Adventure Photography Tips for Epic Shots with Just Two Lenses

If you’re looking to improve your outdoor image game, these adventure photography tips will help you shoot breathtaking landscapes, portraits, and action scenes—without the bulk. Whether scaling a peak at sunrise or navigating rugged terrain deep in the wilderness, the key is to carry a lightweight and versatile camera kit.

That’s why I trust the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD—a fast, travel-ready combo that covers a huge focal range and handles almost every scenario I encounter. With these two lenses, I’ve condensed my usual trio down to a powerhouse pair that delivers professional results in the wildest conditions.

Lo que aprenderá en este artículo

• How to choose the best Tamron lenses for adventure and travel photography
• Tips for shooting wide-angle landscapes that capture the full scene
• How to use focal length compression for dramatic mountain imagery
• Creative techniques for controlling lens flare and capturing sun rays
• Why lightweight, durable lenses are crucial for backcountry photography

Images and Text by Centinela Kelly 

Why Lightweight Zoom Lenses Matter in Adventure Photography

When every ounce matters, especially on multi-day expeditions, bulky gear is a liability. My Tamron setup weighs less than you’d expect but never compromises on image quality. These lenses are compact, rugged, and built for real-world conditions—from alpine climbs to desert treks.

• Tamron 17-28 mm F/2,8 Di III RXD: Just 14.8 oz, ultra-wide, and razor-sharp
• Tamron 35-150 mm F/2-2,8 Di III VXD: A one-lens solution for portraits, landscapes, and distant subjects

Together, they offer an effective range from 17mm to 225mm (when using APS-C crop mode), covering ultra-wide to telephoto with just two lenses.

Capturing Grand Landscapes with the 17-28mm F2.8

Shooting wide-angle landscapes can be tricky—but this lens makes it intuitive. With its ultra-wide field of view, I can tell richer visual stories, balancing foreground elements with sweeping mountain backgrounds.

Adventure Photography Tips for Wide-Angle Success

• Use strong leading lines (ridges, trails, rivers) to guide the eye
• Include foreground details—rocks, flora, or gear—to add depth
• Shoot during golden hour to take advantage of soft, angled light
• Use the f/2.8 aperture for low-light conditions at dawn or dusk

This lens shines on exposed ridges or while belaying a partner mid-climb. Its light weight keeps me agile, and its sharpness ensures the landscape looks as epic as it feels in the moment.

Creative Versatility with the 35-150mm F2-2.8

If I had to choose one lens for everything from travel portraits to compressed mountain scenes, this would be it. The Tamron 35-150mm offers exceptional zoom range, rapid autofocus, and a pro-level aperture throughout.

Tips for Using Mid-to-Telephoto Zooms in the Field

• Compression technique: Zoom in to make backgrounds loom larger and emphasize scale
• Flare play: At f/2.8, you’ll get soft veiling; at f/22, starburst rays appear—perfect for backlit scenes
• Background control: Wide apertures create dreamy bokeh, isolating subjects beautifully
• Anti-reflection coating: Tamron’s BBAR tech minimizes ghosting and red dot flare, even with direct sunlight

This lens transforms distant hikers into dynamic focal points or lets me zero in on wildlife without changing position. It’s not just a tool—it’s a creative asset.

Pro Adventure Photography Tips from the Field

Mastering your gear is just part of the equation. Here are my top adventure photography tips to help you make the most of your Tamron zoom lenses in extreme environments:

TIP 1: Use Foreground to Add Depth

With wide-angle lenses like the Tamron 17-28mm, foreground interest is essential. Look for leading lines like trails or streams, or include textured elements like rocks or flowers. This creates depth and dimension in vast mountain scenes.

TIP 2: Control Flare for Artistic Effect

Want to get creative with sunlight? Adjust your aperture. At f/2.8, you’ll get a soft veiling glow. At f/22, dramatic sun rays emerge. The Tamron 35-150mm’s BBAR coating helps reduce ghosting, letting you work directly with light sources without ugly red dots.

Tip 3: Use Compression to Create Scale

With a telephoto zoom, you can create dramatic scale by compressing space. Zoom in to make background peaks appear larger and closer to your subject. This is a powerful technique in mountain landscape photography to emphasize distance and terrain.

Tip 4: Take Advantage of Low Apertures

Both Tamron lenses offer fast apertures (f/2–f/2.8), which are perfect for low-light shooting at dawn or dusk. You’ll also benefit from gorgeous background blur (bokeh) when shooting portraits or isolated wildlife.

Conclusion: Shoot More, Carry Less

The best gear is the kind you’re excited to carry. These two Tamron zoom lenses have redefined my approach to adventure photography, allowing me to travel lighter and shoot smarter. Whether you’re chasing early light on a summit or composing epic scale from a valley floor, these lenses will deliver the flexibility and quality your journey deserves. So pack smart, stay curious, and let the gear get out of your way—the story is out there, and it’s waiting for you to capture it.

Para ver más de Sentry Kelly, consulte su sitio web o síguenos en Instagram. Learn more about the 17-28mm F2.8 and 35-150mm F2-2.8 at an distribuidor autorizado Tamron en su zona o visite la Tienda TAMRON hoy.

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