When I travel, I love packing light but still getting beautiful portraits. Here’s my real-world review of the Sony 28mm F2 and A7C for beach portraits in Grenada.
Whether I’m exploring bustling city streets or relaxing on a quiet beach, I’m always looking for minimal gear that I know will deliver. On a recent trip to Grenada, I packed just my Sony A7C paired with the Sony 28mm F2—and this little combo did not disappoint.
Why the Sony 28mm F2 for travel portraits?
I’m such a sucker for a good wide-angle lens that I can push the limits of and still use as a portrait lens. It’s not the most obvious choice for portraits. Most people reach for something like an 85mm or even a 50mm. But the 28mm F2 keeps surprising me every single time.
With this lens, I get to show more of the environment, which is perfect for telling the story of where we are. In Grenada, that meant capturing my wife on an overcast day at Levera Beach with the vibrant colors and soft light wrapping around her.
Small Setup, Big Results
This setup is all about stealth and weight. The A7C is so compact for a full-frame camera, and paired with the small 28mm, it basically disappears in my bag, and it definitely doesn’t put any pressure on my shoulder. It’s so lightweight that I sometimes forget I’m carrying it around. It’s unassuming, and I think that’s what I love most about this combo.
Working with Overcast Beach Light
One of my favorite things about beach portraits on overcast days is the soft, even light. The 28mm F2 handles this beautifully. Wide open at f/2, the lens gives just enough background separation to make the subject pop, but you still get that lovely sense of place.
Not to mention, Levera Beach is so picturesque. Located on the northernmost point of the island, the views are truly unmatched. The island you see in the background of these images is known as Sugar Loaf, and it makes for the perfect backdrop. I can’t wait to go back and photograph here again soon.
A Few Thoughts on Shooting Wide for Portraits
Shooting portraits on a wide-angle means getting close. This can feel weird at first, but once you embrace it, you’ll find it creates such an intimate perspective. It pulls your viewer in, right there with you.
This lens does have some distortion if you get too close, so watch for that if you’re shooting faces up close. But personally, I love a bit of character in my travel portraits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the perfect walk-around setup, I cannot recommend the Sony A7C and 28mm F2 for travel portraits enough. It’s light, reliable, and versatile, which is exactly what you want when you’re traveling and want to focus on your experience, not lugging heavy gear.
Gear Used
- Camera: Sony A7C
- Lens: Sony 28mm F2
- Editing: Adobe Lightroom
What are your thoughts?
Do you pack light when you travel, or bring the whole kit? I’d love to hear your go-to setup for on-the-go shooting!
Philip Adcock 
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