When traveling, you want versatile, lightweight, and compact lenses that cover a range of focal lengths to handle various scenes, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and street photography. Here are some of the best mirrorless travel lenses for different systems, focusing on those that offer portability without sacrificing image quality.
For Sony (E-mount)
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
- Focal Length: 24-105mm
- Key Features: Constant f/4 aperture, optical image stabilization, sharp and versatile.
- Why it’s great for travel: A superb all-in-one zoom lens that covers a wide focal range, allowing you to shoot wide landscapes and zoom in for portraits or distant subjects. The f/4 aperture keeps the lens relatively compact, and the OSS helps with handheld shooting.
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS
- Focal Length: 16-35mm
- Key Features: Ultra-wide angle, compact, constant f/4 aperture, optical stabilization.
- Why it’s great for travel: Excellent for landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural shots, with a versatile wide focal range. The compact size and stabilization make it a good companion for hand-held photography.
- Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Key Features: Fast f/1.8 aperture, lightweight, sharp.
- Why it’s great for travel: A fast, lightweight prime lens that’s great for street photography, portraits, and low-light shooting. The 35mm focal length is versatile enough to capture a variety of scenes.
For Canon (RF-mount)
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
- Focal Length: 24-70mm
- Key Features: Constant f/2.8 aperture, image stabilization, versatile focal range.
- Why it’s great for travel: A workhorse zoom lens that covers wide-angle to medium telephoto, perfect for landscapes, portraits, and general travel photography. The fast aperture helps in low light and the image stabilization is great for handheld shooting.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
- Focal Length: 24-105mm
- Key Features: Constant f/4 aperture, image stabilization, weather-sealed.
- Why it’s great for travel: Similar to the Sony 24-105mm, this is an excellent all-purpose travel lens. It covers a wide focal range, is weather-sealed for travel in different environments, and is relatively compact for its range.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Key Features: Compact, macro capabilities, fast f/1.8 aperture, image stabilization.
- Why it’s great for travel: Compact and lightweight, this lens is perfect for street photography, low-light shooting, and even close-up macro work. The fast aperture is great for subject isolation and low-light situations.
For Nikon (Z-mount)
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
- Focal Length: 24-70mm
- Key Features: Constant f/4 aperture, compact and lightweight.
- Why it’s great for travel: A very travel-friendly zoom that covers a versatile focal range while remaining compact and light. The f/4 aperture makes it a good balance of performance and portability.
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
- Focal Length: 14-30mm
- Key Features: Ultra-wide-angle, compact, lightweight.
- Why it’s great for travel: Great for shooting expansive landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors, the 14-30mm is an ultra-wide lens in a compact package, ideal for capturing dramatic perspectives.
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Key Features: Fast f/1.8 aperture, compact.
- Why it’s great for travel: A sharp, fast prime lens that’s perfect for general travel photography, street shots, and portraits. The compact size and wide aperture make it a versatile travel lens.
For Fujifilm (X-mount, APS-C)
- Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
- Focal Length: 16-50mm (equivalent to 24-75mm on full-frame)
- Key Features: Lightweight, optical image stabilization, versatile zoom.
- Why it’s great for travel: Often referred to as the “kit lens,” this is actually an excellent travel zoom that’s lightweight, compact, and offers a useful focal range for a variety of travel scenes, from wide landscapes to portraits.
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR
- Focal Length: 16-80mm (equivalent to 24-120mm on full-frame)
- Key Features: Constant f/4 aperture, image stabilization, weather-sealed.
- Why it’s great for travel: A bit more reach than the 18-55mm, this lens is perfect for travelers who want one all-purpose lens. It’s weather-sealed and stabilized, making it a great option for unpredictable travel conditions.
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR
- Focal Length: 23mm (equivalent to 35mm on full-frame)
- Key Features: Compact, fast f/2 aperture, weather-sealed.
- Why it’s great for travel: A compact, weather-sealed prime lens with a versatile 35mm equivalent focal length, perfect for street photography, environmental portraits, and general travel shots.
Key Features to Look for in Travel Lenses:
- Portability: Compact and lightweight lenses are ideal for travel, especially when you want to avoid carrying heavy gear all day.
- Versatility: Lenses with a wide focal range (like 24-105mm) allow you to capture different types of shots without changing lenses frequently.
- Fast Aperture: A fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster) helps in low-light situations, such as indoor scenes or evening photography.
- Image Stabilization: Built-in stabilization is helpful for handheld shooting, especially when traveling, as it reduces the need for a tripod.
- Weather-Sealing: If you’re traveling to unpredictable or rugged environments, weather-sealed lenses provide extra durability against the elements.