It’s a chore to carry a full-frame DSLR on a long backpacking trip. I have one standard lens, a 24-105mm lens, which I have been using for some time and have been very happy with. Together, I would guess that these two items add about 4 pounds to my backpack.
Because of this, I resisted the idea of getting a second lens— the added bulk and weight as well as having to change the lens often deterred me.
What changed my mind and got me to add a second lens was nighttime imaging. Simply put, the shorter the focal length of a lens, the longer you can set the shutter speed when capturing milky way images. I purchased a Rokinon 14mm Ultra wide-angle lens and got some sweet shots.
Now I find myself using the 14mm lens very often, not just for nighttime imaging. I am amazed at the depth of field and clarity of focus I am able to get.
Colors are sharp and bright. And even though I don’t have a polarizer for the lens, clouds and sky look wonderful.
Composing images when I have near and far elements is a lot of fun.
I know backpackers a never excited to add even a few ounces of weight, but for me the 14mm has now become a regular part of what goes in my pack for every trip.
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