Light, Versatile, and Ready for Adventure: The 35mm Lens for Travel

When you’re planning a trip and preparing your gear, choosing the right lens for your camera is a crucial decision. Sure, there are a lot of options—wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, and zooms—but there’s one lens that stands out as the perfect all-around travel companion: the 35mm prime lens. In this post, I’m going to explain why the 35mm lens should be your go-to lens for travel photography, whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast. Personally, I’ve used my 35mm lens for every trip to Japan—my annual adventure—and it’s become an essential part of my gear for capturing everything from food shots to cherry blossoms.

The 35mm lens offers the perfect focal length for a wide range of subjects, making it an ideal companion for your travels. It's wide enough to capture scenic landscapes, like the majestic views of Mount Fuji, but also works great for tighter shots, like portraits of your travel companions or detailed food photography. Personally, I use my Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM to photograph everything from food stalls in Osaka to the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto. The lens strikes a great balance, making it perfect for both large, sweeping views and intimate close-ups.

When you're traveling, it's essential to pack light. The 35mm prime lens is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for wanderlust photographers who want to avoid heavy gear. I never leave home without it when I’m exploring Japan. Whether I’m walking through Tokyo's crowded streets or capturing peaceful moments in Kyoto, this lens fits perfectly into my camera bag without adding unnecessary weight. It’s an essential part of my travel photography gear, offering portability without sacrificing image quality.

One of the best features of the 35mm lens is its ability to perform well in low-light conditions. With a wide aperture f/1.4, this lens allows for sharp, clear images even in dimly lit settings. This is especially useful when photographing in Japan’s quaint izakayas (Japanese pubs), during night photography in Tokyo, or capturing the warm glow of lanterns during festivals. The ability to shoot in low light without a flash means you can preserve the natural ambiance of your surroundings while still getting beautiful, high-quality images.

The 35mm lens offers a field of view that closely mirrors how the human eye perceives the world. This makes it ideal for capturing authentic, immersive travel photos that feel “real” and relatable. I love using my 35mm lens when photographing cherry blossoms in Japan, as it beautifully captures the delicate flowers without distortion.

When it comes to street photography, the 35mm lens is a top contender. It allows you to get close to your subjects without intruding, which is perfect for capturing candid moments in bustling areas like Shibuya Crossing or the local markets of Osaka. Whether it’s my husband trying a new delicacy or a local artist performing in the street, the 35mm lens helps me snap authentic, unposed shots that tell the true story of my travels.

A key advantage of using a prime lens like the 35mm is the sharp image quality it provides. With fewer moving parts than a zoom lens, the 35mm prime lens delivers crystal-clear images with rich detail, making it perfect for high-quality travel photography. From detailed food shots of sushi and ramen to capturing the serene beauty of a Japanese temple, the sharpness of the 35mm lens ensures your photos are crisp and vibrant, without the softness that can sometimes occur with zoom lenses.

Compared to more specialized lenses, like wide-angle or telephoto zooms, the 35mm lens is often more affordable. Whether you’re a budget traveler or simply want a high-quality lens without breaking the bank, the 35mm prime lens is a great investment. There are several options at different price points—from budget-friendly f/2.8 lenses to professional f/1.4 models. For my annual trips to Japan, I find that the 35mm lens gives me the best value, offering excellent performance at a reasonable cost.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or a beginner, the 35mm lens will help you tell your travel story in the most authentic way possible.

What lens do you take on your travels? Let me know in the comments, and share your travel photography tips! Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel photography advice, tips, and gear recommendations.