Need landscape lens

[jaypie77]

So here's the situation:

My girlfriend is going on a trip in about 2 weeks and she will be in a position to take many nice landscape shots. She has a 300D, the kit lens, a 28mm prime, and some other non-applicable lenses. I was thinking that she might enjoy using a nicer lens than the kit for some landscapes and started looking around for a lens, but I'm coming up with lots of choices and wanted some feedback. Also, budget is a concern and I'd like to avoid paying more than $500 if possible. So the questions:

What is the best landscape lens?
What is the best landscape lens on my budget?

Also, what do people think of the 20mm f/2.8? I have read good and bad reviews and I would like to hear some personal experiences.

[CyberDyneSystems]

When you say landscape,. do you mean "wide angle" ?

The obvious zooms which are steps above the kit lens are 17-40mm f/4L and the 10-22mm EFS.

[HJMinard]

Well, I haven't used either of them, but there appears to be high regard for the Tokina 17mm prime and the Sigma 12-24. The Canon 17-40/4L and EF-S 10-22 are out of your budgeted price range. Both Tamron (11-18] and Tokina (12-24) have upcoming APS-sensor specific zooms, but I don't think they're on the market yet.

[jaypie77]

When you say landscape,. do you mean "wide angle" ?

Yes.

No experience with the 20mm prime?

[Dchemist]

I have a 17-40F/4 and I am pleased with it in "landscape" usage (on a 20D).

[jaypie77]

How about this Sigma 20mm f/1.8? (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=SI2018SA&is=USA&Q=&O=productlist&sku=217803)

[HJMinard]

How about this Sigma 20mm f/1.8? (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=SI2018SA&is=USA&Q=&O=productlist&sku=217803)

The Tokina (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=169408&is=REG) is wider and costs nearly the same. Highly regarded ... ask drisley.

[mdr]

No need for a fast lens. With landscapes you wnat to maximise the depth of field. Save the extra costs of a faster lens.

Hunt around, and you'll be able to find a second hand 17-40 f4 L within your budget.

[snibbetsj]

I have the Tokina 17mm f3.5 and am quite pleased with it. Do a search on this lens and you'll find some great landscape shots taken with it.


:)

[jaypie77]

Thanks for all the input, I hadn't considered the Tokina yet, but now I'm thinking that it might be the best choice, especially for the price.

[antaine]

Jaypie, PM sent to you earlier
Antaine.

[Simon Spiers]

Well i've just brought a Tamron SP AF17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di for that very reason so i suppose i could recommend the Tamron SP AF17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di:lol:

[psk4363]

Get the Canon 17-40L, there are some excellent second-hand ones around. As mdr saya there's no need for a fast lens for landscapes so f4 will be fine, and the quality edge to edge is superb.

Barry

[mdr]

Glad someone agrees with me.

To illustrate the sharpness of the 17-40 f4 L, have a look at:

http://www.marcderidder.com/Pics/landscape3.htm
http://www.marcderidder.com/Pics/nightscene1.htm

I'm hooked on this lens since I got it to replace my Canon 20-35 USM and Canon 24-85 USM. Image quality is supurb, USM focussing a dream, and build quality very impressive.

If your budget can strecth to this, it is a no brainer compared to the non Canon lenses.

[Lesmac]

I'll second the view regarding a 17-40L, not only is it a sweet lens optically, it's built like the proverbial s...t house, which is important when you are out and about taking landscapes.
Some examples (on 10d and 1ds MK II) in my gallery if you (or your girlfriend) are interested.

Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[gcogger]

To illustrate the sharpness of the 17-40 f4 L, have a look at:

http://www.marcderidder.com/Pics/landscape3.htm
http://www.marcderidder.com/Pics/nightscene1.htm

Sorry Marc, but those links tell me nothing about the sharpness of the lens - any lens would look good when the images are resized that small. (Actually, the first one looks rather soft, but I think that's because of how it was resized). Do you have any full size, unprocessed images or crops?

[Hellashot]

For your price range, the kit lens might be the best one since she already has it. Since you're doing landscape you dont need anything that's f1.8 or even f2.8. It's difficult to use for a lot of manual focus, but you already have the lens!