Travel Photography with ONLY a Fixed Prime Lens

[@karikaru]

I got a big canon DSLR with my L zoom lenses and I found that I rarely got it out as much as I wanted anymore especially after having a kid. Decided to grab a used MFT body and 35mm equivalent prime that I can toss in my bag that I carry every day. It's been fun, especially for grabbing just some run-n-gun video of family outings so my daughter has those to watch when she's bigger and especially trying to capture moments with my parents as I know they won't be around forever. It's important to be present in memorable moments, but take a few minutes to capture something is so worth it when you never know if that will be your last video or photo of that family member and how much that couple of minutes you took will be worth to you and your kids.

[@josephcole3187]

The tide pools further north are my favorite hope you stopped there great shots to be taken

[@KarenBaker616263]

Our beautiful California Coast!! Traveled this road so many times. NEVER got a great shot of Morro Rock like the one you got! Oregon coast is beautiful too. Great for lighthouse photography! Save travels

[@BrendanvanSon]

It is beautiful out this way!

[@PhotoTrekr]

I've done that. Just for fun take one lens. You end up shooting things with a focal length that you wouldn't normally use. Sometimes the results are surprisingly good. And it makes you rethink the way you shoot.

[@zmerc1969]

I loved every single photo you posted on this video... really great as usual

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Tessa!

[@MultiBeatX]

Wow when youtube switched me to your video while I was looking for lenses the fact that music and the talking made it feel like a national geographic is pretty cool :D Amazing video, such a high quality, keep on that great style of videos !

[@ro3843]

This is a great video with some really good points. On this episode alone I subscribe

[@xkben90]

Hey Brendan, thanks for posting this video. I’m not even a professional photographer/videographer but I’ve been going back and forth about whether to get a 70-200 because I think I need it. After watching this video, I realized that I don’t HAVE to capture every moment(talking about your limited focal range for capturing the seals on the rocks), especially considering I only do it as a hobby. I need to learn that not every moment is to be filmed or photographed; sometimes it’s good to just enjoy the moment and experience with your eyes instead of trying to capture everything behind the lens. Subscribed!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yeah, more gear can actually limit you sometimes. I always say never to add more gear until you really think you can't improve without it.

[@dan4466]

Ben Chung I think it’s a smart choice to not get a 70-200. I’m just a hobbyist and have always wanted the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR ll. Well, I got it and find I’m just not doing much with it because it’s so heavy with my D3s or D500. If I was shooting sports I could justify it, but I just walk around and shoot.

[@xkben90]

dan4466 thanks for your personal experience.Yeah I really want a 70-200 but I’ve heard it’s a hefty lens to carry. Plus the new RF version is $2599 which is insane lol.

[@TheAdampardee]

That beach is Sycamore Cove. Awesome location for sunsets, beach photography. Pt Magu a little more north and makes a great background.

[@cactusgarden4267]

My last trip to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix convinced me to always carry a tiny 24 mm pancake in my pocket. Some things just cannot be done with a 50mm.

[@debbieb9815]

It’s been fun watching you work your way up the coast of California. I live in Ventura, a little beach town. California is so diverse with it’s beaches, forests, lakes, deserts, mountains and bird sanctuaries. But also diverse in weather. There can be snow in the hills at the same time as 80 degree temperatures at the coast. It’s a photographer’s paradise. Save travels!

[@MrBratius]

My kit right now is the RF 35mm 1.8 and the RF24-105L paired with the RP. It is the perfect travel/all around photography kit for me at this time. Keep up the great videos.

[@bweird85]

From a person who full time-RVed: San Louis Obispo area is one of my favorites on the west coast. Did you visit Hearst Castle across the road from the elephant seals? Super cool place if you enjoy architecture and world history. From a professional photographer: Why not carry a standard zoom ie: 24-70? A prime will get the sharpest pictures, but I'd want to at least have some option. Cool idea. For day trips I typically keep the 50mm on a full frame on, but tend to keep a standard zoom for anything else. The 70-200 is a friggin lug to haul. Have fun man!

[@TRwalks]

Great video! I love shooting with my 35mm. I try and keep my Travel camera kit simple. Sony action cam for vlogging, nikon Z6 with sigma 150-600mm for wildlife and nikon z 35mm 1.8s for landmarks and scenic portrait. Oh plus accessories (extra batteries/cards, filter, tripod).

[@RTReview.]

