The first lens you should buy for landscape photography

The first lens you should buy for landscape photography

Landscape photography allows you to immerse yourself in nature. Hiking through the natural world and chasing light in search of an image can be very rewarding. It is very important you have the appropriate lens to be able to capture stunning images. But where do you start, what lens should you buy first? Lenses can be very expensive and there are an overwhelming amount of options. I have been taking landscape images for the past 12 years all around the world. I will share my recommendation for the first lens you should invest in to start your landscape photography journey.

which lens to buy first?

My recommendation is that the first lens you should buy for landscape photography is a wide angle lens. A wide angle lens is, as it sounds, a lens that lets you shoot a wide field of view. Having such a wide field of view lets your images appear to be viewed in an almost first person perspective. This allows the viewer to feel as though they are standing in your shoes and viewing the landscape firsthand.

Many times while shooting landscapes you are presented with a scene that you will want to capture as much as possible. A river flowing to mountains, waves coming up to the beach, and colorful sunsets. A wide angle lens lets you put all these interesting element together, capturing them in a single photograph fully conveying the grandeur of the natural scene.

A wide angle lens is a good first choice because it helps you learn discipline while taking landscape photographs. When you get your first wide angle lens and head out for a hike you will want to take pictures of everything, as you should. You will quickly learn that shooting wide will include many distracting elements that are unpleasing or do not contribute to the image. This will force you to be more cautious of what you shoot and be mindful of what the main subject is. This also helps you learn how to emphasize that subject using other element.

My first big DSLR lens purchase (besides the included kit lens) was a AF-S DX NIKKOR 10mm-24mm f/ 3.5-4.5 wide angle lens. (The lens was an APS-C crop sensor lens. This meant the focal length was multiplied by a factor of 1.5x. The actual mm of the lens was 15mm-36mm.)

I was immediately impressed by the upgrade in quality as well as the ability to shoot at a wider angle. I bough the lens a week before I took a road trip to the Southwestern United Sates, canyon country. In places like Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park I would find myself in a situation where I was on a cliff overlooking a canyon or in front of a large rock monolith. Though I was inexperienced at photography at the time and didn’t capture portfolio worthy images, I still was able to understand the compositions would not have been possible without a wide angle lens.

ISO 100. F/11. 5 sec. 12mm (18mm full frame equivalent) AF-S DX NIKKOR 10mm-24mm f/ 3.5-4.5

Watch how I captured the above image on YouTube:‍ ‍Australia Through The Lens: Western Australia

The above image was shot at 18mm. Shooting this wide allowed me to get the rocks in the foreground as well as the ocean and islands in the background. The clouds held a lot of interest in this scene so I wanted to include them as well. Using such a wide field of view really helps to convey the scale of the landscape by including multiple elements from different distances from the lens. In this image the rocks are in the immediate foreground. Then Then the trail and point are in the mid ground followed by the islands and the sky in the background. Aligning all these elements helps to lead the viewers eye through the image.

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What is a wide angle lens?

A wide angle lens is a lens that has a focal length of 35mm or shorter.

There are also three subcategories when it comes to wide angle focal lengths:

Standard wide angle: 24mm-35mm

Wide angle: 16mm-24mm

Ultra wide angle: under 16mm

Typically wide angle lenses on the market have a focal length of 16mm-35mm (full frame) or APS-C equivalent based on crop factor. These lenses cover the standard and wide angle category and are most useful for landscape photography. When you get into ultra wide angle lenses you will start to get a fisheye effect. This can be useful if you plan on shooting astrophotography but for typical landscapes the fisheye effect is generally not pleasing.

ISO 100. F/8. 1/5 sec. 14mm (21mm full frame equivalent)

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10mm-24mm f/ 3.5-4.5

When taking this image I had a very limited amount of space to compose my scene. I was able to achieve my desired composition by using a wide angle lens. I was able to frame the image just so that I was not cutting off the bottom of the rock, or the top of the waterfall. Many times while out doing landscape photography you will find yourself in situations where you are very close to your subject, this is where a wide angle lens is a necessity.

Watch how I captured this image on YouTube:

Australia Through The Lens: Atherton Tablelands

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Does the F-Stop Matter?

