Choosing the Right Lens - Landscape Photography

What are the different factors that we should think about when choosing which lens to use for a particular scene, and what are the characteristics of the different focal ranges.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Seeing the Scene
3:00 Wide Angle Lenses
6:44 Mid Range Lenses
9:41 Telephoto Lenses
13:04 Conclusion
If you’d like to join me for a landscape photography workshop there are still a few places left on my 2022 workshops. Check my website for more information www.andymumford.com/workshops/
If you're interested in purchasing any of the gear I use in this video, and you enjoy my videos, please support my work by clicking on the affiliate links below.
Thanks so much.
Camera & Lens:
Fuji X-T4 amzn.to/3hwoRsn
Fuji X-S10 amzn.to/3qCQzry
Fuji X-T30 amzn.to/2Qp74Gq
Fuji XF10-24mm amzn.to/3ug8AOs
Fuji XF55-200mm amzn.to/2YMVtE0
Fuji XF18-55mm amzn.to/37xapN4
Drone:
Mavic 2 Pro amzn.to/2PA4Fv8
Backpack & Tripod:
Gitzo Traveller Series 1 Tripod amzn.to/2CWyjnx
F Stop Lotus fstopgear.com/?rfsn=4299272.5...
Camera insert for backpack amzn.to/2M99b2r
Video:
Microphone = Rødelink Wireless Go amzn.to/2HcjBJE
Filters:
PolarPro Quartzline ND16 (4 stop) amzn.to/2yxkZWs
PolarPro Quartzline ND1000 (10 stop) amzn.to/2YLwaFy
PolarPro Quartzline Polarizer amzn.to/2WkGV01
Website: www.andymumford.com
Instagram: / andymumfordphotography
Facebook: / andymumfordphotography
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

[@snowwalker9999]

This was one of the best instructional videos and probably the most important lesson in landscape photography.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@odwcalvin]

yes, even years later! so well chosen illustration pictures! Thx a lot!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Just watched this again. Still brilliant.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Peter, really glad you enjoyed it

[@chriscauchi]

love how you broke this down into elements, never thought about it in this way

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Christopher, really glad you found it useful

[@fredericsoumier8096]

"Be sure every things have enough space to breathe" The better advice i've ever heard about composition. Grateful to you

[@AndyMumford]

It's one of the foundations of composition for me. Thanks for the comment

[@fredericsoumier8096]

@@AndyMumford Not a landscape photographer myself, i really apreciate the way you talk about photography

[@debadri]

Always a great refresher.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@deram2470]

best video 'bout focal length according to landscape photography I've ever seen! thx for it ☺

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@neilarmitage6632]

Agreed the best instruction video so far on KZbin tube

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the video useful

[@elifan2523]

Well put, thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching

[@julianrodewald7312]

Andy i just love your quality content 👌 and your calm way of presenting 😃

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Julian, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@captinktm]

Stunning images drive your message home, thanks for posting.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Chris, glad you enjoyed it

[@andrewscott743]

Another awesome video. You have a succinct way to teach great principles! Learning tons from you. Thanks Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Andrew, good to know you're finding the videos useful

[@tTLM823]

Andy, I have watched this video at least three times and get more out of it every time. Thank you for putting such high-quality training on your channel ... wow! And thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Tom, really glad you enjoy the channel and find the videos useful

[@linneakask9129]

I've only watched a few of your videos but I'm completely amazed of your perspective and how well you describe everything. You make me wanna get out and take photos! Thank you for your videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoy the videos

[@leanderhoefler7054]

Excellent video Andy! I‘m doing landscape photography for 5 years now and have never seen a link between the different lens types and the elements included in the frame. This is an excellent guide for when you‘re not sure where to start at a new scene. Brilliant!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Leander, really glad you found it useful

[@kzuk9237]

Another master class in 15 minutes! Andy, you are amazing!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed it

[@w1p30ut9]

Thank you, you have reinforced some of my experience in using different focal lengths; particularly telephoto. I agree that foreground is important for ultra wide. I like using telephoto to get the landscape abstract. Please keep the videos coming!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@Pixela8ed]