Try the z28/40 theyre amazing.

[@batworker]

When we travel abroad I take my (2008) Canon 450d with the two kit lenses - it’s light and small enough to carry everywhere and I get photos with which I’m happy

[@christackphoto]

Glad you decided to stop in my homeland! The Central Coast is a really special place and I love to photograph it. Morro Bay was where I took my first ever SLR photo.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Nice! Such a cool place!

[@paulhendershott667]

What's that crazy edge movement around your photos? I love the peaceful serenity of your stills and wish you might let them play a little longer in many cases! Tx!

[@tomhirst7134]

Jack Wolfskin NOT Eddy Bauer!! I've done the same and it does limit your opportunities, and if you're not planning on going back, lost opportunities! Super video, super advice!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Tom!

[@scottman895]

I really need to check out the California coast now! I love those seascapes! I totally agree that you can make photography magic happen with whatever camera gear you have with you.

[@bweird85]

Just going from Pismo/Avila beach to Big Sur will blow your mind on its beauty and tons of places to visit. Don't forget Montãna de Oro state park!

[@jesper.t.403]

Nice work! You really proved that you don’t need a bag full of lenses and filters to take amazing pictures! I’m always looking for new equipment and thinking that I need those things for taking beautiful pictures, but the best thing would be for me to go out more and take pictures instead of buying equipment. I gonna try the same thing as you

[@charruaporelmundo]

Indeed 35 mm is the most versatile lens. The 50 mm thing is just easy to do for manufacturers and for that reason they sell it for decades (until today) as the most versatile prime lens. I actually using a batis 40 mm f2 on my sony, and I actually love that fov, sold my 35 and 55! :).

[@giannisac1978]

4'55" Cool socks! I really like the idea of shooting with a "selected" kit. Where I live and where I use to play taking pictures, it is essential and challenging. Sometime it is useful to be challenged in this way!

[@slowmanwalking34]

Great video. I find working with a prime really helps me improve my shots. Since you're going up the coast try stopping at "The Spoon" in Langlois, OR for breakfast you won't be disappointed.

[@George5Bells]

That's funny -Just been out today with the 50mm to stretch myself, got some great photos and nice carrying light for a change.

[@klaushuxley3342]

My travel camera has been a Fuji X100F for nearly two years now. There is NOTHING I hate more than lugging a bunch of shit around... You just make it work.

[@DavidSenteno]

Gotta love that California Coastline. I'm partial to Pacific Grove. I did travel the 1 from Pismo to Lincoln City Oregon. OMG it was beautiful. It was to bad you didn't go a little later. You could have seen the Monarch Butterfly migration. Jodie would have enjoyed it. 🥂

[@alangore1463]

Loving the trip and the photos! We're heading to the U.S. later this month - first stop is Sedona then Grand Canyon, Page, monument valley area before driving across to Santa Barbara and up the west coast to San Francisco. A first time trip that has always been a destination of choice and now we have the opportunity to get a few shots on the way so thanks for your timely trip! Very much enjoyed and appreciated :)

[@oppopooop3058]

Fantastic. I will try the same with my Canon 50mm.

[@mikegindling4236]

I take the Sigma 16, 30, and 56 for my Sony a6500. I also have the Tamron 18-200.

[@Festvangelist]

I have shot with one lens on my cameras since 1971. Started with Nikon and now own the versatile Fuji X-S10 with a XF 23f2. However I am returning to Switzerland and a single prime does not really help me capture the variety of compositions I desire so I will use the XF16-80 f4 for Landscape, Travel and Street. Same concept ONE Lens.

[@Ferda1964]

you know older I get I think the best is to shoot single focus and I stay on the wider side , my camera is an extension of my own vision without zooming and altering the image too much , I shoot Olympus 20mm and I think I may get a rangefinder one day and that will be it

[@timothylinn]

I think you saved me $1400, Brendan. The new Fujifilm X100V debuted today. Looks like an amazing camera but includes a fixed 35mm equivalent lens. You confirmed all the things that worried about picking one up.

[@martographie]

It's nice to see some water that doesn't totally get blurred (although I know it's your thing). Very nice pictures :) I like my (Sony, but who cares) 35 1.8 to go on trips with me - you can surprisingly often find an image :)

[@BackFocus11]

Also shooting with just primes has its image quality benefits. Would love to see you shoot this area again just next time slow it down. You blew through here too fast brother!! Great videos!

