Landscape Lens

[Octoshark]

What kind of lens should I look into for landscape/scenery/sunset type of photography? Is there a certain characteristic of a lens that I should be paying attention to when the object in focus is so far away (like mountains in the distance, etc)? I did a quick search online and only found info leading to wide angle lenses (10-20mm).

For reference, I have a Canon Rebel XSi

 

[clippo]

on a crop sensor, 10-20mm is a useful range for single shot landscapes (or stitches for that matter). I used to use a Sigma 10-20mm on my 350D and 40D and got pretty good results (IMHO!).

 

[clippo]

on a crop sensor, 10-20mm is a useful range for single shot landscapes (or stitches for that matter). I used to use a Sigma 10-20mm on my 350D and 40D and got pretty good results (IMHO!). Tripod also essential!

 

[BlueCorn]

There is no such thing as a "landscape lens." I shoot landscape almost exclusively and use every focal range from a 15mm fisheye to a 400mm on a full frame sensor. It's a myth that you need to use a wide angle lens to shoot landscapes. While wide certainly has a place it's hardly required.

Is there a certain characteristic of a lens that I should be paying attention to when the object in focus is so far away (like mountains in the distance, etc)?

Nope. But that's what makes the use of a stable tripod so important. If you're trying to shoot hand-held you're going to have to compromise your choice of aperture. On a tripod, if the scene calls for f/16 you can use it. Shutter speed becomes a non-issue.

Cheers

 

[xtm]

A lens with a non-rotating front element is desirable but not required. It makes it easier to use a circular polarizer and other screw on grads/ND's. If you print huge 20x30's, maybe choose a lens that doesn't get mushy on corners. Light falloff is easy to fix in post but mushy corners might require you to crop the scene.

 

[Octoshark]

There is no such thing as a "landscape lens." I shoot landscape almost exclusively and use every focal range from a 15mm fisheye to a 400mm on a full frame sensor. It's a myth that you need to use a wide angle lens to shoot landscapes. While wide certainly has a place it's hardly required.

Yea that makes sense now that you mention it.

I checked out your website. I go to Monterey/Point Lobos at least once a year and was wondering if you shot those tidepool shots (sea star, crab, etc) handheld or with a tripod? I cant focus/keep steady for my life using a macro handheld.

 

[BlueCorn]

There isn't an image on that site that was taken without a tripod, with the exception of a couple of airshow pictures on my blog. It's my most critical piece of equipment.