Best lens for travel photography (If you could take one lens...)

[@mitchellkphotos]

Hey all! Of course this video is purely my opinion formed through my experiences. These are the lenses which I think are best. If you have a different idea, if there’s a lens you can’t live without - please do share! On a separate note: Do you like this new format? What do you think of the video being filmed on the road in different locations?

[@joaosousa8247]

It's great! Well done. Also, good job mentioning Mauritania, an almost unknown country which deserves more PR. One of my favourite places ever.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks. Absolutely. One of my favorite places too. I get more nostalgic about it as time goes on. :) Looking at those images - feels like a different dimension.

[@AllThingsFascinate]

Loved the video, form and content. What would you think of the a7 line with a small prime? A 35 or 50 1.8? Your work is truly inspirational. Thanks for creating.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks! f/2.8 is not ideal for me as a prime, the a6500 I mention is not my main can. But yeh, it could be a decent combo.

[@larryhandley2762]

Mitch - I think this is one of your best videos - you have inspired me to start using my Lumix 20 mm. I have been content with my 14-150 on my Olympus but your shots in this video are absolutely fantastic. I am glad you found some quiet spots so you could finally produce it.

[@TheHybridShooter]

You are probably the first ever Panasonic / Olympus ambassador to talk about the crop factor of M43 without trying to mislead people. Big thumbs up for that!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Haha . Thanks. Not sure about others, but I just wanna talk about the system for what it is. It's awesome, but not without limitations. Thanks for watching.

[@19MEJIA93]

The fact that this videos was shot in different segments at different locations added to the production and kept it fresh and interesting. Great job

[@snmemich]

first info at 3:15 (24-70mm, f2.8 full frame) next info at 12:48 (17mm f2/f1.8 mFT)

[@jotabe1984]

Sigma 17-50 f2.8 could be a cheap replace for crop sensor cameras, and kit 18-55 shows some value in daylight... but i think 18-135 brings an improved tele capabilities for wildlife

[@donk.3508]

Oh God... Thank you.

[@TischTosh]

TY

[@johnbuterbaugh]

This guy is so cool -- traveling the world, taking stunning photos, and looking like the love child of Sean Bean and Russell Crowe. Great work!

[@mitchellkphotos]

😂😂😂

[@tchin2020]

Funny you should say that, I thought the same thing about National Geographic photographers, traveling around the world and taking astonishing pictures. But I learned that we all can take the same type of pictures, as long as you can travel. Mitchell and National Geographic photographers get assignments and are PAID for their work, so they have all the necessary equipment to take their amazing pictures. All I'm saying is that it's like real estate, location, location and location, whenever you travel you can take unique pictures as well. Don't go to the usual locations, go somewhere different. I love history and the middle east. Here you can take amazing pictures because that part of the world is different. It all depends on how comfortable you are in a situation to take pictures. Remember photography is subjective and having the right tools (camera and lens) will enable you to take great pictures as well.

[@anandhua.b4589]

@@tchin2020 i disagree completely

[@mitchellkphotos]

@@tchin2020 Just noticed this now. You're pretty wrong. :) I'm having a new video that will touch on "Paid assignments". And if you're saying that equipment will enable you to take great pictures, you must not have seen those great iPhone photos? :)

[@luisestrella2082]

your pictures prove the statement that Story, Composition etc is the most important thing.. don't think it would have mattered what gear you were using.. these pictures show that you just have a great eye. and all these pictures look great!

[@MiladJPanah]

This is why I switched to the Fujifilm X System with only 3 small prime lenses and I love it so much. It made it so much easier for me.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Which ones?

[@ikhwansafwan9314]

Can u list to me what us 3 lense u have? Cause i also fujifilm user now

[@robmcd]

23 F2 and 35 F2 would be 2/3 he is referring to. Other than that you’d probably want something wide.

[@jjccllgg]

As an amateur I agree. I travel for long periods of time, I use PENTAX cameras, and my go to lens is the 17-70 2.8 SIGMA.

[@joshcruzphotos]

Thanks for the tip. What I typically use is the 16-35mm or the 24-70mm. However, I've lately been using a single prime lens on my travels by foot photography. It's the 45mm Tamron f1.8 SP VC. Zero distortion, light and fast, it's a pleasure to use all day and all night.

[@york824]

Great photos! I think you may also consider a Canon EOS M camera with a 22mm F2 lens. Extremely small form factor and lightweight. This is the combo I have been using for years.

[@souvikmechs]

The honesty in you is soothing.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Haha! Never got that one before. Thanks :)

[@momchilyordanov8190]

What I learned from this video is: If the photographer is talented and experienced and if the places or people he/she shoots are interesting, pretty much any type of good quality camera/lens will do :) For me personally, the coolest piece of gear in the video was the 1997 Toyota :P

[@badallmann]

if places and people are amazing, lomography would even do

[@Pattybfeliz]

Totally agree! I have the Sony A7R2 and my favorite walk around lens is the 35mm 2.8. It's like a little pancake lens. I can throw camera w lens in my purse and off I go. If I need a close up, I can always switch to the 85mm, 1.8. I love the freedom even though I might not get the reach for a few shots. Love your photography and have been following your for several years. Enjoy the ride.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much. 🙂

[@MrWhere2005]

Your photos are just breathtaking, I can look at you pictures all day long. Thanks for the video.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much. :)

[@bradfreel4562]

Agreed!

