Imagine capturing the essence of an entire country with just two lenses. Sounds limiting, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: I did exactly that in Vietnam, and it transformed the way I see and photograph the world. A few months ago, I embarked on an 11-day journey through Vietnam with my family, a trip that took us from the frenetic streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, the timeless charm of Hoi An, and the grand temples of Da Nang. Each destination felt like stepping into a different universe, and I was determined to document it all—with just two prime lenses: the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 Art and the 50mm f/1.2 Art. Full Disclosure: This story was sponsored by Sigma.
You might think packing light for such a diverse trip would be a recipe for regret, especially when you’re unsure of what to expect. But for the first time in ages, I chose to simplify. Traveling with family meant moving quickly, and I wanted to challenge myself creatively. I ditched my trusty 16-35mm zoom lens, despite worrying I’d miss its wider perspective for landscapes. Instead, I embraced the constraints of these two primes, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made as a photographer.
And this is the part most people miss: Limiting your gear doesn’t restrict your creativity—it amplifies it. Without the crutch of swapping lenses or zooming, I had to move more intentionally, anticipate moments, and commit to compositions. In quiet places, I slowed down; in chaotic ones, I became decisive. Over those 11 days, these lenses didn’t just help me capture Vietnam—they reshaped how I saw it. I learned to work with their focal lengths, not against them.
Why 35mm and 50mm? When you’re stuck with just two lenses, every focal length choice matters. For Vietnam, I needed versatility—something that could handle both the energy of bustling streets and the intimacy of quiet moments. The 35mm became my go-to for storytelling. It’s wide enough to capture subjects in context without feeling distant, making it perfect for the narrow, bustling streets of Hoi An. I could stay close to the action while still framing the environment that gives each scene its soul. It also doubled as my landscape lens, capturing the grandeur of Da Nang and the tranquility of Ha Long Bay without feeling overly distorted.
The 50mm, on the other hand, was my tool for intimacy. It allowed me to isolate details, find stillness in chaos, and guide the viewer’s eye with precision. In Hanoi, where the streets are a whirlwind of activity, the 50mm helped me strip away distractions and focus on what mattered—whether it was a candid portrait, an architectural detail, or a fleeting moment of calm. Together, these lenses struck a perfect balance: the 35mm for movement and context, the 50mm for emotion and compression. Their wide f/1.2 apertures and similar rendering made switching between them feel seamless, and I never once missed having a wider lens.
But here’s the real question: Could you do the same? Would you dare to leave your zoom lenses behind and embrace the constraints of primes? I’ll admit, it was nerve-wracking at first, but the results spoke for themselves. The 35mm’s ability to capture context and scale in Hoi An’s dense streets, its low-light performance during the lantern-lit nights, and its natural perspective in Da Nang’s expansive landscapes made it indispensable. Meanwhile, the 50mm’s observational approach forced me to slow down, wait for the right moment, and create portraits that felt honest and unposed.
By the end of the trip, I realized something profound: limiting my tools didn’t limit my creativity—it freed it. I was more present, more intentional, and more connected to my surroundings. The combination of these two lenses didn’t just capture Vietnam; it told a cohesive story across vastly different environments. So, here’s my challenge to you: next time you travel, try packing lighter. Embrace the constraints. You might just discover a new way of seeing the world.
What do you think? Could you photograph an entire trip with just two prime lenses? Or do you believe versatility is key? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Full Disclosure: This story was sponsored by Sigma.
