How to choose the RIGHT LENS in Landscape Photography?
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- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- A thing that is often overlooked when it comes down to build up a compelling composition, is the choice of the right focal length and the right lens, especially for the landscape scene that should be photographed.
In this video I'll show up the difference between shorter and longer focal lengths and how I decide for a focal length out in the field.
Christian Irmler
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congratulations with achieving a new lens,
I wish you taking good photograph with this lens.
I also wish you a speedy healing.
With this lens you will be able to take photos of things with giant moon in background
Hi Victor, thanks so much for your kind words, this means a lot!
Oh yes - I also thought already about the possibility for a composition with a giant moon, especially as I also own the 1.4 tele converter, what would lead into a quite big moon :) I can't promise for the next full moon, as I also need the right weather therefore. But I will keep this in my mind, for sure!
Nice greetings from the mountains of Austria,
Christian
Christian, I'm going to comment in English today. When I logged on there were 25 views, 5 thumbs up (including mine) and what I don't understand 1 thumbs down. How can one give a thumbs down to a video describing the use of focal length in determining what the photo should be about? It makes no sense. I'm always eager to hear another photographer describe what he thinks about when choosing a composition. Why did one choose a 35mm rather than 50mm view. Why did one put a plain rock in the foreground and use a 14mm to take a view of the mountain. These thought processes are really useful. They sometimes present ideas and tool use that I had considered. Perhaps I never thought about this. I think you did a great job with the focal length discussion. Mostly importantly, as always, you provided your thoughts when making such decisions. Why does a well-produced video that describes theory as well as personal application of the theory lead to a "thumbs down". It beggers the imagination!!!
Hi Erich, thank you so much! I know the community of landscape photography in that way, that photographers are helping out each other, sharing tips, supporting each other and beeing happy about the success of others. Over the years, I never saw all too much hate in landscape photography. I think the reason therefore is simply, that most landscape photographers are idealists and they enjoy the relaxing effects of it. Haters are rare on my experience and if - they are not long in or will not stay long, if they don't change their mindset.
From that point of view, I don't have the biggest problem with several thumbs down from time to time. I know, it's bad for the algorithm here on UA-cam, but I produce my videos not for the algorithm or for that little amount of people who give a thumb down - I produce them much more for those who appreciate the content and of course for those who tend to give a thumb up :)
Really great to hear, that the video was useful for you, Erich. And so nice to have talked with you in English as well :)
Thank you so much for watching and enjoy your weekend,
Christian
I am pretty certain that there are people who get a kick out of downvoting. If you've got a few downvotes that is perfectly normal (for youtube anyway). Some other people think they can do better and like to pick on someone else's mistakes but these people don't do, they don't create...
So many types of downvoters out there. It would be funny to see a video where the different types of downvoters are pictured.
Just stumbled on this old video. During the pandemic, I picked up this lens as I was doing more local wildlife photography however I still do a lot of landscape work and have been able some interesting images with it. Keep up the great content.
Hi Bryan, it is interesting which impact the pandemic had on all of us. And yes, it was a fantastic opportunity to buy new lenses, especially very long ones, to shoot straight from the balcony, if possible :)
I like the 200-600, it is a fantastic lens. I don't use it all too often, to be honest. But sometimes it is fun to shoot with such an extreme focal range for landscape photography, for getting further elements closer, but also to get that amazing illusion of compression into our scenes.
Thanks a lot for watching my friend and great that we didn't loose you totally to the wildlife photographers ;)
By the way: maybe the channel of my UA-cam buddy Adrian Alford could be interesting for you. He is a landscape and wildlife photographer from Australia: www.youtube.com/@adrianalfordphotography
Just if you are interested, wish him the best greetings from me ;)
Nice greetings,
Christian
Deine Videos erstaunen mich immer wieder aufs Neue. Wie dieses wieder. Im Grunde kenne ich die technischen Hintergründe zu den Themen die Du ansprichst bereits. Aber was mich immer wieder überrascht ist die Tatsache, dass ich nich in der Lage war die Zusammenhänge zu sehen. Es ist erstaunlich, wie vielseitig allein der Aspekt der Brennweite auf das Ergebnis der Komposition sein kann. Es ist zwar nur ein "Ausschnitt", klar, das weiss ich. Aber auf der anderen Seite ist es zugleich auch so viel mehr. Der Weg von der Kamera zum Motiv (Framing), die Wölbung und die Tiefenwahrnehmung zwischen Vordergrund und Hintergrund, die Unschärfe auf Grund der Distanz, die Tiefenschärfe und die Grenze der Naheinstellung... Amazing, das alles bewusst wieder zu einem Bild zusammen zu bringen :-)
Hallo Philipp, vielen lieben Dank für deinen netten Kommentar. Da ich immer versuche meine Videos für jede Erfahrungsstufe interessant zu gestalten, freut es mich umso mehr, dass dir meine Videos, als bereits erfahrener Fotograf, gefallen!
