Capturing the essence of Vietnam through just two prime lenses may sound limiting, but it can actually lead to a more thoughtful and immersive photography experience. And this is the part most people miss—sometimes fewer tools force you to be more creative and present in the moment. Just a few months ago, I embarked on an 11-day journey through Vietnam with my family, aiming to soak in as much of the country's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures as possible. From the frenetic energy of Hanoi’s bustling streets to the serene preservation of Hoi An, the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, and the historic temples of Da Nang, each location offered a distinct visual and emotional landscape—almost like stepping into different worlds in a single trip.**
Full Disclosure: This story was made possible through a sponsorship by Sigma.
Planning a trip with such a tight schedule makes it tempting to overpack gear or bring every possible lens. Having never visited Vietnam before, I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d need, but I deliberately chose to simplify my camera kit. Knowing we’d be constantly on the move with limited time, I decided to travel with just two prime lenses: the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 Art and the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 Art. I admit, I was a little apprehensive—what if I really needed a wider shot for landscapes? But I wanted to challenge myself by leaving my versatile 16-35mm zoom at home, to see how well I could tell stories within these focal lengths.
Opting for this minimal setup deeply influenced how I approached each scene. Rather than instinctively zooming or swapping lenses, I was forced to move, anticipate, and commit to my compositions more intentionally. This approach slowed me down in quiet moments and forced quick thinking amid chaos. Over the 11 days, I found that the focal lengths shaped my perception of Vietnam and influenced my photography, encouraging me to work within the limitations rather than against them.
Why I Chose the 35mm and 50mm Lenses
Choosing just two lenses meant that every focal length I selected had to be purposeful. For Vietnam, I wanted a setup capable of capturing both lively energy and intimate details with equal efficacy.
The 35mm became my go-to storytelling lens. Its wide perspective was perfect for capturing scenes with a sense of connection, especially in places like Hoi An, where narrow streets and dense architecture fill the frame. It allowed me to stay close to my subjects while still including enough environment to give each photo context and depth. Its moderate wide angle also made it versatile enough for wide landscapes and cityscapes in Da Nang and Ha Long Bay.
Meanwhile, the 50mm lent itself better to capturing intimacy and focus. It was my choice for isolating subjects, whether people, architectural details, or quiet moments amidst the chaos—particularly in Hanoi, where moments of stillness stand out. Shooting with the 50mm offered a subtle way to eliminate distractions, guiding the viewer’s eye directly to the focal point of each shot.
Together, these two lenses created a well-balanced duo. I was genuinely surprised by how little I missed a wider lens. The 35mm handled scenes with motion and environmental context, while the 50mm proved excellent for conveying emotion and creating a sense of compression. Both share a similar aesthetic with their wide f/1.2 apertures, and their comparable size and weight made seamless switching between them effortless. They became my reliable companions for walking around and capturing the essence of Vietnam.
Using the 35mm to Capture Context
Most of my photos taken with the 35mm were shot in Hoi An, where the close-packed streets and layered architecture demand a versatile focal length. Its wider perspective enabled me to include multiple elements within a single frame, making it ideal for the city's visually dense Old Town. The ability to stay close to the action without sacrificing the overall scene helped me tell richer stories. During nighttime shoots, the 35mm truly shined—wide open at f/1.2, it handled low-light conditions beautifully. The lantern-lit streets and glowing river scenes transformed after dark, and shooting handheld in these dim conditions still produced sharp, atmospheric images.
In Da Nang, the 35mm helped me capture the grandeur of temples, large Buddha statues, and coastal landmarks. Though the environment was less crowded than Hoi An, I still appreciated using this focal length to portray scale and space naturally, without the distortion or distortion often associated with wider lenses.
Across both cities, this lens was my tool for illustrating context, space, and atmosphere. Whether capturing movement or stillness, it helped me maintain a consistent visual narrative even as environments shifted dramatically around me.
Expressing Movement with the 35mm
In Hanoi, I pushed the 35mm further by experimenting with motion. The city's streets are perpetually lively, filled with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and bustling activity. Slow shutter speeds combined with the 35mm allowed me to create streaks of motion—blurring the chaos into a visual story. Twisting the camera, panning, and playing with different angles let me convey Hanoi’s continuous tempo, translating energy into compelling, dynamic images.
Photographing Intimate Moments and Portraits with the 50mm
While the 35mm was perfect for capturing scenes in context and movement, the 50mm was my choice when I wanted to focus on individual stories. Its moderate telephoto perspective created a nice balance—close enough to feel personal but far enough to remain respectful and unobtrusive. In Hanoi’s markets and street scenes, shooting wide open at f/1.2 produced images with beautifully creamy backgrounds, isolating expressions and details while preserving the lively atmosphere.
What I valued most about the 50mm was how it changed my approach to engaging with people. It encouraged patience, observation, and anticipation—waiting for just the right moment to capture authentic, candid expressions. The images I ended up with felt genuine and quiet, capturing fleeting snippets of daily life in Vietnam.
The Power of Intentionality and Focus
Traveling through Vietnam with only two prime lenses compelled me to become more present and deliberate in my photography. I couldn't rely on zooms, nor did I want to carry extra gear. Instead, I leaned on my movement, timing, and intuition—whether navigating narrow streets, capturing fast-paced Hanoi, or appreciating the expansive vistas of Da Nang.
The pairing of the 35mm and 50mm proved sufficient to tell complete stories. One lens excelled at capturing environmental context and motion, while the other allowed me to slow down and hone in on human expressions and details. The seamless switch between them created a unified visual language across different environments, making my photographic journey feel coherent and intentional.
Initially, I was nervous about only bringing two lenses—would I miss versatility or flexibility? But in the end, this minimal approach pushed me to challenge my usual ways of working, leading to more thoughtful, creative results than I expected. Sometimes, the simplest setup sparks the most profound storytelling.
