Witch lens for Landscapes ? ( Canon 40D )

[Kevin949]

Hi there I pretty new to this , I just bought a new Canon 40D with a 28mm to 135 IS lens and a 70mm -300m IS lens, both Canon lens I 'm going to southern Utah with my wife and kids this summer and love taking scenic pictures of the landscape and was wondering if my 28mm - 135 mm lens is enough or should I get some thing better , any suggestions ? and if I should get another lens can any one recommend a nice inexpensive one for me ?

[SmartWombat]

I think you've got it covered.
You don't always want wide angle for landscapes, so the 70-300 is a good second choice.
If you want to go wider than 28mm it's not going to be cheap.

[Kevin949]

Thanks , that saves me some money , any thoughts on a light portable tripod that will be useful and can fit my camera backpack and any suggestions on filters ?

[WesternGuy]

Kevin, I agree with SmartWombat - you've got it covered for the most part and he is also right that if you want to go wider than 28mm it is not going to be cheap. As far as filters are concerned, you might want to consider UV filters for each lens and a circular polarizer as well (can help with blue sky in landscapes). Not sure about tripods, there are so many possibilities. Have you tried surfing with Google, or searching for tripod threads on this site? HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Kevin949]

Thanks Guys you've been a great help .

[mjs1973]

I would agree that a good quality circular polarizer is a good filter choice. It's really about the only filter you can get, that you can't duplicate in post processing.

UV filters for protection are not worth it in my book. If you feel you need them, spend the money to get the best you can. No point in putting a cheap piece of glass in front of your expensive lens if you don't have to. A lens cap, and lens hood will protect the lens for you.

[readingr]

Landscapes,

Hmmm! the lenses are fine, I tend to find that most of mine are taken between 24-70mm so your lenses are ok. UV forget unless your going out in the rain. I tend to be happier wipping rain off the filter than the front of the lens otherwise I hardly ever use them.

Polarizer is a must. It not only helps with blue skies and clouds but helps with enhancing the colours. I would also consider a Grad ND, but I hardly ever use mine.

Always take RAW because no matter how good it looks on the camera LCD, when you get it home you will want to play with it to get the best out of the image.

I set the camera to natural mode with no sharpening and leave this to post processing.

TRIPODS:
Forget light - you need a sturdy tripod. Look at the MANFROTTO 190PROX or one in that category. You will probably be out in light to medium strenght winds and will regret getting a light tripod.

Hope that helps

Roger

[Loupey]

For where you're going and what you're using (40D), I think a 28mm is not wide enough.

Sure landscapes can be taken with just about any lens, but in some/many instances, a wide angle is still an essential tool for landscapes and people shots.


Remember that, on the 40D, the 28mm will be cropped to the view of a 45mm. And I wouldn't even consider that "standard" focal length on even a full-frame camera.

[greghalliday]

I agree with Loupey. I live in Southern Utah and have done my share of picture taking here. While I do agree that not all landscape photography requires a wide-angle lens (and indeed I have been doing much more with 50mm and above lately), most of the photogenic sights here in Utah really do require a lens wider than 28mm. Even with full frame, 28mm is not wide enough here. If I were you, I would find to borrow (or buy) either the 17-40L lens or (perhaps preferably) a Sigma 10-20 or Canon 10-22.

Your 28-135 is good lens (I own one) and should serve you well as a general lens to keep on the camera at most times. You will find that even for landscapes you'll use it mostly and use it well. However, I promise that you will want a wider lens for your trip here.

In any case, let me know if you need any advice on where to go, when to go there etc. I'm not a professional photographer, but have been to most places of note here in Utah and have gotten some really good results out of it.

Above all, have fun, take the hike to Lower Calf Creek falls, and drink plenty of water.

[Kevin949]

Hi Greg thanks for the tip , I,ve been mountain biking in Moab before with the guys but this is the first time with my wife and kids so we'll be going to Arches and Canyonlands for day trips also some river rafting and stopping in Zion on the way back to So Cal , I'm looking into a wide angle lens now but they are pricy but as with any hobby ( like mountain biking ) good equipment isn't cheap . Any thing I shouldn't miss in those areas please let me know . Thanks Kevin

[greghalliday]

In Arches, you must take the hike to Delicate Arch. It is iconic. You have probably seen pictures of it all over the place, but to see it in person and to get a sense of its size is something not to be missed. Also you should take the Devil's Garden hike (to include the primitive loop unless your kids are really little. Anyone over 8 or so should be able to handle it no problem). This hike includes Landscape Arch. A big chunk of it broke off a few years back and it is getting close to the end of its life. You should see it before it's gone.

In Zion, the Angel's Landing hike is hugely excellent. Depending on how old your kids are. If they're young (I'd say for this hike 12 is young) you might skip it. The end portion goes along a knife edge ridge with 1500 foot drops on both sides. There are chains along the way for security, but it still can be a bit harrowing. Especially with young kids. I have seen a few people bring even 6 year olds on the hike, but I wouldn't and don't recommend that you do either. If your kids are young, don't miss the Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock hikes. At the trailhead to Weeping Rock, there is a little stream that kids (and adults) love to play in. Also, take the drive to the East Entrance through the tunnel. It's pretty cool and there is a short hike to a canyon overlook with it's trailhead just after the end of the tunnel. You can get excellent pictures from here. The best light is in the morning.

Also depending on your route through Utah, a quick trip into Bryce Canyon National Park should be on your itinerary. The landscape here is wonderful and there are many short hikes below the rim that have very interesting features and are not too strenuous.

My wife and I live near Zion in St. George, Utah. You will pass through it on your way here in all likelihood. If you need anything, just email me or send me a message here.

[Jimmy B]

Save yourself some $ by not buying a lens. Rent one and see how you like it?
I do like my 17-40 L for my wide angled shots[
http://www.lensrentals.com/item/canon-17-40-f4-l
Jimmy B