Andy you're a master storyteller both in terms of your narration and your images. I am a complete newbie to photography and the way you have taught me so many new things it's just phenomenal. I am very grateful to you. I love the images you take and I wish to reach your level of mastery someday in landscape photography ❤️

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@1960ceramic]

Another succinct video, Andy! You are a real master at putting these videos together so there is no wasted time, and every word counts! Thanks for the great content!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@Axeman99L]

Having these breathtaking images as an example of explaining the focal lengths, i absorb the knowledge faster, get motivated and time flies by...Awesome!👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, I'm really glad you enjoyed the video

[@jimmyscott7414]

Great explanation and outstanding photos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@onions1183]

Mr Mumford You really are outstanding in every aspect of your video tutorials. I am 'hooked' but above all I am learning. Sincere thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you find the videos useful

[@iveymbabest5303]

Your explanations were awesome! Lot’s of tips in this video. As always you explain things clearly and add a lot of value. Wishing you a great summer!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful. Have a great summer yourself

[@MrJMAshraff]

Extremely valuable information; this video just showed your deep knowledge gained over the years in the art of photography.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Jamal, really glad you found it interesting

[@AndreaJump]

A really great video. You summarized in a single and simple concept a whole approach at the lenses. Thank you so much. You changed my perspective on that

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@maciejlewicki9084]

really top quality advice!!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching

[@nikolatesla9384]

So different to whats beitn thrown out there these days. This is something i have understood throughout the years. Thanks for summurizing it to well

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Brilliant tutorial

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@rickasher207]

I really like the way you convey technical info, clear and informative. Another quality video. Head n shoulders above the majority of content on you tube.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Rick, really glad you enjoy the content

[@saulsigalov]

Thanks Andy, love your videos! Grateful to be a beginner photographer in today's day in age with individuals like yourself and other great youtubers sharing such valuable information. My challenge is knowing what lenses to bring. I love the xf 10-24 and 50-140, but sometimes the weight comes into question for those longer 20km+ hikes. I also own the 16-80mm but just bringing that 1 lens I always find I want to go a bit wider or a bit more tele. A constant struggle of gear and weight! It may just be practice with the mid range zoom to make photos that work. Just love the look of those ultra wide 3d images and, the tele compression look of mountains. Something about the mid range zoom always seemed a bit boring for me.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoy the channel. I'm the same as you, I don't find the mid range interesting at all and only carry a wide zoom and the tele zoom. I prefer the 55-200 though, as it's lighter and smaller, so I'm never tempted to leave it behind.

[@andrewinnes479]

What a great way of thinking about focal length and composition. Thank you so much.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, hope it was useful

[@javaidiqbal3551]

As a beginner, I was always confused about when to switch between wide angle to telephoto lens for landscape photography. This, so far, is the best video which cleared my confusion. Practical and to the point! Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks again for the comment, good to know the video was helpful

[@claudeponchant5649]

Thank you Andy for your video. Yours photographs are always so beautiful.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@ArpadAmbrus]

A joy to watch your videos. Useful, clear, and illustrative as usual. Thank you so much! Not to mention your stunning photography thrown in with those examples, they evoke wanderlust on a high level. Not to mention gear lust for those who are not entirely covered in the lense range. :)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Arpad, really glad you enjoy the videos and find them useful. I actually think you can get by with just 2 zooms for most uses. I usually only take a wide angle zoom and a telephoto zoom with me on my trips

[@999rubina]

Thank you 😊 teacher

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@jimtrull683]

Andy as always I learn something from your videos. Thanks for sharing these ideas. You have given me some additional helpful hints when I’m out in the field.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Jim, glad you found it useful

[@chrisfor]

Such a valuable video, thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video was useful

[@sunsun344]

Thank you It was great to watch and learn.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@chris_perea]

fantastic explanation of the different lens types and when to use them. and your wonderful images support this film in an excellent way. thank you andy

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@peterfritzphoto]

A treasure trove, as always. Thanks, Andy. 👍🇦🇺🦘

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed it

[@jeffha]

