What is a Good Inexpensive Option for a Full-Frame Canon Landscape Lens?
The question of whether to use a low-cost lens on an expensive camera is often debated. While a high-quality lens can certainly enhance the image quality, a good quality 50mm prime lens can be an excellent choice for general-purpose photography. It not only fits well with a full-frame camera but also offers excellent performance at a reasonable price.
Focused on Versatility
A 50mm prime lens is highly versatile and can be used for a variety of photography needs, including landscape shots. Although these lenses require moving closer or farther from the subject to achieve different focal lengths, they offer a compact and lightweight alternative that is both convenient and effective. However, if you require a wider angle, you may need to employ image stitching techniques, which can be easily done in software like Photoshop.
Alternative for Wide-Angle Lenses
For those specifically interested in ultra-wide angle lenses for landscape photography, the keyword 'landscape' generally refers to wide-angle lenses that capture expansive vistas. However, good and inexpensive are often seen as mutually exclusive in ultra-wide angle lenses. Canon's most budget-friendly ultra-wide-angle lens, the 17-40mm f/4L, is now available at a price point of around 500. This lens is known for its sharpness and performance, making it a solid choice.
Manual Focus Options
Rokinon, a popular brand among astrophotographers, offers a manual focus 14mm f/2.8 lens for approximately 250. This lens is highly regarded for its capability in astrophotography, particularly when stopped down to f/16 or f/22. At these settings, the depth of field is so deep that autofocus isn’t necessary, as the hyperfocal distance technique can be used to ensure everything is in focus from 2 feet to infinity.
Prime Lens Recommendations
While a 50mm prime lens is highly recommended, if you need a wider angle, a 35mm prime lens can provide a good width on a full-frame camera. It's important to note that Canon's less expensive kit lenses, such as the 18-55mm or 17-55mm, are not suitable for full-frame cameras because they protrude too far into the camera body and may interfere with the mirror mechanism.
Conclusion
In summary, a good quality 50mm prime lens is an excellent and affordable option for full-frame Canon landscape photography. While ultra-wide angle lenses are more expensive and less affordable, options like the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 offer excellent value for astrophotography. For standard wide-angle photography, the 17-40mm f/4L is a cost-effective and highly regarded lens.