When it comes to travel photography, portability, versatility and reliable autofocus are all important. You want to be able to capture all kinds of scenes and be ready for all sorts of shooting situations. However, since you’ll also be on the go most of the time, you don’t want to be weighed down by big and bulky gear. This is where mirrorless cameras and compact lenses come into the picture. Many travel photographers swear by bringing one or two prime lenses. But don’t be quick to dismiss standard zoom lenses as well! Apart from first-party lenses, third-party standard zooms such as the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 also make great choices.
Standard zoom lenses are a must for every photographer, as they prove to be useful not only for travel photography but also for everyday shooting. Many of these lenses are bundled as kit lenses with the camera, designed for beginners. But there are many other standard zooms that are superior in build quality and features. These will come in handy when you’re traveling and you need a reliable all-around lens.
If you’re a Sony mirrorless photographer on the hunt for a standard zoom lens for your travels, here are the top reasons why the award-winning Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 is a worthy option.
Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored post.
It’s lightweight and compact.
In our Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 review, we noted that this standard zoom’s portability is among its top strengths. While the lens is very light, it feels premium in the hand, making it ideal for the variety of shooting situations you’ll encounter as a traveler. At 3.4 in long and weighing 365g, shooting handheld at extended periods won’t be a problem with this standard zoom lens.
It covers a versatile focal length range.
While our review mentioned that 20-40mm is a rather unusual focal length range for a standard zoom lens, it remains a versatile choice for travel photographers. Use the ultra wide-angle for capturing landscapes and sweeping scenes, then seamlessly shift to the popular 28mm and 35mm focal lengths when shooting street. Of course, you’ll want to shoot some casual portraits as well, which the 40mm focal length is perfect for.
It’s weather-sealed.
Of course, when you’re out and about, you also need to be ready for any changes in the weather. But with this standard zoom lens, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a bit of drizzle. With its solid weather sealing and improved abrasion resistance, this lens is ready wherever the adventure takes you.
It’s excellent for vlogs and selfies at 20mm.
Lastly, content creator or not, you’ll definitely want to capture your travel highlights in videos and selfies. Fortunately, the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 also boasts of fast, high-precision AF at the 20mm focal length. Paired with excellent handling due to its compact and lightweight design, shooting vlogs and selfies is a breeze with this standard zoom.
