Best Lens for Landscape Photography (Rant)

Which is the best lens for landscape photography? If you only had one lens, which would it be? These are questions that I get asked a lot and the truth is there is no answer. No matter what, unless you own all of the lenses, there will be moments of disappointment unless you learn to be ok with not being able to photograph everything all of the time. One of the best things to happen to my photography is that I am now ok with not getting an epic image every time. Quick note: I re-uploaded this video with a small edit as I sounded like a spoilt brat when talking about kit lenses. My new edit does a better job :)

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 & 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
None today, but usually I download tracks from Epidemic Sound. Link below.

#LandscapePhotography #BestLens

[ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Quick note: I re-uploaded this video with a small edit as I sounded like a spoilt brat when talking about kit lenses. My new edit does a better job at explaining my thoughts on using kit lenses :)

[jimgraves]

The best lens is undoubtedly the one you left at home and you only discover this logistical error when you have just hiked up a mountain in Scotland in Winter.

[rhbraly]

My most stressful photography excursions have been when I’ve had several lenses in my bag. By the time I got to a location I was already exhausted and I began to fumble around frantically searching for the “perfect” lens for that scene so I could get a shot before I lost the light. My most relaxing excursions have been when I only had one camera and one prime lens. Then I just casually tried to find a composition to suit what I had. For me, photography is about stress relief so I now choose to go out with less options not more. Great video!

[KayGill]

“Master the lens you have” - I reckon that would definitely improve your photography

[stefanpangratz]

First thought: In my opinion the 24-70 is a very good lens to start. First, with actual cameras (at least 24mp) you can crop to get a more tighter composition. And if you like a wider shot you can do a 24mm pano.
Second thought: Don't buy F2.8 lenses for landscapes, it will save money and weight to invest into the f4 ones!
Thanks for the video, love that kind of videos :)
Regards
Stefan

[rayrussell]

"Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop" – Ansel Adams. So perhaps we should expect the same.

[Hirsutechin]

"Most photographers don't get an epic shot every time they go out." Too true, just get out and enjoy the moment. If you get an image, it's a bonus.

[terryrees]

10 - 200mm f1.4 is obviously the answer. We just need a manufacturer to bend the laws of physics and build one.



Oh, under 500 grams please too :-)

[DubYahJohn]

I really enjoyed this video but may be for reasons you wouldn't have expected. Firstly, let me say that I'm an amateur photographer on a very tight (kit lens) budget. I've been viewing your vids during lockdown and I'm now venturing into landscape photography, mainly due to you. The reason this video spoke to me so deeply is that, prior to lockdown I used to give talks to cancer patients and their family / carers for a cancer charity, to help them with the psychological and emotional issues related having cancer. The courses were based on a process called ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The first part of this is, Acceptance and we try to encourage people to apply Acceptance, not only to cancer but to all parts of their life. I don't know if you've previously experienced ACT but you're non-rant was was an excellent demonstration of how to apply it to any part of your life.
Thank you for this and all the other videos. I will be sharing this one with people who will make use of it in a way I don't think you expected.
Wayne John

[luigisaria]

"Is tought (when you can't get the shot you want) and it takes time (to get used to take the pictures that you can with what you have). But it's liberating and its fantastic. You really start to enjoy the true meaning of photography. Which isn't to be the biggest/best person in Instagram. It's to be out there, connect with the outdoor and to have a nice momento to yourself."

So good to hear that.

That is what keep us photographers going on and on with what we have and taking pictures of what we can.

[d-o-a-die]

The importance of lenses is the reason why I am baffled by the obsession with larger sensor sizes these days. You can get lenses that each cover a wider range of focal lengths while maintaining the same level of quality and size/weight for APS-C and m4/3 and at a lower price. Nikon 24-70 F2.8 costs almost twice as much as 17-55mm F2.8 for example. In the long term, high quality lenses are the smartest investment for a photographer but the focus is almost entirely on camera bodies now. When I bought my first interchangeable lens camera last year, it was the lens that dictated it. I researched and I chose one lens, THE one lens that I must have, and I based my choice of camera body on that. Even if this video is about gear, it is still kinda refreshing, bring the discussion back to lenses.

I also think maybe photographers now think too much about how their equipment is limiting them and holding them back. I'm not sure that is really the right mentality to have. Of course, that mentality is good for the camera companies, but for actual photography? I'm not so sure. Personally, I'd rather think about my own limitations and the ways in which I could improve. When I look at my photos, I usually don't think it is my camera that is holding my photography back. That's why I like to like to buy photography books and visit Instagram and Flickr and watch YouTube channels like this. I try to immerse myself and experience other photographers work and hopefully learn from them and grow as a photographer. I think that will help me more than any new lens, even if I didn't already have a pro-grade lens.

[StuffJ]

Thomas - thank you. This is probably one of my favourite videos of yours. It’s honest and cuts through the crap that others sometimes put out about “MUST HAVES”.
There’s a shot for every focal length, and I believe that learning how to shoot with what you’ve got is the key to producing better photos. Was really considering buying your book before, and I think this has pushed me over the edge. Thanks again.

[axm]

Quick tip: if you’re a landscape photographer, do not ignore quality older lenses, especially manual focus or adapted glass.

[samdensleyphotography]

Thomas! I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this video. As a hobbyist, and still relatively new photographer this was probably some of the best advice I’ve received. I’m always appreciative of your perspective and suggestions. Keep them coming!

[Duade]

Thanks Tom, I always appreciate your honesty. We have the same issues with wildlife photography, we see the lenses the pros use and think we need those to get the best shots, when you can get very nice shots with much more affordable gear. I agree with your comments re social media, it can be very overwhelming when starting out seeing all these epic shots when your own shots don't look anything like them. Over time I have learnt to enjoy the process more than the result, that way you still have a good time regardless of the final shot. Cheers, Duade

[coffee_artist]

Really like the idea of going out with just one lens with a specific idea in mind of how you want to apply that lens in a given situation. So much more liberating and also less to carry on a long hike.

[jimowens]

The old saying is "f/8 and be there". The best lens is the one you have with you when it is time to create an image. Working the subject to tell a story, and communicate your vision is the goal. I have owned various camera systems with primes and zooms from kit lenses to top end glass. When I look at my images and prints the last thing I notice is which camera or lens I used, and only another photographer would even think of asking. I make images that (I think) are beautiful, which makes me happy and that is why I do it.

[nethanja]

Best video on this topic, and I have watched a fair few trying to decide which lens to purchase. Thanks Thomas, you were entertaining as well as being realistic. It helped me to know what to do.

[humanelements]

Great video. I'm glad you talk about how liberating it is to be okay with not getting the shot! As much as I love my ultrawide and tele options I think I could get away with just my 24-120mm for landscapes. And even though I'll miss out on some compositions, I get to feel better not thinking about swapping lenses, juggling lens caps, etc. One camera and one lens.

[kennygo]

I now realize that I'm totally liberated! I never get the shot...