Canon 85mm/1.8 for Landscapes

[raid]

Sometimes I forget how useful a telephoto lens can be for landscape photography. Typically, we tend to think of wide angle lenses for landscapes, but actually the use of a telephoto lens allows us to compress distances and come up with [sometimes] interesting images.

Mark lent me his Canon 85mm/1.8 len, and I shot a roll with this execellent lens. Here are some of the results:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=629236



Raid

 

[dexdog]

Raid, some nice shots in there. I took some similar pictures this past April in the Apalachicola area, where the 85/2 Sonnar that I used helped capture the graceful curve of the causeway between the mainland and St. George Island. I used the 85 because my vantage point on the beach was quite a ways off from the bridge. I don't think that I have any of those shots scanned in at the moment. Will post a couple if I do.

I also used the 85 Sonnar to take some shots of a volcano crater in Hawaii this May. BTW, what is the recommended way to resize/reconfigure digital files to get them under the 1 meg limit that RFF uses? Most of the film that I scan here at home ends up as files that are 2 to 3 megs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am surprised to see the beach so empty; too hot?

 

[raid]

Mark,

Usually, when using Photoshop to improve the overall rendering of an image on the screen, it lets you choose the size at which you want the image to be saved at. I use this method to reduce the file sizes.


Raid

 

[dexdog]

Kilauea Iki crater, Contax II, Zeiss-Opton 85/2, aperature at f/8, Velvia 50. I hope this shows up OK.

 

[ChrisN]

Raid - some very nice work there. I had to look twice (or three times) to make sure I was not looking at snow!

Mark - your attached image is still a bit too big at 1200 wide x 1723 wide. For viewing on the screen, about 550 to 600 high is about the maximum needed. Nice photo though!

 

[raid]

Chris: When I visited Pensacola Beach the first time, I also thought that it was snow and not white sand. It is tricky for getting the right exposure, but I am used to it now.

Raid

 

[leica M2 fan]

Raid, very nice shots with the 85. How do you protect your equipment from the sand? I took my Exacta VX lla to a local beach once and after that I had a grinding sound in the lens ( a grain of sand). It was easily removed but I've never taken my camera to a beach again and after seeing your photos I can see what I have missed.

 

[raid]

Raid, very nice shots with the 85. How do you protect your equipment from the sand? I took my Exacta VX lla to a local beach once and after that I had a grinding sound in the lens ( a grain of sand). It was easily removed but I've never taken my camera to a beach again and after seeing your photos I can see what I have missed.

I am very careful about my camera equipment in general. When going to the beach, I make sure that I have minimal equipment and a small bag that I always have over my shoulder. I turn my back to the side from the wind is blowing to avoid getting sand. I take photos when all is "clear". It helps to have a no-fault replacement value camera insurance 😀


Raid

 

[johnastovall]

I agree about telephotos for landscapes. I frequently use my 400/5.6 Canon for shots like this to catch a sense of place.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4537675

 

[raid]

John,
I also use large SLR lenses for landscape photography. The perspective can be great with such lenses. Mostly, I use a 300mm and a 500mm lens.

Raid

 

[Dougg]

Dull November day (30 degree angle of view)