The Lenses That Define My Landscape Photography
Ultra-wide (12–24mm)
This lens is for landscapes where space matters — cliffs, coastlines, tight viewpoints, and big-sky scenes where you want the viewer to feel like they’ve stepped into the moment. I don’t use it constantly, but when it’s right, nothing replaces it.
Mid-range zoom (24–70mm)
This is the backbone of my travel photography. My 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II stays on my Sony A7R V most of the time because it feels natural. It matches the way I see the world and handles everything from layered mountain scenes to street photography. Ninety percent of my travel landscapes come from this range.
Telephoto zoom (70–200mm)
This lens lets you simplify a landscape. You can compress distant ridgelines, isolate patterns, and pick out small pieces of light that would otherwise go unnoticed. Once you start seeing landscapes through a telephoto, it becomes hard to stop.
Super-telephoto (200mm+)
I almost never fly with a super-telephoto unless the trip is centered around wildlife. But when I’m travelling by road here in Canada, sometimes I bring the Sony 200–600mm. It’s not an everyday lens — but occasionally it’s the only thing that can tell the story. Distant meadows, wildlife on a far hillside, or light falling where your feet can’t take you.
Real-World Factors That Influence Lens Choice
Image Stabilization
I rely on stabilization far more than I realized when I started. With a steady stance or a wall to lean on, I’ve captured sharp images handheld at shutter speeds that once seemed impossible.
Weather Sealing
My best images often come in messy conditions — mist, fog, rain, wind. I don’t baby my gear; it’s meant to be used. Reliable sealing means I never have to hesitate when the light is perfect but the weather isn’t.
Weight
The older I get, the more I care about weight. A lighter kit doesn’t just save your back — it gives you the energy to explore longer, notice more, and take better photos.
Cost vs. Quality
The idea that gear “doesn’t matter” gets repeated endlessly, but quality optics absolutely make a difference. Not in creativity — that’s on you — but in dynamic range, contrast, sharpness, and durability. I’d rather own fewer lenses and trust every one of them.
If You Want the Full Breakdown
This condensed version hits the essentials, but the complete article dives far deeper — including real-world examples from the places I’ve photographed, how different focal lengths shape a scene, and why certain lenses consistently earn their place in my travel kit.
If you want that deeper look: Best Lenses for Landscape Photography When Traveling