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cali92rs · 08-07-2012, 11:25 AM

I've never been a fan of ultra wides used for landscape lenses because everything in the background looks so tiny. In fact, my favorite landscape lens is probably my FA 50/1.7 And when I want something a bit wider, I go for my Tamron 17-50/2.8 in the 24-35mm range.

**blackcloudbrew** · 08-07-2012, 11:55 AM

I would have to say that I'm in agreement with NaClH20 on this. It does depend on what landscape you are shooting. While I do tend to work with, make that reach for, the DA 12-24 and DA*16-50 first, I've also used the DA*50-135, and Tamron 70-200 for landscape work when I need to get closer to things far a way. For example here in the wine country, the 70-200 is a excellent lens if I want to get a focused wine country landscape from the public road over the fence. When I was in Bryce Canyon NP last fall the, length of the 50-135 was just right for allowing me to isolate portions of the landscape creatively. I've also found the extreme sharpness of the DFA 100 macro to be excellent for landscape use as in Yosemite NP. So it just depends on what you are shooting.

**jatrax** · 08-07-2012, 11:57 AM

DA*16-50 f/2.8 probably gets used the most. But I like using the DA 21mm when I am setting out for landscapes. But as noted, landscape is a broad term, depending on the effect you want and the distance. Some of my favorite landscapes were taken with S-M-C Takumar 85mm f/2.5. I have also used the S-M-C Takumar 20mm and really like the effect but it is definitely a different look, sort of dreamy and 3-d 'ish, quite distinct.

**grhazelton** · 08-07-2012, 12:22 PM

The 35mm for my Pentax 645n. Very sharp, and minimal distortion. About like a 20 or 21 on a 35mm camera.

eddie1960 · 08-07-2012, 12:28 PM

depends on the landscape as noted above (also on which system i am shooting)
my go to on Pentax has been the M28 f3.5 for most landscapes, occasionally i will shoot the DA14 or my Lentar 21 3.8, though i find the 14 too wide usually

on my bronica 645 it's mostly my mc 50 f2.8 and occasionally my mc 40 f4.0

I don't often shoot landscapes with other cameras, though the Jupiter 12 on my fed does an admirable job (35 2.8) if it's what i have with me, so does my little Olympus MJU (35 3.5)

civiletti · 08-07-2012, 01:02 PM

Tamron 17-50
Sigma 8-16

roentarre · 08-07-2012, 03:01 PM

It is Fa 31mm ltd for me. Just one lens easy to carry and one lens for all.

River flow

mikeSF · 08-07-2012, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by 123jippo

Which one of ur lens takes best landscapes photos? Pros and cons?

easy, FA31 - super sharp and great colors. i love the 18-pt light stars at night, fits in my vest pocket.
cons: none.

also
FA77 - I bought this to be a portrait lens but i just dont take many portraits. it has become my 2nd most used landscape lens. sharp! colors are great, no flaring issues. cons: CA on high contrast areas.

My most used landscape lens is easily my DA15, but i don't consider it one of my "best". Then again, whatever lens captures the scene the way you want it is really the "best", right?

**cheekygeek** · 08-07-2012, 03:32 PM

I've been a bit surprised by how good the Sigma EX DG 28mm f1.8 is. I've only recently gotten it, but it is getting more than its share of time on my K-5.

Before this, I would have said the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6. If you wish to judge its landscape abilities, you'll probably find a few examples in the (currently) 157 page thread here: Sigma 10-20mm Club

**Kerrowdown** · 08-07-2012, 03:48 PM

I must admit I really enjoy using my SMC Pentax Shift 28mm F3.5 as it gives me cracking landscape results.

Due to the very manual nature of this lens (preset aperture & click stop rotation and shift), it makes me slow down. Hence I can make sure the composition of the final image is correct, without any glaring errors that I never seem to see at the time with other more auto lenses.

northcoastgreg · 08-07-2012, 06:32 PM

My best landscape lens is the K 28/3.5, which I suspect was originally optimized for landscape use. Superb microcontrast, rich, striking color. My most frequently used landscape lens is the FA 24-90, which, in the middle of its range, is better, for landscapes, than any zoom lens I've ever used (and I've used the DA 10-17, the DA 12-24, the DA 16-45, the A 35-105, and the F 70-210 for landscapes, all fine to very fine landscape zooms). My favorite landscape lens is the M 20/4, maybe not as good as some of my other primes, but it provides one of my favorite FOVs on APS-C cameras and never disappoints.

