As a travel and lifestyle photographer, I love being able to visit far flung destinations around the world and experience foreign cultures. Through it all, I try to create inspirational images that celebrate the local art and flavor. My main tools for all this is my trusty camera gear, a willingness to explore and create, lots of coffee for those early morning photo sessions, and my travel partner in crime Zory.
Now about that camera gear – when I’m traveling I mainly shoot with a Nikon D750 and two Sigma Lenses – the 35mm 1.4 ART and the 14-24mm 2.8. The 14-24 is an incredible tool in my camera bag since I never know if I’ll have the space to capture grand shots that soak up all the delicious details. To capture all the details of this mosque in Malaysia, I had to go for a wide 14mm shot.
Being able to go between 14 and 24mm also makes it quite the versatile lens. Sometimes you’ll need all 14mm of that focal length and at other times 24mm is just perfect. In this shot from Sintra, Portugal – I shot the scene at 24mm, which framed the color blocking walls perfectly.
If you like sharp lenses (who doesn’t?) then you’ll be very satisfied with the 14-24. It’s as sharp, and in some focal lengths, sharper than the more expensive competing lenses. If you plan to sell prints – this lens is up to the task. We drove around Castle Combe, England for a week in a British Mini Cooper and captured this marvelous tree path.
All that extra space lends itself to creative endeavors as well.
We live near Ana Colbrith Park, which has a sweeping view of the city. So for Halloween last year, we decided to have a spooky photoshoot complete with carved pumpkins, led lights, and added lightning effects. We placed the camera with the 14-24 on a tripod and snapped a few shots. It was pretty dark outside, but the image came out pretty sharp!
Here are some of my other favorite images from my travels taken with the 14-24:
Durability wise – the 14-24 feels solid in your hand with it’s dense glass construction and metal exterior. I’ve felt lenses with plastic exteriors, which felt cheap. This lens feels like the polar opposite – very well constructed. It’s also weather sealed so you don’t have to worry about the elements getting in.
Also, if you’re value minded at all, the Sigma 14-24 is well priced at around $600 less than its only direct competitor. The Sigma performs just as well – so for me it’s a no brainer to save the extra bucks on a plane ticket somewhere far away.