Hands down the best photography channel on KZbin. Great work Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Jeff, really glad you enjoy the channel

[@diegocarsalade6653]

The best photography lesson !!!! ❤️

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment 🙏

[@rebar_radar]

Currently trying to ramp up my architecture/street photography, and these tips have been incredibly helpful. Thanks for posting!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@bradk7462]

This was great, thank you Andy. I learned more from this video than from countless books and trial and error. Keep em coming!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Brad, gladdest you found it useful

[@ozuidema]

Great advice, extremely useful. And, as always, supported by superb images. Thanks a lot, Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@michaelt7320]

Only just seen this. A great video which couldn't explain focal length and composition any better! Well worth watching, whatever your level of photography.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much , really glad you found it useful

[@davidroby8493]

Very interesting, very informative and beautiful photographs to illustrate your points. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment David, glad you enjoyed it

[@jenniferbostrom759]

Taking a High Sierras trip soon and this video was so well timed! Thank you for your clarity. I’m going to work on choosing my focal length with more intention.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found it useful

[@jasoncario7063]

Thanks for this video good sir! I have always been on the fence as to what to use. Very informative!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Jason, really glad you found it informative

[@frizzarazz]

Very informative, and wonderfully demonstrated. One of the best photography videos I've seen so far. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you liked the video

[@prayash]

Excellent video and well illustrated with some amazing photos. I recently picked up a 24-105mm F4 for my Sony and it’s been incredible for photographing landscapes. The various strengths of each focal length was very apparent when shooting with that one lens.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it

[@rosssayer6524]

Valuable information and so well explained, appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I have just purchased a 70-200 f2.8 so can't wait to get out and put the information into practice.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful. 70-200mm is a wonderful focal length for landscapes

[@davidselby976]

Covers the whole span of Landscape lens - terrific Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@oliviatrelles]

This is such a fantastic video! Already watched it twice and took notes.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, that’s really good to know. Glad you found it useful

[@ShaneBaker]

Thanks Andy - and thanks for putting in those FF focal length equivalents! Without them, I spend too much time doing mental arithmetic. :-) I should probably watch this video as a refresher before any landscape work. Stay well.

[@AndyMumford]

No problem Shane, I always get asked so try to put the focal lengths on every image in videos. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@Nonaxisymmetric]

I highly enjoyed this video and learned a lot from it! Very clear and lots of great examples - great job!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@younesmahrach5143]

Thanks a lot Andy for this very important and interesting video. I think this video or course is the most important and all landscape photographers must know

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Younes, glad you found it useful

[@edmirferneda8018]

Essas informações aparecem em muitos vídeos. Mas nunca havia visto exposto de forma tão simples, objetiva e precisa. Ah, claro, é com fotos tão belas

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Edmir, I'm really glad you found it useful

[@michivanhalen7086]

Wow, one of the best videos I've ever seen on this subject and landscape photography in general. Thank you very much! BTW, I especially love your super wide angle shits. I'm buying a 10-24 because of you :)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you enjoyed the video. And I'm certain you'll love the 10-24mm, it's a great lens

[@greggv12345]

Hi Andy thank you very much for this video I’ve found you on fstoppers This is the first time that I see a video that explains so well the composition with different focal lenses and how to use it Thanks a lot Have a nice day

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Gregory, glad you found it useful

[@nickshepherd8377]

Very well articulated and demonstrated with some beautiful images. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Nick, glad you enjoyed it

[@djmmtb4571]

What an outstanding video, thank you so much this is extremely helpful!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@zerlionngo395]

Love your content! Thank you for this

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@raylander6329]

Exceptional, exceptional, exceptional on all aspects; the high standards, the details, the depth; and images you show are just art!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@stevensakic4342]

Fantastic video.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@santiagommc]

Another masterclass, thanks!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@taniadina32]

Thanks Andy, another great video!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Tania, glad you enjoyed it

[@stephanrichard2677]

Simply brilliant!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@gord_tomlin]

Good analysis and very well explained, Andy. Thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found it useful

[@martycavassa]

Very, very useful indeed. Excellent!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@plebbyplebster9595]

