3 Focal Lengths You Need for Travel Photography

During my recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, I carried three prime lenses for my Fujifilm camera. In this blog, I’ll share the three focal lengths I used, explain why I chose them, and highlight the specific lenses behind the magic. While this post is focused on focal lengths, I’ll also mention the exact lenses I brought along.

1. 28mm (Wide-Angle Perspective)

Lens Used: Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 (28mm full-frame equivalent)

The 28mm equivalent is your go-to wide-angle focal length, perfect for capturing establishing shots that set the scene. Whether you’re photographing bustling cityscapes or serene natural landscapes, this focal length helps convey a sense of place and scale.

It’s particularly handy in tight spaces, such as street markets or small interiors, where a wider field of view is essential. The lens I used, with its f/1.4 aperture, also performed brilliantly in low-light conditions, like dimly lit cafes or evening street scenes.

Bukchon Hanok Village - Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4

2. 50mm (Standard Perspective)

Lens Used: Fujifilm 33mm f/1.4 (50mm full-frame equivalent)

The 50mm equivalent is the focal length I relied on the most. Often referred to as the “standard” focal length, it closely mimics what the human eye sees. This makes it perfect for point-of-view shots that immerse the viewer in your experience, offering a first-hand perspective of your journey.

Some photographers argue this is the only focal length you need, as it strikes a versatile balance between wide-angle and telephoto. It’s ideal for street photography, portraits, and general travel scenes, capturing the essence of a place in a natural, relatable way.

Bukchon Hanok Village - Fujifilm 33mm f/1.4

3. 85mm (Short Telephoto Perspective)

Lens Used: Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 (85mm full-frame equivalent)

The 85mm equivalent is your short telephoto lens, designed for capturing finer details. Whether it’s the intricate patterns on a traditional Korean hanbok or the textures of street food, this focal length adds depth and storytelling to your travel photography.

It’s also excellent for landscapes and street scenes, where the lens compression brings distant subjects closer, creating a pleasing sense of intimacy. The f/1.7 aperture offered beautiful background separation, making subjects stand out in a cluttered environment.

Bukchon Hanok Village - Viltrox 56mm f/1.7

Why These Focal Lengths Work

These three focal lengths—28mm, 50mm, and 85mm—cover a wide range of creative possibilities. While I often favoured the 50mm equivalent, the diversity offered by switching between focal lengths ensured a more dynamic and visually engaging set of images.

When you’re building a photo series, mixing shots from different focal lengths adds variety and makes your portfolio pop. Even a single shot taken with a less frequently used lens can elevate the storytelling in your travel photography.

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