Camera Labs

If I want a landscape lens for a Nikon D7000 which one would be nice to start with. I prefer prime lenses but zoom is also an option.

I prefer best optical quality as possible.

I dont really need the zoom. I think maximum 500/600 euro pricepoint I have in mind.

Would a Nikor AF-D 20mm F2.8 be enough? Or is that not wide enough on a DX camera and then maybe take a 16-85mm Nikkor.

I like to hear your opinions on which lens is good (the two nikkors where just 2 examples, please advise other lenses if you know one).

The 16-85 is a good all round lens.
If you need wider though, take a look at the reviews on the Tokina 11-16.
No doubt there are `better` primes, but usually at greater prices. (unless you look at pre-owned of course)

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

tokina 11-16mm is one of the sharpest lenses I know,perfect for landscapes. or look at the Sigma 8-16mm.
the nikon 20mm is not really wide & not very sharp either.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

What are your opinions on a
Nikon AF-G DX Fisheye 10.5mm f/2.8 ED

Or is that not usable for landscape (it says fisheye).

never mind fisheye is not going to work..

@Razvan. Whats your opinion on The Tokina 12-24mm F4 compared to the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8.

Is it just as nice and sharp as the 11-16mm. I am not really sure if I need F2.8 on a wideangle lens, dont really see the point since you usually want to use a bigger aperture anyway with those kind of lenses., but maybe i am missing the point here.

"Is it just as nice and sharp as the 11-16mm. I am not really sure if I need F2.8 on a wideangle lens, dont really see the point since you usually want to use a bigger aperture anyway with those kind of lenses., but maybe i am missing the point here."

I think you mean a smaller aperture, ie f11 0r f16 for landscapes to achieve a great depth of field. Although you have to watch for diffraction setting in at some point. A 2.8f or greater aperture would be handy for indoor shots without flash.
The 2 versions of the Sigma 10-20 get good reviews so they may be worth considering. The Nikkor wide angle zooms are a bit pricey. Primes are great for general shooting but a zoom will give a lot more flexibility. On the street you may only have to walk 20 yards to achieve the framing you want with a prime. Out in the sticks you may have to walk a mile or severely crop your shot.

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Nikon D300 D80 D40 18-55mm 18-70mm 18-135mm 55-200mm 18-200mm 28mm 2.8f 50mm 1.8f 85mm 1.8f
Panasonic DMCFZ28 Slik Pro 700DX

I know a little about a lot, a lot about little and everything about nothing.

The Nikkor 10-24mm DX is also a nice lens but a bit expensive.
Tokina 12-24mm might be an option but I have heard that there is quite a lot of focussing issues with the tokinas. As a matter of fact with the sigmas too.

So i am not a big fan of 3rd party brands although tokina is supposed to be pretty decent build quality that sort of matches nikkor quality, but focussing issues are my main concern, no focus means no decent photos.

Indoor photos is not my main goal. But I have a 35mm F1.8G if I really need to do some shoots without flash. The ultrawideangles are very soft in the corners , so probabaly i will never use them at F2.8 anyway.

I have the Tokina 12-24mm and have to say it is a great lens for the money. Its built like a tank and sharp throughout the frame, the only drawback is this lens flares badly. If you can find the old version of the lens its well worth it, the new DXII version has a built in focus motor and a few new coatings but isnt worth the extra cost in my opinion.

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D200 - Sigma 100-300mm f4 - Sigma 180mm f3.5 - Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 - Nikon 50mm f1.4 - Tokina 12-24mm f4 - Nikon Sb-600

It's interesting how the requirement for a landscape lens brings up lots of recommendations for wide or ultra wide angle lenses.

What's the widest lens you have at the moment, Nikonfreak?

You have got a D7000, so why not learn to stitch panoramas if you want high detail in a landscape shot before introducing a wide angle.

At least try before you buy - you may find the zoom range of the Tokina 11-16 very limiting, or even just too wide.

tokina 11-16mm is sharper & has constant F/2.8 aperture,very useful if you're thinking of shooting indoors anytime.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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Right now my widest lens is a nikkor 35mm F1.8G.
Problem is with that stiching technique that i cant really predict the composition very good. If I dont have my Rule of third grid on my viewfinder I am pretty much screwed and dont have a clue what looks good or not. I am not very good at compostions but it gets better with the grid on.

Also I don't have a tripod, I guess I need that for stichting 2 photos because you want it to match pretty close at the stiching side.

I can give the stichting technique a try just for the fun of it.

I'd take a look at the Nikkor 10-24mm or 12-24mm lenses if I were you, they're both excellent pieces of glass, although the 10-24 is a variable aperture. As Phil mentioned you may find he 11-16mm too restricting, so I would opt for something that gives you a bit more range for your landscapes.

I'd look at the 12-24 if you want a sharper, better built lens and a fixed aperture of f/4 throughout the range. However, it costs a bit more money and doesn't go as wide as the 10-24.

The 10-24 would be a better choice if you waqnt something a bit wider (believe me, the 2mm at the wide end does make a fair difference), and you're looking for something a bit cheaper. The build and optical quality is subpar to the 12-24 though,

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

I probably going to try stiching technique first for a bit with my 35mm lens.
I think the Nikkor 10-24 is the one I actually want. But we are talking 700 euros here. Is more money then I want to spent.

And I live in holland not the most flattering landscapes. I mean its not scotland or new zealand or something. So maybe I will try stitching first and see what i can come up with and if I like it maybe save up some money for a nikkor. Nikkors have not disappointed me so far.

Are there any good tutorials on stitching photos?

the tokina is sharper than those nikons...if you don't believe me,test them

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here