The 16-35mm wide angle zoom lens is often seen as essential for landscape photography. Its versatility makes it a staple in many photographers’ toolkits. Here's how to get the most from it.
Coming to you from Mads Peter Iversen, this comprehensive video walks you through mastering your wide angle zoom lens. Wide angle lenses offer a broad field of view, typically 35mm or less, which is excellent for capturing expansive scenes. However, this can also introduce many visual distractions, making composition crucial. Iversen emphasizes the importance of holistic thinking, where the whole scene is greater than the sum of its parts. This approach helps create cohesive and impactful images.
Iversen suggests various lens options based on your camera brand. For Nikon full frame users, he recommends the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4, which sacrifices some focal length but offers a wider view. Canon users can benefit from the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM, which is highly regarded. Sony shooters might find the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 PZ ideal despite lacking the extra 2mm on the wide end. Iversen prefers f/4 lenses over f/2.8 versions for their compactness, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
Wide angle lenses require careful composition to avoid clutter and maintain focus. Iversen explains how placing elements thoughtfully within the frame can lead to more compelling photos. He uses examples like roads leading into the distance, which create a sense of depth and draw the viewer’s eye through the image. This technique, combined with strategic use of leading lines and framing, can significantly improve your compositions. The ability to manipulate perspective by moving closer to foreground elements or adjusting your position slightly can make a big difference.
Iversen also addresses shooting conditions, stressing the importance of dramatic lighting and weather. While clear skies can be beautiful, they often lack the drama needed for powerful photos. He demonstrates how moody clouds, dynamic weather, and even the time of day can add impact.
When it comes to settings, Iversen advises focusing about one-third into the scene and using optimal apertures for sharpness. For very close foregrounds, focus stacking might be necessary. Modern cameras often include focus bracketing, simplifying this process. He also touches on the benefits of high-resolution cameras for flexibility in cropping and detail retention.
In post-processing, Iversen prefers manual focus stacking in Photoshop for complex scenes, though automated software can sometimes help. He also discusses the use of panoramas to increase resolution and widen the field of view. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Iversen.
Very Very Great show of how to use a wide angle lens and framing, The main thing is having a subject close and a far off but wide story. Even a 24mm -35mm has to be level because even with fans or lights above they will tilt even when level. As far as landscapes yes getting it all in the far story is very small. The best thing is to use a 50-55mm lens and do a panorama this will bring things closer, yes an elongated 16x9 look.
You can use a 10mm to 24mm to capture the Milky Way but it will be going from right to left straight across the image. But doing a panorama you get a ARCH look covering 200 degrees.
#3 level and full frame but with the river below and full sky 10mm getting all in while others doing 2 or 3 level panoramas to get it all.
#4 on my back looking up in Antelope Canyon with new 12mm at the time 2017 wider than others