What Landscape Photography LENS Should YOU BUY?

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In this week’s episode, we discuss what landscape photography lens you should buy if you're looking to upgrade your current camera lenses. When I first got into landscape photography, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by the many lens options available - wide angle lenses, prime lenses, telephoto lenses, the list went on and on. And the fact that camera lenses are such a large investment only added to the pressure and confusion when it came to making my first dedicated landscape photography lens purchase.
In this video, I review the three lenses I use for landscape photography and how best to use each of them. Not only are these three lenses completely different from a focal length perspective, but they all require a specific way in which to get the most out of them. The two lenses that require the most unique approach to how you use them are a wide angle and telephoto lens. I'll show you specific examples of images taken with each so you can see how the lens being used can completely transform the final image. I'll also discuss multiple tips and best practices to get the most out of your wide angle and telephoto lens photography in hopes that the learning curve for each will be dramatically reduced for you.
If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.
Thanks for watching everyone!
-Mark D.
My Lightroom for Wide Angle Lens Tutorial Series
visualwilderne...
My Favorite Three Lenses:
Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM geni.us/0pIhS9g
Sony 55mm f/1.8 amzn.to/2BVxoPf
Sony 70-200mm f/4 geni.us/4KamQ
*Below are the items in my Camera Bag for 2019*
Main Camera: geni.us/giGwt
Vlogging Camera: geni.us/IzomiO
Best Wide Angle Lens: geni.us/0pIhS9g
My Long Lens: geni.us/4KamQ
My Only Prime Lens: amzn.to/2BVxoPf
Apple's Greatest Invention: geni.us/CBMtp11
Awesome Photog Gloves: geni.us/ANeK
Perfect Cable Ties: geni.us/9syhmC
Main Flashlight: geni.us/AKnUY47
Terrific Headlamp: geni.us/Bo5yD3V
Tiny Backup Drive: geni.us/pOAOq
My Favorite Jacket: geni.us/24WR4a
Giottos Rocket Blaster Lens Cleaner: geni.us/QXOk
My Filter System: geni.us/jbknI
Moleskin Small Shell Case: geni.us/EZC2
Favorite Adventure Backpack: geni.us/TAupq
Main Everyday Pack: geni.us/vvGD9N
Perfect Small Accessory Case: geni.us/tAN0pL
My Filter Pouch: geni.us/m8JE
Think Tank Photo DSLR Battery Holder 4 geni.us/kFcw
Memory Card Case: geni.us/Mygy
Vlogging Microphone: geni.us/C4Kb
Favorite Tripod: goo.gl/zNkqbZ
Main Ballhead: geni.us/1VwOUgs
My L Bracket: geni.us/BVjnsdT
*Photo & Video Gear I Use*
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I earn a small commission on the Amazon links if you decide to purchase the item. This tiny commission adds up and greatly helps me to continue creating content for this channel. I very much appreciate your support!
#landscapephotography #photographylenses
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

What’s your go-to lens??

[@KaitlynMcLachlanPhotography]

70-200, but wish I could get identical quality, size, weight in an imaginary 50-200 :)

[@thedarksideofozZy]

Awesome video Mark! My favs are 10-24mm , 50mm and 70-300mm

[@DCW96161]

My Fuji 16-55 f2.8 is pretty much glued on to one body, and the XF 50-140 f2.8 to the other. The other 10 lenses? Gathering dust in a drawer most of the time.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@KaitlynMcLachlanPhotography Haha - me too!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@thedarksideofozZy Love it - that's a great trio!

[@stevegrooms1142]

I just discovered this series. I subscribed halfway through the first video. I have two reasons for liking this series so much. First, Mark has a lot to say and he says it economically. He's smart and unpretentious, so it is a pleasure to spend time with him. Second, he frequently bounces from explanation to photo example, which is a helluva good teaching tool. I'm a fan.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Steve - I really appreciate this!

[@desiinscotland]

[me at the beginning of the video] --> "oh, I've just started with landscape photography :) surely I don't need new lenses, but I'll just watch it as a reference for the future" [me at the end of the video] - - > *starts browsing Amazon*

[@veedubistjlbx3446]

Exactly! LOL

[@TheUrbanmeister]

You made me laugh out loud, thanks for that. I thought, 'that's me, brother.'

[@NickL0VIN]

A C just like Mark, you can sell it on eBay but for a fraction of what you paid for. I was able to get about 70% back on my lenses which isn’t too bad.

[@_shskr]

Me too.

[@veedubistjlbx3446]

WOW! You're the first person to explain this so simply and with great examples!! Thanx Mark 👍 ~Jay

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Vee Dubist Great to hear you enjoyed it Jay!

[@aperez4198]

Could be the best photography instructional video I've ever seen.

[@Narsuitus]

I bought the following zoom lenses for use on my small format film and digital cameras. I have used them for shooting landscapes, reportage, general subjects, weddings, and other social events. I also use them as backups for my prime lenses. 80-200mm f/2.8 28-70mm f/2.8 14-24mm f/2.8

[@adamsrosales6519]

Great recommendations! I will add that a 24-70/24-105 lens is great option if you want to just take 1 lens. I usually take my 16-35mm, 24-105mm, and 70-300mm lenses on dedicated photo trips and just my 24-105mm on other trips or when I'm just going around town. The 50/55mm is great to have as well if you want a very low profile when shooting street (especially with those small mirrorless bodies) or a cheap fast lens for portrait photography but it doesn't have much use in landscape, especially if you're covered with a 24-70 or 24-105. I also recommend the fast 1.4-2.8 Rokinon lenses if you need wide angles with large apertures for night landscapes and such. They're super cheap and a great alternative if you don't want to pay double for the 16-35mm f/2.8, especially if you don't find yourself shooting night landscapes that often.

