Flexible on the Go: Which Lens Setup Fits Your Trip?

When we travel, we want to be as flexible as possible with our photography — without carrying more than what fits in a backpack. The right set of lenses makes that possible. With the right focal lengths, you’re ready for any situation, without compromising on weight or size.

Many photographers still stick to the classic combo: wide-angle, standard zoom, and telephoto. Back in the day, the 17–28mm was a popular travel companion — today it’s been succeeded by the 16–30mm G2, perfectly complementing TAMRON’s G2 series. Add a standard zoom like the 28–75mm G2 and a telephoto like the 70–180mm G2, and you’ve got a setup with a consistent F/2.8 aperture across the board, covering everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed tele shots.

But it can get even more compact. With just two lenses — the 20–40mm and the 35–150mm — you can stay almost equally flexible. Here, too, you benefit from fast apertures, sometimes even F/2. This setup covers the majority of travel shots without constantly swapping lenses.

For those who want to capture wildlife or distant subjects on the go, adding a super-telephoto like the 150–500mm is a game-changer.

Alternatively, the versatile 50–400mm or the lighter 50–300mm are exciting options. Both harmonize perfectly with a wide-angle lens such as the 17–50mm or – particularly compact – with the fast 20–40mm.

And then there's the minimalist option: the new 28–300mm F/4–7.1 Di III VC VXD. This all-in-one lens covers almost everything you need when traveling, from wide angle to telephoto. It's lightweight, compact, and versatile—perfect for anyone who wants to get by with just one lens but doesn't want to compromise on flexibility and image quality.

Find the right combination for your next trip: from the classic trio to the flexible duo to the ultra-compact all-in-one. You'll be prepared for any situation—lightweight and always ready for that special moment.

Check out the step-by-step guide here: