14 Best Travel Lenses in 2024 (Prime and Zoom)

Having the best travel lens is a surefire way to improve your travel photography. But what should you consider when looking for a lens for travel photography? You need to think about size and weight. You want a focal length that gives you good shot variety. And, of course, you want excellent image quality.

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is our favorite travel lens. It’s lightweight and compact for a zoom lens. It has a vibration reduction system for sharper images and better low-light performance. And it’s one of Nikon’s most affordable zoom lenses. Keep reading to see the best travel lenses for Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras.

What Is the Best Travel Lens?

The best travel lens has to be versatile. That’s why we’ve chosen lenses that give you excellent shot variety. Zoom lenses give you more flexibility as a photographer. But we’ve also included fantastic prime lenses that you can use for a variety of different travel shots.

So, deciding whether you want a prime or zoom lens is best. We’ve split our list into two sections. The first section looks at the best zoom lenses. And the second section has all the best prime lenses for travel.

Size and weight are important elements in a travel lens. You don’t want a chunky lens that takes up too much space in your travel camera bag. That’s why we don’t have telephoto or super-telephoto lenses on this list. They are big, heavy, and expensive.

Navigate the article using the links below to find the best travel lens. You can skip to the FAQ section if you need more information on lenses for travel photography.

Photographers with the travel bug should also check out our travel photography eBook. It’s a comprehensive guide to travel photography.

1. Best Zoom Travel Lenses
2. Best Prime Travel Lenses
3. FAQs About the Best Travel Lenses

Best Zoom Travel Lenses

Zoom lenses are great for travel photography. They tend to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive than prime lenses. But they give you more versatility and flexibility. A good zoom lens can do the job of two or three prime lenses. That’s why you should consider a zoom when looking for the best travel lens.

The AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is a versatile zoom lens from Nikon. It has a wide focal length range. It has an optical stabilization system built in. And it’s compact and lightweight. That’s why it’s the best travel lens if you want a zoom lens.

The 18-105mm focal range gives you plenty of shot versatility. The minimum length of 18mm gives you beautiful wide-angle shots. It’s perfect for landscapes and cityscapes. And it lets you take pictures in tight interior spaces.

The 105mm end gives you excellent magnification. You can get closer to your subjects without moving. And it gives you a tighter framing. That’s good for intimate portraits and detailed close-ups.

The max aperture is limited to f/5.6 when using the 105mm range. That’s not ideal. But the lens compensates for the slow aperture with Nikon’s vibration reduction system. This optical stabilizer counteracts camera shake. And this lets you shoot with a slower shutter speed while avoiding motion blur.

The optical quality is great throughout the zoom range. Zoom lenses often suffer from distortion. But the glass’s Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) reduces all types of distortion. That prevents lens flare, which is helpful if traveling in a sunny country.

If you’re traveling with a Nikon DSLR, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is the perfect travel lens. It’s lightweight and compact for a zoom lens. It’s versatile and delivers on image quality. And it has excellent low-light performance.

If you’re traveling with an R Series Canon camera, the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is the zoom lens for you. The wide focal length range gives you lots of shot options. And the stabilization system gives you even more flexibility as a travel photographer.

The lens is compact for a zoom lens with such a large range. But despite being compact, there is no compromise on quality. The build quality is excellent. And the optical performance is outstanding from 24 to 105mm.

The max aperture of f/4 isn’t great. But the built-in optical image stabilization does give you more exposure freedom. It reduces camera shake. So you can shoot with slower shutter speeds. That means you get better low-light performance. And you get sharper images more consistently.

The wide zoom range allows for many types of photography. You can shoot everything from real-estate interiors to close-cut portraits. That’s why the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is the best travel lens for Canon mirrorless cameras.

The Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is the perfect lens for traveling with a Nikon mirrorless camera. Nikon’s range of Z-mount lenses is growing all the time. And we’ve selected this all-round option as the best Z lens for travel.

You get good versatility with a 24-50mm focal length range. The 24mm end gives you a lovely wide angle with a fast aperture. The 50mm end does lose a stop of aperture. But it still gives you a good focal length for street photography and environmental portraits.

Despite its compact size, the barrel is packed with top-quality glass. It holds three aspherical elements, which reduce chromatic aberration. And it has two Extra-low Dispersion elements for sharper, glare-free images. 

It’s also a great option for travel vlogs and videography. The wide 24mm focal length is perfect for vlogs where you’re talking to the camera. And the lens suffers from very little focus breathing. That means you won’t have to recompose your shot every time you refocus.

The aperture is also near-silent. That means there’s no unwanted clicking sound that audio equipment can pick up. 