[@Atorix22]

really like how this guy showcasing his logic about what's the best for travel photography. His story line is just superb!! Added that with supporting pictures and effect. Keep up the good work!

[@williambillings6972]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Great explanation of FF/APS-C/MFT lens equivalencies, and stunning examples from each format. Thanks!

[@BMH1965]

I am a 'lucky amateur' and have used a Sonly H9 'bridge' camera for years. Love the macro ability but many general images were too dark. I decided to buy a new DSLR and just bought Canon 800D (APS-C) due to general ease of use, cost, and connectivity. Based on looking at many reviews, I only bought the body and purchased the Sigma 17-50mm with optical stablisation separately. This lens will give almost identical focal lengths to the full frame lens you recommended for the Canon. I am travelling soon and have decided to take only one lens and your video has confirmed my decision to take only the Sigma. I have also bought the Canon 55-250mm zoom and will buy the SIgma 105mm macro, but I do not want to carry a huge bag with the additional lenses while still trying to enjoy the holiday experience.

[@dialac1]

Just found your channel and glad I did. Your editing and use of sound and music in your videos is one thing most youtube channels lack!

[@mitchellkphotos]

dialac1 Thanks very much. I'm glad that some notice and appreciate it.

[@Slider93]

I think 35mm eq is perfect. If you crop 2X, you get 70. 2X is still enough pixels for anything you can imagine. Nobody said a great 720p is trash because it's not 1080p or 4K. Resolution is quite irrelevant.

[@EbenPajanconi]

Damn dude it feels like im watching a professional documentary instead of just a youtube tech vid 😂. My cinematic vids can hopefully get to ur level one day 🔥🔥🔥..

[@mitchellkphotos]

ebs paj Haha.

[@daviedavids9625]

I converted from Nikon system to 4/3. amove that I wished I had made a long time ago. I travel with a passion for small alpine plants. Another reason for the change is a form of arthritis of the spine so lugging the Nikon system has become cumbersome plus the encroaching age factor; 74. The Lens I am using is the Olympus 12 - 100mm pro which I find very versitile. Cheers, Davie

[@DetourswithJeff]

Thanks for the help... I am trying to learn as much as I can before heading to Vietnam with my father that served there in 1970... I have to tell his story on a limited budget and gear. 3 weeks there with just one back pack

[@thetravelnose]

You inspire me so so much. I saw photos that you took and it brought back my interest to pick up my camera again. Thank you for this straightforward , informative video.

[@andreasehrenreich4497]

Great video! I use my Leica M with a 35mm and a 50mm lens when I travel. That‘s really all I need. I love the small size of this setup and the IQ is just amazing.

[@bcatarino83]

Being a newbie in photography, I ended up getting a Tamron 16-300mm VC Macro for my APS-C camera, mostly because I didn't know any better and wanted one lens to give me tons of options. It turned out to be an amazing purchase for a 1st lens. Has Image Stabilization, I find it very sharp in comparison with the Canon kit lens, it's extremely versatile, the 26mm-480mm range offered by the APS-C sensor makes it a godsend shooting both wildlife and landscapes. Only problem is shooting indoors and low-light, but at the same time it forced me to be creative and study the location to understand where the sources of light are and how to use them more effectively. It was (and still is) an education in one single lens. And I also got several photos I'm really proud of. Also, I must say, really happy to find your channel. Really useful advice and amazing work. Keep doing it, plz!

[@Athrunwong]

i found myself use the 1.8 50mm the most, it's not great in tight spots. but really good at portraits.

[@teocrawford]

wow.. I also shoot with the lumix GX80 and a similar lens (the 20mm 1.7) and you have really proven to me, that it's not the camera but the photographer who creates a great image! I'm really feeling the lust for new gear lately, but your breathtaking images are really motivating to save that money and keep my current setup!

[@mitchellkphotos]

The one you have is different, from what I've heard, the autofocus on it is not great, but - for sure, you can do almost all you need with the gear you have. 🙂

[@teocrawford]

@@mitchellkphotos oh yes, I've heared a lot of negative feedback on it's autofocus and it truly isn't very fast but it enough for my needs :)

[@abchappell01]

This is one of the most helpful video presentations I have ever had the opportunity to see. Thank you so much 😊

[@richardianlaureles5449]

Beautiful shots. Now I’m getting the 23mm for my Fuji X-T20!