[@valeryprevil489]

I was freaking out about how much its gonna cost me to start, but it seems like 2 lenses are enough and the third one is additional if you want variety in your shots. Thanks!!!!

[@JJRAIA-es9cj]

It looks like we think alike. When I finally switched from film to digital about 6 years ago and had to buy everything new (camera and lenses), I got the same three lenses. But I recently upgraded my very old, manual focus, manual aperture 70-200mm, for a 70-300mm with auto focus and vibration reduction. Everything fits into a tiny camera bag, and that goes right into a real backpacking pack for hiking.

[@rogerhuston8287]

1. Agree on 16-35GM as the fundamental landscape lens. 2. 70-200 F4 vs 2.8. This one is a tough call. F4 is certainly lighter and you don't need more for Landscape. However, for me, I shoot more than just landscape and the 2.8 is more versitile. It is sharper and a better portrait lens. I just can do more with it. 3. This is why my 3rd lens is the 85GM vs the 55. I've never needed a mid range prime. I can either walk forward or back. 4. I don't have it yet, but the new 24 GM looks really good. I want another wide lens so I can shoot timelapse with a second camera.

[@chuckwalla2967]

What a coincidence. This video popped up in the midst of me trying to consolidate my lenses. And it pretty much matches my final decision. Carry 2 Nikon FX bodies with a 18-35 on one and a 70-300 on the other with a 50 1.8 in my pocket. I'll keep the 24-120 for general purpose and the 150-600 for birding. I'll sell off everything else.

[@busyflyin]

I'm a 65 yo beginning photographer with a D5600 camera 4 different lens. I am so glad that I found your channel and subscribed, you offer so much information. Thank you so much!

[@withaminutetogo]

Best demonstration of telephoto compression on KZbin. I was familiar with this concept already and have had long tele zooms before, and yet seeing the examples you gave certainly got me thinking of more possibilities. Great video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

withaminutetogo Awesome to hear! Much appreciate!

[@zak1dqcrj263]

Maybe this is a better demonstration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYW3iYxniMpjm8k And "distance compression" would be a better name.

[@esanford]

Nice video. I believe in the full holy trinity... that is, the 16-35, 24-70 and the 70-200mm. I find that I take 80% of images with the 24-70 because it is wide enough most of the time and at 70 it's at the beginning of the telephoto range. Consequently, I almost always snap it on first and then deviate to the wider or longer zoom based upon the artistic considerations that you discussed very well in the video. When I travel on non-serious vacations, I only take the 24-70 for weight reasons.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Ed! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@basilbcf]

For "Night Sky" photography (e.g., Milky way , Star Trails, etc), not to be confused with actual astro-photography (which in my opinion is photographing deep-space objects) , my go-too lens is a Rokinon 14mm.

[@markgoeman8139]

One of the best videos on wide angle distortion and zoom compression I've seen. Thank you for the examples. Most talk about what the different lenses do but do not show examples.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Mark! Really appreciate it!

[@Jicklenop]

I'm fairly new to photography and I must say I loved how you explained why each lens is necessary and what it does to the image. It really made me realize what a good telephoto does for an image vs what a wide angle does. Thanks!

[@Malcolmqp]

I agree absolutely with this lens selection for landscape. I shoot Fuji APSC and for landscapes would use 10 - 24mm F4. 16 - 55mm F2.8 or 50 - 140mm F2.8, almost identical when the crop factor applied. But like most people I don't just stick to one genre so have a few fast primes for low light, indoors and portraiture and a 100 - 400mm for sports and wildlife. I don't carry it all about, I put together 2 or 3 that best suit the type of shots I'm looking for. If I had to choose I'd keep the primes over the zooms for landscape as generally they are better quality, lighter, faster and not being able to zoom encourages more thought to be given to composition and focal length selection.

[@Malcolmqp]

As another thought - most lenses don't perform at their best wide open and zooms tend to only be at their best at 1 focal length (usually the shortest) so a stopped down fast prime seriously outperforms a zoom at the same focal length and aperture . Check the mtf charts for your lenses if you don't believe me! There are exceptions to this but only for mega bucks! If IQ is important to you then a fast prime wins every time.

[@gwine9087]

I have a few lenses left over from my film days, which I still take along and, occasionally use, if I am on a road trip. But, since I changed over to crop sensor, I have been sticking with lenses designed for my two DSLR's. So, if I am out and about, (and, because I am cheap) I carry 3 Canon STM lenses, 10-18 18-55 and 55-250. These give me the equivalent of 16-400mm gapless. Some day, I might convince myself to get one or two faster lenses, but, for now these do me, in most cases. If not, I can fall back on a couple of my full-frame lenses.

[@dgibbsfl]

Very very nice presentation on the use of various focal lengths in landscape photography. And you obviously have a very good eye for composition integrated with the focal lengths. Some of those images were stunning. I ended up with three lenses after almost a year of research. I actually held off buying a bunch of different lenses while I learned from guys like you on KZbin. 1. Tamron SP 15-30 f2.8 2. Tamron SP 70-200 f2.8 3. Nikkor 105 f1.4E ED My trade-off was the weight going with the fast lenses but I do more than landscape shooting and I don't haul the 105mm around in the field. I am just getting going again, returning to a previous passion (photography) and you sir, are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skill. I subscribed.

