I love prime lenses—they’re always my preference—but I had to travel across Spain recently to make a documentary film and was traveling light. I had to pick my lenses carefully, so I chose the 24-70mm as my main lens. I quickly discovered it was the perfect travel lens.
In an ideal world, I would have taken 20mm, 28mm, 40mm or 50mm, and 85mm primes. And maybe a 135mm. All of them f/1.8. But this three-week trip was a backpacking adventure in Northern Spain, and I was carrying all my gear. We were walking up to 34 km a day across prairies, over mountains, and through woodland. For much of the time, it rained hard.
Constantly moving meant a run-and-gun style of filming and photography, so not only was the weight of a bunch of primes an issue, but stopping to change them would have been a huge challenge too. I would have missed shots and would have exposed my camera to water and dust. Zooming in and out with the 24-70mm was the perfect solution.
My camera of choice is the Nikon Z9, and being capable of filming in 8K also allows me to extend my reach in post-production.
f/2.8 Versus f/4
I shoot on a Nikon Z system, and my 24-70mm is the f/2.8 version. It’s heavier than the f/4 version, but the extra 305 g was worth it for the ability to shoot at f/2.8, which I used frequently in low-light situations. This lens, and its equivalent with other brands, is pro spec and very durable and weather-resistant. That’s essential.
For filmmaking or photography while traveling, this is one of the best lenses you could take if you want to simplify your gear and not carry much. I also took an 85mm f/1.8, and the two lenses combined, for me, are the perfect pair to take on a travel adventure, whether it’s an outdoor hike or city exploration. I did both on my trip and didn’t want another focal length at all. The truth is, I rarely used the 85mm—I could have done without it.
The 24-70mm f2.8 with regular mist filter, 2-5 stop variable neutral density mist filter, and a matte box. It's all I need for travel filmmaking.
Essential Accessories
I’ve used a lot of lenses over the years and have found the native Z-mount 24-70mm f/2.8 to be one of the very best lenses I've had the pleasure to use. It’s incredibly well-built and incredibly sharp.
Actually, it’s too sharp. For filmmaking, I find it slightly clinical and that it picks up too much detail for my liking. The solution is to use a mist filter to soften the image and, most importantly, improve highlight roll-off. I use a K&F black mist filter.
Because I’m shooting at 1/50 second in bright sunlight, I, of course, need ND filters. My solution is a 2-5 stop variable neutral density mist filter from Freewell. It does a great job. I also have the 6-9 stop version but have yet to require it.
On a travel adventure, being exposed to bright sun, rain, and even snow, I find a matte box to be essential to protect the lens. I use a small, lightweight version from SmallRig.
So if you’re looking for a perfect single travel lens that’s good in low light for both photography and filmmaking, it’s worth considering a 24-70mm f/2.8.
If you have any questions about travel filmmaking or video in general, let me know in the comments, and I can address them in future articles.
Simon is a professional photographer and video producer, with over 35 years experience. He spends his time between Canada and the UK. He has worked for major brands, organizations and publications; shooting travel, tourism, food, and lifestyle. For fun he enjoys black and white photography, with a penchant for street and landscapes.