Ja, die Zusammenhänge sind nicht immer so offensichtlich. Das Hauptproblem ist meiner Meinung nach, dass man sich zu lange auf die bekannten "Stützräder" wie Drittelregel, Raumregel und Co "ausruht", obwohl es einen viel weiter bringen würde sich mit den Ursachen aller Regeln zu beschäftigen. Ich hör nicht selten in meinen 1-2-1's von erfahreneren Fotografen, dass sie sich z.B. in den vergangenen 10-15 Jahren kaum weiterentwickelt hätten. Das stimmt dann zwar meist auch nicht ganz so, aber das ist oft halt das subjektive Gefühl. Und wenn ich dann analysiere wo derjenige Optimierungspotenzial hat, dann sind es tatsächlich sehr häufig Zusammenhänge zwischen dem was er schon wusste :)
Das ist genau das, was ich in meinen Videos versuche - Zusammenhänge zu berücksichtigen, damit sich jeder Fotograf - egal wie lange er schon dabei ist - weiterentwickeln kann. Freut mich echt sehr, dass ich deinen Geschmack damit anspreche :)
Vielen Dank für's Schauen und schöne Grüße,
Christian
I am so sorry to hear about your injury setback. Very glad that you are evolving to meet the challenge of limited range. Frankly, some of my best landscape photos were taken from the side of a road. My friends with bad knees (like me) call them “drive-by” shots. I have a Nikon D7500 and my Tamron 18-400mm is my go-to lens. I realize your injury is not a torn meniscus, but “Rest, Ice, and at least elevation” help keep any swelling down. If you have that issue, I will yet again recommend unsolicited that a “zero gravity” chair has made a big difference in my lower back comfort when elevating my knee. Just call me your American Mom. 😉Take care and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Hi Mary, this is so kind of you. Thank you so much :)
"Drive-by" shots - this is something I never payed all too much attention to, to be honest. Because I always tried to find a really, really special place, anywhere hidden in the mountains and I never thought that there could exist such a special place straight beside a road :) But as I got out already amazing shots this year - one of my best even straight from a parking place, beside a high frequented road, I planned already some "road trip" and can't await for trying to get out the best. I'm really excited about that. Fingers crossed :)
Currently I get ultra sound therapy three times a day and yes - ice has also got one of my tightest friends in the moment. This really helps.
Thank you so much for your advice and enjoy your Sunday,
Christian
Wieder ein sehr lehrreiches Video, super mit der Linse, sehr originell!
Vielen Dank :)
Erneut ein sehr tolles Video, Christian! Viel Spaß mit deinem neuen Objektiv, hört sich alles sehr gut an! Und vor allem alles Gute für dein Knie, drücke die Daumen, dass es bald besser wird. Genieße dein Wochenende! :)
Hallo Chris, vielen lieben Dank! Ja, wenn nichts mehr hilft, bleibt nur ein neues Objektiv als Ausweg, haha :)
Es ist eigentlich schon alles verheilt beim Knie, ich hab nur noch eine Knochenprellung an der Kniescheibe und wenn ich mich übernehme, dann entzündet sich alles herum und es wirft mich wieder zurück. Aber es wird sicher bald besser und bis dahin muss ich eben versuchen kreativ zu sein :)
Ein traumhaftes Wochenende wünsch ich dir,
Christian
So sorry to hear about the setback with your knee. Best wishes, hope it will heal soon!
Hi Sergey, thank you so much, this really means a lot!
This makes things a bit more difficult for me in the moment though, but as I got out already some really great photographs while I was not able to walk all too much - I will not give up, I will even try to use these circumstances to my advantage. Let's hunt for some amazing photographs in the next weeks ;)
Thank you so much and nice greetings,
Christian
Next week I will go to the north of Sweden in a camper van. Abisko and Björkliden. I have wide angle lenses and a Sigma 150-600mm. Thank you for these very usefull tips!
Hi Marcus, ahh - this sounds after a fantastic adventure - I wish you fantastic conditions there and enjoy each single day!