[@dawnlb83]

Loving this series, we may end up living in California (currently in Houston) for a while so excited to see some great coastal locations 💕

[@chrisborgmotorhome]

It seem a little tricky to shoot with only a prime 35 mm lens. If only use one lens wouldn't a 24-70 be a better choice? Great video as usual.

[@adriennedragophotography]

It’s that FOMO that gets to me, but I need to try this with my 50mm. Thanks for putting out this vid, Brendan!

[@rjexplorationandreviews2936]

Looks like great Locations.. Have a great trip and happy to see you with Jodie..

[@MrDejsii]

Love it!!.. Love it!!.. i got the same setup when i when to my Francisco trip... LOVE it!!

[@carlheavenpanganiban7696]

Wow good photos bro Stay safe in every trip and stay safe to avoid the virus that spread to the world now

[@TomrerenDK]

Awesome video bud, just what I was Looking for 👊 I just Got One Quick question... whats up with the socks at 4:50 🤣🤣🤣 killer style bud 💪😉

[@DavidsFocus]

When I switched brands I decided to go to prime lenses. I wanted to keep it lightweight but then find myself missing some focal lengths and being able to zoom in and out when needed. It’s usually when I want to crop out people or something in the way on the right or left without having to move the whole camera setup. I was also thinking I might need the 1.4 or 1.2 for low light but when do I need that for landscapes unless I am shooting stars at night. Things that I didn’t think of when I did the move from camera brands.

[@twiztedzero1685]

Has Peak Design capture clip on backpack strap, but carries camera in pocket. Check. Heh, just jonsing ya bub. Carry on carrying on. :)

[@BrendanvanSon]

Hahahaha

[@Boros777]

Sure, only using one lens is challenging but it shows that it's very possible to shrink your kit a lot. Take a standard prime (35 or 50 depending on preference) and a wide angle and you're set for 95% of situations...

[@antongiuliomazzola1546]

Really nice ones with the 35mm 💪

[@KennyTelfer]

I went out in Edinburgh today with just my 50mm,defo a learning experience!

[@chirsd666]

Great video Brendan. I would love to try that with the newly announced Fuji X100V fixed (35mm equivalent) lens and built-in 4 stop ND, or would that be cheating :)

[@BrendanvanSon]

I think it counts.

[@MightyMushroomMax]

Nice Vid! I‘ll be visiting the Westcoast this Summer. How do you research you spots in the first place? Google, Flickr, Instagram? What is your recipe to find new great locations?

[@colleenbartkovich2397]

Love this video! You were nearby me in the Oxnard/Ventura area! Would have said "Hi" if I'd seen you guys! 😃 📷

[@BrendanvanSon]

Next time!

[@JungleEddie]

I spent the last two days along the coast of Nova Scotia with only a 24mm equivalent. I am shooting Fuji with a 16mm f2.8 lens.

[@BrendanvanSon]

It's a fun focal length

[@JungleEddie]

instagram.com/p/B8J3fqyJfyv/?igshid=k3tus05x1dcq

[@TheG7thcapo]

I always bring my eos r with 40mm pancake. Or my 5dmkiii with 85mm 1.8. Nice setup

[@roadnotesrv]

Great challenge, I do the same thing sometimes. Love the creativity and simplicity :)

[@reyesjnj4096]

"SLAM BRAKE PEDAL HERE" did you say water proof sox.......how do you wash water proof soxs?

[@specialized41]

What camera you use to take this video.?? Thanks.

[@CZOV]

Thats a challenge? OK, shoot the trip with 180mm lens. Now thats a challenge.

[@did4h2k]

because i currently am (photo)poor the only thing i have is the 40mm pancake on my old 6d. love it for short traveltrips. fits my jackets pocket ;)

[@villageblunder4787]

What you need is the perfect camera!

[@ellyelzinga01]

It's so beautiful there, and I love the pictures you took! I always feel so limited with just my prime lens though, and I always end up frustrated because there are subjects I would have loved to photograph that I couldn't photograph because of the prime lens.. So mine is collecting dust and is never being used.. xD

[@EzioTravel]

Not bad to have this lens 👍🏼

[@SteveLaMotteoc]

Hi Brendon, how do you feel about the Tamron 18-400mm to solve the travel dilemma? I would use it on my Sony camera. One lens wide angle all the way to a 400 zoom. It is on a crop sensor.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Honestly, no idea until I test a lens. Suoerzooms tend to lack really good shaprness. Would love to test it though. I think the upcoming Canon rp 24-240 will solve a lot of people's issues, though!

