Essential Lenses for Nikon D7200 and the Perfect Gear for Landscape and Wildlife Photography

Whether you are planning to buy a Nikon D7200 crop body and a 50mm prime lens or are interested in landscape and wildlife photography, the question of which lenses to purchase can be quite daunting. In this guide, we will explore the necessary lenses for both landscape and wildlife photography, as well as whether a 50mm prime lens can be used for landscape photography.

Choosing Lenses for Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is essential. Using a 50mm lens, while possible, is not ideal as it provides a narrow field of view. For true landscape shots, you should look for a lens with a lower millimeter rating, indicating a wider angle lens. At the lower end, a 10-20mm lens is a great option with the DX crop body, offering a full 30mm-to-60mm equivalent field of view. The Nikon 10-20mm lens is highly regarded for its sharpness and affordability, retailing around Rs. 20,000 to 22,000 in India.

Requirements for Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography demands a long focal length, ideally 400-500mm or longer. For the DX crop sensor (1.5x crop factor), this translates to an effective focal length of 600-750mm. While a 50mm prime lens would be terrific for portraits and standard photography, it will not serve the purpose in wildlife photography. If you're serious about wildlife, a Tamron or Sigma 150-600mm lens might fit your budget, providing a wider range of focal lengths for wildlife subjects. However, the true professional would opt for the high-end Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E, which retails for approximately Rs. 80,000 to 85,000 in India. This lens delivers outstanding performance for both Nikon D500 and other DX crop bodies.

Can a 50mm Prime Lens be Used for Landscape Photography?

While a 50mm prime lens is indeed versatile and affordable, it is not well-suited for landscape photography. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is a fantastic choice for portraits, but the 75mm equivalent field of view makes it more suitable for close-up subjects rather than wide-angle landscapes. For landscape photography, especially when capturing the vast grandeur of places like the Grand Canyon or majestic mountains, a wide-angle lens like the 10-20mm is essential.

Some photographers have successfully used a 200mm lens for landscapes, as mentioned. However, for the best results, you should invest in a wide-angle lens. The 10-20mm lens is a great starting point, capturing a field of view of up to 45mm in the 1.5x DX crop factor. For those on a tighter budget, there is also the Nikon 20mm f/1.8.

Choosing the correct lens for your photography is crucial, and while the 50mm lens is a fantastic tool, it does not fulfill the requirements for both landscape and wildlife photography. By investing in the right lenses, you can capture the stunning beauty of both landscapes and wildlife with professional-quality images. Whether for your hobby or a professional venture, the right tools can make all the difference.