**interested_observer** · 08-07-2012, 06:36 PM - **1 Like**

Its the lens that you have with you at the moment. Now if you have more than one, you can choose. Effectively it boils down to if you have something in the foreground that is interesting enough to shoot. If not, then how much focal length will it take to be able to shoot over it. Or conversely, if what you are shooting is distant enough, how do you want to frame it. Any lens can shoot a landscape. It all comes down to how you compose and frame the shot.

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-07-2012, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by interested_observer

Its the lens that you have with you at the moment. Now if you have more than one, you can choose. Effectively it boils down to if you have something in the foreground that is interesting enough to shoot. If not, then how much focal length will it take to be able to shoot over it. Or conversely, if what you are shooting is distant enough, how do you want to frame it. Any lens can shoot a landscape. It all comes down to how you compose and frame the shot.

I agree with the interested observer. Probably my best landscapes have come from my DA55-300, and yes some at 300mm, compressing distance really works in some types of landscapes. The longer focal length also works well for the "intimate landscape". I've also had good results with the 35/2.5 and the Tamron 28-105, and a couple of good ones with the Tamron 10-24. I think the ultrawide may be the hardest to do a good landscape with, but with the right foreground and composition you can get spectacular results.

stevebrot · 08-07-2012, 07:40 PM

Wide on APS-C:

KMZ MC Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye

Longer on APS-C and 35mm film:

Tamron 70-150/3.5 (20A)

Wide on 35mm film:

Tamron 28/2.5 (02B)

Steve

(Yes...I did write fisheye for landscape...)

bossa · 08-07-2012, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by cheekygeek

I've been a bit surprised by how good the Sigma EX DG 28mm f1.8 is. I've only recently gotten it, but it is getting more than its share of time on my K-5.

Before this, I would have said the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6. If you wish to judge its landscape abilities, you'll probably find a few examples in the (currently) 157 page thread here: Sigma 10-20mm Club

Wow! Nice!

08-07-2012, 03:48 PM	#25
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,866	I must admit I really enjoy using my SMC Pentax Shift 28mm F3.5 as it gives me cracking landscape results. Due to the very manual nature of this lens (preset aperture & click stop rotation and shift), it makes me slow down. Hence I can make sure the composition of the final image is correct, without any glaring errors that I never seem to see at the time with other more auto lenses. Last edited by Kerrowdown; 08-07-2012 at 04:00 PM.

08-07-2012, 07:40 PM	#29
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Wide on APS-C: KMZ MC Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye Longer on APS-C and 35mm film: Tamron 70-150/3.5 (20A) Wide on 35mm film: Tamron 28/2.5 (02B) Steve (Yes...I did write fisheye for landscape...)

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08-07-2012, 11:25 AM	#16
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	I've never been a fan of ultra wides used for landscape lenses because everything in the background looks so tiny. In fact, my favorite landscape lens is probably my FA 50/1.7 And when I want something a bit wider, I go for my Tamron 17-50/2.8 in the 24-35mm range.

08-07-2012, 11:55 AM	#17
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	I would have to say that I'm in agreement with NaClH20 on this. It does depend on what landscape you are shooting. While I do tend to work with, make that reach for, the DA 12-24 and DA16-50 first, I've also used the DA50-135, and Tamron 70-200 for landscape work when I need to get closer to things far a way. For example here in the wine country, the 70-200 is a excellent lens if I want to get a focused wine country landscape from the public road over the fence. When I was in Bryce Canyon NP last fall the, length of the 50-135 was just right for allowing me to isolate portions of the landscape creatively. I've also found the extreme sharpness of the DFA 100 macro to be excellent for landscape use as in Yosemite NP. So it just depends on what you are shooting.

08-07-2012, 11:57 AM	#18
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	DA*16-50 f/2.8 probably gets used the most. But I like using the DA 21mm when I am setting out for landscapes. But as noted, landscape is a broad term, depending on the effect you want and the distance. Some of my favorite landscapes were taken with S-M-C Takumar 85mm f/2.5. I have also used the S-M-C Takumar 20mm and really like the effect but it is definitely a different look, sort of dreamy and 3-d 'ish, quite distinct.

