Best Budget Lens for Landscape Photography

X

Xenoxide

Suspended / Banned
Messages
14
Edit My Images
Yes
Howdy guys!

Since my last post I've actually received my Canon EOS 500D, as a Christmas present. :D It came with the 18-55mm lens, and I also picked up a camera bag and SDHC card at the same time (They were all a Christmas present from my parents).

Now I've not had a chance to get out and about with the camera yet, but I know that landscapes interest me the most. I intend to pick up a tripod (I've heard good things about the Manfrotto 190XPROB but it may be a bit pricey), but I was wondering what would be a good next lens to go for.

At this stage my budget would probably be about £200 (Could MAYBE stretch to £250). The Canon 10-22 looks nice, but waaaaaay too far out of my price range. Is there something else I can go for within my budget? Or am I even barking up the wrong tree with a wide angle lens?

I'm completely new to all this DSLR malarkey so any help is appreciated. :thumbs:

Cheers, and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. :)
 
Tokina 12-24mm is a nice cheaper UWA alternative, although you may find slightly longer focal lengths generally more useful. www.photozone.de is a good lens test resource.
 
Hi, and welcome!

Stick with the kit lens for the time being, a lot of people get an ultra-wide angle lens for landscapes, but can't get the best out of them. Learn to use what you have first, and you might find the kit lens will do. Wider isn't always better, and it's very easy to lose your subject with them!

However, if you definitely want one, the Sigma 10-20 is cheaper, and you can buy secondhand for between £250-£300, or the quite underrated Tamron 11-18 for around £175 (it's not as sharp as the sigma, but I got one because I couldn't justify the extra cost for how little I used it).

Hope this helps!
 
Another vote for filters+ cable release. Some GND filters and a polarising filter would be great for some landscape photography, with some change left over to put towards your next lens.
 
meh, for £200 I would personally buy a decent tripod and a set of good graduated filters over a UWA lens. Have a look at the hitech filters too, they are pretty good and quite reasonably priced.
 
Yep.. have to agree with most of these replies. :thumbs:

My input would be to work with the lens you have to get used to your subject matter (as already suggested) but look at getting a wide lens later on - I have the Sigma 10-20 and love it.

Filters etc.. yep - a must in my book. I use the Hitech ND and GND filters with a 2 slot holder and have been really impressed with the results. Try either http://www.formatt.co.uk/default.aspx or http://www.teamworkphoto.com/index.php?cPath=78&main_page=index or even http://www.srb-griturn.com/srb-griturn-neutral-density-filters-236-c.asp (their own brand ND and GND's are made by Hitech but get a better holder - too plastic!).

Lastly the tripod. Can I suggest a Velbon Sherpa Pro - I got one of these over a Manfroto (based on costs and a personal recomendation) and have been really pleased with it. Great to handle, lightweight (with respect to portability) but sturdy enough for my outdoor needs.

Good luck - and don't forget to post some results for us to see :)
 
Ok...grand! I guess a set of filters is a good shout.

I found the Coken Z-Pro kit (Holder and 3 GND filters) and ring adapters for about £180 total on Jessops. Is this any good?

Also looking at picking up that tripod and a cabled remote shutter release thingy. Also might pick up the Canon 50mm f1.8 at the same time for some indoor people shots if the opportunity arises (Hey, for £70 can't go wrong right?).

Cheers!
 
As most people on here said practise with your kit lens first - learn its limitations as its a under rated lens imo. I think I read somewhere that f8 is the optimum fstop regarding sharpness.
 
I'm still using my kit lens for landscape and get some great results, although a small accident on holiday meant an ignominious end for its UV filter :bonk: so need to get another one for the sunny shots.
 
chriseve1979 said:
a small accident on holiday meant an ignominious end for its UV filter :bonk: so need to get another one for the sunny shots.
Click to expand...

Sorry to take the thread off topic a little, but a UV filter won't help at all with sunny shots! They're for protection only!

But I agree, the kit lens is a little gem for the price, I only sold mine because I needed f/2.8 for low light stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top