Would you consider a 90mm the best for landscapes?

[Gallinazorey]

Hi guys

for those who missed my original post I a new here and new to LF!

I am thinking of starting in general landscape photography....would you consider the Sinar Sinaron W 90mm f4.5 a proper lene for this? I have read good things about this lense here in the forrum but not sure if it is for what I need.

Thanks

[alexn]

Welcome to the forums!

I think a 90mm lens is where nearly every landscape photographer starts out in LF.

I love my 90mm, so much so that I built a home made 4x5 fixed focus camera around my 90mm F/8. I will say this. I love the 90, and its very versatile. That said, 90% of the time I find myself looking for my 75mm or something around 210. You're best to look at the lengths you shoot on your current format and then try to match it for your LF. On 35 mm I shot a 14-24mm lens all the time, Mostly at 14mm (which would be something around 47mm on 4x5) I do not own a lens that wide for 4x5 as I see it to be unnecessary. 75mm on LF is really quite wide. 90mm is a bit of an inbetween length. Its fairly wide, but not wide enough to be considered WIDE (if you know what I mean) I think 90 is a great place to start, but don't be surprised if you find yourself lusting after a 75 or 65mm lens in the near future.

[Brian Ellis]

Depends on what you call "landscapes" and how you photograph. I used a 210mm lens for most of my "landscapes" but I don't generally do big vistas.

[IanG]

We all have different criteria, while I like a 90mm for landscapes I use a 150mm or sometimes a 135mm for a very much higher proportion of my images. I'ver begun to use a 210mm (or 203mm) in the past 2 years and very occasionally use a 65mm.

Like Brian above I rarely shoot wide open Vistas and in fact tend to shoot with wider lenses in more conined locations. If I took just one lens it would be the 135mm.

Ian

[vinny]

no. 135mm is the best. because I say it is.

[Ken Lee]

Depends on what you call "landscapes" and how you photograph. I used a 210mm lens for most of my "landscapes" but I don't generally do big vistas.

Ditto

[Ed Bray]

Wouldn't an answer also be dependent on the format being used?

[Gem Singer]

For 4x5 or 5x7,

a 90SW or a 120SW are suitable for architecture and structures that are too close-by to be completely covered with a longer focal length lens.

A 150W, 180W, 210W, or 240W are more practical for landscape photography.

[hmf]

A 90mm f4.5 is a big heavy lens; best suited for scenes that are close to your vehicle. I agree with previous posters that a longer lens would be a better start. If you're intent on a wider angle though, and plan to carry your kit on your back, look for a Nikkor 90 f8 SW. Great lens.

[Gallinazorey]

no. 135mm is the best. because I say it is.

how about some pictures to back your statement?