So I finally pulled the trigger on a used Nikon D850 because everyone kept saying it’s the king for landscapes but honestly I think I’m in over my head with this thing. I live out in Colorado and I spend basically every weekend hiking around places like Estes Park or near Boulder and I really wanted to start taking those high quality photos of the peaks and the trees but so far everything I take just looks... off. I have this 24-120mm lens that came with it and when I look at the photos on my laptop they just look kinda mushy and soft especially around the edges of the frame and it’s super frustrating because the camera itself was so expensive and I expected it to just work.
I’ve been trying to read up on this stuff but it’s so confusing with all the numbers and letters like f-stops and focal lengths. People on some other sites keep talking about "prime lenses" being way better for sharpness but I don’t really get why you would want a lens that doesn’t even zoom in and out? Like wouldn't that make it way harder to frame the shot if I’m standing on a cliff or something? But then other people say the "holy trinity" of zooms is the way to go but those cost way more than my actual car did. I’m really just looking for that one "magic" lens that makes everything look crystal clear and professional like those big prints you see in galleries.
I have about $1,400 saved up right now and I’m totally fine with buying used gear from a shop if that helps me get something higher quality but I just dont want to waste more money on something that isn't a massive upgrade over what I already have. I have a big trip coming up to Rocky Mountain National Park in about three weeks and I really want to have the right gear by then so I don't blow the opportunity to get some good shots. Sorry if this is a total beginner question but I’m just lost with all the options out there like Sigma and Tamron versus the Nikon ones and I dont know which ones are actually the sharpest for landscapes?
Just saw this thread and figured id weigh in... that D850 sensor really demands the best glass to actually look good. Quick question tho, are you usually zoomed all the way out at 24mm for your shots or do you find yourself zooming in more for details? Knowing your preferred focal length helps a lot before you drop cash. For edge-to-edge sharpness, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is the classic choice. Its exceptionally crisp. Only downside is its a heavy beast for hiking and wont take standard screw-on filters because of the curved glass. The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a great alternative with stabilization and similar sharpness for less cash. If weight is a big concern for your RMNP trip, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED prime is stellar. It lacks the zoom functionality but the image quality is amazing and it fits in a jacket pocket.
Honestly, that 24-120mm is a bit of a letdown on a high-res body like the D850. Ive been using mine for a few years now and found some great deals that dont break the bank but still deliver that professional crispness. For $1,400 you can actually get two killer used lenses if you shop around. I'm very satisfied with my current used setup and it works well for those RMNP views.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
- This used to be the gold standard. You can snag a used one for $600ish easily. Its built like a tank and still delivers those sharp corners youre looking for.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
- If you want to use screw-on filters, this is a better choice than the 14-24mm. I have no complaints about the sharpness at f/8.
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- This prime is basically legendary for detail. Buying used is definitely the way to go... no reason to pay full price when the F-mount market is so cheap right now. Use the leftover cash for a solid tripod.
I had the same blurry edge issue until I realized my tripod was just too flimsy.
- Are you using a tripod?
- What aperture are you using? Make sure your technique is solid.
