Landscape photography (Page 3): Another FX camera user I suspect. The difference is important. A graduated ND would be nice but the CP is more important and cheaper than a good...

MtnMan Loc: ID

treadwl wrote:

I shoot primarily landscape and wildlife photos. ... (show quote)

Another FX camera user I suspect. The difference is important.

A graduated ND would be nice but the CP is more important and cheaper than a good graduated ND.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

augieg27 wrote:

Hello everyone,
Being a newbie and interested in landscape, I have a question:
Currently I have a Nikon D3300 with Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and Nikon 18-200mm.
Would they be enough to start with or should I get something else?
Thank you in advance.

You don't need a different or better lens or a better camera. You do need a good tripod. Unfortunately, good tripods aren't inexpensive.

The reason you need a good tripod is that you want to use a small aperture for maximum depth of field (f/11 and smaller) and you want to use the camera's base ISO to minimize noise. Small apertures reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Then the only way to capture sufficient light to get the proper exposure is to reduce the shutter speed to a level at which handholding the camera will result in blurred images--unless you use a tripod. The best light for landscape images is during the "golden hour" (around sunrise or sunset). You will often need exposure times of several seconds.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Rich1939 wrote:

For getting started, your current lenses will work just fine. As you gain experience and familiarity with your equipment you will want to look into other lenses and when you do consider renting before you buy. I would strongly suggest that you investigate "stitching" multiple images with the help of software. Your 50mm will work very well for this.

I use "Autostitch" to create my panoramas--it works very well. Either of your lenses will take photos that can be stitched.

whwiden

mrpentaxk5ii wrote:

The great thing about photographing landscapes is ... (show quote)

Those are very nice examples!

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Landscapes are wide so I start with my Sigma 10-20 F3.5 on my D7000. Since I make slide videos with Pro Show I like to start with a broader scene and then let the pan/zoom features give me more flexibility. I can still do prints that have a broad sweep of the subject if I want to.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Gene51 wrote:

You can do landscape panos without a tripod or a p... (show quote)

Gene,
Your photos are amazing and an inspiration for me.
Thanks.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Your comments are all great! It is like taking a course in photography, I have learned a lot from you all and appreciate it a bunch. Thanks.

MtnMan Loc: ID

jackpinoh wrote:

You don't need a different or better lens or a bet... (show quote)

Or VR. That is why I suggested the new AF-P 10-20 VR.

VR works in many cases but of course not for several second exposures. You do need a tripod for those. I don't know yet but suspect the VR on this new lens is like on my 200-500: you can leave it on when using a tripod. That might be the real reason Nikon ditched the VR switch on the AF-P lenses.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

MtnMan wrote:

You might consider the new Nikon AF-P 10-20 mm lens: $309. It just came out.

It will work with your D3300 but you might need to update the camera firmware if you want to be able to turn off VR.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/6953738760/nikon-announces-budget-friendly-af-p-10-20mm-f4-5-5-6g-vr-lens-for-dx-bodies

there us an update for the D3300 to allow this. I do not think the lens will work without the update. The update is simple and easy. I just did it yeaterday. There are two updates for the D3300, a camera update and a Lens update.

Thru the lens Loc: South Central PA

The best thing you can do is get out and practice! I used the Nikon 18-200 for a few years and got some great landscape photos. Before you choose another lens, take a bunch of landscape shots and check your data to see what range you use most often. That will help determine your next lens.

augieg27 wrote:

Hello everyone,
Being a newbie and interested in landscape, I have a question:
Currently I have a Nikon D3300 with Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and Nikon 18-200mm.
Would they be enough to start with or should I get something else?
Thank you in advance.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

jackpinoh wrote:

The reason you need a good tripod is that you want to use a small aperture for maximum depth of field (f/11 and smaller) and you want to use the camera's base ISO to minimize noise. Small apertures reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Then the only way to capture sufficient light to get the proper exposure is to reduce the shutter speed to a level at which handholding the camera will result in blurred images--unless you use a tripod.

Assuming use of VR/IS, at what shutter speed do you see use of a tripod to be essential??

Added: The OP has an APS-C camera. How much narrower than F/11 could the OP go without encountering diffraction issues??

bkblaw

I have the same camera and lens - do a lot of landscape photography - rely on Aperture Priority - great camera, a lot of fun - enjoy

MtnMan Loc: ID

rehess wrote:

Assuming use of VR/IS, at what shutter speed do you see use of a tripod to be essential??

Added: The OP has an APS-C camera. How much narrower than F/11 could the OP go without encountering diffraction issues??

Shutter speed to keep sharp images depends on the person and the VR version. For me 1/lens mm works.

How the person holds the camera and works the release matter most.

I shoot most landscapes on my FX camera at f22, as recommended by Brian Peterson. I never see diffraction as an issue. I try to not go less than f16 if I need a little more shutter speed. And I'll up the ISO to 200 or 500 if needed. This gives greatest depth of field.

I usually use f16 on my APS-C. I can't see any diffraction.

With my M4/3 f11 is OK.

wesm Loc: Los Altos CA

augieg27 wrote:

Thank you. I'll do that.

One tip: Use the "Quote Reply" button to automatically include an abridgement of the post, and its author, so we know who you are talking to.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

augieg27 wrote:

Gene,
Your photos are amazing and an inspiration for me.
Thanks.

Thanks, Augie!

Beware of old, outdated information - Peterson may have recommended F22 for landscape a while ago, but the truth today is a little different.

http://backcountrygallery.com/lens-diffraction-in-photography/