[@smooth6718]

I'm a Nikon shooter, and I bought the original Holy Trinity 20-years ago and liked it so, that I replaced it with the latest version. Nanocoatings, VR, etc. I also own a 50, f/1.4, but frankly, it only collects dust in my bag, because I don't like to have to move in and out, so I used the 24-70, f/2.8 instead. I really like the 14-24, f/2.8, and I used it last fall in West Virginia to shoot that Old Mill. I absolutely could not believe the difference between my shot and yours when I saw yours. NIght and day! And you used your 70-200! In my wildest dreams, I would have never thought about pulling that baby out. And after you went through your demonstration, I now know why the longer zoom really does the job. There is a small mill and a small waterfall just around the corner that I can used for practice, and I shall shoot it tomorrow! (Beats making the 400-mile trek back to WV.) After your fine instruction, I feel like I just got 10 years' experience in 15 minutes and not 15 minutes' experience in 10 years. Many thanks, Mark.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

Mark one thing to think of one that 55mm with the Sony. Is that you can kick on crop sensor mode and get to about 82mm and that lens is so damn sharp that losing some pixels isn’t a big deal. And the lens is f1.8. It’s a sweet lenses for panos both day and Astro. Nice to have that extra 1.3 stops over the 16-35mm 2.8 when light is scarce. I have the 16-35mm as well and your dead on, it’s a smoking go to wide angle zoom

[@davidp2945]

Very good video. When I purchased my Canon a few years ago it came with a 18-55 and 55-250. You have given me some good ideas on what to work on before I shell out money for better ones. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

David P Many Thanks David!

[@jarrajoseph-mcgrath9142]

David just add the 10-18 and be done! Great feeling and you can just enjoy shooting knowing you're not missing anything!

[@kitsva]

Congrats on your 1M views!!! I've been following you from just before your Acadia trip and I have to say you have your own unique channel like no other. Love how you mix all things photography instead of just one genre within photography.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

kits VA Thanks so much! I really appreciate that! It’s been such an exiting 2 years watching the growth of the channel! Thanks for being a part of the ride from the beginning - means a lot!

[@edc5338]

Another good one Mark! Like you I have too many lenses and mainly use the 24-70 Nikon and 20-35 Nikon lenses. I do use the 14-24 also, Time to clear the decks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ed C Thanks Ed! Really appreciate it!

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Favourites depend on what I am shooting. I too have had a bunch of lenses in the 50-60mm focal length range -- including an OTUS -- I almost NEVER shoot with this focal length - I processed 42 images in this focal length in 2016-2019. While I have many zoom lenses I don't use them for my best work. Of all the lenses I used the most between 2016-2019 >50 percent of the images I shot, processed and used were taken with my 600/f4 (both G and E variants) on various camera bodies and that is because during this period I was primarily photographing big cats in Africa. 2nd to this is my 400/f2.8 for another 20% of all shots taken, processed and used. I quote shots taken, processed and used, not just taken because I am seeking to understand the lenses I used to take images I used (typically published). The total published was 6,000 proceed images (excludes discards/duplicates etc...) between 2016-2019. During this time frame, only 500 images were processed with focal lengths less than 70mm. A further 20% (2,000 images) were shot with focal lengths in the range 70-399. HOWEVER, in 2010 - the year I published my landscape volumes -- I produced 1,800 images -- and 64% of the images published were taken with primes and of these the 21mm/2.8 Zeiss was used for about 1/3rd. Other primes: - the 50mm came second (hence my desire to buy a good 50mm prime), and then 24mm, 85mm, 105mm, and the 300/2.8 VRII. I have the holy trinity, but only used these three lenses for 35% of my published images. The 24-70 and 70-200 were used for 40% each and the 14-24 for the remaining 20% of the Zoom images. This showed my interested (at the time)m in Zooming with my feet. Currently -- with lockdown and bans on travel, I moved to a Medium Format system -- again Favorites depend on subject and style. My current "favourite" Prime lenses on my X1D-II are the 135mm (105mm effective) together with its 1.7 TC for portraits, 120mm (95mm effective 35mm) for macro and 30mm (24mm effective 35mm) for landscape. I have a 300mm/4.5 HC+1.7TC that work with the XCD being repaired which will provide 500mm/5.6 on the MF body -- so an effective focal length of 400mm --

[@tripleceas]

The picture of the puddle is really nice. Puddle almost looks bigger than the background!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Eric Stadler Thanks Eric! It really does - crazy!

[@johnbuterbaugh]

If I want a tight shot, I sometimes go to 75mm on my Tamron 28-75 and then use APS-C mode on my A7Riii to crop it even further before post-processing. Or, I will simply move closer to the subject. If I want a wide landscape shot, I usually take three shots (left, middle, and right) and then stitch them into one panorama image in Lightroom. I thought this would completely eliminate my need for a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. However, you explained how compression works quite well and the benefits of different lenses. It's something for me to keep in mind as I continue exploring landscape photography. However, at this time, I find that it would be wise for me to hold off on purchasing new lenses as I've been able to extract a great amount of versatility with just one lens.

