I feel like such an idiot asking this but I am just so frustrated right now. I bought a Canon R5 a few months ago because everyone said it was the best thing ever for photography, but honestly I am still stuck using the kit lens that came with it. I tried taking some shots of the mountains out near my place in Colorado last weekend and they just look flat and boring compared to the stuff I see online. Im really struggling to understand what all the numbers on the lenses mean like what is a prime vs zoom?? My budget is around 1000 to 1500 dollars because I already spent so much on the body itself and I really need something that can make those big forest views pop. Do I need a wide angle or something else? I dont really get it and looking at the Canon website makes my head spin with all the different mount names. Should I just get the RF 16mm or is there something better for someone who has no idea what theyre doing? Honestly any advice would be a lifesaver because I am about to just give up on the camera entirely...
Dont ditch the R5 yet! Honestly, a wide prime might feel limiting for mountains. If you want detail, look at the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM. It covers that perfect ultra-wide range for those forest views. Check out the Lens Hero website to compare specs without getting a headache. You can usually find a deal on a refurbished one which keeps you in that 1500 range. Super sharp glass makes a huge difference.
Dont ditch the gear just yet, honestly that kit lens is usually the real culprit for flat mountain shots. You definitely want a wide angle for those huge Colorado views, but dont feel like you have to spend your entire savings on a top-tier L-series lens right away. Be careful about buying brand new, you can find awesome deals on used glass that will save you a ton of cash. Here is what I would suggest looking at instead of the 16mm prime:
- Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM for a budget-friendly wide zoom
- Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM if you can find it pre-owned Make sure to check sites like MPB or KEH for used gear. You will get way more bang for your buck and be able to afford a decent tripod, which honestly matters more for sharp landscapes than the lens itself.
Dont give up yet! For those epic Colorado views, just grab a wide angle zoom from Canon or Sigma. It makes a world of difference for landscapes.
- Look for ultra-wide zoom
- Check local shops
Dont let the specs overwhelm you, seriously. Everyone starts right where you are. When I first moved to the R5, I thought the body would do all the work, but I learned quickly that the glass is where the magic actually happens. I ended up picking up the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and it honestly performs way better than the price suggests. It fits right in your budget and is super light for hiking those Colorado trails. I was worried it wouldnt be sharp enough, but I've been really happy with the results. You dont need to drop thousands on those big L-series lenses to get that pop you're looking for. Just focus on finding something with that wide range so you can frame the mountains properly. Once you stop obsessing over the numbers and just start framing the shot, you'll see a massive difference. Save the extra cash for a good tripod instead, honestly that makes a way bigger impact on landscape photos than anything else.