Lens for Landscape Photography: Hello All, Would like to know what lens you think is best for landscape photography. I have a Nikon D40; like to shoot in the desert. Also, any opinions...

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

Hello All,

Would like to know what lens you think is best for landscape photography. I have a Nikon D40; like to shoot in the desert.

Also, any opinions on Sigma lenses (in general) as compared to Nikon?

Thanks in advance!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Todays Sigmas are generally exceptional quality for the price. And while the optics are not as good as Nikons, they are not nearly as expensive either. I have 2 Sigmas and 5 Nikons and 3 Tokinas, and use them all regularly.
My favorite landscape lens is my 75mm on my Pentax 645. On my Nikons I favor the Tokina AT-X PRO 28-70mm F2.6, it gives me nice results.

Thom Loc: Cleveland Ohio

I would have two lenses...one wide and then one semi telephoto....not all landscape pics require a wide angle.
I would use Nikon 20mm and a 50mm or 85mm.

ordinarytom Loc: Randsburg, California

I use a Nikon 18-105 for my work. I shoot in the Mojave Desert. Check randsburgphoto.com for some examples. So far I'm pleased with the results.

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

There relly is no perfect lens for landscape photography. Check out Moose Peterson's website for inspiration. On subject some landscapes are best shot in wide angle and some in telephoto.
In the lab, Nikon is a "better" lens but in the real world, I doubt you'll see a difference in printing unless you're going super large. I have sigma and nikon lenses and would buy another sigma in a minute.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Another vote for NOT always trying 'to get it all in'. Occasionally, I find that a wide angle works (mostly on panoramic formats) but most of my best pìctures hae been taken with longer lenses -- even as long as 200mm (on full frame).

The best Sigmas are very good; the cheaper ones, not always so good. But then, that's true of the camera manufacturers' lenses too. I have a couple of good Sigmas, and gave another good one to a friend in return for a favour.

Cheers,

R.

ALYN Loc: Lebanon, Indiana

I have a couple of Olympus cameras with telephoto/wide angle lenses. Works for me. ALYN

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Some years ago, while photographing the wife, I made the wise remark about needing a wide-angle lens for her picture.
I had spaghetti for dinner 3 days in a row,
...Some people can't take a joke.

CamObs Loc: South America (Texas)

rayford2 wrote:

Some years ago, while photographing the wife, I made the wise remark about needing a wide-angle lens for her picture.
I had spaghetti for dinner 3 days in a row,
...Some people can't take a joke.

Same here. I was asked what was on TV and I said "dust".

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

MT Shooter wrote:

Todays Sigmas are generally exceptional quality for the price. And while the optics are not as good as Nikons, they are not nearly as expensive either. I have 2 Sigmas and 5 Nikons and 3 Tokinas, and use them all regularly.
My favorite landscape lens is my 75mm on my Pentax 645. On my Nikons I favor the Tokina AT-X PRO 28-70mm F2.6, it gives me nice results.

Thanks for the advice! I will consider.
I see that you're in Montana; such beautiful country. Do you have any pictures posted?

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

Thom wrote:

I would have two lenses...one wide and then one semi telephoto....not all landscape pics require a wide angle.
I would use Nikon 20mm and a 50mm or 85mm.

Thanks for the advice! I have a 55-200 lens that I normally use and many have suggested a wide angle. Been shooting for years, but am just now trying to "figure things out."
I appreciate your help.

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

rayford2 wrote:

Some years ago, while photographing the wife, I made the wise remark about needing a wide-angle lens for her picture.
I had spaghetti for dinner 3 days in a row,
...Some people can't take a joke.

So bad rayford2, lol :)

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

Frank T wrote:

There relly is no perfect lens for landscape photography. Check out Moose Peterson's website for inspiration. On subject some landscapes are best shot in wide angle and some in telephoto.
In the lab, Nikon is a "better" lens but in the real world, I doubt you'll see a difference in printing unless you're going super large. I have sigma and nikon lenses and would buy another sigma in a minute.

Good advice on all points; I appreciate it :)

PogosMomma Loc: Upstate New York

ordinarytom wrote:

I use a Nikon 18-105 for my work. I shoot in the Mojave Desert. Check randsburgphoto.com for some examples. So far I'm pleased with the results.

Thanks so much for the advice. I'm just enchanted with the desert. I try to make it to New Mexico every year and have been to the Mojave several times. Your pictures are so beautiful; thanks for sharing.