Which kit for Landscapes?

[FlyNikon]

Hi everyone. I'm currenty using the kit lens that comes with the D5100 for Landscapes. I've started to notice that the sharpness isn't as good as perhaps I would like and am considering a variety of lenses to build a landscape kit.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to which lens to get first? I would eventually like to make the switch to FX, and with the high cost of lenses was considering getting FX lenses so that in the future I only need to upgrade the body, is this wise?

Any help kindly appreciated.
Regards

[markgozz]

If you are thinking of upgrading to a full frame body then a FX compatible lens would be a great idea , I was looking at the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 HSM which gets some very good reviews on both DX & FX body's and at about £ 550 it's not expensive .

Mark

[ianpinion]

Originally Posted by FlyNikon

Hi everyone. I'm currenty using the kit lens that comes with the D5100 for Landscapes. I've started to notice that the sharpness isn't as good as perhaps I would like and am considering a variety of lenses to build a landscape kit.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to which lens to get first? I would eventually like to make the switch to FX, and with the high cost of lenses was considering getting FX lenses so that in the future I only need to upgrade the body, is this wise?

Any help kindly appreciated.
Regards

Can you tell us a little more about what you're using at the moment, particularly what lens you're using for your landscapes shots. Also, do you use a tripod at all and a remote release or do you prefer to work handheld? We just want to establish whether the reason for your disappointment is purely down to the equipment you're using or if you refined your technique a little more you'd get much better results.

[FlyNikon]

Thanks very much for the replies.

Im currently using the D5100 with the kit lens. I have just upgraded my small travel tripod which I don't think was up to the job with a Giottos MTL9361B which on first impressions seems fantastic.

I use a Nikon ML-L3 for remote release and have recently started using manual focus at the Hyperfocal Point for better results. I am hoping these measures will aid an improvement in technique but it is my aspiration to build a system probably around a D800, and given the expense of such equipment don't really want to invest in DX lenses with a pending FX upgrade. Hence my search for the first lens I should get.

My first thoughts was the Nikon 12-24mm, but I use a Lee 100mm filter set and would prefer to stick with it.

Again many thanks.

[ianpinion]

I thought the Nikon 12-24mm is a DX Format lens not FX, so it might not be your best option.

The other thing you have to keep in mind is that because DX format cameras have a cropped sensor, you will need a smaller focal length to get the same angle of view as you would on an FX format camera. So where a 24-70mm would be fine for FX it's not wide enough for your D5100. Perhaps the Tokina 16-28mm would be a better choice?

[StephenBatey]

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.

[FlyNikon]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I'm very interested to hear about the PC-E Lenses. I'm seriously considering getting the 24mm but I have heard that the Canon version is a better lens, and that there has to be a modification on the 24mm PC-E before it can be used properly for landscape work. I appreciate that the lens will be 36mm on my DX body and that will only be able to use a portion of the shift capability, but like the idea of the good optics and an ability to fit a FX body at a later date.

Thanks again.

[Rod Lawton]

Originally Posted by FlyNikon

Thanks very much for the replies.

I'm very interested to hear about the PC-E Lenses. I'm seriously considering getting the 24mm but I have heard that the Canon version is a better lens, and that there has to be a modification on the 24mm PC-E before it can be used properly for landscape work. I appreciate that the lens will be 36mm on my DX body and that will only be able to use a portion of the shift capability, but like the idea of the good optics and an ability to fit a FX body at a later date.

Thanks again.

I won't make any comments about Canon vs Nikon lenses, but I'm interested in this 'modification' needed for the 24mm PC-E before it can be used for landscape work? I've used them a number of times and I have one here at the moment, as it happens, and I've not heard anything about this. RL

[FlyNikon]

Rod,

Hi, sorry I think what I mean is that I've heard to get Tilt and Shift in the same plane the lens has to be modified by a repair centre, I didnt mean to appear misleading by suggesting you cant use the lens for Landscapes before this, I've just read that Landscape photographers prefer the Canon.

I would be very interested to hear what you think of this lens, how have you found it? Can I ask what body you use it on. A switch to Canon for this lens would mean a significant investment, where as if I stay Nikon I can at least "collect" glass before upgrading the body.

Regards

Cheers.

[Artsi_L]

With budget in mind - I'd suggest second hand Nikon 16-35mm wideangle zoom. That'll accept 100mm Lee filter set as well, unlike the behemoth Nikon 14-24mm. (However, there is a filter holder from LEE just for 14-24 Nikon, which would mean ditching your current 100mm Lee set you have).

Not all scenes need 'wide-as-you-can-go' approach. Wideangle zoom lends you latitude.

- A.