[@stevepseudonym445]

I have to disagree about the explanation of compression. That's not a criticism of the video (which is good, overall) since it's about which lenses are useful, but while telephoto lenses help us create the perception of compression they don't cause it. The *only* thing a telephoto lens does is capture a narrower field of view. It won't be obvious unless you crop or zoom in, but you can also create compression with a wide angle lens, because compression is a result of distances and spatial relationships, not focal length. It should have been obvious that he kept moving back as he increased the focal length, and that did several things. That includes keeping the entire foreground tree in the frame despite the increasingly narrow field of view, and reducing the portion of the total distance to the background that's behind the tree. The latter is what causes our perception of compression. In the wide angle photo it might be 50' to the foreground tree and 500' to the background tree, making the background 10 times as far away. In the final photo the distances may be closer to 500' to the foreground tree and 950' to the background tree, making the background a bit less than twice as far away. It's that reduced ratio that causes compression. A picture taken at the same spot with a wide angle lens would capture the exact same perspective and spatial relationships, plus a lot of extra stuff around the edges due to the wider field of view. By cropping the wide angle image you'd get the same field of view and see the same compression as with the telephoto, but of course the cropping would reduce the resolution. That means you don't really need a wide angle lens to avoid compression, as long as you're willing to stitch together multiple images taken with a telephoto. You can take the images from the same place and therefore capture the same perspective and spatial relationships that you would with a wide angle lens, albeit a little bit at a time. That would also offer the advantage of higher resolution, but add to the workload. It also means that different parts of the image are captured at different times, which might be problematic for something like stitching images that include waves on a beach.

[@dracphelan]

For those who are on a budget, using a mirrorless camera, and are willing to manually focus, you can buy cheap film lenses and adapt them. I bought a Minolta 70-200 f4 for $30. It works great for landscape work.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I personally haven't tried that, but I've heard of it before.

[@mauistevebear]

Mark, once again you hit a very similar note with me. I had 7 lenses...down to 3. A 16mm, a 100mm f/2.8 macro, and a 70-200mm f/2.8. I use the 16mm and 100mm the most for what I shoot. I do enjoy my 70-200 but you are right, it's heavy and I usually leave it home. the 16mm is really an 11-16mm f2.8 DX, but 16mm works on my FX left. I do have my eye on a 16-28 f2.8 FX because I want the zoom capability, yet the expense after all I have spent through the years, I ask, do I really need it? I'm on the edge. Moab was a success! I love what you did! Great job! I know you are going to be very successful at what you do!!! Mazeltov!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Steve Bearman I always appreciate your comments Steve! Thanks so much👍

[@prcoe1]

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS, by far the most convenient (and still sharp) lens when hiking to a good spot.

[@andrewkift6746]

Such a versatile lens with great image quality, I've had the 24 105 for 8 months, it was my first addition after the 16 35 g master. Personally I can't see the difference between the two if I shoot them at the same focal length, the 24 105 is on my camera 90 percent of the time.

[@glebermoura5865]

Appreciate how you teach and exemplify all these situations. Better than any class

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Gleber Moura Thanks so much!

[@positiveendtimes]

I have too many lenses, but for landscapes my go to is a 24-70 2.8 15-30 2.8 & 70-200 2.8

[@zak1dqcrj263]

Great video, but I think there are some misconceptions. Wide angle lens dose not create "distortion", telephoto lens dose not create "compression", **those "distortion" and "compression" ONLY come from the distance between the camera and your subjects**. A wide angle lens or telephoto lens just gives you a correct filed of view to frame what you want.

[@NickGranville]

My go-to lense are the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (not my favourite but a workhorse), Zeiss Distagon 21mm f2.8 and the Helios 44-2 58mm f2 or the Sony 85mm f1.8 (both used equal amounts). I could use a 70-200. Prob my next lens. Also, I've been playing round with a mates 500mm sigma and I really, really like that for landscapes. It's a pain that it's so heavy but the compression and images for it as just so much fun.

[@moneyblackblood]

It's not the lens that changes the ratio between treeline and that branch, it is the distance of the camera from the tree - the closer the camera to the tree the further above the treeline that branch will be. If you put the longest lens in the position your shortest lens was the space between the branch and the treeline would be the same, just zoomed in. And if you placed the widest lens at the same place as the longest lens and then cropped the image to match it would look identical ("compression" included) but be lower res.

[@coopscorner123]

I use a canon EPS 18-135mm wide angle zoom lens for long distance wide angle shots, and when I need to get up close and personal with a particular portion of the scene, I use my 70-200mm telephoto Canon lens; on my Canon T6s APS sensor camera. I also have a 24mm fixed lens that I am beginning to use for those portrait mode landscape shots.

[@Melanie-lx3bg]

Out of all the videos I watched, yours was the most informative. Every time i watched a video about landscape lenses there were SO many options and it was never really clear what each lens could do and what the best option would be for beginners. I really appreciated that you took the time to show photos of each lens, so that people could see the difference. It was even more helpful that it was the same location as well that way we could really see the difference. I also appreciated that you explained what distortion was and fast lens. Definitely subscribing and will be watching and recommending your videos. Thank you so much!

[@calvinwhitehurst6323]

This was such a good video. You really demystified how lenses actually work. Thank you.

[@kevinpower9534]

Iam coming late to this party but loving your videos. So helpful. For info...I saw your great photo of the puddle and great rock in one of your other videos and thought ...wait for it....that’s a great shot of a beautiful scene and the” LAKE “ with the shadows is cool. Just goes to show until you actually explained what you did I had no idea it was only a puddle. Thanks for making me feel an idiot by the way! Lol. It makes you wonder how many great images actually trick us with the effects you have masterfully explained.