And so good to know, that I'm not the only one with such a long focal length on for landscape photography :)
Have a great time and nice greetings,
Christian
Thanks for another great video, Christian! Many prayers are with you my friend for a full recovery. Just a thought, you walk thousands of miles every week bringing all of us your insight and knowledge as well as your beautiful images. Priceless!.. Responding to the last person's comments, someone must have had clumsy fingers and accidentally hit the thumbs down because your videos are always 👍
Hi Aaron, thank you so much for your kind words. That's really so fantastic to know, when a video was useful :)
My knee will get totally healed for sure, thank you for your healing wishes! It just takes a bit longer than I thought. Meanwhile I see it as a kind of challenge and I have already a couple of ideas to use these circumstances to my advantage (one of it is this new lens) and even to boost my creativity. Fingers crossed for some amazing photographs over the next weeks :)
I'm really not bothererd about some thumbs down at all. I concentrate much more on people who adore landscape photography and who are interested in my approach. And a comment like yours lets me forget about some sporadic thumbs down immediately :)
Thank you so much and have a superb photography weekend,
Christian
Fantastic video Christian and I LOVE that new lens you bought! If I was using Sony I would definitely be getting that lens. I am so sorry to hear your knee is still not right. I know how much you enjoy your hiking and landscape photography so I can feel your frustration. I have my fingers crossed you have a quick recovery. I am sure you'll be able to get some great shots of the Alps with that new lens. Here's a fun thing that you can do for me. How about you capture a shot of the full moon coming up over the mountains with your new lens and Sony A7RIV. I'd love to see creatively what you capture. Thanks for sharing my video and footage my friend, take care and hoping for a quick recovery 👍🙏
Hi Adrian, I'm sure you'd love this lens, especially for your wildlife photography. I made already some tests and it performs amazingly!
That you had this moon idea is quite funny, because I also calculated already how much space the moon would take in my frame, when I'm using even my 1.4 extender :)
However, this sounds after an interesting challenge. Not sure if we'll get clear sky around the next full moon in some days - but I'm sure there will come more fulls moon after the next one. I will keep it in my mind, for sure :)
And thank you for caring about me. It will take a bit longer, but my knee will heal totally - that's the most important thing. In the moment I just get inflamations around a bone bruise at my knee cap, when I overdo it - this time heavily. But I have to say - it drives me to get creative, what's finally not the worst thing in the world.
Thank you so much and have a fantastic weekend,
Christian
Wieder ein interessantes Video!
Vielen Dank :)
I have a old 300mmF2.8 screw drive lens with a 1.4x and 2.0x Converter. I'm saving for an used 400mmF2.8 FL VR and I just bought a low end AFs 200-500mmF5.6 E VR but it is soft in the corners when used on a FF camera so it is more for wildlife and not for Landscape/woodland. I have an AFS 200mmF2 VR lens that is sharp. Just got 24-70mmF2.8 and 70-200mmF2.8 Zooms but have not used them yet. I have some new prime lenses as 85mmF1,4 and 135mmF2 to test first.
Hi Thomas, it seems, you own a lot of lenses 🙂 I also collected lenses for a while, but I have already sold most of them, as I don't use them all.
I think, you will like the zoom lenses for landscape photography. It's time to try them out 😉
Nice greetings,
Christian
@@christian.irmler It is a historical consequence of me updating my cameras from the 12 Mpix APS-C D300 to the 45 Mpix D850 over the last 5 years. If I switch systems to Fuji GFX 100s, I'll only buy 2-3 zooms. If I sell my old lenses I won't get much money, therefore I can use them on my older cameras like 12 Mpix D700 and 36 Mpix D800E. Some lenses as a 85mmF2.8 PC and the 300mmF2.8 is from the film period.
The longest I have used is 400mm (70-200 + 2x extender), if I had longer I am sure that I would use it from time to time.
Hi Keith, oh yes - an extender is such a fantastic thing, isn't it? You always can extend your focal length, if it is necessary.
I also never went really above 400mm in the past, I'm going to use my circumstances as an oportunity therefor. Fingers crossed for some great shots :)
Thank you so much for watching and nice greetings,
Christian
Longest lens I used was 45-200 M43 lens, but i rarely used it to maximum due to bad resolution and I replaced it by lighter 45-150. And I think telephoto is perfectly fine for landscape photography .... well, not exactly landcape, but some details - lonely trees against fog, telephoto macro (if something like that exists). Actually some of my favorite photos are taken with telephoto lens, despite I use it very rarely. But these photos are not about cropping and choosing from many possibilities, there was always one very obvious subject. And most of them are taken on autumn mornings - due to temperature inversions and dissolving fogs.
My advice would be getting lens that can move tens or hundreds of meters while you can stand still, but AFAIK Austria has pretty strict drone regulations and I'm not sure if you live inside national park to make it even worse.
Hi Pawel, thank you so much for your tip with using a drone! I also thought already about it, but I'm not so so sure about it, to be honest. There is absolutely nothing against drone photography - but it feels a bit better for me to photograph with a "normal" camera. Difficult to explain :)
I wouldn't want to miss my tele lenses in landscape photography. Especially the range between 70-120mm offers so fantastic opertunities - not only for detail shots or portrait shots, by the way. Here in the mountains, ranges up to 300mm can be used for "wider" vista scenes even, telling a story. I rarely went much above, but this will definitely change now - from time to time :)
Thank you so much for watching and nice greetings,
Christian
Oh thank god, that is the 200-600 "only". I was not aware that this one had those strap attachments on the barrel and thus for a moment thought, you had gotten one of the big telephoto primes. 😲 😆
Those, I would argue are indeed wildlife and sports lenses.
