Landscape Lovers: Choose A Focal Length, Explain Why, Post Examples

Jewelltrail · 01-08-2011, 08:59 PM

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Quote:

paperbag846: Great shots jewel, you have a real eye for wide.

I think overall, the 12-24 range is going to be the most useful, but if you have the longer stuff already, a 10-20 is quite a unique looking tool.

Thanks paperbag. If forced to only 1 focal length for landscape, it would be 24mm for me, though I find use for my Sigma 10-20 at times too. I cover the 24mm range with the Ensinor 24mm 28 prime, as well as with the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8.

Obviously, landscaping can be done, and done well, @ any focal length, but the OP is looking to settle down to the most specific & helpful range possible.

les3547 · 01-08-2011, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by Jewelltrail

Thanks paperbag. If forced to only 1 focal length for landscape, it would be 24mm for me, though I find use for my Sigma 10-20 at times too. I cover the 24mm range with the Ensinor 24mm 28 prime, as well as with the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8.

Obviously, landscaping can be done, and done well, @ any focal length, but the OP is looking to settle down to the most specific & helpful range possible.

Right. To confess, I already knew I wanted the Zeiss 25mm when I started the thread, and hoped some posters would recommend that focal length without me having said what I was considering. If I manage to get it, I will work with the 25mm at the bottom of my kit for awhile to see how I like it, and then if I feel I need wider, figure out what to do at that time. Again, thanks for your thoughts and examples (and to everyone else too).

Jewelltrail · 01-08-2011, 10:53 PM

Quote:

les3547: Right. To confess, I already knew I wanted the Zeiss 25mm when I started the thread, and hoped some posters would recommend that focal length without me having said what I was considering. If I manage to get it, I will work with the 25mm at the bottom of my kit for awhile to see how I like it, and then if I feel I need wider, figure out what to do at that time. Again, thanks for your thoughts and examples (and to everyone else too).

Smart way to proceed and you are very welcome. I can't imagine landscaping getting any better than 25mm & Zeiss. Hoping you'll treat us to a few examples someday.

Good Luck!

JT

**Ash** · 01-09-2011, 03:41 AM

You've seen this one just come through yet, Les?

Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review | Pentax Lens Review | PentaxForums.com

**Ash** · 01-09-2011, 03:42 AM

You've seen this one just come through yet. Les?

Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review | Pentax Lens Review | PentaxForums.com

les3547 · 01-09-2011, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by Ash

You've seen this one just come through yet. Les?

Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review | Pentax Lens Review | PentaxForums.com

I did see that, I'm glad to see the 21mm getting a favorable review.

paperbag846 · 01-09-2011, 11:01 AM

If you can find one, I would imagine the FA* 24 f2 would be one amazing landscape lens.

I selected 28mm before because it is what I have (that is not the kit), but I would imagine I would most use anything between 20-30mm... trending towards 24-30.

Jewelltrail · 01-09-2011, 11:30 AM

I have seen some awesome stuff done with the Fa* 24 f2. I'm sure finding one would be difficult though.

abacus07 · 01-10-2011, 05:47 AM

I see this as two separate questions:

Which focal length would you use the most?
Which focal length will produce the most dramatic photos?

For me a lens in the 24-35mm range will get used the most by far but when that UWA shot presents itself then it can be a WOW! photo. And I still need to get better at spotting those great landscape shots with the telephotos since it still isn't my natural mindset but I'm getting better.

les3547 · 01-10-2011, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by abacus07

I see this as two separate questions:

Which focal length would you use the most?
Which focal length will produce the most dramatic photos?

For me a lens in the 24-35mm range will get used the most by far but when that UWA shot presents itself then it can be a WOW! photo. And I still need to get better at spotting those great landscape shots with the telephotos since it still isn't my natural mindset but I'm getting better.

Do you have a favorite focal length and/or lens for your UWA shots?

Bart · 01-10-2011, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by Jewelltrail

I have seen some awesome stuff done with the Fa* 24 f2. I'm sure finding one would be difficult though.

Not that hard to find:

smc PENTAX FA* 24mm f/2 AL IF Exc+ - eBay (item 400183926172 end time Jan-27-11 22:00:53 PST)

*EX+* Pentax FA*(star) SMC 24mm/f2 IF & AL lens 24/F2 - eBay (item 110632151290 end time Feb-04-11 01:06:40 PST)

Both bin so, I can link them without upsetting anybody.

They do show up now and then. At a price, though.

paperbag846 · 01-10-2011, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by Bart

Not that hard to find:

smc PENTAX FA* 24mm f/2 AL IF Exc+ - eBay (item 400183926172 end time Jan-27-11 22:00:53 PST)

*EX+* Pentax FA*(star) SMC 24mm/f2 IF & AL lens 24/F2 - eBay (item 110632151290 end time Feb-04-11 01:06:40 PST)

Both bin so, I can link them without upsetting anybody.

They do show up now and then. At a price, though.

Compared to the FA 31 that price isn't too hard to swallow.