The lens’s 13.7-inch (35 cm) minimum focus distance enhances its versatility. It allows for detailed close-ups, a bonus when shooting travel photography. 

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is versatile and affordable. The optical quality is fantastic. And it barely takes up any space in your camera travel backpack.

The ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is the best zoom lens for Olympus camera users. Travel photographers will love the slim pancake lens design. And despite the small size, it still gives you a 3x zoom range. It’s an affordable lens Olympus shooters can take anywhere.

The 14-42mm range is equivalent to 28-84mm on a full-frame camera. This gives you excellent shooting angles for travel photography. It doesn’t give you the highest level of magnification. But you get a wide variety of shots. And the image quality is excellent throughout the zoom range.

The glass has the Zuiko Extra-low Reflective Optical coating. This eliminates lens flare when you have an in-frame light source. This is handy in direct sunlight and indoors with strong lights.

The Olympus ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is one of the most compact zoom lenses you can get for a Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s the perfect fit for your travel bag. And it delivers on quality and versatility.

The E 18-105mm f/4 G is the perfect travel buddy for your Sony camera. It’s compatible with all Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras. That includes the popular Sony a6600. It’s a high-quality lens that’s ideal for travel photography.

The 18-105mm range lets you shoot different types of photography without changing lenses. The 18mm end gives you incredibly wide angles. You can shoot tight streets or architectural interiors. It’s also great for epic landscapes.

The other end gives you magnification for distant subjects. And it gives you a tighter composition for intimate portraits. It also lets you capture detailed close-ups. It’s also great if you’re a travel food photographer or blogger.

This Sony lens has the Optical Steady Shot system. It’s an optical image stabilizer that gives you sharper images. It also allows for better low-light photography by reducing camera shake. But you also get a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. That makes it one of the best low-light lenses on the list.

The lens also has internal focusing elements. This means the lens doesn’t change size as you zoom in and out. The dimensions remain the same.

The Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G is one of the most expensive lenses on our list. But it’s a beautiful piece of equipment. You won’t need any other lenses when traveling with this one. And it gives you unrivaled performance in low light.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L is a professional quality lens. It has a professional price tag. But it’s a high-quality lens with outstanding features. You can shoot many types of photos with this lens. And it’s perfect for a photographer traveling with a Canon camera.

The 24-70mm focal length isn’t the widest zoom range. But it still gives you plenty to play with. The 24mm end lets you shoot wide shots in tight spaces. And the 70mm end is good for close-ups and portraits.

The max aperture is one of the top selling points for this lens. It gives you a fast aperture of f/2.8 throughout the focal length range. That means you get complete control of your exposure settings. And you can work in low-light conditions. That helps you shoot concerts, night markets, and sunsets.

This Canon lens uses its superior USM autofocus motor. It’s smooth, fast, and barely makes any noise. You also have a focus ring. And the full-time focus system lets you override the AF at any time. Turn the ring, and you get manual focusing.

The glass quality is exceptional. Canon uses a combination of fluorite elements and ultra-low dispersion glass. And the results are crystal-clear, distortion-free images. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L will deliver outstanding travel photography results.

The XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R is the best travel zoom lens from Fujifilm. It has a decent zoom range for different types of shots. It has excellent glass quality. And it is compatible with all Fujifilm X Series cameras.

The 18-55mm range lets you shoot wide-angle and standard-angle shots. You can take pictures of the glorious architecture you find in exotic locations. You can capture fantastic interior shots. And you can snap close-ups, portraits, and environmental portraits.

The f/2.8 max aperture gives you good exposure control. But this is limited to f/4 when you’re at the max zoom length. Also, the rounded aperture diaphragm helps you achieve a lovely background bokeh.

The optical quality is excellent. You get corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the zoom range. And the lens has excellent build quality. If you have a Fujifilm camera, the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R belongs in your travel bag.

Best Prime Travel Lenses

This section looks at the best prime lenses for travel photography. Prime lenses give sharp images without distortion. And they are usually smaller and lighter than zoom lenses. That’s why many travel photographers use prime lenses.

The table below shows a quick rundown of the best prime lenses for travel photographers. Then, we look at each travel lens in more detail afterward.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is the best travel lens for Canon users. Its pancake design makes it ultra-compact and lightweight. You won’t have a problem finding space in your camera backpack. It can even fit in your pocket. But we don’t recommend carrying it like that.

The lens is compatible with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. And the 24mm focal length is equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera. That gives you a nice shooting angle for travel photography.

The viewing angle is similar to that of a human eye. That lets you compose shots before you’ve even got the camera to your face. It gives you a wider angle than a 50mm lens. And that helps when shooting down narrow streets in Europe or Asia. That also makes it a great lens for landscape photography.