[@Sebasdlh]

I love your photos, I just decided I will buy a camera and start my hobby in photography

[@KyleCWong]

When I went travelling, I shot on the canon 17-55 2.8 with my T2i, it worked fairly well for me. I haven't shot of full frame before, but I can't imagine taking a full frame kit on travelling, it's just too bulky and heavy, makes air travel a bit difficult because of the 7kg weight limit for a carry on.

[@vgee3926]

U cant just carry it around your neck??or that still counts towards the carry on weight??

[@freshprinceofsolair]

yeah thats why no one takes their full frame cameras on planes, its just impossible.

[@planetdee3587]

A FF with nifty fifty would be pretty good combo. On APSC I use to just use my 28mm 1.8 and it was amazing for all my needs.

[@KyleCWong]

@@freshprinceofsolair It's not impossible, just make sure you check your carry on weight limit! Also maybe a good idea to go with some lighter lenses haha

[@KyleCWong]

@@vgee3926 Not sure, that's an interesting question though!

[@hooked4lifeca]

As a Panasonic ambassador, I feel that you left out one of the best options for traveling really light and for blending in - the LX100. It has a 24mm to 75mm equivalent lens, but it doesn't quite use the full four thirds sensor, as it has that funky image format manual switch. So that's the downside, but the upside is that it is fully controllable on manual using its classic aperture ring/shutter speed dial arrangement plus it's tiny. The lens is also fairly fast at f1.7 to f2.8. It's my travel camera of choice. I also have an X100T, but when I'm just doing the tourist thing, it's the LX100 that is around my neck.

[@shakejones]

well done mate! excellent review...really learnt a lot from your review. cheers mate!

[@nore8141]

I loved your video lots of great information. Thank you.

[@AliSaad05]

The background music makes it so enjoyable and inspiring to watch your thorough review with all those great shots. Kudos to the honest work!

[@debajyotibiswas998]

Guy! Your presentation is fantastic. Pictures are excellent. I enjoyed your video. If I carry two lenses for street photography my first choice will be 30mm (below f2.8) prime and second choice will be small zoom lens. Your 24-70 is a good lens, indeed. Thanx

[@indietraveller]

Great video and nice to see a pro use micro four third! Used a Canon APS-C in the past and was tempted to go full frame as that's what's supposedly "the best", but ended up with a Panasonic GX8 and the 12-35mm and I'm loving it for the lightness and versatility. Also got a 15mm f1.7 which I find ideal for street photography.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks for watching. Yep. Great system! :)

[@mauvrion_fries]

So glad I came across this video. A m43 camera was my first foray into photography. Recently I bought a FF Sony, and I'm loving it. I still can't justify giving up the oly epl5, it's just so small and convenient. I like to use older manual film lenses to keep the size down too. Your shots are fantastic, no matter the system or lens. Photography is always 90% the person behind the lens!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much for your comment. Yes, Micro 43 cameras are awesome because they are so small. There are some drawbacks and you can't do some things with them that you can with a FF, but, I'd say for most cases they don't matter.

[@tombuck]

Great video! I’ve been using the 24-105 for years but just got the 16-35 for landscapes and videos. Can’t wait!

[@mitchellkphotos]

The Enthusiasm Project Nice.

[@chongliangooi9801]

Fuji X100 also left a mark in my heart... Maybe I will buy one again in the future. Now I'm using Sony A7ii with 35/2.8. Small and discrete.

[@joshrijvers]

Now that you've had it for a while wht do you think about the Sony 20mm? I love that it's a pancake but from what I've seen it doesn't exactly wow in the sharpness department. Also the f2.8 bit is disappointing but the only other option I've seen is a sharper and unfortunately larger sigma 19mm f2.8. Sony seems weirdly lacking in this particular department.

[@mitchellkphotos]

You are right that Sony is lacking in this department. It was a decent lens, but I've since sold the camera and the lens because I got an a7III. I have way too many cameras, so I sold some, gifted some. For the full frame Sony, I feel that the 28mm f2 is very decent.

[@RemyISnow]

This is probably the best production and editing quality I’ve seen for a informational video on KZbin or any viewing platform for that matter.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks. Really appreciate that. 🙂

[@mattmitchell6157]

The Sony 24 1.8 e mount on my a6000/a6300 is probably on my camera more than any other when traveling and the really close minimum focus distance is really useful

[@mitchellkphotos]

A bit too wide for me as a prime, but for sure it's incredibly useful!

[@mattmitchell6157]

It's a 36mm equivalent...

[@SVisionario]

Thank you so much for this absolutely great video. The most essential to this video and your words to me is the fact that a smaller setup (camera/lens) makes the scene more natural and the people more comfortable. A huge setup easily comes in your face and creates an unnatural scene. Wow this was so great and enlightening. I'm currently sitting here looking at my Canon 750D and the different lenses I've got, and intending on getting a more subtle camera and one lens for my upcoming trip to Brazil. Thanks again Mitchell, I'll be following. /Sebastian

[@ArguelloFlores]

Really nice video, inspiring. I am glad to see that, even you are ambassador of X brand, you comment on other brands. Furthermore, I am glad that you make clear that "single lens for all occasions" might not exist. Each lens has its own conveniences as well as limitations. Also, thank your for being honest that having an FX with zoom lens is a bit heavy. Finally, I enjoy seeing different locations. It is quite original, showing how you adapt to the different lighting conditions of each region. Really nice work.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much! Appreciate the detailed feedback.