Not really. F-stop measures the depth of field your camera lens can handle. This gives you the blurry background bokeh effect. When shooting landscapes you want to try and have the image sharp through, which generally means you will be shooting at an f-stop of f/8-f/11. Lenses have either a fived f-stop or a variable f-stop. My first lens the trusty NIKKOR DX f/3.5-f/4.5 10mm-24mm has a variable f-stop. If you look at the numbers in the description that means that at 10mm the lowest f-stop the lens can achieve is f/3.5. When the lens is zoomed to 24mm the lowest f-stop is f/4.5. This doesn’t concern me as when I shoot landscape I am usually between f/8-f/11, those f-stops are achievable at any focal length.

Generally speaking a lenses with a fixed low f-stop will produce sharper results, but at a higher price-point.

Shooting this image at an f-stop of f/11 allowed me to achieve sharpness throughout the image from the river in the foreground, to the mountains in the background.

Watch how I captured this image on YouTube:

Solo Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone

ISO 64. F/11. 8 sec. 24mm NIKKOR AF-S 16mm-35mm F/4

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Wide angle vs telephoto.

So why not start with a telephoto lens? A telephoto lens is great for landscapes that are at a distance. Far away mountains, secluded islands, ect. They can also really help to remove distractions and isolate your subject. At least for me, when I use a telephoto lens I find it harder to make an image not appear flat. You really have to be a good distance from your subject to clearly translate the vastness in a landsacpe.

Don’t get me wrong, telephoto lenses are a great addition for a landscape photographers kit. They can really help you create unique and artistic images. In my experience, the opportunity to use a telephoto lens comes few and far between. I use my wide angle lens way more than my bulky 70mm-200mm.

ISO 64. F/11. 820sec. 180mm Tamron 70mm-200mm F/2.8

ISO 64. F/13. 6 sec. 35mm NIKKOR AF-S 16mm-35mm F/4

The two above images were taken on the same day about a half hour apart. The one on the left was taken at 180mm, the one on the right at 35mm. It took me much longer to frame up the foreground to the background when using the telephoto lens. When you zoom in that much every inch you move your camera can make or break the image, adding distracting elements. The image on the right was easy to frame and shooting wide may make distractions less obvious.

Personally I prefer the image on the right. I think the left image looks more confined and flat while the one on the right looks more open and vast.

Its all personal preference on which you prefer, but I do believe when starting out in landscape photography using a wide angle lens has much less of a learning curve.

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Which wide angle lens to choose?

It’s best to invest the money in a good lens from the start, if your budget allows. Buy once, cry once as they say. Look for a lens in the 16mm-35mm range (full frame) or an equivalent mm if you are shooting an ASP-C. It would also be ideal if the lens is weather sealed as you will most likely be taking it out in harsh conditions and need all the extra protection you can get.

There is nothing wrong with buying a used lens as well. Research lenses that will work with your camera and fit your budget. Read reviews and even go to your local camera store to try them out.

My lenses:

NIKKOR AF-S 16mm-35mm F/4

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10mm-24mm f/ 3.5-4.5

I shoot Nikon and I have used these two lenses for about 10 years. Every wide angle image in my portfolio was shot on one of these lenses and I highly recommend them as they have great image quality.

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The best place to see wild Koalas

Magnetic Island

AN Australian icon that is on every tourists list to see while in Australia is the koala. There is no better place in all of Australia to see wild koalas than on Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island is located on the north east coast of Queensland about 10km off the coast from the city of Townsville. The island is easily accessible on a ferry from Townsville. There are several small towns on the island with restaurants and accommodation. There is also a bus route and many places to rent small cars on the island so getting around in search of the koalas can be very easy.

The island holds a population of around 800 koalas. One of the largest koala populations in all of Australia. Koalas can sleep up to 21 hours a day. Being nocturnal they are mostly active at night. During the day they can be seen napping in the eucalyptus trees mainly on the eastern part of the island. Koalas diet consists mostly of eucalyptus leaves so be sure to know your flora so you know what trees to look for when searching for these animals.

Watch on YouTube: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | Koalas, Wallabies, and a Spider

The koalas are actually not native to magnetic island. They were introduced in the 1930s as a kind of backup population to protect them from threats on the mainland. With no predators and hunting not allowed the koalas flourished. Now the koalas are focused at ecotourism, and many people travel to the island just to see koalas in their natural habitat.

