|
Sharpness (or apparent sharpness) depends on a number of factors. If a lens is well made then when stopped down it should be indistinguishable in terms of resolution from any other well made lens. Hence my suspicion that factors other than the lens may be at play in your dissatisfaction. But I am aware that a surprisingly high percentage of lenses even from the "top" manufacturers are poorly assembled.
On the specific choice of focal length, that depends on your own way of seeing. In my case, the standard lens does almost all I want. In my case a 150mm lens on my 5x4; that translates to about 30mm or 50mm depending on your sensor size. You will probably see things differently to me, and hence the choice of focal length is personal.
What I will suggest is that since you specify landscape, you very (VERY) seriously look at tilt and shift lenses as the way to go. Many will say that they they are only of use in architecture, but they are wrong. Landscape photographers also need them if they want to have full control.
|