[@gghostrrider]

I have watched several videos about beginner photography and photography in general. This is the first time I have heard anyone say that the crop factor of APSC affects aperture, thank you for helping me see why I can’t get the super shallow depth of field in portraits.

[@mitchellkphotos]

You can get very shallow depth of field, but with specific lenses.

[@dimakor5914]

It is not crop factor affecting the depth of field, but eqivalent focal length. Depth of field is proportional square of focal length, so at 25 mm it will be 4 times smaller, than at 50.

[@DavidKatz]

Really solid stuff Mitch, I think my favorite all around lens is the 24-105 with stabilization

[@mitchellkphotos]

Dave Katz Thanks mate. Really? I am surprised. ☺️

[@DipeshMehrotra]

Sony g ?

[@JBoy340a]

I also like the 24-105 G. Good value for money. Works well on Sony A7iii. IBIS and IOS really let you get slow. And it is very sharp. But, not real discrete.

[@imsupahdave]

Thank you for making this video. Been thinking of buying a travel photography lens for my APSC Fujifilm camera and now I am more decided to buy the 23mm f/2 r wr.lens. This really helps a lot. You just earned +1 subscriber! 😄

[@mitchellkphotos]

🙂

[@jjccllgg]

My best go to lens is my Sigma 17-70(C) 2.8

[@ashokrpillai]

At the outset, loved the format of the video split up over different locations. Much better than having to sit through an indoor location in a cramped makeshift video studio. Equally endearing was the exhaustive, yet to-the-point narrative that kept the listener engrossed for the entire duration. Next up, just loved your photographs, especially when you went candid with the smaller cameras. And finally, fantastic eye for people/ situational photography. Have subscribed, so do keep the videos coming. Thanks :)

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Thank you for this video. I am learning the Olympus 4/3 system and you answered a lot of my questions. I have a better understanding of video recorders( semi and professional camcorders and only used fixed prime lens cameras in the Olympus line SP 800uz that is why I stuck with Olympus. Thank you for stopping me from trying to make the camera do what it is not capable of.

[@BlackJack-vj4px]

I'm subscribing just for the fact you make your point very clearly and don't try to talk in a gimmicky way. Well made points as well.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Haha. Yeh, I try to do it pretty straight up.

[@dizlys]

Hey Mitchel. Fantastic videos, I love them! This video helped me a lot. I'm planning to buy some good glass for my full frame camera, and I travel a lot as well. I was wondering: Should I use a UV filter on good glass? Or would give the lens hood enough protection? Some say I should not use them because they decrease the image quality, others say I should use them for the protection of the lens. What do you think of UV filters? Do you use them? Please make more videos, I like them. Maybe one about filters....

[@mitchellkphotos]

I used to use them, I'm not sure if they decrease the quality notably, but you can definitely get more lens flare. I think Tony Northup did an interesting video on UV filters and their use or uselessness. I don't use them personally these days.

[@dizlys]

Ok, thanks a lot!

[@jasonandrews7355]

Excellent video! For full frame, the 24-70 is my go to, but my everyday runaround system is a Fuji X-E1 with a 27mm 2.8 (40mm equivalent) pancake lens. It really is wonderful to have something compact and discreet!

[@josiawiegand4558]

hey there thanks a lot for your thoughts :D as always amazing photos! Though for APSC i'd recommend the sigma 18-35 f1.8. It is sharp and versatile and really good in low light. That said, it is huge...

[@mitchellkphotos]

Hey, yeh, huge and have to adapt it. Unique and great lens, but I wouldn't choose it as the single lens to take with me. Would be more a specialty lens for me.

[@thepirateshoots]

agree to Mitch; would never use it as a travel lens, the weight sounds like pain in the back. would use an 18-55 IS STM "kit-lens": lesser weight, very good af system, sharpness a little bit behind the sigma; but what counts more than sharpness at 100%-level is to get the shot; and to get it at the very moment!

[@MrJAM-np7go]

I used 5Dmk2 quite a long time and now I'm using M43 GX80 like you. I tested almost every "normal" prime lenses including PanaLeica, Olympus Zuiko, Cosina Voigtlaender, Sigma. I love 15mm F1.7 Summilux quite a lot, too. But 20mm F1.7 was somewhat smaller and more comefortable in my jacket and now I'm using that lens. :D. M43 is much "faster" setup for me including bootup speed and focusing speed, so it give me much more chance to capture the precious moment. Thanks for your beautiful and informative video.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Great to hear that. And, agree of course. :)

[@Molybdan42]

Damn, your pictures are so amazing. I have the Olympus mft system and use probably 80% of the time the 12 - 40 mm f2.8 lens. I'm trying to use my primes more, but when you on holyday with family the zoom is more convenient.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks. :) Yes, definitely convenience is a factor. A lens like that would be my 2nd choice or in my case the 12-35mm.

