Welcome to our blog, where we explore the wonderful world of travel photography and why the 35mm lens is an essential tool for capturing mesmerizing images. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your photography journey, the 35mm lens is a must-have for your travel adventures. In this article, we will delve into the top five reasons why this lens is perfect for travel photography. From its versatility in capturing a wide range of subjects to its compact size that makes it easy to carry, the 35mm lens is sure to enhance your travel photography experience. Get ready to discover why this lens deserves a spot in every travel photographer’s gear bag!

5 Reasons the 35mm Lens is Perfect for Travel Photography

In today’s video, the author shares five reasons why they love using the 35 millimeter lens for travel photography. They specifically mention having the Canon 35mm 1.4 L Series lens. Although there is a newer version available, the Mach 2, the author currently has the Mach 1 version. They recently visited Tasmania to capture photos and videos for a wedding, and decided to extend their stay to explore the region. Despite having their entire photography kit with them, they chose to bring their Canon 5d Mark 3 camera with the 35mm lens whenever they went out for photography, due to the following reasons:

1. Wide-Angle Lens for Capturing Landscapes and Cityscapes

The 35mm lens is particularly useful for travel photography because it is a wide-angle lens. When capturing photos of landscapes or cityscapes, it allows the photographer to capture the entire scene in full. This means they don’t have to take multiple photos and stitch them together later in Photoshop or be satisfied with cropped-out portions of the landscape. The 35mm lens allows for capturing the entire scene in a single shot.

Example: The author visited Freycinet National Park and Richardson’s Bay in Tasmania and was able to effortlessly capture the beauty of these locations using the 35mm lens.

2. Flattering Portraits

The author also loves shooting portraits with the 35mm lens. Even when traveling, they bring the lens along because it not only performs well in landscape photography but also produces stunning portraits. The wider focal length of the lens allows it to include more of the background and environment, creating a unique and flattering composition that can’t be achieved with standard 50mm or 85mm lenses.

Example: The author takes portraits of their travel partner at a beach location in Tasmania, showcasing the beautiful blending of the subject with the surroundings.

3. Lightweight and Easy to Carry

An additional advantage of the Canon 35mm lens is its lightweight design. Among the author’s lens collection, the 35mm lens is one of the lightest in Canon’s L Series. This makes it ideal for travel photography, especially when hiking, walking, or carrying the camera kit for extended periods. The author appreciates how easily they can include the 35mm lens in their travel gear without feeling burdened by its weight.

Example: The author compares the weight of the Canon 35mm 1.4 lens (approximately 600 grams) to the heavier Canon 24-70 2.8 lens. They emphasize the importance of having a lightweight lens that can fulfill their needs without adding unnecessary bulk.

4. Fast Focusing for Capturing Moments

The Canon 35mm lens boasts the fastest focusing speed in the author’s lens collection. This is crucial while traveling, as moments often pass by quickly and capturing them is a matter of instant timing. With a fast lens, the risk of missing a shot or capturing an out-of-focus image is minimized. This lens allows the author to quickly and accurately photograph subjects, such as wildlife or scenes outside a car window while driving.

Example: The author showcases their ability to quickly focus and capture a shot of a wallaby as it eats grass in a car park.

5. Excellent Performance in Low-Light Conditions

Lastly, the author praises the Canon 35mm 1.4 lens for its exceptional performance in low-light conditions. While traveling, lighting conditions can vary, and being prepared to capture shots during challenging situations is crucial. The author mentions their love for shooting during the “blue hour” at dusk, where the lighting creates a moody atmosphere. The 35mm lens allows them to achieve this effect without compromising image quality or introducing excess grain from using high ISO settings. Additionally, the lens is also suitable for astrophotography, providing sharp images of the night sky without excessive noise.

Example: The author expresses their preference for using the 35mm lens to capture photos during dusk and to photograph the stars at night, highlighting the lens’s ability to capture sharp images without graininess.

In conclusion, the Canon 35mm lens is the author’s go-to lens for travel photography due to its wide-angle capabilities, flattering portrait performance, lightweight design, fast focusing, and exceptional low-light performance.

To learn more about the author’s experience in Tasmania and view their travel vlog, check out the link provided in the video description.

What is a 35mm lens?
A 35mm lens refers to the focal length of a camera lens, which is commonly used in travel photography. It provides a versatile field of view, making it ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects while exploring different destinations.
What are the advantages of using a 35mm lens for travel photography?
There are several advantages to using a 35mm lens for travel photography. Firstly, its compact size and lightweight nature make it highly portable, allowing you to easily carry it with you while exploring. Additionally, its wide field of view enables you to capture both landscapes and closer subjects with great detail. The 35mm lens also tends to have a fast maximum aperture, allowing for better low-light performance and creating a beautiful depth of field in your images. Lastly, this lens is often praised for its natural perspective, providing images that closely resemble what the human eye sees.
Can a 35mm lens be used with different camera brands?
Yes, a 35mm lens can be used with various camera brands. However, it’s essential to ensure compatibility by checking the lens mount type required for your specific camera. Different camera brands may have different lens mounts, so it’s crucial to select a 35mm lens that matches your camera’s mount.
Are there any limitations when using a 35mm lens for travel photography?
While the 35mm lens is highly versatile and suitable for many travel photography situations, it’s essential to consider its limitations. One limitation is that it may not provide sufficient zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects. If you require a higher level of zoom, you may need to consider using additional lenses or opting for a different focal length. However, if versatility and portability are your priorities, the 35mm lens should still be an excellent choice for travel photography.
Are there any recommended techniques for using a 35mm lens in travel photography?
Yes, there are a few techniques that can help you maximize the potential of a 35mm lens in travel photography. Firstly, make use of leading lines and foreground elements to create depth and draw the viewer’s attention. Additionally, experiment with different perspectives and angles to add interest to your compositions. Finally, since the 35mm lens provides a wide field of view, remember to pay attention to the edges of your frame to ensure there are no unwanted distractions or distortions.

I hope you find useful my article 5 Reasons the 35mm Lens is Perfect for Travel Photography, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.

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5 Reasons the 35mm Lens is Perfect for Travel Photography