Late to the party but I've tried basically every combo for travel over the years. Honestly, if you want that wow factor for SE Asia, I'd move away from the all-in-one zooms and build a small kit that covers your bases better than the kit lens. In my experience, these two are the real MVPs:

• Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
• This thing is a beast for tight temples and bustling markets. It is way wider than your kit lens and super tiny. Ngl, the f/2.8 is a lifesaver when you're indoors at a shrine and dont want to crank the ISO too high.
• Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
• If you want that creamy bokeh for portraits, forget the 35mm. This lens is incredibly sharp and gives you that professional look that makes travel photos pop. Its small enough that you wont mind carrying it. I usually stick the wide zoom on for most of the day and swap to the prime when I'm doing street portraits or night shots. It's a much more versatile way to shoot than just relying on one lens that does everything okay but nothing great tho.

TIL! Thanks for sharing

I honestly have to disagree with the whole idea of needing one expensive pro zoom to get those killer shots. People get so caught up in the professional-grade gear that they forget the best travel setup is often one you curate yourself based on what you actually shoot. Instead of dropping twelve hundred on a single heavy lens, I think a DIY kit of two fast primes alongside your current zoom is the way to go. You keep the versatility of the 18-135 for daytime stuff and use the primes for that specialized look you want.

• Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G: This thing is a total beast for tight temples and busy markets. That f1.4 aperture is a literal lifesaver in low light and it is way wider than those f2.8 zooms.
• Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary: If you want that blurry background for portraits this is the one to get. It is super sharp and way lighter than carrying a professional G Master lens around all day. Tbh if you learn to do your own sensor cleaning and gear maintenance instead of paying for a professional service every time things get dusty you will save a ton. Southeast Asia is humid and messy so knowing your gear inside out and handling the upkeep yourself is way better than just buying one pricey lens and hoping for the best.

Same setup here, love it

Hey there! I totally get your lens anxiety – choosing the right glass for a big trip is HUGE. I went through the same thing before my backpacking trip through Thailand a couple of years ago with my old a6300 (the a6700's close cousin, right?).

Instead of going for a zoom or a super-expensive lens, I went a slightly different route and I think it worked out awesome for me. I picked up the **Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD.** (I know, the name is a mouthful!). I think I paid around $650 for it brand new from B&H at the time.

Here's why I think it could be a great fit for you. First, the f/2.8 aperture is a lifesaver in those dimly lit temples you're talking about. Plus, it gives you a decent amount of bokeh for portraits, not quite as creamy as a prime, but definitely a step up from your kit lens. Second, the 17-70mm range is surprisingly versatile. 17mm is wide enough for most landscapes, and 70mm gives you enough reach for street photography and tighter portraits. The size and weight were good for me, not too bulky for all-day carrying. The best part? It's cheaper than the Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G, leaving you some budget for extra batteries or memory cards – trust me, you'll need them!

I really liked it and it became my go-to all-rounder. But I did miss out on some longer reach images. Did you consider maybe renting a telephoto lens for a few days if you plan on wildlife photography?

I'd be happy to share some photos I took with it in Thailand if you want to get a better idea of the image quality. Just let me know! Good luck with your decision, and have an amazing trip!

Hey! I feel your pain – lens choice paralysis is real! Everyone jumps to the newest and shiniest, but let's talk realistically. While the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is a decent option, especially given its price (around $550 new), have you considered a used Sony 16-70mm f/4 Zeiss? You can often find them for $600-$700 in excellent condition.

Yes, it's f/4, not f/2.8, but the Zeiss glass is sharp, and the OSS (Optical SteadyShot) is fantastic for low-light handheld shots. Plus, the extra reach to 70mm gives you more versatility than the Sigma. It’s a solid, well-built lens that punches above its weight. I used one for years on my a6300 during travels in Europe and was consistently impressed.

Consider the long-term cost – a slightly older, high-quality lens might save you money upfront and deliver better image quality than a cheaper, newer option. It really depends on your needs. Happy to chat more about specific scenarios if you have them!

Hey! I totally get the analysis paralysis. Everyone's recommending these shiny new lenses, but let's be real about travel photography and cost. Honestly, chasing that *perfect* lens can bleed your wallet dry before you even hit the temples. While the 16-55mm f/2.8 G is tempting, the price jump for *maybe* a slight improvement isn't always worth it, especially for a trip that might involve a few bumps and scrapes.

Instead of immediately ditching your 18-135mm, I'd suggest really *learning* its quirks first. Understand where it shines and where it doesn't. Then, think about *supplementing* it, not replacing it entirely. For example, add a used Sony 35mm f/1.8. You can usually snag one for around $300-$350 used. Yes, it's a prime, but that's where your feet do the zooming. The low-light performance will be a HUGE upgrade for those dimly lit temples, and it's super compact. I bought a used one from KEH Camera a few years ago and it had a small scratch on the barrel but the optics were pristine.

I've also been burned by 'deals' before. I unfortunately bought a used Tamron lens from eBay once, and while it was cheap, the autofocus motor went out halfway through my trip. Not fun.

My advice? Master what you have, then add strategically. A used 35mm f/1.8 will give you that bokeh you're craving without breaking the bank, and you'll still have the versatility of your 18-135mm for everything else. Have fun on your trip!

Hey! I totally understand the stress! Choosing a lens for such an amazing trip is a big deal! While everyone's talking about image quality, have you thought about lens *protection* in Southeast Asia?! It can be pretty humid and dusty, which can seriously damage your gear! I'd recommend factoring in a good UV filter for whatever lens you choose – think something like a B+W 010 UV Haze MRC filter. They're not super expensive (around $50-$80 depending on the lens size), but they'll protect the front element from scratches and dust! Also, a good lens cleaning kit is ESSENTIAL! Maybe even consider a weather-sealed lens if possible, or at least a rain cover. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when traveling! I'm kind of a newbie too, but that's the advice I got from a professional photographer before my last trip. Did you consider insuring your gear? That might ease your mind. Good luck and have a fantastic time!