[@ag1805x]

Which discrete camera would you recommend for a beginner? Budget the lower side.

[@Sagar-ux3tx]

I cried watching your photographs.

[@mitchellkphotos]

I hope in a good way. :) Thanks for watching.

[@lino100x100]

With modern ff sensors, imho the best ff lens is the 24.105 f4, that is always stabilized and less heavy. While for aps-c 17-55 2.8.

[@juanalvarado7794]

How does one get paid or income as a travel photographer? 💆

[@ginnieroa]

Enjoyed your video and I just love your photographs. Have you tried the Fuji 50 mm f/2?

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thank you!

[@artemisfowl9002]

fuckin hell, every single image you took told a story, i could literally spend 5-10mins just looking at each image because of the emotions behind them

[@mitchellkphotos]

Haha. Thanks very much. Glad you feel that way.

[@aldpradana6928]

Thanks buddy. I will bring my 35 1.4 gm instead of 2470gm ii to Tibet next week due to weight and size.

[@ashiquethomasmattamana2162]

Impressive videos. You are living a life I always dreamed about.

[@davidbeaton6506]

Great video! I have the 15mm PanaLeica and use it as a lighter every day carry on my OMD EM!.2 when i don't think I need the weather resistant and versatility of my 12-40 zoom. I used to prefer 35mm FF equiv but find with the 4:3 aspect ratio that the 15mm is probably closer to 32mm on the horizontal plane and hence close enough for me.

[@davidbeaton6506]

@Phil Jones65 YMMV but I prefer 35mm in a 3:2 format as a single lens option but the 15mm at 4:3 is close enough and I already have it!

[@Simon-cr6ej]

You might wanna try out the Aony A7rIII with the Sony/Zeiss 35 mm f2.8. The image quality will blow you away compared to your Canon and Panasonic system. Great video!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Simon M. Hansen I might try it. But image quality is only important to a point. I want usability and all the things I mentioned.

[@NickGranville]

That’s it’s! My travel set up is the A7r + Sony/zeiss 35mm f2.8 and Sony 85mm f1.8 which these two lenses are the same size as a 24-70 and way sharper and better overall.

[@prithvim7]

I've seen that Fuji beats sony in crop and performs almost equal to full frame at noise/DR

[@JKPhotoNZ]

The Sony is a good choice where quality and low light matters, but the issue is size - It's just as big as a similar Canon. FWIW, I'm trying to decide if I should leave Canon for a Sony A7III or Panasonic G9.

[@danyalOFF]

nothing special with Sony. Yes, smaller then DSLR, but last versions of lenses as big as lenses for DSLR. and it's very uncomfortable use huge lenses with small body

[@orebabaalibaba]

Hi Mitchel, what scenarios do you think a 24-70mm lense will be suited for on an apec body. The effective focal range would be 36-105 mm, a bit more intimate on portraits as well as the eyesight perspective of 35mm with a fast 2.8f aperture. Want to know your views

[@mitchellkphotos]

Portraits and everyday life.

[@sheedyaja6465]

The panasonic 20mm is a great choice too

[@mitchellkphotos]

Ooh, I totally forgot about that one! :) It's small too. Good point.

[@villemononen5303]

It's a nice lens. But watching these photos displayed here, i'd imagine it might struggle in AF speed compared to most other m4/3 lenses. In this regard, it's a bit outdated by now although optics and size are still quite fantastic.

[@sheedyaja6465]

Ville Mononen yes, the AF speed is the biggest downside, even the 2nd rev still slow compared to similar lens

[@mitchellkphotos]

Right that's what I watched on some KZbin reviews too. Never used it though.

[@StriderGTS]

I've used a 35mm 1.8 and Nikon d750 almost exclusively for the last 10 years and get where he's coming from. 35mm is the best all-around travel lens imho. I have two concerns about this train of thought though before I end up buying the same gear: 1. Why not just use a cell phone? I don't like the idea of going "backwards" in terms of image quality because the gap is growing more and more narrow in quality between pro level cameras and cell phones so why accelerate this by stepping back to a mid-range or micro 4/3 camera? 2. If it doesn't fit in my pocket then it may as well be large. If the micro 4/3 can't fit inside a pocket and go with me everywhere then I may as well just accept that I have a big heavy camera slung around my neck and go with a big full frame camera. I don't know, I'm struggling to find the proper mirrorless "upgrade" from my d750.

[@teashea1]

very good video ------- I sold my Canon system and went to Fuji ------ You do a great job of presenting organized and intelligent videos

[@mitchellkphotos]

thomas Shea Thanks.