[@playeronthebeat]

I'd bridge the 35-70 Gap with a 24-70 2.8 Lens :D Holy Trinity Of Lenses full. But I'd like to have a 85mm 1.4 (for portrait which happens more often than I thought) and yeah. That's basically it :D I'd love to have those four lenses. Especially since it reduces lenses needed. I might look out for an even faster ultra wide angle lens, but that's actually something I do think of, when I got my dream set up :D (ouh and currently I got this: Canon 10-18 4-5.6, Canon 18-55 kit, Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 (or whatever), Canon 50mm 1.8 and the Sigma 24-70 2.8; next big think will be a camera upgrade. Another step up from my now six year old EOS 600D/Rebel T3i :D)

[@karim1485]

Great video, subscribed!!! I am selling my 16-35mm, my first lens I bought 3 years ago, because I realized that I never really used 16mm. Actually, it was mounted on an APS-C camera so it gave me an equivalent of 24-50mm F5.6 all the time. Then I upgraded to a full frame and currently use 'the' new 24mm f1.4 that finally allows me to capture unreal shots at night, or use the Crop Mode on my A7r II for 35mm. It is my go to lens and leaves my 16-35 collecting dust. The 55mm's (small) size is unreal, it is super light and really awesome. I also don't use it too much, so I agree with you on that point but it is always a nice lens to have. TLDR: Get the 24mm f1.4 over a 16-35mm! It's cheaper anyway

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ka Rim Thanks so much for subscribing! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. I’ve never used the 24mm but have heard great things about it!

[@Spartacus1975]

For my A7R III and landscape photography I use two lenses: The Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM (super sharp, practical for astrophotography and very flexible in the mountains) and the Sony 70-200 F 2.8 GM (also super sharp, very good if I want to pick up some details, it´s fast so I also use it sometimes for portraits). Around 50 mm I don´t need anything, if sometimes yes, I can crop from the 42 MP :-)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Both of those lenses married with the a7riii is pure magic!!

[@GrayLineOverland]

You really do a good job not overcomplicating things. That is why I just hit subscribe keep it coming

[@MrFoghorn111]

One comment on the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens benefit is if you want to add a teleconverter to your lens for extra reach. Particularly the 2x teleconverter. I don't know if it's even usable on the f/4, but if it was, you'd lose 2 stops of light and on an f/4, you really can't afford to lose 2 stops. If you're going to shoot some wildlife while you're out, the teleconverter is a cost effective benefit of the f/2.8 version of the 70-200mm lens.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thats a good point Glenn!

[@owenoatley1331]

Out of all the videos I have watched, I get the most out of yours! Keep it up

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

David Caddell Great to hear! Many thanks David!

[@antoniocorado2449]

Nice info,my canon 16-35 2.8 is my workhorse can shot landscape, portrait n macro at 35 mm 2.8.I can go anywhere with this lens only in my bag of course with my nd filter.By the way I shot more on landscape ,wide angle portraits and macro on wide angle to have different perspective.Thanks for the info and love it and confirms my experience.

[@pauldowney7130]

You are fast becoming one of my top two go to KZbin coaches! The clarity of your explanations, your own learning experiences and choice of topics suit my needs perfectly. Thank you. 😊 Also, that grist mill shot you use from time to time is drop dead gorgeous - I hope to emulate that one day… It would make a fantastic puzzle, too - just sayin’! 😃 (another source of revenue??…)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Really appreciate that Paul - thank you! Oh that's a good idea, a puzzle - didnt think of that one yet!

[@erikavelazquez1835]

Good advice. I do landscape and architectural photography and I have been using three lenses. My lenses are from the Canon L series 16-35mm f/2.8, 24-104 f/4 and 100mm macro. This last one is for material details. As an architect I’ve been wondering if I need to invest in a tilt/shift lens, but for now I don’t need it.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Erika Velázquez That Canon 16-35 is just lovely✨ I’ve never used a tilt shift lens before but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try.

[@efisioluigidessi4588]

Good point... i got stuck in the same situation... too many lenses to choose from, so too much distraction... going to get rid of some of my lenses to semplify my set up and put more attention and time in the photographs instead of gear... 👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Reducing the amount of gear I bring has certainly helped with my focus for sure!

[@efisioluigidessi4588]

Mark Denney Yep exactly... as you described in the video my way to go is the same... a wide angle lens zoom and a telephoto lens zoom... i don’t really use something in the middle... except for a standard focal range fast prime to play with for something more creative every once in a while...

[@kenyamenza5035]

Fe 16-35 F4 / Fe 70-200 F4 / Fe 85 F1.8 / Rokinon 35 F1.4 / Fe 90 macro

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

What you didn't mention about the images with the tree is that you not only changed lenses, you moved further away or closer. That, not the lens choice, is what compressed or expanded the perspective and either eliminated or accentuated the gap. Distance from the subject affects perspective. (There is math involved, which Northern Renaissance painters like Van Eyk frequently employed.) The lens determines how much or little of the scene is framed. Another example re the mill: if you stood in exactly the same position as you shot the 75mm image but with the 16-35 lens, and then cropped the resulting image to match the 75 mm framing, you would have the exact same image (but with great loss of resolution and detail). To frame the same area with a 16mm lens without cropping, you have to move much closer to the rocks; but, as you said, the mill would appear much smaller and further away than it actually is. So, a better title for this video would be "What landscape lens should I use, and why?", but with a fuller discussion about how distance from subject affects framing and how to use the laws of perspective to your advantage.

