I am confused

[mdaddyrabbit]

I am really confused on what lens I need, I have done a lot of reading and being a amatuer I feel like a fish out of water. I have a Canon 20D and the factory 18-55mm lens that came with it. I take a lot of different photos but I think my overall favorite is landscape. So with that said which direction should I focus my interest in this world of lenses. I also would like to buy some type of chart that would list a small portal of lenses and what they would be best used for. I have a few sunsets and ice storm photos posted at my website but I am never happy with anything I shoot I always feel that its terrible. But if you have time your welcome to take a look at my photos at http://www.ncgnc.com Please if you can help me with any advice on lenses for landscape, techniques, or any pointers I would be so thankful. This forum has been a lot of help for me and I appreciate the time that folks have spend to healp me.

[defordphoto]

Well, before someone jumps in here and rudely tells you bad things about your kit lens I'll say it's not a bad lens, but there are better lenses out there. I have one that came with my 20D and it does just fine.

Nothing wrong with your shots, though getting through all the animation stuff on your site is quite annoying. What kind of processing are you using? Shooting RAW or JPEG? What do you think is wrong with your shots? Alot of the ice shots are in flat light so the contrast is low, giving a perceived look of unsharpness.

Have you perused the lens sticky in this forum? How much is your lens budget?

[mdaddyrabbit]

I am working on a new website and I will be doing away with the flash intro, my shots to me seem dull, how do get more contrast. I want them to really catch a persons eye. Please give me some advice or a base to work with to achieve less dullness. Thanks

P.S I am shooting Jpegs

[Steven M. Anthony]

I do a lot of landscape--along with other stuff--and find my 28 - 300mm zoom is on my camera 90% of the time. It's a good all-purpose lens, and not too expensive.

[Hellashot]

Most of your Jan 05 images were taken under overcast skies. Maybe try using an external flash to brighten things up. You'll see a big difference once the sun comes out and is high over head.

[defordphoto]

That's what I thought. Shoot something with high contrast and color. It's Easter and there's lot's of color out there today.

Lack of contrast on dull days will make a photo not look sharp, even though it is. Our eyes need contrast to perceive sharpness. You just need to find some contrasty and colorful subject matter.

[mdaddyrabbit]

Ok with more contrast and color what would be a good lens for this I mean lanscape. the guy that posted a 28-300mm would that be good for lanscapes? I would hate to invest in that and it not be right for the subject matter.

[Steven M. Anthony]

Ok with more contrast and color what would be a good lens for this I mean lanscape. the guy that posted a 28-300mm would that be good for lanscapes? I would hate to invest in that and it not be right for the subject matter.

I use it for landscapes. Check out my web site and decide if it works!

[defordphoto]

Ok with more contrast and color what would be a good lens for this I mean lanscape. the guy that posted a 28-300mm would that be good for lanscapes? I would hate to invest in that and it not be right for the subject matter.

You're going to have to decipher all the information and then decide what lens you want to use. No one else can do that. You'll get loads of opinions, but the ultimate decision is yours.

Steven is obviously happy with his 28-300. I tend to use my 17-40 or 50 f/1.4 for landscapes. All three are good lenses and work well, depending on what exactly you're shooting. Obviously you'll get great versatility with the 28-300, but I cannot comment on it as I do not own one. Check out Steven's photos.

[Kinger]

I personally have enjoyed using my 17-40L for landscapes. But keep in mind I like using a wide angle for my landscapes, and this would be a direct replacement of the 18-55. So for right not I would not recommend getting the 17-40L for you, until you are sure that the limitations of your shots are the lens, then upgrade.

[defordphoto]

Except that the 17-40 is L-glass and is several planets beyond the kit lens.

[mdaddyrabbit]

Someody clue me in what is L-Glass?

[defordphoto]

High quality, expensive lenses. But, they produce the sharpest, contrasty, color-true photos you'll ever see. If you're not shooting pro, and/or don't have a bulging lens budget, then do not venture into L-Land. Once there, you will never come back. Coffers will empty quickly. :)

[xdjoynerx]

the 18-55 is the worst lens i have ever used. i hate it so bad. ive gotten 60$ tamron lenses off ebay that are better.