[@CharlesLe-thephotographer]

I'm curious on your thought about why you would choose the M43 system instead of a small full frame, such as the Sony RX1. It has a 35 f2 lens and a small body. It would give you better low light performance and a shallower depth of field when you want it. Why the M43 system over something like that? Or why not a small body APSC system? These days you can have small bodies and lens in both the full frame and APSC systems. What advantage does the M43 system have over those?

[@mitchellkphotos]

I am leaning that way more and more. 🙂

[@CharlesLe-thephotographer]

@@mitchellkphotos don't get me wrong, I do understand your thought process and they actually coincide with mine. When mirrorless first came in the scene, I was immediately drawn to it for my wedding work and switched over from Canon 5d mark 3 and Nikon D810 to the Fuji system XPro 1 and x100 for it's small size and it's mirrorless advantages. However I found the focusing frustrating. At that time Sony full frame was lacking in lenses. Olympus, however was very fast at focusing and the lenses we very complete, so I switched over to Olympus OMD EM1 and Lumix GH5 and GX8 bodies. I have been shooting almost exclusively M43rds since then and only occasionally using my Nikon D810 when I want 36 MP and very shallow Depth of field. I just find mirrorless to be superior to DSLR's for my work. Even though my Nikon was better at low light technically, I found that I was able to have sharper images in low light with my M43rds because of the amazing IS and the very sharp lenses. I've been happy with my Lumix system and Pro 1.2 and Pro lenses since then, except for the occasional shallow Depth of field envy of those shooting mirrorless full frame. However, my clients and my back are happy. Lately, Sony has evolved their mirrorless full frame system to be very complete, wth ightweight options for body and lenses. I'm beginning to consider at adding a full frame mirrorless body and a couple of very fast lenses to supplement my M43rds system, or even to switch over to Sony mirrorless for the most part and keeping just some of my M43rds for when I want to be very lightweight and discreet. By the way, I'm a huge fan of your channel and your work. You work is amazing and I'm learning alot from you.

[@Minoritynomad]

24-105 by far. Rarely take it off my camera. I would say 60% of my port is shot with a 24-105. Majority of the rest are low light primes.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Great reach, but surely the aperture is limiting?

[@Ron_the_Skeptic]

How is f/4 limiting? It is 1 stop less light than the f/2.8 of the 24-70, and because Canon views it as a "movie" lens it has excellent stabilization. Obviously there are times an extra stop of shutter speed will help with motion and you can't get quite as shallow depth of field, but in low light you get an advantage of two or three stops less shutter speed because of the stabilization. I suppose it depends on what type of travel you do and what your goals are. Those I travel with want portraits of themselves, with a sharp background, or at lease a recognizable background -- "here I am at _________, standing in front of the _____________". If I'm going to blow out the background to the point of a few random shapes and colours, I might as well invite them into my studio and shoot them in front of a backdrop with an 85 mm f/1.4 on a 5D or a 1Dx. I wish Canon would put a stabilizer into all their lenses because wedding venues are often pretty dark and three stops of stabilization on an f/2.8 lens would beat three stops of stabilization on an f/4 lens, by about a stop.

[@mitchellkphotos]

RonThePhotoGuy you mentioned the reasons it's limited yourself. ☺️ The fact that you don't need shallow DOF doesn't mean that it's never needed. And yes that 1 stop can me the difference between a photo and something blurry and unrecognisable.

[@kost.9423]

And you switched to m4/3? Lmao! You need 12-35 f/1.4 lens to have the same shallow dof and low light performance on moving objects, like humans! Quest what it doesn't exist and if it would, it would be about the some size as an 24-70 f/2.8 full frame lens and probably more expensive.

[@SauravDasGuptaIN]

I agree with 24-105 for travel, more versatile . f/4 is not limiting at all, especially with modern days cameras when you can really push for high gain (ISO). Now about DOF, photographers in the past have taken wonderful images with f/3.5 primes that still look wonderful. People really need to overcome the 'bokeh' fetish and concentrate more on composition. And especially for travel, I don't see a point Just add a fast prime (28/35/40/50) in very low light/street scenarios

[@tomlew55]

Great video. I recently did some traveling and carried a Nikon Z7 with a 24-70 F4 and a Lumix GX85 with 25mm and 42.5mm 1.7 primes. Both cameras have image stabilization so everything I shot was hand held. The best part was all that fit into one small shoulder bag.

[@Kirill-q7i]

Nikon D500 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8

[@jasonandrews7355]

Great video, I love your content! I shoot primarily with a full frame DSLR, and a 24-70 is definitely my most frequently used lens, but just last week I picked up a Fuji X-E1 with the 27mm pancake lens. My DSLR is going nowhere, but so far I love having the Fuji for all the times I wouldn't feel comfortable using a larger system, or want to capture more candid moments. There's definitely room for both!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Yeh, it's great to have multiple systems, it's just a pain when we travel. But, currently with the Sony and Panasonic, I'm just barely ok. 🙂

[@CarlosMenciaTT]

This was a really good video.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks.