[@andrewmarshall1407]

Is this true? I thought that at first, but now I'm just confused.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Andrew Marshall it's absolutely true. I was an art major and got an A in "perspective drawing". Think about it. The closer a given object is to you, the bigger it looks. The farther away something is, the smaller it looks. When multiple objects in a scene are relatively far away from you but close to each other, as seen through a telephoto lens, the size and distance differences between those objects as they appear to your eyes are minimized. This is the "compression" effect photographers often speak of. Things don't look that far apart from each other when they're all relatively far from you, the viewer. But when one object is very close and another very far, the close object appears disproportionately large and close to your eye compared to the far object. The wide lens allows you to see both close objects and far objects, but the distance between them expands their apparent scale difference. Again, there is math involved. 😉

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Andrew Marshall I just saw this video and immediately thought of you. An excellent explanation of perspective based on distance from the subject, and how using telephoto lenses can be well used in landscape photography. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6O2mGN_iqt2Y5o

[@rogerking2801]

I think it is all lens, he kept the tripod in the same place or he would have said something.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@rogerking2801 by the laws of optical physics, it's impossible. If you start with the wide angle shot of the tree, switch to a telephoto, all you'll get is a closeup of the tree trunk. A telephoto only crops to reduce the field of view. Look out a window, then without moving, cup your hands around your eyes. That's what a telephoto does. Yes, Mark should have said something.

[@cathyann8093]

I have a 70-200 F4 lens that I never use. Well, now I'm going to get it out and play with it! Excellent video. Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

CathyAnn Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed it!

[@alemsabanovic233]

You've just got one subscriber, this is one of the best if not the best video about photography ever. Not only you described difference between lenses but you made great videi how to use them to be more creative. Good job mate.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Alem Šabanović Awesome! Thanks Alem!!

[@awaken77]

Im in search of the lens, which is wideandgle (24 -28mm) and sharp corner to corner. Most general purpose lenses are soft in corners :-( Even expensive ones. This is irrelevant for portrait, journalism or street photography. But in landscapes with F-stop 8-11, difference between center sharpness and corners is noticeable, especially in the foreground. The only lenses I judged from samples which are OK in corners: Sigma 24mm/1.4 Art , Tamron 15-30/2.8 and Nikon 14-24/2.8. I'd like to see more recommendations. Doesn't matter which camera, I think the lens is more important than camera body.

[@beerequalsheaven]

We have have the exact same lens set up except the 70-200 f4 I sold mine and got the GM with a noticeable upgrade in infinity focus detail (..and weight!). I had the 24-105 for a while but again the fine details at infinity i.e rocks on mountains, glaciers and trees far of at the back of the scene where (slightly) softer than the incredible front to middle focusing that was more detailed (and yeah I did focus properly for a image stack, even manually to no joy) . I then got the 24-70GM that only improved by the finest of hairs over the 24-105 at infinity focus, it's not worth the extra money so I sent it back. so the 55mm is a great choice between 16-35mm and 70-200mm. Out of all my 3 GM lens (which I have owned/own) the 16-35mm GM is incredible and yields the best results despite what any dxo chart may contest, even at 35mm! It's prime standard in a zoom really. PS: I don't go to restaurants, for some reason I never seen to have the money these days?! hehe ;)

[@ChasingTheMeso]

Mark, I've been watching your videos for the last couple of months. They're always entertaining, informative, and fresh. This video sure didn't help my desire to get a 16-35mm lens for my landscape & storm chasing pictures. Haha Keep up the good work!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Justin - really appreciate it buddy!

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Thanks a lot for this video! It clarifies (also certifies), on a practical way, the main reason for having the wide angle and telephoto lens in the kit. The comments about the need (or not) of "fast" lens reaches the point in landscape photography, cool !!! See ya, blue skies

[@wanneske1969]

I only use the Canon 17-40 mm f4 or 24-70 mm f4 IS for landscapes.

[@DobromirManchev]

Excellent demonstration of how the different lenses work. Actually the best and clearest i've ever seen so far ! Thanks a lot for making this video, it's very helpful. I was actually looking for some information, tips and advise/confirmation about my planned upgrade. We are planning a big, family road trip across Europe this summer and i feel it's about time i upped my lens game. Currently i own a Nikon D7000 and a Nikkor 18-105 lens. I've had this setup for a few years now and it's been mostly OK, the body is not top-end but i believe it should be fine for at least a few years more. However with the lens being what it is, i do struggle with low-light settings and obviously lack of decent bokeh and the other advantages a better lens provides. So my plan is to get 2nd hand/refurbished : * 35 mm/F 1.8 AF-S G DX * 17-50 mm F2,8 DC EX OS HSM and sell my 18-105 to cover some of the expenses. Do you guys (and Mark) think that's a good idea in general? Am i missing something? Any other tips?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much and really happy to hear the video was helpful! Your plan sounds solid to me - buying second hand is a great way to save on the upfront cost for sure!

[@owenlawre]

I've heard about the compression that takes place with the longer lenses. But to see it like this was super helpful. Thank you.

[@happytang3994]

Thank you for comparing different lenses with the same image, and explaining why we need telephoto lenses at landscape photography. These are exactly what I need at this stage. Now is to decide what to bring when going travel...

[@mitchellrobbins5073]

Wow, the compression thing was a light bulb moment for me. The last thing I think of when I think landscape is a telephoto but this really opened a door to experimentation for me.

