Taking good travel photography pictures is probably one of the many reasons why many people are buying DSLRs today, coupled with the fact that DSLRs are also made more affordable. There are wide ranges of DSLR models and lenses to choose from, which made many serious amateurs spoilt for choice. Many wonder which lenses are good for travel photography.

My various encounters in travel photography assignments and personal trip made me realise the importance of knowing your objective. Before embarking on any trip, I do research by looking at previously taken images and plan my trip. I have my checklist of categories of things to cover so that I do not miss out anything. In a way, I am taking pictures to add to my stock library of images which I can use one day.

Recent years have seen a keen interest among many photographers in venturing into Vietnam for photography opportunities. Initially, I thought this was probably due to some tourism promotion gimmicks by some tour agency until I was urged by some of my students to organise a photography trip to Vietnam. I read through a few travel guide books, especially my favourite DK Eye Witness Guide. A trip was thus organised during the Christmas to explore central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An, My Son, Hue) and then southwards to Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho and My Tho.

For my first visit to Vietnam, I shot about 9000 pictures over a period of 8 days, shooting continuously about 10 frames if the angle is good. I brought along my usual set of APSC lenses 18-200mm, 12-24mm and 10.5mm fisheye. The built in flashlight can be conveniently activated as and when needed to fill in light.