Best Landscape Lens for 30D

Sorry to disagree with everyone recommending the widest lenses they can get. I spend a lot of time on and about the Blue Ridge Parkway and I find the 24-70 and longer are what I use most. Unless you've been there, you don't realize how much it winds about. I go as wide as the 15 on the 20D; it's generally too wide on the 5D for the areas there. Most overlooks are "walled off" by ridges on the sides, so you don't really need ultra-wide angles. If you want to see things like the Linn Cove Viaduct, you'll need a longer lens from a couple of overlooks north; around MP 300-302 IIRC. Between Blowing Rock (NC) and Grandfather Mountain there's a parallel trail, the Tanawha Trail, that pokes up above the trees in several places for looks down the Parkway.

Jon wrote in post #2023730
Sorry to disagree with everyone recommending the widest lenses they can get. I spend a lot of time on and about the Blue Ridge Parkway and I find the 24-70 and longer are what I use most. Unless you've been there, you don't realize how much it winds about. I go as wide as the 15 on the 20D; it's generally too wide on the 5D for the areas there. Most overlooks are "walled off" by ridges on the sides, so you don't really need ultra-wide angles. If you want to see things like the Linn Cove Viaduct, you'll need a longer lens from a couple of overlooks north; around MP 300-302 IIRC. Between Blowing Rock (NC) and Grandfather Mountain there's a parallel trail, the Tanawha Trail, that pokes up above the trees in several places for looks down the Parkway.

...the truth is he is right. I live in Georgia and go up through this area quite a bit. My 24-70 is what I take.

My reco on waiting to buy here in the US still stands...you can pick up some deals

Don't forget about the 17-55, its outstanding

Before I got to Jons post I was thinking the same thing. I live in Alabama and travel that way some. The 17-40 for wide will work fine and longer will probably be needed for shots.

Although I love using the EF-S wide angle, my 17-40 is predominately my most used lens for landscape work.

If I was buying a lens just for landscapes, I'd be looking at a Tilt-shift lens like the TS-E 24 3.5L . That would give you a really remarkable capability.

In my limited landscape experience, I've used a 17-40 and 135/2.8, they worked fairly well.

cjd wrote in post #2022536
17 is good, but on occasion may be too narrow...

10-20 Sigma + 17-50 Tamron should fit the bill superbly.

You could just stick with the kit lens + 10-20.

C

I think the Tokina 12-24 is a better lens than the Sigma, and the 17-50 Tamron is a great alternative to the Canon 17-55 if you don't need or want to pay for image stabilization.

Another one for the 17-40L

whiteflyer wrote in post #2023204
Just had a quick look at prices and within my budget I could get
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 EX DC HSM £330
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L UIS £730

This looks to cover a good focal range, or should I be looking for faster lenses

This is the best deal!!! Gor for the above! You will love it!

EF 24-105 is the most wanted and used walk arround (allround) lens their is with superb features!
The Sigma 10-22 is great for WIDDEEE angel landscape shots!!

The 70-200 4L is also great for landscapes! (with tripod)!

I have 16-35L and 10-22 and Sigma 12-24, so i am ok with wide

these are few photos from my lens 16-35L on 30D taken yesterday

1-

Thats a great first picture Tareq, was it photoshopped?

whiteflyer wrote in post #2022512
I am planing to go to the USA next spring and do a road trip down the Blue Ridge parkway.

I'm thinking it will mainly be landscape shots, and would like your thoughts on what lens I should get for this sort of trip. Body is a 30D and budget would be about £1000.

You will love the parkway. It's beautiful! I normally ride a motorcycle in Tennessee and carry the 16-35 on the 30D in the tank bag. It's all you'll need for great landscape photos.

I would get the 24-70L or the 17-40L because that's what I have and either one would be wonderful, but it is a $1000 investment and you want something you would use a lot after the vacation. If you enjoy landscapes in general, the 17-40 was my first choice because the pictures I take with it outdoors can't be beat and the 24-70 is what is on my 20D most of the time for events and family gatherings. For $1000, you really have many choices, but it's just one vacation, think about the future and how often would you use an extreme wide angle compared to the two lenses I recommend? I use those 2 all the time.

OK one last suggestion: £1000 = $1,900.00 to spend on lenses for trip to the States.

Here’s my recommendation: Pre order your lenses from B&H have them shipped to your first hotel in the States.

Order:

1. 17-40L (my favorite) for $549.00 or the 10-22 for $674.95
2. 24-70L (can’t go wrong) for $989.00

Either of these combinations would cover your needs for the trip. On the ultra wide, the 10-22 does intrigue. However, I’d have to go with my personal favorite the 17-40L even though it overlaps the 24-70L. The 24-70L is a “must have”, perhaps my favorite walk around lens. Whichever way you go you’ll have between $237 and $362 in your pocket. SO…

I’d go ahead and buy an 85 f/1.8. No, it’s not a wide angle but you may want to take some pictures of friends or family along the way and it’s an excellent lens, for portraits!

There you go: you could end up with

17-40L f/4
24-70L f/2.8
85 f1.8

…all for around a £1000. Good luck!

PS If you don't have a polarizer filter you might want one of those as well....it will really make your shots pop!

im with ed, i would go the 17-40 + 24-70 and some grad and polarizer filters and if you dont have a tripod invest in one and a remote, if its mainly for landscapes and outdoors i wouldnt bother with the 16-35 unless you see yourself using it indoors its the only reaosn i would sell my 17-40 to upgrade.