[@jimiplayscobo5877]

Hi what type of tripod do you suggest something budget minded but still good :) Peace

[@w.c.dogside1204]

There's photos with elephant seals, consider the interaction the people are having with their environment and the elephant seals. To me that's what makes a 35 mm special.

[@jensvielmann7662]

If you only take one lens at least take a zoom. I personally travel with 2-3 lenses, but 99% of the time I go out just with my 24-105. Only when I know I ll be taking wildlife or such do I take the long lens or the 14 if I know I go it to tight spaces!. But I don’t think I would miss much if I only packed my 24-105. Going through my Lightroom it’s 1-2 % I actually used a different lens (on one trip).

[@Francisfphoto_]

Only one Travel Lens? Sigma 60-600 🤣🤣🤣 jk, nice video bro!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Hahaha

[@LeeRatcliffe]

I shoot 95% of the time on FF with a 40mm f/1.2 It's great!!

[@82300sd]

Brendan, you missed all of the spots in Santa Cruz!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yup. We were too slow!

[@ryanlio9611]

A Ricoh is always with me on travel. ;)

[@georginaparsons2799]

How’d you manage the footage on your camera at 2mins 30sec?

[@nomadcompany]

i always enjoy ur video smate but that was a silly thing to do.... also never put off tomorrow what you can do today......may never be a 'tomorrow'

[@gazdyer2732]

Interesting video , thanks

[@mauistevebear]

Good job duber!

[@MSmith-Photography]

Brendan "West Coast" van Son 🤣

[@photographyinfocusofficial]

You’re a brave man 🤯

[@BrendanvanSon]

You spelled crazy wrong.

[@photographyinfocusofficial]

Brendan van Son fair enough lol

[@lambeertje2]

It’s great to remind people that you don’t need all that equipment to make great pictures.

[@welshlad6427]

Haven’t watched you for a while as enjoyed your old style vlogs when you were a poor photographer. Still prefer those as a lot more real and authentic. It’s all over produced now which I’m not a fan of. Some great tips on this vlog. However loadsa respect for what you’ve achieved. Very well deserved after what you’ve been through to get here. 👍

[@maddenfan6683]

What lens did you talk to the camera with

[@BrendanvanSon]

Mostly the Canon 17-40mm with the Canon rp

[@maddenfan6683]

Brendan van Son thanks for the reply brother

[@gregorsnell]

Oregon!!!!!

[@Leptospirosi]

"Are you happy to see me or you just have Canon R with 35mm in your pocket?!? "

[@wookiedawgg]

I agree with how you feel here. I'm going through my photos from the Rhine Valley portion of our trip, and I was really only able to have my 100-400 on. There were moments where I wish I had the wide angle on to capture the grandness, but couldn't risk it because of the rain. Once you are stuck, you have to work with what you got, but true, there are things that you might miss if you didn't have that lens at the time. It's give and take for sure.

[@jessecolon3595]

What tripod is that

[@BrendanvanSon]

3 legged thing Winston 2.0

[@phynx2006]

If I was limited to one lens I would choose the 24-70mm ✌

[@pablogonzalez8304]

or 24-105mm

[@DavidSenteno]

I was thinking the same thing. Options and less to carry. 🥂

[@phynx2006]

@@pablogonzalez8304 That would work as well 👍

[@BrendanvanSon]

What about a prime, though?

[@phynx2006]

@@BrendanvanSon I have a Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens, which is a great lens, but what i would really like to try is the Canon EF 24mm F1.4!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

That's too many seals.

[@baz5150]

Not going to lie, I lost a little respect when I spotted the leopard print socks! They've gotta go dude

[@BrendanvanSon]

They give me my strength.

[@baz5150]

@@BrendanvanSon 😂

[@ltune79]

Good Lord, just look at the size of that poop 💩🤣🤣 Also, first to comment 😁

[@rodneymcgowan4609]

Where? On the sidewalk in San Francisco?🤮💩

[@ltune79]

Roughing It With Rodney 0:33 😂

[@BrendanvanSon]

First poop!

[@ltune79]

Brendan van Son i guess so 🤣🤣🤣

[@urmumsgstring8254]

birds are evil.