife will then get
the outstanding picture.

As a sidebar I can tell that I also own and use lightweight
cameras, but anyway I have experienced to be without a
camera in a situation, when she was ready to ‘fire’.

Finally, If you are going to buy a digital camera ask for
the equivalent of the lens to 35 mm photography, and you
can then use the information given above.

Have continued good luck with your travel photography.

You find more information about how to take better photos
at Stock Photo News.

Soren Breiting

A-Z Fotos stock photography & Editor of Stock Photo News.