Watch on YouTube: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | Koalas

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Forts Trail on Magnetic Island

The Forts trail located on the northeastern part of the island and is the best spot to find wild koalas on the island. They can frequently be seen sleeping on the side of the trail high up in the trees. So make sure to be looking up as you take the 2 hour hike and you will almost be certain to see a koala. The hike goes up to an old WWII lookout tower providing excellent views of the island as well as some interesting history.

I have done the hike several times and more often than not I have been able to find a koala or 2 with ease. A few times they have been high up in the trees so my long lens has bee very beneficial to help me photograph them. But sometimes they can be seen on the lower parts of trees.

Watch on YouTube: LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY | Forts Trail

If you ever find yourself in North East Queensland in the Townsville region Be sure to take a ferry to Magnetic Island and do the Forts walk to find some wild koalas.

Best Way to See Crocodiles in Australia

Prehistoric Reptile

When visiting Australia an animal that most people want to see is the crocodile. This prehistoric reptile both intrigues and terrifies visitors to the Island continent. There are 2 species of crocodiles in Australia: The fresh water and saltwater crocodile. The fresh water crocodile is more docile and smaller than the salt water crocodile. Saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 16 ft (4.9m) and have a reputation of being aggressive.

Crocodiles only inhabit Northern WA, NT and Northeastern Queensland. They frequent in rivers and occasionally can be spotted in the ocean. I have spent a good amount of time in croc country looking for them in their natural habitat with not much luck. I have walked rivers and sat for hours waiting for them to appear to get a photograph, but nothing.

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Kakadu River Cruise

The best way I have found to view crocodiles in the wild is to take a river boat cruise. You have a better opportunity of viewing the animals by being able to cover more ground than walking. The tour boats travel the rivers frequently so the animals are used to the boats PRESENCE and won’t be scared off easily.

While in Kakadu I took a sunrise and sunset cruise on the Yellow Water. The 2 hour boat ride was a bit expensive for $99aud (hotel breakfast included) but the company I booked through had a deal for a 2 hour sunset cruise and a 2 hour sunrise cruise for $124aud so I decided to give it a go. It did not disappoint.

The boat ride starts by the Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu national park and went up the South Alligator River. The cruise was spectacular and not over touristic. The guide provided interesting information and was very knowledgeable about the land and wildlife.

I arrived at the docks, had a good breakfast at the hotel then I boarded the boat before the sun broke the horizon. Within minutes of setting out we saw our first crocodile. I ended up seeing a total of about 15 crocs on both the sunset and sunrise cruises. the banks of the river was filled with wildlife. I saw many water buffalo and countless numbers of birds. For someone trying to take pictures of australian wildlife it doesn’t get much better than this.

I went at the end of October which is right before the wet season in the top end. This was a good time to see crocodiles due to the fact that the land isn’t flooded so the crocodiles are limited to how far they can move around.

The best way in my opinion to see crocodiles is to take a boat cruise in Far North Queensland Or the Top End of the Northern Territory. Many companies do such boat rides so be sure to do your research and read reviews before booking. But I guarantee it will be money well spent.

Read More: Kakadu: A Wildlife Photographers Paradise

3 Landscape Photography Tips

Finding Balance in Nature

Landscape photography is the art of photographing the natural landscape. Anyone can start taking pictures of landscapes around where they live with whatever camera they have at their disposal. While creating epic images is a skill that takes years and years to master, It is relatively easy to begin. Here are 3 tips that I have found to be very useful in improving on my photography.

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1. Subject

I believe the subject is one of the most important elements to landscape photography. If you have a stunning, awe inspiring location to photograph no matter what camera you use or what time of day it is the beauty of the location can still cause for a very interesting image.

Try to find unique locations with very interesting features; dramatic mountains, rolling hill, pristine lakes are just a few examples. Though not everyone has these natural features where they live, just getting out and exploring your local park or protected area you might just discover something of interest.

-Taken with a point and shoot camera.

As you can see this image was shot in harsh mid day light, the image is not super sharp, and the composition was not well thought. But the subjects; of the mountains and flowers, hold a lot of interest making this an interesting (but not great) image.