[@rattlhed1]

Mark, I recently discovered your KZbin channel and have really been enjoying your videos. I'm a landscape photo-enthusiast and some of the nuggets of wisdom you've shared are fantastic. This video has been my favorite so far and it has taught me something I've never considered. I too have a wide angle and zoom lens in my kit, and I've used them strictly for how I want to frame a shot (do I need to be close or far), but I've never considered the fact that a wide angle lens makes everything see much more exaggerated in distance between objects while a zoom lens compresses the shot and drastically reduced the depth of the image. This is a huge take-away and will really make me rethink my compositions next time I'm on a photography adventure. Keep up the great work!

[@Curtis-Randall]

You are my new favorite person. I am binge watching all of your videos. Fantastic work!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

You are the man Curtis! Thanks so much!

[@JunYamog]

This video is very relevant to me, I started with a few Sony APSC camera. Sorted my lenses and last lens to fill the line up is the 70-200 f4. Eventually got an old A7rii, as I was backing up on portraits/flowers/details with the 70-200 f4 with FF it's much more usable. 16-35 f2.8 seems to be logical for me as I use 24mm and 12mm a lot, 36mm and 18mm in FF equivalent. But the 16-35 f2.8 is expensive and big. However I do use f2.8 on astro. Difficult choice for me as well as I am not a pro. Anyway I will try sell my 12mm then decide. Why didn't you go for 16-35 f4 + ultra wide prime?

[@dkiss]

I use a D750 with a 24-70mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8 and the mighty 70-200mm 2.8

[@GinzoIT]

Great video! BUT I wouldn't recommend the FE 70-200 F4 tbh, from the comparisons I've seen the 70-300 G has almost the same crispness (let's say 95%) but it's far cheaper, smaller, has 100mm more range and 3x the magnification ratio (allowing near-macro in the field). You just lose a stop in the process (but for landscape that's not a big issue) and the tripod foot (but there are third parties available). I had it but sold it to finance me the 100-400 GM that is even better for what I shoot :D

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much! Yeah the additional reach would be a nice added bonus

[@sreflectionbg]

Very informative, thank you! Folks always talk about compression, but you showing us side by side comparison is eye-opening! Sigma Super-Wide 24 2.8, Canon 50 1.8 STM and old Canon 70-210 3.5-4.5 - 70-200 f4 someday :(. That is my holy trinity!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it and happy to hear the video was helpful!

[@KoreyHart]

Great video, and tips! I would like to say, I do (my opinion) like when trees in a forest lean inwards. Maybe cause it feels like you are walking into a tunnel. But I can agree in a building that type of perspective is ugly. Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Korey Hart Photography Thanks Korey! Glad you like it bud!

[@stevemozzie6497]

I photograph runners out in the landscape - 85mm on a crop sensor D7200 - works well for me.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Nice! Sounds like a good setup for what you're shooting!

[@bradhalcrow1297]

Far out, I've been binging your content lately Mark. So many questions I didn't realised I had - answered. Clearly, calmly, succinctly. Backed with great examples. Nice balance of technical, with real world scenarios. Anyway, thankyou. Great job Mark.

[@wanneske1969]

I use the canon 17-40 mm f4 and 24-70 mm f4 , the first the most. I also haven an Irix 11 mm f4 for dramatic effects but I don't use it that much, I can't put filters on it

[@margaritan6622]

Wow, although I knew about compression, I hadn't realise how much difference it makes from a compositional point of view. I am a Nikon shooter, but my exception to using only Nikkor lenses is the Tokina 11-16, which I love. Need to get lower and see what I can do with it. Thanks again, Mark, for a great video! Cheers from Australia.

[@chrispyatt5276]

Good info, just a suggestion, change the battery in your clock over your left shoulder LOL.

[@ksnmurthy4476]

What a tutorial Mark. Amazing. Igor my answer which lenses to buy for my new camera. Thanks. As usual every video teaches something new. And the way you present the subject is visually engaging with a specific point in focus and at the end I get a conclusive idea. It's always compleye. All the videos I watch, you never leave the tutorial incomplete. Thabks.its apleasure to watch and learn through your videos. I see the real experience in the subject with complete justification. Great Mark. 🙏💐

[@echoauxgen]

Really Great compare of lens mm's! I have a basket full of lenses BUT mainly use only two SEL1224G f/4 on A7RM2 (for landscape) A7S (for astro MW) and SEL24240 f/4 on A7M3 for the all around grab fast. For landscape f/11 or so, so no need for fast glass and f/4 for astro BUT again f/8 to f/11 for city nightscapes. For super fast glass and bokeh my old Canon FD lenses and prism filters, After I got my first Sony I used them for two years before buying a Sony Lens with a speed adapter!! But for the widest Voigtlander 10mm f/5.6 talk about a puddle becoming a lake!!!

[@URSENIORUTUBER55]

Fabulously interesting and informative video Mark....You have a true talent for teaching and always provided such easy to understand and interesting perspectives......

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank so much - really appreciate that!

[@lifeinthemiddle55]

Mark, I love your videos and whenever I need to learn something about this or that, you are who I go to first. I love how you tell the facts and express opinions as they are!

[@peterbxxx]

Thank you for such a clear explanation of compression and how to make good use of distortion.

[@michaelhowse]

Thank you for making these videos so anyone from children to adults can watch them. I have a niece who wants to get into photography and I'm going to recommend she watch your videos.