These classifications are in my opinion not wrong either, as they just denote the intended typical use, not a limitation on their possible use of any sort. Just like with cars, there e.g. are off-road cars, but that does not mean you can not drive them on a road, too. And with an adequate engine it could be faster than most average cars, too.
Accordingly, I would classify as landscape and architecture lenses any smaller aperture ones as, as e.g. the f/4 zooms vs. the f/2.8 ones - not because you need them or could not use a f/2.8 one as well , but because the other groups like portrait and sports photographers would have a hard time using those, leaving mostly landscape and architecture photographers actually preferring the lighter f/4 variant, if all other optical qualities are the same.
For me, the longest is 400mm, had ordered a 1.4x TC quite some weeks ago as I got a really really good deal on it, still no delivery date yet though. 🙄
That relapse of your knee injury sucks, hope you get well, just do not overdo things too much too early!
You need a roof hatch in your van to use as a crow's nest to shoot from. 😆
Hi Elho, the 600 prime had no space in my backpack, haha :) No, it is as I said in the video: I want to stay flexible with the focal lengths. On sport and wildlife photography you want to isolate the subjects with bokeh in many cases, so yes - the prime is much more a wildlife or sports lens :)
There are definitely reasons why lenses get classified, as you said - but I think, we shouldn't let us chain inside those classifications. Sometimes it is good to break out :)
Good luck with your 1.4 on 400mm and fingers crossed for a super fast delivery. Thanks a lot for your kind words!
Nice greetings,
Christian
@@christian.irmler Right, as if backpacks weren't always filled anyway. 😆
Way more important than the bokeh (being *relatively* close either way, smaller apertures already do away with any background more than good enough) is the actual light transmission when that subject is moving quickly and the lighting is not all that bright.
Thanks for your crossing fingers, it must have helped! Soon after your comment I got a mail about pending delivery and meanwhile, about 2.5 months after ordering it, I finally received the TC. 😀
No real world tests yet, the dull gray rainy weather does not make for long telephoto conditions, but few tests I did with it on the 100-400 GM do show that the resulting open aperture of f/8 is easily noticeable soft (looking at 100% on the A7R IV), the sweet spot with very good image quality seems to be f/16, with f/18 and f/11 being hardly worse, all leading to more detail than just cropping in/using Super-35 mode. And then you can still crop in on top of using the TC.
Perfectly fine for my needs and really tiny in the backpack, but as I guess even a sleeping lion still moves too much simply from breathing to shoot him at f/16 during dusk, the wildlife and sports guys will still want that prime to occupy most of their backpack. 😉
@@elho001 Hi Elho, so great to hear, that you finally got your lens :) The behaviour of your 100-400 with TC sounds fantastic!
Long focal lengths for vistas or generally vista photography is usually difficult in low pressure conditions, yes. But there are exceptions in combination with other very special weather conditions, which can lead even into outstanding results. The transition of summer to autumn is here often very interesting. I will observe the weather maps over the next weeks for something like that for a shooting, fingers crossed.
Nice greetings and be careful with the lions ;)
Christian
@@christian.irmler Its my turn then of keeping my fingers crossed for you to get the conditions you are waiting for. 😀
Looking forward to see the results.
The longest lens I've used is a 400mm equivalent (I shoot M43). I figure if you shoot landscape photography with a particular lens then it IS a landscape lens. Forget rules!
Hi Michael, that's so true. The photographer itself is it, who makes a lens to a landscape photography lens, for instance. Wise words :)
400mm was also always the upper limit of focal lengths for me. It's quite a fantastic focal length for photographing in the mountains. But now I'm really excited to go above. Fingers crossed for some great images :)
Thank you so much for watching and enjoy your Sunday,
Christian
Exactly the same. But I replaced 45-200mm lens by 45-150 last year. Two reasons: first 45-200 is not sharp from 120mm up (at least mine) and i don't feel like i'm gaining any resolution by zooming further. Second, 45-150 weights half and it's smaller.
a single lens for portrait and landscape photography ,which lens is you prefer
Hi Sujith, good question :) This depends on the price range. If I would want to use just one lens for landscape and portrait photography, I would use my 24-70GM lens. You find my whole gear list linked below each video.
Thanks a lot for watching and have a great weekend,
Christian
You spent very little time explaining what focal length to use. Probably should have made two videos.
Hi Pierre, I'm so sorry to hear, that the video didn't deliver what you've expected. Anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts. It is always important for me to get feedback, because this helps me to improve my videos.
To be honest - there doesn't exist something like "the one" right focal length for a specific situation for me. My focal length choice totally depends on all the things I mentioned in the video.
However - I thank you for watching and nice greetings from Austria,
Christian