What Is A Walk Around Lens? (Page 2): I usually "walk-around" with the 24-120 f4 that came on my D750. If I want to go lighter, I put on the 35-80 f3.5-5.6 D "macro" lens. It is the...

ELNikkor

I usually "walk-around" with the 24-120 f4 that came on my D750. If I want to go lighter, I put on the 35-80 f3.5-5.6 D "macro" lens. It is the size and weight of my 50mm 1.4, but far more versatile.

Lonnie77 Loc: Kennedale, Texas

I agree a walk around lens is a compact, light weight, general purpose lens to carry on strolls like a 24-105mm. If it includes anything larger they why call any lens a walk around lens? Just call them a lens.

NikonRocks Loc: Sydney

I would venture to say the lens that spends more time on your camera than the others is your walk around lens.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

...

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Mac wrote:

I have always thought of a walk around lens as a compact, light weight, general purpose lens to carry on strolls and take on picnics, etc. Something like 24-85mm or 28-105mm.

Lately I’ve seen recommendations like 18-400mm or 28-300mm which strikes me as overkill for a walk. They seem to me more like one size fits all lenses.

Is there a consensus on what makes a good walk around lens?

First of all, there is no such thing as a walk around lens. And lens you currently have on the camera and walk around with is a walk around lens.
Second, the lens you choose to walk around with can constantly change. For instance, when I am in Florida Wetlands, my walk around lens is a Sony 600mm f4, this lens is not front heavy because most of the lenses are middle back, and at 6 lbs. it balances nicely on my Sony a9 with vertical grip.
If I am shooting a parade my lenses to walk around with is the Nikon 70-200 FL. If I am shooting landscape my walk around lens is my Nikon 16-35 f4 or my Nikon 24-120 f4.
Folks will recommend any lens as a walk around lens, Webster does not have a definition for it yet but I am sure they will soon.
Bottom line, a walk about lens is a personal choice, it is what you want to carry around with you as you shoot images you wish to capture. It is a personal choice, not one that is made for you by some one else. The choice for a walk around lens is yours to make. So make it already and get out there and shoot.
Always remember, do not let others make decisions for you, your parents made them for you when you were young, but now supposedly, you are an adult, and you can make decisions based on your life experiences.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Mac wrote:

I have always thought of a walk around lens as a compact, light weight, general purpose lens to carry on strolls and take on picnics, etc. Something like 24-85mm or 28-105mm.

Lately I’ve seen recommendations like 18-400mm or 28-300mm which strikes me as overkill for a walk. They seem to me more like one size fits all lenses.

Is there a consensus on what makes a good walk around lens?

As silly as it sounds, what lens you have on for your "walks" depends on where you walk and what you like to shoot. Sometimes I use a 100-400 - walking around for birds while others I use a 24-105 - mostly landscape. When they come out with a 14-600 f.2.8 that weights a few ounces, we will appease everyone :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Same here. None of my lenses walk around. I have to carry them.

Additionally, it seems to be a concept focused on by equipment-centric photographers.
--Bob

rook2c4 wrote:

I don't designate any of my lenses as my "walk around lens"; the concept seems very strange to me.

Dannj

I’d define it as the lens you use to capture most of the pictures you will likely take most of the time. It’s convenient and allows you to get acceptable results but it’s not the best lens for every situation and it works for you.

machia Loc: NJ

My 18-135mm does the job. The APS-C magnification factor makes it a 28.8-216mm. Very useful range.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Mac wrote:

I have always thought of a walk around lens as a compact, light weight, general purpose lens to carry on strolls and take on picnics, etc. Something like 24-85mm or 28-105mm.

Lately I’ve seen recommendations like 18-400mm or 28-300mm which strikes me as overkill for a walk. They seem to me more like one size fits all lenses.

Is there a consensus on what makes a good walk around lens?

A walk around lens is one that YOU want to walk around with. PERIOD What the other guy walks around with is his business.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

ken_stern wrote:

Mine is the 35mm 1.4 --stays on the camera most of the time
That is until I need something a little wider 24mm1.4
Or a little longer 85mm1.8
OR
Really longer 100-400

My favorite lens is the 135mm 2.0 which I hardly use anymore -- But I should

Don't at all care for the term "Walkaround lens" -- Ranks right there with "Bridge Camera"

I also have the 35mm 1.4. What a great lens. That is my "Walkaround Lens".

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

My best walkaround lens is attached and part of my SuperZoom Compact 1" sensor camera 20 mp image. Depending on the model it has a long or longer reach. The modes of photography range .. most have 4K.

To get fancy there is an attachment that allows putting on 52mm filters or lens changers like the 10X for close up or the 2x tele extender. [Opteka is my opinion the best] None of these attachments are expensive. Remember, with AI most flaws can be thought away by some magic Artificial Intelligence beyond that which we mere mortals can perceive or printers can print.

Yes, I have a Sony DSLR and lots of Minolta AF lenses, but all that stuff is heavy and bulky.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I refer to mine as "always on." My 28-300mm is always on my D750. It covers a good range, but I can always swap it for a different lens. It's the lens I use when walking around.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

My favorite walk around is a bridge camera. Any walk that has a specific photographic goal, I reach for the best body and lens combination for the situation.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

jerryc41 wrote:

I refer to mine as "always on." My 28-300mm is always on my D750. It covers a good range, but I can always swap it for a different lens. It's the lens I use when walking around.

Jerry The 28-300 mm lens at $1800 and 83 oz or 5.2 pounds, how far do you walk around... and add the D750 Approx. 840 g or1 lb 13.7 oz with battery and memory card... So 7 pounds of lug around... really !!!