[@stephendenagy3396]

I agree but differ on one point. I doubled down on the telephoto end with the 100-400 GM. From my Canon days that lens was my workhorse, but the GM version blows it away in sharpness. With the 400 mm reach you get wildlife options and really amazing compression. I always felt the 70 to 200 was limiting me. Plus, cost is about the same as is size. All the latest Sony and Zeiss releases dominate the top of the pile at DXOMark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Stephen DeNagy I agree with everything you’re saying! I’m looking to add the same lens to my kit👍

[@paulm8157]

👍Excellent post, Mark. Well illustrated. Hard to believe the body of water was only a puddle -- looks like a lake. Knowledge of lens characteristics can help in any photo genre. Will use the vid lessons, myself. Love the technical term "squish". The last time I went to the kind of restaurant you mentioned, I was so impressed I almost dropped my tray.😊

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Always appreciate ya Paul! "Dropped my tray" - LOL!!!

[@FKnoph]

I love how simplicity applies to both the gear and the composition! :) But you should have mentioned that you did not only zoom in, but also move back. If you stood in the same place all the time, the tree line would have crossed the tree at the same place for all focal lengths. The compression effect is about relative distance, and not focal length.

[@22Tiger222]

You're totally right! It's not the lens - be it wide-angle or tele - that has an effect on the relation of tree and tree line here. The position you shoot from is decisive. It's the perspective.

[@Kohizzzle]

Great video! I knew that with a Tele you stuff more into a Image (compress) but hell yeah I really like the tree comparison. 16 compared to 200mm - it’s crazy! Thanks for that

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Kohizzzle You bet! Glad you enjoyed it👍

[@goateyephotography808]

Very good information and demonstration how focal lengths work. My current lens lineup is an 18-55, a 50-200 (both kit lenses) and recently I bought a 70-300. Sounds strange, but the first two lenses came with the camera - bought it used for 250 bucks - and I realized in several conditions now that 200 mm might be a bit short, still. You probably can imagine that I now use the 50-200 less than the other two. But the advantage of the 50-200 over the 70-300 is that it's weather resistant, so... well. I too plan to get rid of the 18-55 and change it with the 50-200 for a 18-135 lens. Yes, they might not be the fastest lenses, but it seems as a reasonable solution to cut down gear. It's not only a matter of cost, but of space and weight, too. And the 18-135 has the same filter diameter as my 70-300, so another point for it. The last lens I might want to get in the forseeable future is a more wide angle one. I recently found an 8-16 lens which could be probably interesting.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Wow - 8-16mm is super wide, you could get some wicked distortion out of that one! Glad you enjoyed this week's video!

[@goateyephotography808]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Another option would be a 4.5 mm fish eye lens with f2.8 - interesting for an APS-C sized sensor. But I'm not sure yet which one I'd prefer. 🤔

[@Cory0rtiz]

Hey Mark, this is one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen in months about compression and how my wide angle can be used. Thank you Sir! The examples and explanations were memorable and easy to understand.

[@BernardSolomon]

For showing the effect of focal length alone - subscribed. Thank you. P.S. You have a wonderful narrative voice too.

[@RKSudan]

Very sensible and a well made video. Everything explained in simple language and demonstrated creatively. Kudos.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Raj Sudan Thanks so much Raj! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@MickeyGooner]

New Mark Denney video, instant thumbs up!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

There he is! You.Are.The.Man. Mickey!!

[@MickeyGooner]

No you are! 😂

[@harrycallaghan22]

Excellent video Mark. Just purchased a Canon EF 16-35 mm f/4L IS USM Lens after using my 14mm Prime as a 'go to' for my landscape photography. I found that the 14mm was occasionally too wide and needed something a little less brutal. Also found the 16-35 is good for video. Anyway, as usual, great information here.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Harry - really appreciate it!

[@johnmadden6656]

Thank you for explaining compression...never understood what it really meant....great explanation!

[@flutterbydragonfly]

Love your videos! All the different points you are talking about are all things that I went through as a new photographer many years ago. I hope lots of new photographers find your videos and heed your excellent advice.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Debi B Thanks so much Debi!

[@NickL0VIN]

Do you shoot at 16-24mm often? If not maybe get a 24-70mm constant F2.8 from Sony or Sigma. Then get rid of your 55mm and you’ll only have two lenses! I’m like you, went from 6 lenses down to 3, soon to be 2 and it feels great! (I travel a lot).

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Nicholas Nguyen Yeah I’m usually between 16 and 24mm

[@thomasbowan7864]

I totally understand know why I want to get the trilogy of zoom lenses from 16mm to 200mm. It so gives you so many focal looks to work with. Thank you so much for this video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thomas Bowan Glad to do it Thomas! Glad you enjoyed it👍

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Thank you, Mark, lot's of useful information because that's precisely what I'm in the process of doing, upgrading my lens. Thanks again, once I've reviewed other videos I'll be posting some questions for useful suggestions, take care!

[@timotheus34]

Tamron 17-35 f2.8, Tamron 28-75 2.8, 100mm 2.8 macro and a 70-200 f4

[@mickeyred]

I thought that puddle was a lake. Lovely practical examples. Liked for future reference.

[@kristynas6815]

Well.. You know, sometimes I was wondering how is it possible, that some place in the picture in magazine looks so cool, like "i have to go there". Then, I get there and am like "really, that´s it?" :D Now I know... :D It seems like a really cool magic to me now. I´ve just chosen my first DSLR camera literally few hours ago. So thank you for you videos (I´ve already watched few of them) and your clear explanation and examples, so even a laik can understand well. Now, I am going to check more lenses... :D

[@DaveJhnsn2]

Very helpful from from both a photography gear and landscape educational perspective. I am sure this will help me to become a better landscape photographer. I really liked the photo comparisons showing compression with the various lenses. Thank you.