[harv3589]

I really enjoy shooting landscape, but I was wondering what would be a better choice to capture high quality pics:

Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 smc DA* ED AL [IF] SDM

OR

Pentax Wide Angle SMCP-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Autofocus Lens

OR

Pentax Zoom Super Wide Angle SMCP-DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens

Or any other suggestions, I am certainly open to them.

Thanks,
Rob

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Last edited by harv3589; 12-18-2007 at 01:47 PM.

[Canada_Rockies]

I really enjoy shooting landscape, but I was wondering what would be a better choice to capture high quality pics:

Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 smc DA* ED AL [IF] SDM

OR

Pentax Wide Angle SMCP-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Autofocus Lens

OR

Pentax Zoom Super Wide Angle SMCP-DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens

Or any other suggestions, I am certainly open to them.

Thanks,
Rob

I purchased my 12-24 DA specifically to use for landscapes. In 35mm terms it is an 18-36, which covers pretty well all the wide angles needed for landscapes. It is an expensive bit of glass, but worth it to me. The 16-50 (24-75 in 35mm fov) is missing that little bit at the wide end. I was often wishing that my 24-90 on MZ-S had just a bit more wide.

Of course, I do live in the mountains, and scenics here don't allow much "zooming with the feet". When the view is from the top of the Spineback Trail above Island Lake Lodge near Fernie, BC you only have about 10 feet to move back and forth.

[daacon]

From a province over I agree with with Canada_Rockies, I like my 12-24 and use it for landscapes as well as indors for tight corners , it does low light better than I would have thought (it is not a great low light lens , but as mentioned better than I expected) - I don't have the kit lens anymore so my next widest is 28mm which just does not cut it for me. Have not used the 16-50 but I think I would miss the extra 4mm on the wide end that is quite huge.

Couple of other contendors - Sigma 17-70 and Penatx 10-17 Fisheye. Numerous primes (Pentas has a 14mm I think ? ) Sigma also has a 10-20 which has gotten good reviews here.

[Confused]

Hi Rob

I concur with daacon regarding Sigma's astonishing 10-20mm for 'relatively' little financial outlay. It's a great landscape lens and virtually unparalleled for shooting interior architectural photographs, due to it's rectilinear design. I'm not dismissing anything that Pentax currently has to offer, but IMHO you'd be well-advised to give it some serious consideration ?

Best regards
Richard

[wtlwdwgn]

I notice that a lot of photographers use and recommend the widest angle lenses. While it's true that a great wide angle lens will produce the "Cinemascope' view that we all love, any lens can be used for landscape photography. A lot depends on the scene that you see and the image that you imagine. Even a huge telephoto lens can be used when trying to isolate certain geographic features. I would suggest not limiting oneself to any one lens. The box can be a lot bigger than that.

[Peter Zack]

I'd agree with Steve. Different lenses for various scenes. I have a 12-24 and it's great for a large scenic shot Everything I've seen from the Sigma 10-20 looks great and we rarely here of issues with this lens. But I use the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di more than I expected and a good mid to longer zoom is also a good choice.

In my case I was using a DA50-200mm quite a bit and it's a good lens with nice IQ. I've sold that lens in favour of an F SMC 70-210 which is an even better lens. The other choice could be the Tamron or Sigma 70-300mm lenses.

I've taken lots of shots with longer lenses than you might expect. It just depends on the situation.

[ccallana]

My favorite landscape lens? The Zenitar 16mm Fisheye Awesome for getting wide views.. makes great panoramas as well..

[simonkit]

I own the Sigma 17-70 & so far have found it ideal for landscape use - it covers 90% of the range I normally shoot at, never really use the "tele" end much, although obviously this depends on your own personal style of landscape photography.

The one area the 17-70 is occasionally lacking though is at the wider end, I'm seriously considering adding the Sigma 10-20 to my lens collection as a result

Simon

[Kaimarx]

Theres also the 14mm to consider though everything i've seen from the 12- 24 looks on par IQ wise. Some of the best landscapes i've seen were done with medium tele's and stiched together pano style.

[Marc Langille]

They are all good lens suggestions. I wanted to add that I REALLY love the IQ in the 12-24 lens - it's brilliant for a zoom lens. I decided that this had the best coverage for ultra-wide angle.

Sample DA 12-24 images:




That all being said, I also keep my DA 50-200 close by too. It's very light, and is a wonderful travel lens.

Sample DA 50-200 images:




Best of luck in your choice - every suggestion is great. They are all solid performers!

Cheers,
Marc

[harv3589]

Those are awesome pics Marc!

Thanks guys for the responses, I do appreciate it...

Rob

[axl]

From possibilities posted by you, I'd choose DA 12-24 for sure. But I think you should consider Sigma 10-20 too.

[roentarre]

Marc, these shots are amazing.

Rob, any lenses would be great, croped landscape shots or wide angle captures can be all winner landscape photographs.

I never own Da 12-24 but it seems that I really missed the wide end for some time

I shoot the DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 99% of the time. I would love to scoop up a 12-24 but there seems to be too many Quality Control issues for me and the buzz about it being soft is too much for me to pull the trigger.

[nulla]

I too use most of the time the DA 16-50... stellar lens if you get a good copy.



Neil