[@MonkeyTailsDotNet]

I really appreciate that this video is about situations and the trade off that comes with them. Who cares about pixel peeping if you cant get the shot. You won a subscribe from me.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Agreed 100%. I don't care about lenses as pieces of engineering. To me, it's about what a lens can do. The point of this video was to show people what I learned from my experiences.

[@kiddorange1450]

how do you do what you do and make a living off it! thank you

[@mitchellkphotos]

:) I'll make a video on this, eventually. :)

[@Zensatva]

Thanks for the very convincing video. Just want to point out, I traveled to Ladakh couple years ago, recently bought a GH5 for video shooting and a few days ago got Canon FF camera. Lovely, you answer my question! I was debating/searching to get an all round lens for my Canon FF camera. 24-70mm It is.

[@sriramiyer6158]

Great video! I have been shooting with the Fuji 23mm f2 lens (35mm equiv) for over an year and it’s definitely improved my creativity and composition skills! Instagram @shutterzup

[@mitchellkphotos]

Good stuff! Thanks for watching! :)

[@RangKlos]

There are this kind of people who stands out in anything they do, even when sitting down explaining their lens choices.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Haha. Thanks so much.

[@pjchristiaens]

My go to lens for travel is the Olympus 12-40mm F2.8. It is more durable than the Panasonic and I actually use the xtra 5mm reach quite a lot when making detailed stitched panoramas. Best walkaround lens for M43 IMO. However, I always have my Pan-Leica 25mm F1.4 and Olympus 45mmF1.8 handy for shallower depth of field. That Pan-Leica 25mm has somewhat unique out of focus rendering. I do shoot a lot of portraits and if I had the money I would probably get a SonyFF for that, but otherwise the size benefits of M43 absolutely make it better for travel as well as other types of photography. I still can't get over you shooting with a camera that only has 1 card slot! I lost photos from my trip to Ireland because the 1 card went bad.

[@mitchellkphotos]

I get what you're saying about the 1 card slot, but somehow we lived without it for years. I think I only had a card die on me with images on it once. Definitely have backups of all the images on two HDDs though. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mayhc9914]

Your voice and how you explain things make me love photography more!!! I am definitely not a photographer and I only have my phone but I definitely love photos... The video about where the eye should look earned you a new subscriber... More power and more videos.

[@andrewmckinney3053]

Great video, Mitchell ... very helpful!!! As well, I really like the new format you used for this discussion. Many thanks!!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much, Andrew. Going to experiment with this format a bit more.

[@tombroski5640]

Hello from Germany, great channel, outstanding pictures and the lens topic - very well explained. Coming from CANON I am using for 3 years the Fuji system because of the small and versatile 18-55 2,8-4.0 OIS lens, 23mm, 35mm, and the 56mm are also small and lightweight.

[@Ron_the_Skeptic]

When travelling I usually take a cell phone, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50, and a Canon 7d Mk II with a Tamron 16-300, a Sigma 10-20 and a Canon 50 f/1.8. The cell phone and Panasonic are useful for tight spaces and discreetness. The Canon with the Tamron is a weather sealed system which is useful for those days with fog, rain, or dust. The Sigma gives a 90° angle of view and the Canon 50 will give shallow DOF and works in very low light.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks for sharing.

[@scopicdrive3942]

Hi Mitchell! But then you decided to buy the panasonic 24mm and 85mm equivalent that are quite big, right ? Dont you feel it too big and heavy for your travel photography ? Cheers!

[@gabithemagyar]

Really well done !!! I thought that the change of scenery inherent in changing locations for every few minutes of speaking was great - much more interesting than watching someone sit in the same room preaching for 15 plus minutes. Interspersing those fabulous photos as illustrations of what could be done with a particular lens and camera combination was both instructive and entertaining. I also loved the fact that the video was very photo-centric as opposed to dealing with photos and videos at the same time (I am more interested in stills than video). Masterfully done !!! I think your comments on camera and lens size were spot on. I am not a bona fide photographer by any means (just someone who likes to be a tourist and take pictures while travelling) but the advantages of taking a small, somewhat fast lens are apparent even to me. My travel kit is a mirrorless APS-C camera (Sony a6300) with the 20mm f2.8 pancake for general use on the street and in museums and art galleries etc. along with an 18-200 f3-5-5.6 zoom which I just carry in my bag and take out and stick on a monopod if I want to zoom in on (say) a gargoyle or grotesque on a cathedral tower. With the 20mm pancake on the camera I am almost never challenged by security staff inside museums etc since it does not look like "serious" professional gear to most people. Some museums explicitly allow compact cameras and not "professional" gear for which you require a permit. Anyway ... congratulations on an excellent video discussion !

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful and detailed comment! I'm really glad that those details in the video are appreciated. :) All the best to you!