Bart · 01-11-2011, 01:09 PM

Indeed - everything is relative

01-09-2011, 10:29 AM	#51
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash You've seen this one just come through yet. Les? Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review \| Pentax Lens Review \| PentaxForums.com I did see that, I'm glad to see the 21mm getting a favorable review. Last edited by les3547; 01-09-2011 at 12:44 PM.

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01-08-2011, 08:59 PM	#46
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Quote: paperbag846: Great shots jewel, you have a real eye for wide. I think overall, the 12-24 range is going to be the most useful, but if you have the longer stuff already, a 10-20 is quite a unique looking tool. Thanks paperbag. If forced to only 1 focal length for landscape, it would be 24mm for me, though I find use for my Sigma 10-20 at times too. I cover the 24mm range with the Ensinor 24mm 28 prime, as well as with the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. Obviously, landscaping can be done, and done well, @ any focal length, but the OP is looking to settle down to the most specific & helpful range possible.

01-08-2011, 09:43 PM	#47
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jewelltrail Thanks paperbag. If forced to only 1 focal length for landscape, it would be 24mm for me, though I find use for my Sigma 10-20 at times too. I cover the 24mm range with the Ensinor 24mm 28 prime, as well as with the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. Obviously, landscaping can be done, and done well, @ any focal length, but the OP is looking to settle down to the most specific & helpful range possible. Right. To confess, I already knew I wanted the Zeiss 25mm when I started the thread, and hoped some posters would recommend that focal length without me having said what I was considering. If I manage to get it, I will work with the 25mm at the bottom of my kit for awhile to see how I like it, and then if I feel I need wider, figure out what to do at that time. Again, thanks for your thoughts and examples (and to everyone else too).

01-08-2011, 10:53 PM	#48
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: les3547: Right. To confess, I already knew I wanted the Zeiss 25mm when I started the thread, and hoped some posters would recommend that focal length without me having said what I was considering. If I manage to get it, I will work with the 25mm at the bottom of my kit for awhile to see how I like it, and then if I feel I need wider, figure out what to do at that time. Again, thanks for your thoughts and examples (and to everyone else too). Smart way to proceed and you are very welcome. I can't imagine landscaping getting any better than 25mm & Zeiss. Hoping you'll treat us to a few examples someday. Good Luck! JT

01-09-2011, 03:41 AM	#49
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	You've seen this one just come through yet, Les? Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review \| Pentax Lens Review \| PentaxForums.com

01-09-2011, 03:42 AM	#50
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	You've seen this one just come through yet. Les? Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Review \| Pentax Lens Review \| PentaxForums.com

01-09-2011, 11:01 AM	#52
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	If you can find one, I would imagine the FA* 24 f2 would be one amazing landscape lens. I selected 28mm before because it is what I have (that is not the kit), but I would imagine I would most use anything between 20-30mm... trending towards 24-30.

01-09-2011, 11:30 AM	#53
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	I have seen some awesome stuff done with the Fa* 24 f2. I'm sure finding one would be difficult though.

01-10-2011, 05:47 AM	#54
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	I see this as two separate questions: Which focal length would you use the most? Which focal length will produce the most dramatic photos? For me a lens in the 24-35mm range will get used the most by far but when that UWA shot presents itself then it can be a WOW! photo. And I still need to get better at spotting those great landscape shots with the telephotos since it still isn't my natural mindset but I'm getting better.

01-10-2011, 08:49 AM	#55
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020 Original Poster	Originally posted by abacus07 I see this as two separate questions: Which focal length would you use the most? Which focal length will produce the most dramatic photos? For me a lens in the 24-35mm range will get used the most by far but when that UWA shot presents itself then it can be a WOW! photo. And I still need to get better at spotting those great landscape shots with the telephotos since it still isn't my natural mindset but I'm getting better. Do you have a favorite focal length and/or lens for your UWA shots?

01-10-2011, 12:02 PM	#56
Bart Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: WW community of Pentax users Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,646	Originally posted by Jewelltrail I have seen some awesome stuff done with the Fa* 24 f2. I'm sure finding one would be difficult though. Not that hard to find: smc PENTAX FA* 24mm f/2 AL IF Exc+ - eBay (item 400183926172 end time Jan-27-11 22:00:53 PST) EX+ Pentax FA*(star) SMC 24mm/f2 IF & AL lens 24/F2 - eBay (item 110632151290 end time Feb-04-11 01:06:40 PST) Both bin so, I can link them without upsetting anybody. They do show up now and then. At a price, though.

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01-10-2011, 01:42 PM	#57
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Originally posted by Bart Not that hard to find: smc PENTAX FA* 24mm f/2 AL IF Exc+ - eBay (item 400183926172 end time Jan-27-11 22:00:53 PST) EX+ Pentax FA*(star) SMC 24mm/f2 IF & AL lens 24/F2 - eBay (item 110632151290 end time Feb-04-11 01:06:40 PST) Both bin so, I can link them without upsetting anybody. They do show up now and then. At a price, though. Compared to the FA 31 that price isn't too hard to swallow.

01-11-2011, 01:09 PM	#58
Bart Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: WW community of Pentax users Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,646	Indeed - everything is relative