The Best Lenses for Travel: What You Really Need in Your Kit

27 February 2026

So, you’re planning your next big adventure. Maybe it’s a dreamy European escapade, a rugged mountain expedition, or a tropical beach getaway. You’ve got your bags packed, your itinerary set, and your camera ready to capture every unforgettable moment. But hold on—what lenses are you taking?

Picking the right travel lens is like choosing the perfect travel companion. It needs to be reliable, versatile, and ready for anything. The last thing you want is to lug around a massive lens that barely gets used or realize too late that you left the essential one at home.

Let’s break it down and help you build the perfect travel photography kit.

What Makes a Good Travel Lens?

Before jumping into specific lenses, let’s quickly talk about what makes a lens great for travel photography. There are a few key factors to consider:

- Versatility – Traveling means shooting everything from landscapes to street portraits. A good travel lens should handle different situations without requiring constant swaps.
- Portability – Nobody wants to carry a heavy lens all day. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you for choosing a lightweight option.
- Low-Light Performance – Many travel moments happen early in the morning or late at night. A lens with a wide aperture (lower f-number) helps capture stunning shots without needing a tripod.
- Zoom Range – A solid zoom range can save you from switching lenses too often. More reach means more flexibility.
- Image Quality – Of course, your lens should deliver sharp images with great color and contrast. Otherwise, what’s the point?

The Best Travel Lenses for Every Situation

Let’s talk gear! Whether you shoot with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, here are the best lenses to consider for your travels:

1. The All-in-One Zoom: 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105mm f/4

If I had to pick just ONE lens for travel, this would be it. A 24-70mm f/2.8 (or its slightly longer sibling, the 24-105mm f/4) is incredibly versatile.

- Why it’s great: Perfect for landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The f/2.8 version also performs beautifully in low light.
- Downsides: A little heavier than a prime lens, but the versatility makes up for it.

This is the kind of lens that can handle 90% of your travel shots. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of photography.

2. The Ultra-Wide: 16-35mm f/4 or f/2.8

Do you love capturing sprawling landscapes or dramatic architecture shots? Then an ultra-wide lens should be in your bag.

- Why it’s great: Ideal for fitting more into the frame—perfect for tight city streets or vast mountain views.
- Downsides: Distortion can be an issue for portraits unless you’re aiming for an artistic effect.

A 16-35mm lens lets you capture breathtaking scenery in ways that a standard zoom just can’t.

3. The Travel-Friendly Prime: 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8

Sometimes, less is more. A lightweight prime lens can be a game-changer, especially for street photography and low-light conditions.

- Why it’s great: Super compact, great low-light performance, and delivers stunning image quality.
- Downsides: No zoom, so you’ll need to move around to frame your shots.

A 35mm or 50mm prime lens is a solid choice if you love capturing candid moments with a beautifully blurred background.

4. The Super Zoom: 70-200mm f/4 or 100-400mm

Want to capture wildlife, distant landmarks, or even some sneaky street photography from afar? You need a telephoto lens.

- Why it’s great: Great for compressed perspective shots, portraits, and capturing details from a distance.
- Downsides: Heavier and bulkier than other options, and not always necessary unless you anticipate needing the reach.

If your travels involve safaris, wildlife photography, or detailed cityscapes from a distance, a super zoom is a must-have.

5. The Pancake Lens: 24mm f/2.8 or 28mm f/2.8

Looking for something ultra-lightweight? A pancake lens is perfect for minimalists.

- Why it’s great: Super small and discreet—ideal for street photography and travel vlogging.
- Downsides: Not as versatile as a zoom lens, but sometimes simplicity is all you need.

A pancake lens is fantastic for those who just want to carry their camera in a small bag without worrying about weight.

Lens Pairing: What Combo Should You Take?

Not everyone wants to carry multiple lenses, so let’s talk about the best combos based on your travel style:

- One-Lens Minimalist – The 24-105mm f/4 is your best bet. Covers almost everything.
- Two-Lens Traveler – Pair a 24-70mm f/2.8 with a 50mm f/1.8. This setup gives you flexibility AND beautiful portraits.
- Adventure Photographer – A 16-35mm f/4 + 70-200mm combo is great for landscapes and distant subjects.
- Street & Documentary Shooter – A 35mm f/1.8 or 24mm pancake lens is lightweight and perfect for capturing everyday moments.

Bonus: Lens Accessories You Should Pack

Lenses are only half the battle! Make sure to bring these accessories:

- Lens filters – A UV filter protects your lens, and a polarizer enhances skies and water.
- Lens cleaning kit – Dust and smudges can ruin your shots. Keep your lens spotless.
- Camera strap – A comfy strap makes a huge difference when carrying your camera all day.
- Lens pouch – Protects your lenses from bumps and scratches in your bag.

The Bottom Line

Picking the right lenses for travel can feel overwhelming, but it all comes down to what you plan to shoot and how much weight you’re willing to carry. If you want one go-to lens, a 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105mm f/4 is a fantastic choice. If you don’t mind swapping lenses, adding a prime or telephoto lens can elevate your travel photography.

At the end of the day, the best lens is the one that helps you capture the magic of your journey—without making your backpack feel like a ton of bricks.

Now, grab your gear and get ready to create some unforgettable travel memories!