Text and Photos: Jacques Dumont
During my latest field test of the new Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8, paired with its natural companion, the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8, I also relied on two accessories that played a key role in the success of this photographic journey: the Think Tank Walker Pro 16L and the Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB.
Beyond the lenses themselves, I quickly realized that a five-week photography trip — carrying gear daily for six to eight hours a day — demands a perfectly thought-out carrying system. Comfort, ergonomics, and quick access to equipment become just as important as optical performance.
Spanish Sardines
Grilled sardines are one of the most iconic culinary traditions of southern Spain. The compression of the 100mm focal length helped isolate the textures and details while capturing the authentic atmosphere of the seaside setting.
Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 at 100mm | f/8 | 1/125 sec | ISO 125
In that context, the Think Tank Walker Pro 16L proved to be an exceptionally well-designed solution. Its compact size conceals an impressive carrying capacity, easily accommodating my Nikon Z6III, both Tamron lenses, several spare batteries, memory cards, H&Y filters, various essential accessories, and the Vanguard tripod, while still leaving room for a few personal items.
What I especially appreciated in the field was its intelligent interior organization, allowing quick access to gear without endlessly searching through the bag — a major advantage when light changes rapidly or an unexpected scene suddenly appears. When traveling, those few saved seconds can sometimes mean the difference between capturing an image… or missing it entirely.
Balcón de Europa, Nerja
The Balcón de Europa in Nerja offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views along the Costa del Sol. The 35mm focal length provided a natural perspective while preserving the beauty of the coastline and the open Mediterranean horizon.
Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 at 35mm | f/7.1 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200
Its carrying comfort also deserves special mention. Thanks to the well-padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap, and effective waist support, the weight is distributed remarkably well across the body. Even after several hours walking through narrow Andalusian streets, steeper trails, or long urban exploration days, the bag remained comfortable and stable, without creating the shoulder fatigue often associated with less thoughtfully designed backpacks.
In my opinion, its 16-liter capacity strikes the perfect balance for travel photographers: compact enough to maintain a light and discreet profile, yet spacious enough to carry not only essential camera equipment, but also a sweater, windbreaker, water bottle, and a few personal items necessary for a full day in the field. That additional space quickly becomes a true luxury when photographing from morning until evening, regardless of what the weather may bring.
Nerja Cave
Photographing the Nerja Cave required both precision and stability. Using a tripod allowed for a carefully balanced composition, while the ultra-wide focal length delivered an immersive perspective that truly conveys the immense scale of the cave.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 at 17mm | f/7.1 | 3 sec | ISO 320
Another important point is its understated appearance. The Think Tank does not scream “expensive camera gear,” which becomes a significant advantage while traveling. In markets, busy city centres, or crowded tourist areas, that level of discretion provides welcome peace of mind.
As for the Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB, it perfectly matched this same philosophy of mobility. Its featherweight carbon-fibre construction and minimal footprint make it easy to bring virtually anywhere without hesitation. Unlike larger tripods that often end up staying behind at the hotel, this one naturally became part of my everyday kit.
Plaza de España, Seville
Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most iconic architectural landmarks, blending elegance, symmetry, and vibrant details. The ultra-wide angle helped capture the grandeur of the sweeping curves and rich textures of this remarkable location.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 at 16mm | f/7.1 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200
In the field, it proved especially useful for low-light scenes, more carefully composed images, architectural photography requiring maximum stability, and for capturing the subtle light transitions of early mornings and late afternoons. Its fast deployment and surprisingly solid stability, considering its compact size, make it a particularly convincing travel companion.
In the end, this combination — an intelligently designed, comfortable, and versatile backpack paired with an ultralight, stable, and highly portable tripod — perfectly completed my photography setup. Combined with the Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 and 16-30mm f/2.8 duo, they helped create a cohesive, high-performing system that was, above all, a pleasure to use every single day.
Flamenco Marbella
The vibrant colours and bold architecture of Flamenco Marbella instantly caught my attention. Using the ultra-wide 16mm perspective allowed me to capture the entire façade and emphasize the dynamic lines of the building against the bright Spanish sky.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 at 16mm | f/5 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 560
And when traveling for extended periods, you quickly realize that beyond image quality, the best equipment is often the gear that simply disappears on your back… while always being ready when the perfect moment appears.
Puerto Banús Marina
The marina at Puerto Banús is filled with luxury yachts, reflections, and Mediterranean atmosphere. The 16-30mm made it possible to capture the scale of the harbor while preserving the energy and elegance of the scene.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 at 16mm | f/5 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 100
Ronda
World-famous for its dramatic bridges and breathtaking cliffs, Ronda is one of Spain’s most spectacular towns. The ultra-wide perspective enhanced the depth of the landscape and showcased the impressive scale of the historic architecture.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 at 16mm | f/9 | 1/640 sec | ISO 1600
Mijas
The white village of Mijas, perched 430 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, has been recognized as a historic and artistic site since 1969. Its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and timeless charm make it a dream location for photography.
Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 at 37mm | f/6.3 | 1/500 sec | ISO 125
Metropol Parasol, Seville
Commonly known as “The Mushroom,” the Metropol Parasol is an extraordinary modern architectural structure in the heart of Seville. Shooting at night with a tripod allowed me to highlight the intricate patterns and dramatic lighting of this unique landmark.
Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 at 35mm | f/7.1 | 1/20 sec | ISO 2000
Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB carbon fibre tripod
Discussed Item
About the Author – Jacques Dumont
Jacques Dumont is among the best-known personalities in the Canadian photographic industry with over 40 years of experience.
In 1980, he launched PHOTO SÉLECTION magazine, which later became PHOTO SOLUTION. He also contributed to the field by launching PHOTO DIGEST Magazine in 1990, which was renamed PHOTO LIFE after its acquisition. After selling his photography magazines in 1994, Jacques continued to engage with the photography community in Canada and the United States. He held various roles, including Publisher of PHOTONews, the most widely distributed photography magazine in Canada until 2022.
As a professional photographer and passionate traveler, Jacques has expertise in a variety of photographic genres. In 2022, he joined the World Photographic Cup (WPC) as a curator for Team Canada.