The f/2.8 max aperture is fast enough for most situations. It lets in plenty of light. So you can get lovely travel shots during the day. It also allows for a shallow depth of field when shooting close-ups. The circular seven-blade aperture also increases the bokeh effect.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is the perfect lens for travel photographers. You can use it for a wide range of travel shots. It couldn’t be much more compact. And any travel photographer can afford it.

The AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is the best travel lens for Nikon users. It’s a small and lightweight Nikon prime lens. It has precision optics for sharp and clear image quality. And it’s one of the most affordable Nikon lenses right now.

It’s compatible with Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras. And the 35mm focal length is perfect for travel photography. You can take street shots in the world’s most beautiful cities. You can capture stunning landscapes. And it’s great for environmental portraits.

This travel lens uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to power the autofocus. It’s fast and responsive. And it gives you near-silent focusing. That means you won’t disturb the world around you as you travel with your camera.

The f/1.8 max aperture is excellent for travel photography. It gives you excellent flexibility with your exposure controls. It helps you shoot in low-light situations. And you can achieve a lovely bokeh background. The circular aperture diaphragm also helps this.

Whether you have a Nikon D3500 or D500, the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is the perfect travel companion. It’s lightweight, compact, and affordable. It also produces excellent images time after time.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 is a superb lens for travel photographers. It has a sleek design with a sharp 50mm focal length. And it’s compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras. It’s the perfect nifty-fifty for anyone traveling with a Canon mirrorless camera.

The 50mm focal length is a popular choice to pair with a street photography camera. It lets you snap candid shots as you roam new and exciting locations.

You can also shoot stunning landscapes when exploring the country. And it’s a good option for portraits and environmental portraits. The versatility means you can travel with fewer lenses in your travel bag.

The f/1.8 max aperture increases the versatility even more. It lets you shoot in low-light situations. And it gives you excellent depth-of-field options. You can achieve a soft bokeh effect in portraits and close-ups.

The optical quality of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 is fantastic. It gives you edge-to-edge sharpness. And the glass has a special coating that reduces flare and ghosting. It’s lightweight and compact. And it’s an absolute bargain for a mirrorless camera lens.

The Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 is the best travel lens if you have a Nikon full-frame camera. It’s ideal if you’re traveling light. It’s a compact and lightweight nifty-fifty lens. And it gives you plenty of shot variety for exciting travel photography.

It’s compatible with Nikon full-frame DSLRs. But you can also use it with APS-C DSLRs. But the crop factor does give you an effective focal length of 75mm. That gives you more magnification and a tighter field of view. That’s good for tighter portraits and close-ups.

With an f/1.8 aperture, you can shoot in low-light situations. You can capture images at dawn and dusk. And you can shoot the interiors of famous buildings. The lens also has a manual aperture ring that you can use when shooting in Live View. That’s like shooting with classic 35mm film cameras.

Nikon lens quality is well-trusted in the photography community. And the Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 is the perfect example of why. The glass elements give you pristine image quality. And you will experience very little distortion. It’s also an absolute bargain. Nikon users need this lens before their next voyage.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is ideal for traveling with a Sony camera. It’s lightweight and compact. The 50mm focal length gives you plenty of shot options for your travel photography. And it’s an affordable Sony lens with fantastic optical quality.

This lens is compatible with all Sony mirrorless cameras. The FE mount means it fits naturally with Sony full-frame cameras. But it’s also compatible with Sony crop sensor cameras. The crop factor transforms it into a 75mm lens. While that isn’t ideal for street photography, it is a good product, food, and portrait lens.

The f/1.8 aperture gives you excellent exposure control. You can shoot outdoors and indoors. And you have complete control over depth of field. The seven-blade circular aperture diaphragm also helps achieve a smooth background bokeh effect.

The lens has a double-gauss configuration. This suppresses field curvature and distortion. That means you can expect clear and sharp images in all conditions. The autofocus is driven by Sony’s DC motor. It’s responsive and quiet in operation.

The FE 50mm f/1.8 is a must-have for Sony users. And that’s especially true if you suffer from wanderlust. You’ll have no trouble fitting it in your travel bag. And it won’t add much to your travel costs, leaving you more money to indulge in the local culture.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 is the best travel lens for Fujifilm users. It’s a compact and lightweight prime lens for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. Precision glass engineering results in sharp and clear image quality. And it’s a versatile lens that gives you plenty of travel photography options.

The 35mm focal length gives you a nice wide angle. It helps you get wider shots, ideal for capturing natural and urban landscapes. It’s perfect for street travel photography. And it can capture more detailed shots like environmental portraits.