[@BikeTall]

Great shots. But if you wanted a lighter set up, why go from FF to micro 4/3 with all the limiting crop factor? Why not go with a FF mirrorless setup? Like the Sony or the new Canon & Nikon mirrorless?

[@JeevesTCW]

Wonderful images. I have the Oly 17mm and norm shoot in raw but thinking of using OOC Jpeg more and that Pana Leica 15mm looks more contrasty out of the camera to me, I may switch Mitchell and also purchase the lovely Pana GX9. Stay safe Rich.

[@frankb4483]

I know this video is now more than 3 years old. Fuji is now bringing great lenses on the market, like the XF18mm F1.4. On paper a very good lens. It is on my wish list. But for shooting discreetly the Fuji X100V is also great, with it's almost silent shutter and it's build-in 4 ND filter.

[@maulikpandya1452]

Thanks for explained very nicely comparisons between lens focal length. I'm using Canon 6D with it's kit lens 24-105 F4. But it is not best lens for travel or documentary photography. I want to buy a nice lens which should be sharp, good color and contrast. I'm confused between two lenses. (1)24-70 F2.8 (2) 35mm f1.4 prime lens. Please guide me on this.

[@sonnybrown4758]

Man, I love your photography, and really appreciate the video. I really want to encourage you to try to go back to the full frame camera. I think we've gotten swept away with the idea of having a discreet camera system and want to believe that that's all we need, but I'm of the mind that the quality just isn't there. Everything from apsc and below just full short. Even the best of them are great to look at for the moment but never leave you with that sense of wonder and emotion. There really is something about the larger sensor and the quality that (particularly Canon) put into it. It's not about the numbers, it's the results. There's just so much more there. Take care, man, and thank you for the insightful video.

[@mitchellkphotos]

Disagreed totally, but appreciate your comment. And... who says I am not sometimes shooting full frame now? 😜 DEFINITELY not a Canon though! 😳I mean I don't care what camera it is, but they have nothing exciting now.

[@FeedScrn]

The EOS 70D is not a small camera... But what's nice is that my FF 6D Mk II is the same size as the 70D... Not too shabby.

[@TheOneMonk]

Awesome pictures and excellent narrative. One can spend a lifetime on abstract tech comparisons between FF, MFT, APS-C and whatnot. What’s really important is to get out and take some great pictures. For today‘s outing I will only take my 15mil Summilux, which I am lucky to own but havent used lately. Your video is a great inspiration, liked and subbed!

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks very much for the kind words. Agreed 100%. So easy to talk about essentially nothing. Some people love the tech. I love what tech can do for us.

[@johnkaper1129]

Great video and subject matter. Definitely the smaller camera bodies and lenses are lighter and more discreet, but your full frame photos look richer and sharper. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@mitchellkphotos]

I honestly don't think one could tell the difference for most part, if I didn't mention which camera was used where. Thank you for the comment.

[@Narsuitus]

Over the years, I have tried 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55mm as an all-in-one prime travel lens. All worked well in one-lens/one-body situations. My personal favorite prime is a 35mm f/1.4 on a full-frame film SLR or a full-frame film rangefinder camera. For an all-in-one zoom lens on an SLR camera, I have tried: 28-70mm f/2.8 35-70mm f/2.8 20-35mm f/2.8 18-55mm f/3.5 to f/5.6 The 28-70mm is my personal favorite zoom. For APS-C digital SLR or digital mirrorless, I have used: 23mm f/2 (1st choice for general subjects) 23mm f/1.4 (1st choice for low-light subjects) 24mm f/2 20-35mm f/2.8 16-55mm f/2.8 (1st choice for landscapes) For micro 4/3, I have used: 20mm f/1.7 (my personal favorite) 17mm f/2.8 14-42mm f/3.5 to f/5.6 For 6x7 cm medium format film I have used: 90mm f/3.5 For 4x5 inch large format film, I have used: 135mm f/5.6

[@karikaru]

You use a wider angle lens on a smaller body for a more discrete style of shooting - and you can definitely tell a huge difference in size/profile. However, wouldn't the wider angle kind of offset the stealth factor a bit by requiring you to be really close to fill the frame? I would have thought a longer focal length would allow you to be outside of the action shooting in without drawing as much attention (like at a wedding).

[@RWAquariumPages]

great video and great photos! i love your perspective, but i truly beleive in your talented hands any camrea/lens combo will do. I don't travel too much maybe 1 or 2x per year and was looking for a travel setup. thanks for your insight, although this video is 5 years old as of this comment, it's stil relevant, atleast canon has some nice mirrorless cameras now and a 28mm pancake lens i'm considering for travel . keep up the great content!

[@0815-p1n]

one of the first honest videos about the topic... I feel like everybody is trying to convince people to buy into their system, but your video is very objective

[@mitchellkphotos]

Thanks. I tried to make it system independent despite having my personal favorite. Ultimately the system doesn't matter, but some lenses, like I mentioned do translate from system to system.