08-07-2012, 12:22 PM	#19
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	The 35mm for my Pentax 645n. Very sharp, and minimal distortion. About like a 20 or 21 on a 35mm camera.

08-07-2012, 12:28 PM	#20
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,667	depends on the landscape as noted above (also on which system i am shooting) my go to on Pentax has been the M28 f3.5 for most landscapes, occasionally i will shoot the DA14 or my Lentar 21 3.8, though i find the 14 too wide usually on my bronica 645 it's mostly my mc 50 f2.8 and occasionally my mc 40 f4.0 I don't often shoot landscapes with other cameras, though the Jupiter 12 on my fed does an admirable job (35 2.8) if it's what i have with me, so does my little Olympus MJU (35 3.5)

08-07-2012, 01:02 PM	#21
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Tamron 17-50 Sigma 8-16

08-07-2012, 03:01 PM	#22
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	It is Fa 31mm ltd for me. Just one lens easy to carry and one lens for all. River flow

08-07-2012, 03:11 PM	#23
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Originally posted by 123jippo Which one of ur lens takes best landscapes photos? Pros and cons? easy, FA31 - super sharp and great colors. i love the 18-pt light stars at night, fits in my vest pocket. cons: none. also FA77 - I bought this to be a portrait lens but i just dont take many portraits. it has become my 2nd most used landscape lens. sharp! colors are great, no flaring issues. cons: CA on high contrast areas. My most used landscape lens is easily my DA15, but i don't consider it one of my "best". Then again, whatever lens captures the scene the way you want it is really the "best", right?

08-07-2012, 03:32 PM	#24
cheekygeek Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kearney, Nebraska USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,261	I've been a bit surprised by how good the Sigma EX DG 28mm f1.8 is. I've only recently gotten it, but it is getting more than its share of time on my K-5. Before this, I would have said the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6. If you wish to judge its landscape abilities, you'll probably find a few examples in the (currently) 157 page thread here: Sigma 10-20mm Club

08-07-2012, 06:32 PM	#26
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,175	My best landscape lens is the K 28/3.5, which I suspect was originally optimized for landscape use. Superb microcontrast, rich, striking color. My most frequently used landscape lens is the FA 24-90, which, in the middle of its range, is better, for landscapes, than any zoom lens I've ever used (and I've used the DA 10-17, the DA 12-24, the DA 16-45, the A 35-105, and the F 70-210 for landscapes, all fine to very fine landscape zooms). My favorite landscape lens is the M 20/4, maybe not as good as some of my other primes, but it provides one of my favorite FOVs on APS-C cameras and never disappoints.

08-07-2012, 06:36 PM - 1 Like	#27
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Its the lens that you have with you at the moment. Now if you have more than one, you can choose. Effectively it boils down to if you have something in the foreground that is interesting enough to shoot. If not, then how much focal length will it take to be able to shoot over it. Or conversely, if what you are shooting is distant enough, how do you want to frame it. Any lens can shoot a landscape. It all comes down to how you compose and frame the shot.

08-07-2012, 07:20 PM	#28
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,296	Originally posted by interested_observer Its the lens that you have with you at the moment. Now if you have more than one, you can choose. Effectively it boils down to if you have something in the foreground that is interesting enough to shoot. If not, then how much focal length will it take to be able to shoot over it. Or conversely, if what you are shooting is distant enough, how do you want to frame it. Any lens can shoot a landscape. It all comes down to how you compose and frame the shot. I agree with the interested observer. Probably my best landscapes have come from my DA55-300, and yes some at 300mm, compressing distance really works in some types of landscapes. The longer focal length also works well for the "intimate landscape". I've also had good results with the 35/2.5 and the Tamron 28-105, and a couple of good ones with the Tamron 10-24. I think the ultrawide may be the hardest to do a good landscape with, but with the right foreground and composition you can get spectacular results.

08-07-2012, 10:00 PM	#30
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by cheekygeek I've been a bit surprised by how good the Sigma EX DG 28mm f1.8 is. I've only recently gotten it, but it is getting more than its share of time on my K-5. Before this, I would have said the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6. If you wish to judge its landscape abilities, you'll probably find a few examples in the (currently) 157 page thread here: Sigma 10-20mm Club Wow! Nice!

Your best landscape lens?

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