The fast f/1.4 max aperture is a big bonus for travel photographers. It gives you more shooting options in low-light conditions. And you can achieve a smooth and rich background bokeh. The seven-blade rounded aperture also helps this. You can bring a new level of artistry to your travel photography.

This Fujifilm XF lens is one of the pricier options on the list. But the eight-element construction is superb. And the fast max aperture gives you unrivaled exposure control. Undoubtedly, the XF 35mm f/1.4 is the best Fujifilm lens for travel photographers.

The Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0 is the perfect travel lens for Olympus photographers. It’s compatible with all the best Olympus cameras. It has incredible optical quality. And it’s ultra-compact and lightweight.

At first glance, the 12mm focal length might seem too wide for travel photography. But there is a considerable crop factor when you use a Micro Four Thirds camera. That means the 12mm focal length is equivalent to 25mm on a full-frame camera.

The 25mm-equivalent focal length gives you a lovely viewing angle for stunning landscapes, colorful cityscapes, and street shots. It’s also ideal for architecture and interior photography.

The f/2 max aperture isn’t as fast as other lenses on our list. But it still gives you good control over your exposure settings. The lens has a solid, all-metal construction. And it has a snap-focus ring. This lets you override the AF for manual focusing.

The Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0 is so small it fits in your pocket. We don’t recommend traveling with lenses in your pocket. But this lens won’t be inconvenient when packing your bag. It’s the best travel lens for Olympus cameras. See our full list of the best Olympus lenses for Olympus photographers.

FAQs About the Best Travel Lenses

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about travel lenses. This section gives you more information. You can make a confident purchase when you find the best travel lens for your photography.

Prime vs Zoom: Which Is the Best Travel Lens?

Prime and zoom lenses can be used for travel photography. They both have pros and cons, so it’s about deciding which is Best for you.

Prime Lenses

The benefits are their compact size, light weight, and superior image quality. Prime lenses have fewer glass elements than zooms. That means they tend to be smaller and weigh less. That makes them easy to carry in your bag.

Prime lenses also have better image quality. You experience less distortion and chromatic aberration. And they suffer less from lens flare when shooting in direct light.

Zoom Lenses

The main positive is the extra versatility. They have a changeable focal length. This lets you zoom in and out. You can shoot distant subjects. And you can get a tighter composition without having to move.

The main problem is the extra weight and size. They use more glass elements, making them bigger and heavier than primes. But the added versatility means one zoom can do the job of several prime lenses. That means your camera backpack might weigh less overall.

What Is the Best Focal Length for a Travel Lens?

For a prime lens, 35mm or 50mm are both excellent choices for travel. These are popular focal lengths for street photographers. And travel photography is similar to street shooting in many ways.

A 50mm lens gives you a tighter viewing angle. That makes it a better option for close-ups and portraits. The 35mm focal length gives you a wider angle. It is great for narrow streets and restricted interiors. It’s also great for landscapes, cityscapes, and environmental portraits.

When it comes to zoom lenses, you want a zoom range from wide to standard. Or you might prefer a standard-to-telephoto range. Something like 18-105mm is perfect. This gives you a wide shot selection. You can shoot anything from architecture to portraits with the same lens.

You don’t need a super-telephoto zoom lens. These are big and heavy, which makes traveling difficult. And you don’t need the super-telephoto reach. You’ll have incredible magnification. But you won’t be able to capture nearby subjects.

How Much Should I Spend on a Travel Lens?

Traveling with photography equipment can be nerve-wracking. Camera gear is fragile. And there’s always a chance things could get lost or stolen. That means travelers don’t always want to take their most expensive equipment. Many photographers like to travel with more budget-friendly lenses.

Professional travel photographers use expensive gear. But they make sure everything is insured. They also have more expensive traveling equipment, like camera hard cases. 

We’ve taken this into account when compiling our list. Many of the travel lenses we’ve included are affordable for all photographers. Of course, you still don’t want to get robbed. But you’ll be able to sleep easier if it’s a low-cost option.

But don’t worry—there are no duds on this list. Every travel lens on our list is a fantastic option for adventurous photographers.

Conclusion: The Best Travel Lens

The best travel lens should fit your bag, give you a variety of shots, and deliver outstanding images. We believe all the lenses on this list deliver on those promises. And most of them have affordable price tags. We’ve also included a wide range of camera brands to choose from. 

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 tops our list as the best travel lens. It’s a compact zoom lens with a wide zoom range. The optical quality is excellent throughout. And it has built-in vibration reduction that gives you more exposure control. It’s the perfect lens for traveling with a Nikon APS-C DSLR camera.