Landscape Lens (Page 4): If you have not asked yourself these questions then you will most likely chose the wrong lens. Valid questions!

Tracht3

If you have not asked yourself these questions then you will most likely chose the wrong lens. Valid questions!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

The "best" type of lens to use for landscape photography depends a lot on individual preferences. Many photographers use a prime wide angle lens and many other select a zoom. Zooms are convenient.
For many photographers using a cropped sensor 18mm is all they need and there are many kit lenses that start at that focal length. The 24-70 lens is a great choice but as you stated it is pricey.
In my case I use my old 28-105 f3.5-4.5 Nikon lens for most of my landscape shooting but I also carry a 24 mm. lens just in case I need to go wider.
There are plenty of choices out there. Your 18-270 covers a lot of real state and by now you should know the focal length you have used more often when shooting landscapes. That will be a good starting point.

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

I also shoot with a 70D and I have been looking at the Sigma 35mm A lens....for a fixed lens option you may want to consider...Good Luck...let us know what you decide...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

I like zooms because they are so versatile. There is only so much walking you can do to change composition. I've used Tokina 11-16mm DX and 16-28mm FX lenses. Good value for the money. Read reviews and comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare

RDH

BooIsMyCat wrote:

I wear tidy whities
I am retired
I do my own investing
I have two vehicles
I own my own home, mortgage free
My home borders the forest....

Why do you need all this information just to recommend a lens that may/may not be best suited for landscape?

If I didn't provide enough information for you to make a recommendation please, just go to the next post.

He asked those questions because those are the factors that determine what lens to choose. Your rude reply simply displays your total lack of understanding of photography and of composition. My suggestion is that you get a good book on photography, read it and then perhaps we can have a discussion of landscape photography with you.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Also a 70D user and I take lots of landscape. My main lens is the Canon EFS 18-135. Also use the Canon EFS 10-22 and Canon 24mm prime (equivalent to 38.4 full frame). None are terribly expensive and can be bought new or used on eBay. Here's example taken with one of those lenses.

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

Tracht3 wrote:

If you have not asked yourself these questions then you will most likely chose the wrong lens. Valid qestions!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

RDH wrote:

He asked those questions because those are the factors that determine what lens to choose. Your rude reply simply displays your total lack of understanding of photography and of composition. My suggestion is that you get a good book on photography, read it and then perhaps we can have a discussion of landscape photography with you.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

For landscapes I prefer "normal" primes. Much faster,=better in low light. They approximate normalvision FOV. Thats why they were standard for film cameras. For full frame 50mm For crop sensor the equvilant, roughly 35mm

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

BooIsMyCat wrote:

I wear tidy whities
I am retired
I do my own investing
I have two vehicles
I own my own home, mortgage free
My home borders the forest....

Why do you need all this information just to recommend a lens that may/may not be best suited for landscape?

If I didn't provide enough information for you to make a recommendation please, just go to the next post.

Are you Right or Left Handed, Right Or Left Eye dominant ? :XD: :roll:

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

Hello there Boo Boo (I'm sure you've heard that one before)
I'm not really a landscape photog, but when driving about looking for what I do photograph I sometimes see wonderful scenery. My preferred kit is not the greatest in the world - but A ok for me. My MFT 14-45, giving a FF equiv field of 28-90, seems to do fine for capturing those scenes. Looking at what you have (18-270) and what you are renting (24-70) I guess you are looking for higher IQ - and big prints. So - why don't you stop with your (own) original thoughts, and get what you consider the best 18-50 for the money?
BTW - did you see Linda's landscapes yesterday? with a 70-300! :-) PS - I guess you know - it's so much about your tripod?

OldEarl Loc: Northeast Kansas

Your current lens offers a range of focal lengths that should accommodate your landscape needs. I have shot landscapes (using 35mm) with lenses ranging from 21mm to 300mm. What you need to do is try several different perspectives using your lens and a tripod. There is nothing magic about any lens. Adams, the Westons, Picker etal used a standard to moderate wide angle lens.

MW

BooIsMyCat wrote:

Any ideas on the best type of lens to use for landscape photography?

I have an 18-270 zoom and just rented a 24-70L IS II but feel that one is way too expensive for my needs.

Not sure I would be better off with a zoom or fixed length.

I don't think there is a best type. Almost any lense can be used, but each lets you see the subject in a different way. The 18-270mm is fine if you can avoid the "trap" of standing in one spot and zooming in and out to find your composition. Try sticking with the wide range for several sessions and move closer. Then stay at 100mm + and move back. I don't think it very easy to learn the characteristics of different focal lengths unless you force yourself to explore with in struck limits

Nikonhermit Loc: In This Place

lighthouse wrote:

How long have you been taking photos? br Do you ta... (show quote)

You forgot to ask him his social security number, mother's maiden name, and most important for all, under what constellation he was conceived.

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

MW wrote:

I don't think there is a best type. Almost any le... (show quote)

Long lenses have a tendency to make you "lazy". The best zoom are your legs. Move to capture what you want. IQ means so much for landscape photography.
It is VERY important to ask questions before making an expensive investment in a lens.
If the OP wants a quality landscape lens, then he/she should look at Canon 11-24mm and 24-70mm, or Tamron 15-30mm and 24-70mm. If he/she is looking for an average lens that can take the occasional landscape picture where image quality isn't the most important factor, then an "all-in-one" may do the trick.
Just my .02 cents.