I'm currently having a bit of GAS (no, not that, Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and this channel is a great cure. "No, I do not need 45 mega pixels full-frame, just look at Andrew's photos". Thanks for your work!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, and I really hope the channel can, at least partly, alleviate your GAS 😁

[@rainerubl2110]

... ... wie immer: tolle Erklärungen und phantastische Bilder....👍👍👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@eamonoc2268]

Great content, well thought out, well delivered. Lots to work with next time I am out shooting. Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@djking9828]

Incredible knowledge, thank you for sharing 🍻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@amv7m]

Great info. Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers for the comment, glad you found it useful

[@plusran]

wow. way to bring some class back to youtube! this was an instant subscription from me. Thanks for sharing this masterclass.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the subscription, really glad you found the video useful

[@80Demitri]

Love your videos.....your one of the best my friend!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@clementg7247]

I currently watch a lot of videos on YT on landscape photography to prepare a trip to the Dolomites in september. And this one is, by far, the most useful I have seen on the choice of lens thematic and composition for landscape photography. Thank you so much to share your experience. It's priceless.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful. You'll love the Dolomites, it's wonderful in September. I've been there every September since 2017, and I'll be there again this September, so say hello if you see me out shooting.

[@clementg7247]

@@AndyMumford Hello Andy. I'm currently in the Dolomites and I would like to shoot the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo. Which Time is more photogenic in your opinion ? Golden hour in the morning or golden hour in the evening ? Hope to see you there :)

[@AndyMumford]

@@clementg7247 I was there a few nights ago. It actually works well at both times of day, and it’s great in the blue hour too when there is alpenglow and colour in the sky, but I prefer sunset

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Great photos and great explanations. Thank you! Learned a lot from this video!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful

[@jerrykita8767]

Great info, thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@gandaraleandro]

great video! your photos are Amazing!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@georgescanvas]

Excellent tutorial supported with stunning captures. Congratulations.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad it was useful

[@luisgamez7207]

Great Video!!!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@wallystellmacher6794]

Great video. Awesome photos. Detailed explanations.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@chris5706]

This was a really useful and clear explanation. Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@EGDekker]

Andy, fantastic ideas and illustration - really appreciate your thoughts. I feel like a more prepared landscape photographer, cheers.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the video useful

[@tillist1]

Wow that is an awesome video. Thank you so much 🙏

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@kapilgautam7244]

Stunning pictures and great tips. 👌🙏

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@paulus0109]

Very clear explaned. Thnx.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@abhishekdey1144]

Stunning.. Both the photos and this video

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@abhishekdey1144]

@@AndyMumford welcome, your videos are indeed very useful, as well as a treat to the eyes seeing the pictures you have taken, . Love from India

[@kurotaka007]

Thanks! Seek and ye shall find. Perfect explanations.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@fuxing81]

Really educational video, thanks for sharing

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

Congrats for this extraordinairy content

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you liked it

[@mustafahussayn4744]

Amazing work and very well presented.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad it was useful

[@curt1286]

Very good video, thank you kindly for sharing them! Greetings from Sweden.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@gm010379]

THANKYOU...

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, hope you found it useful

[@AaronFrizzellPhotography]

Good food for thought.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment

[@ransackedroom]

Second and third those comments that you've really hit upon a compelling way to teach a general truth with this video. 5:45 you introduce a handy rule of thumb for lens selection that I'd never considered before. Is this photograph about 1 thing, 2 things, or 3 things? I'd never thought to ask myself that question. I live in a beautiful city of seaside hills and fog (San Francisco), I own lovely gear, and I understand exposure. But my compositions are weak, often very weak, and "rule of thirds" only gets me so far. This video, the thought behind it, is just the change of mindset that can help people out of ruts. Thank you. More like this, please.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful

[@felixcarrega7522]

Very well explained! I can guess your workshops must be great. Let me know ir you come down to Patagonia!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful. I was actually planning to be in Patagonia in April this year but had to cancel. Hopefully I'll return there next year.

[@guidovanwambeke9328]

Thanx great video

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment 🙏

[@srcull]

great video, very insightful

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much