Stop Making These Standard Zoom Lens Mistakes!

The standard zoom lenses, also known as kit lenses, 18-55, 24-70, 24-105, 24-120, 28-70 etc. have been my go-to lenses for several years. For some reason most of my favorite photos are taken at these focal lengths. In this video, I'll cover some of the mistakes, or issues if you will, you'll want to avoid and stop making when using the standard zoom kit lenses in landscape photography.

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MUSIC:

0:00 - Finally fog!
1:51 - Defining standard lenses
2:19 - Don't use a 24-70mm lens
3:35 - Not using proper quality glass
4:40 - Benefits of the standard zoom lens
6:57 - Get to know your standard zoom lens
9:42 - A bit of composition with standard zoom lenses
12:20 - Benefit from perspective compression!
16:08 - Do you have everything in focus?
18:43 - Avoid blurry photos with the standard lens
22:04 - Zooming too much / framing mistakes
24:28 - 400mm photo from Instagram story

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[motaztawfik]

What an amazing photo 9:17 WOW. Thank you for all of your wonderful videos.

[isabelladavis]

A wonderful Forrest landscape…trying to catch up from a super busy summer workload…always a pleasure to visit your beautiful works and country…stay blessed

[sapke]

Great video and beautiful images. Recently I own the Nikkor Z 24-120 f/4 S and now for me the go to lens making landscape photos.

[JaypeaFoto]

Great video, love the tree shots with the moss. The last one is especially nice.

[marilynrichards]

Another great video filled with many tips and useful information. You are gifted with an eye for composition and a remarkable talent for instruction. Your photos combined with the relaxing music selection are fascinating. I've learned so much watching your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[iftekharmamun]

Another great learning video for landscape photography. Location as always fantastic and mystical vibe to it.

[garymc]

I think taking a slightly wider shot, especially with a higher MP camera is a great idea. Not only is tightening the shot a whole lot easier- or even possible - in perfecting an image, but it allows for slight correction to level. Sometimes when the horizon is angled in the shot or the leaning of trees makes the images as taken look awkward a slight correction in post can really help. Thanks for valuable lessons.

[vladtepes]

This is a very interesting video. I have a 12-60mm lens for MFT and 16-80mm lens for Nikon APS-c. These are my go to lenses for general photography. They are wide enough and long enough for most occations.

[hamsterneckliving]

The photo at about 22 mins is just beautiful. Love the balancing between the branches that are more red and orange and the trees on the left and right border balance this out as well.

[rfggibson]

So refreshing to know your preference for the mid-range focal lengths.

[spidersj]

Mads, the music you use for your videos is so Tranquil, it matches your landscapes so well, obviously why you choose it. Have you ever been to Northern Canada for a photography trip? It might be worth a visit.

[stoettingerphoto]

That forest is so perfect for foggy and moody pictures, amazing! My favorite is the one with the X-shape-trees at 18:20.
I got some fog as well last week and finally was able to shoot a video about woodland photography during fog myself. Waited so long for the perfect conditions for it here in southwest Germany, took forever :D
Great video as always Mads, you are a big inspiration for me

[paulseymour]

There is so much valuable information in this video, I have had to watch it several times, The photos are outstanding and your instruction is incredible.Thank you so much for this presentation.

[MrRykymaru]

Thank you Mads. Again beautiful photos, beautiful place for a day of wandering with the camera. My standard lens, is my 24-120mm Nikon, 70-300mm Nikon and 20mm f/1.8 Nikon

[hiroshimarossross]

Another great and very useful video Mads. So happy that you got through the Covid and back shooting again.
Take care.
Ross

[AlexFiliUK]

Brilliant tips, thanks for the advice!

[juanitakelly]

Thanks for reviewing the difference between compression vs cropping.

[epronske]

Great tips on use of the standard zoom. You got me hooked on the Tamron 28-200.

[youngsanginTV]

I enjoyed a friend's professional video about using a standard zoom lens with a beautiful fog in the background. I sympathize and support you.

[richardsears]

Gorgeous shots sir
i have a 55x200 in my bag that i enjoy playing with