What is the Best Lens for Landscape Photography?
One of the fun things about being a professional photographer and an instructor is the questions I get asked by various people. Sometimes the questions are about cameras, formats, film vs digital, and then the ever-present how to make money from photography, especially landscape photography, my favorite genre.
If you’ve ever spoken to me in person, you know that my first answer is almost a clarifying question. I ask about what they already know or use and just what they’re trying to do. The thing is, there isn’t a preset answer to virtually any question about photography or landscape photography gear.
That has never stopped me from talking about landscape photography, though. I love it, and I want to share the joy. So, today I’ll answer one of the more interesting questions, what is the best lens for landscape photography?
Since there are so many format options in digital cameras, there won't be one answer that fits everyone. So, I’ll highlight the best lens for landscape photography in several popular digital formats. I'll also list some really useful landscape photography gear.
Landscape Photography Lens Features
What features work for me in a landscape photography lens? While I like and use all sorts of focal lengths, from wide to telephoto and macro lenses, I find myself gravitating towards a lens significantly wider than a normal range lens.
I also really like smaller and lighter lenses than the ultra fast lenses I use for other applications. Since size and weight are significant factors, I also prefer using a zoom lens instead of carrying several single focal length prime lenses.
High quality is paramount, but that’s actually pretty easy to cover, so many great lenses from several manufacturers qualify. Some kind of weatherproofing or the ruggedness of a professional-level lens is another desired quality or feature.
Add all of that up, and what do I get? A high-quality zoom lens in the ultra-wide to wide-angle range with a moderate aperture and rugged construction. Hard to narrow it down from there! But I’ll get us close. Read More…