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2. Composition

Composition is a very important when it comes to landscapes. Having a pleasing background, middle ground and foreground are essential ingredients to a good image. The foreground should have interest and the middle ground should help blend the foreground to the background.

For a foreground look for something unique or something that stands out. Also be looking for Leading lines and “S” curves. Theses are good things to look for when finding a composition. These lines help to lead the eye through the image.

Where the water meets the sand (Foreground) creates an “s” curve causing the viewers eye to be drawn to the waves (Middle ground) then to the cliffs and sky (Background).

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3. Light

Light creates detail and mood. It adds color and drama to images. the best time to take landscapes is at sunrise or sunset. This is called “Golden Hour”. At these times the sky usually has color and The light is less harsh so there is not too much contrast between the highlights and shadows.

Its best to shoot at 90 degrees to the sun to avoid the highlights and shadows being blown out, meaning no detail can be recovered in post processing. Depending on the look you are trying to create shooting straight at the sun can also make some excellent images.

It is always tempting to take a picture when the sky is at its most dramatic. Usually this time is right before the sun rises or after it sets causing the sky to look stunning, but with no light in the foreground the image will be unbalanced. Wait until the sun rises or right before it goes down on the horizon, so there is sunshine on the foreground. this will make the image more balanced between the highlights and shadows.

post processing applications can be very useful in recovering shadows and highlights in an image to make it more balanced, but getting the picture correct in camera always makes for a better looking image.

Shot at sunrise. While there is no color in the sky or foreground, the light on the mountains is quite dramatic.

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Photography is a type of art and while the tips above are guidelines I, myself even occasionally break these rules. The best way to learn is to get out with your camera and try new things. Start by taking a lot of picture then view them on the computer and look at the images you like. Then ask yourself why you like those images. Photography like anything takes time to learn and master. The more you do it the more you will learn and the better the images will become.

5 Wildlife Photography Tips

Here are 5 tips that I have found to be very useful while photographing wildlife. Some of these will be very obvious but I hope you can come away with some valuable information.

1. Get up early / Stay out late

The best light is indeed in the golden hour. About an hour after sunset and an hour before sunrise. Also animals are more active during this time of day so the chances of seeing wildlife increases.

Taken right after sunrise. The light is much better than harsh daytime light.

2. Use a blind / hide

Staying hidden from wildlife is crucial in order to capture natural behavior. When people are present animals act differently. When you can watch the wildlife unseen you can come away with some very unique photographs of interesting behaviors. A great, and somewhat unthought of blind is a car. Driving around roads in a national park and shooting out the window of the vehicle can be very beneficial. Animals that live in frequently visited areas are used to seeing cars so they will pay no attention when you park to photograph them. Other options can be to use a hunting pop up tent or lens coat has a special made photography hide that works very well.

I sat for hours in my blind in order to capture this coyote hunting.

3. Patience

Patience is a necessity when it comes to wildlife photography. Wildlife photography is not as exciting as it is sometimes made out to be. You must spend a lot of time out in the field waiting and watching for the perfect moment. I have spent weeks going out to photograph animals only to come back without taking a single picture or coming back with a terrible image. You must be persistent and never give up or you may never get good results.

I spent 6 months working (hospitality) in the Red Centre of Australia. I went into the bush on almost every one of my days off trying to find dingos/kangaroos to photograph. This is one of the '“better” images I was able to capture.

4. Know your subject

It is very beneficial to know animal habitats and behaviors. Knowing what they like to eat and at what times of the day they are active can help you find a location to set up your tripod and big lens and wait. Tracking is also a very good skill to know. You can identify which kind of animals are in the area and also tell how long ago they have been present in an area. I use tracking a lot to tell where animals frequent. Game trails are great to wait by to see what kind of animals come along.

I set up next to a game trail knowing that deer frequent in the area due to an excessive amount of tracks.

5. Eye level

You will get better results by photographing at eye level. When you are looking down at a subject it makes the image look a bit unnatural. in exception to this, If you shoot far away with a long lens then the subject can appear to be at eye level even if you are above or below your subject.

This cockatoo was high up in a tree. Since i was far away shooting at 550mm the bird appears to be somewhat at eye level.