Originally posted by PentaxDent Hi there, I'm a relative beginner and I use my camera for any type of photography I can get the chance to do. Recently upgraded to KP from a k50.
I'm a keen walker and I want to use my KP to take some landscapes whilst I'm out walking. Landscape photography is never listed as a strong suit for the KP in reviews. I was wondering if this is simply because it's an APS-C or if it has some specific limitations or weaknesses as a body.
Anyway - My question is - What tips do you have to help me get the most out of the camera for landscape photography? Settings, technique etc.
I have a DAL 18-55 lens and just bought a plastic fantastic DA 35mm 2.4 AL. I know that wider lenses would help me out but for know I'm particularly keen to hear tips that I can use without splashing any more cash.
Thanks in advance to all you more advanced Pentaxians!
The KP is very strong for landscapes, maybe those reviewers don't do landscapes. I think to get the best out of any camera for landscapes, you need to use a tripod. It allows you to shoot steadier, and take your time composing. Then set your camera to a 2 or 10 second delay, or use a wired remote (the KP doesn't support the wireless remote). Shoot in manual at ISO 100, but you can go higher if you need faster shutter speed for moving wildlife or other things. Set you aperture at a sweet spot for your lens, or at different stops for desired depth of focus. Pentax cameras have a level, make sure it is activated and use it, a lot easier and better to make it is level when shooting than in post production. I like to use manual focus, you have focus peaking and magnification to assist. I would suggest Pixel shift if you have software that can handle it, I use Lightroom which doesn't (at least I don't think it does) to I haven't used it.
Don't worry about lenses, you don't need wide lens for landscapes, they can be useful for some landscapes and not for others. You DA 35 is probably very sharp and can capture a lot of detail. I have a DA 15 and a DA 55-300, I probably use them both equally for landscapes. The KP is pretty good with dynamic range, but it also does well with HDR, which is a huge improvement over the K-50.
You'll get some other tips here from much better photographers, good luck and can't wait to see some work of yours.
KP, DA 55-300 PLM at 135mm example.
Last edited by ramseybuckeye; 12-04-2019 at 03:46 PM.