Honestly so sick of lugging around this heavy kit lens that came with my R8, the corners are always blurry and I feel like Im wasting my time out here in the PNW. I tried shooting some wide shots at Mt. Rainier last weekend and the distortion is just driving me nuts. I really need something sharper for landscapes but I dont have thousands to drop right now, maybe around 500 bucks max if I can find a deal? Im heading to the coast next month and really want decent results for once. Does anyone have a lens recommendation that wont break the bank but actually produces clear images?
> I really need something sharper for landscapes but I dont have thousands to drop right now, maybe around 500 bucks max if I can find a deal? Man, the kit lens struggle is real. I totally get it, especially in the PNW where you want those crisp details on the peaks. Honestly, check out the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Ultra-Wide Prime. It is super tiny and light, which is perfect for hiking. You can find it well under your budget too. It is plenty sharp for landscapes if you stop it down a bit. Another solid move is looking at the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. It is a little pricier but it gives you that extra bit of versatility. Just dont expect perfection at the very edges, but for the price, it is a huge upgrade over the kit lens.
Just saw this thread. If you want serious landscape glass on a budget, you should really look at these two options.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is super sharp and versatile for trail shots.
- Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 RF gives you that massive wide angle for big vistas but watch the edge distortion. Be careful with the Samyang as manual focus might be needed sometimes, but honestly the value is there.
If you want sharp results without spending a fortune, check out the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. Its super light and handles distortion pretty well for the price. The corners can be a bit soft wide open, so stopping down to f/8 really makes the landscape detail pop. Honestly for the coast it works well since you get that wide perspective without the weight.
