Nikon D5100 Best Landscape Lens?

[Fatrat]

I have a D5100 which came with the standard 18-55 lens. Its OK but neither one thing or the other

I like taking landscape shots but I will never win any prizes so I'm looking for suggestions for a reasonably priced (say up to £200) lens that will help me achieve decent pictures.

Would a prime lens be best? Wide angle?

I know that the expensive lens will give better reproduction but as I said I am not at that level!

Comments welcome......................

[steveatesh]

Good post, I spent half a day taking landscape shots yesterday and I don't know if it was user error (highly likely) but they are n as sharp as I'd like ( used the kit lens 18-55)
Probably need to review my technique too but I'll certainly be interested in the suggestions.

[CaptainPeanut]

A little more background on settings etc would help to show if it is a lens issue or technique. What ISO, aperture, focus point etc

[andy-xr]

You know, with the exception of the Sigma 10-20mm, the best colour repro out of the camera I've had has been with Nikon lenses, and annoyingly, the kit lens I got with my D40 years ago still comes up as a good'un.

Having said that, out of the camera just means it's transferred from the memory card to the computer, so it still needs working on to define areas of interest.

[ManFromDelmonte]

I guess most people would equate "landscape lens" to mean wide angle, although it is not strictly true.

Not quite £200 but the Tokina 11-16mm gets good reviews although you would need the Mk2 version if you require autofocus with your D5100.

I have the same camera and bought the Nikkor 10-24mm, over budget but it is very sharp and very wide.

£200 is really not much for a wide-angle.

Do you have the Nikon 35mm F1.8? That is only £145ish and is an incredible lens for the money. 50mm equiv is not traditionally a focal length for landscapes however.

[Jarcy]

ManFromDelmonte said:

Do you have the Nikon 35mm F1.8? That is only £145ish and is an incredible lens for the money. 50mm equiv is not traditionally a focal length for landscapes however.

I would also suggest this lens within your price point. Not so wide as it's a 'standard' lens for DX, but also versatile beyond landscape - good for low light or indoor shooting, and for achieving shallow depth of field. Also the same filter size as your 18-55.