I just got the Fuji X-S20 for my trip to Glacier National Park and I'm super lost with all the lens stuff. I tried using the one from the box but it feels like I can't fit the whole mountain in the frame. I want those really wide shots of the lakes but looking at all the numbers like 10-24mm or 12mm just makes my head spin. I dont really get what the numbers mean or what brand is good since there are so many options. My budget is around 700 bucks maybe.
Sorry if this is a total beginner question but what wide lens should I actually get for mountains?
Basically, those numbers are just the focal length. The smaller the number, the wider the view you get. Since you are hitting up Glacier, you definitely want something around 10mm to 12mm to capture those massive vistas. I would suggest checking out the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X. Its super compact, which is a life saver when hiking, and it stays right around your $700 budget if you shop around. Just a heads up tho, be careful when you go super wide. If you arent careful, the mountains can actually look smaller and further away than they really are because the lens pushes everything back. You might want to consider finding a cool rock or tree in the foreground to give the photo some scale. Also, since you're gonna be near water, make sure to look into a polarizing filter. It cuts the glare on the lakes so you can see the colored rocks under the water... honestly a game changer for Glacier. If you want to save some cash, the Samyang 12mm f/2.0 AF Fuji X is a fantastic prime lens. It doesnt zoom, but it is simple, light, and very sharp for the price. Just keep in mind that with wide lenses, you gotta watch out for your own feet getting in the shot sometimes lol. Seriously, happens to the best of us when we're staring at the scenery.
