Prime Lenses for Landscapes?

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.

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So by "maximum image quality edge-to-edge" I assume you mean sharpness at infinity? Maybe brightness too? I sometimes like a landscape with lots of vignette and corner softness.

Corner sharpness at infinity is one of the things that varies copy-to-copy in lenses.

Sony 2.8/24G, Tamron 24mm F2.8, Sigma 24mm F3.5

Unfortunately, some of the big 35mm lenses are good at corner-to-corner performance at infinity. I am not sure if the GM is one of those. The Sigma 35mm F2 is not too bad. The C/V 35mm F2 APO Lanthar might be ideal if you don't mind manual focus.

Sigma 90mm F2.8

tahoe4x5 said:

Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.

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I have bought a lot of discounted gear, and often it was discounted for good reason. Heavy, visible wear can be the best deals. Something that never worked right is not going to get much use. Used lens ratings are only about appearance.

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.

Click to expand...

Today's zooms are impressively sharp tbh, I don't think you need primes for that. A lot of people do still favor primes for shooting landscapes but it tends to be more about unique traits in their rendering (eg sunstars), the mechanical feel of manual focus ones, or the size/weight advantage of a small pair vs a zoom... I doubt you'd notice a difference in sharpness vs a good zoom once you're stopped down to f5.6 or smaller (the great equalizer) and focusing far.

tahoe4x5 said:

Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

Click to expand...

Nah, if you want peace of mind you can buy used from places like MPB and KEH which have really accurate ratings tho. It's always more risky than buying new with a solid return/replacement policy but those places would minimize that risk. I prefer buying new myself to give myself 30+ days to test the lens thoroughly.

I love my primes, got around 10 on E mount, only 2 zooms, on a previous system I had an almost equal split so I obviously gravitate towards primes... I could still see favoring primes if you're only interested in those 3 or so focal lengths, and you'd obviously want the speed for the MW, but it's gonna involve more lens swapping. Anyway, hard to go wrong with the 35/1.4 GM, CV 35/2 APO-Lanthar, or even the Sigma 35/2 DN.

The Sony 35/1.8 is the only small AF one that focuses as close as the GM but it's got more vignetting than the rest IIRC which you might not love for landscapes... The Sigma 90/2.8 DN is superb, I'm not sure there'd be any sense in going with anything faster/larger there for shooting landscapes. Sigma and Samyang both make small well regarded 24mm options as well but I've no hands on experience with those.

I got the Sony 24/2.8 G as a smaller alternative to my 20/1.8 G, largely for the size and sealing. If it wasn't for size being a priority I think the Sigma 24/2 DN & SY 24/1.8 are both a better value for similar money or less.

For shooting the MW it's obviously hard to beat the 14/1.8 GM, Sigma now has a 14/1.4 DN beast tho, and at the other end of the budget spectrum (but just as good optically) there's the Viltrox 16/1.8.

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

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I have been building my landscape kit in past year, after I switched from Sony APSC to Sony FF early last year. My aim was to get quality primes with a focus on landscape.
The prime kit in the focal lengths you listed that I choose was Loxia 25/2.4, FE 35F1.4 GM and Loxia 85/2.4. I also have the Loxia 35/2, Loxia 50/2 and FE 20 F1.8G.

The Loxia 25 and 85 are both excelent performers for landscape and the manual focus is very pleasant and precise. I realy like these lenses. Maybe one of the best you can get.
The 35GM is a nice allrounder with good image quality and smooth bokeh, but a bit heavy for my liking. I use the Loxia 35 for lighter weight/smaller form factor, and I think it is also a solid option for landscape, across the frame sharp at smaller apertures (f/5.6 and up) it's weakness is at large apertures where it realy lacks corner sharness.

For an ultimate landscape kit I may "upgrade" my 35 GM in future for the Voightlander 35mm Apo Lantar which seems to be one the very best landscape lenses around at 35mm.

If you're interested in night sky the FE 20 F1.8 G and/or FE 24 F1.4 GM are interesting options to consider.

As for Loxia lenses, be aware of possible issue with aperture readout and auto magifying. Some Loxia's may have an issue on newer bodies. None of my Loxia's has any issues on my A7R3 except for my Loxia 35.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62121798@N08/sets

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

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Since you’re focussed on landscapes I’d look at MF options. The big advantage is you’ll get better sunstars than any AF primes or zooms. They’re also smaller and lighter which can be helpful if you’re hiking long distances to get your shots. Look at the Loxias and the Voigtlanders.

As others have said, I don’t think you really need to pick primes if sharpness is your priority you should be able to get zooms that are more than sharp enough. Primes can be smaller and lighter as well as having other characteristics.

If sharpness is your priority then look at the Voigtlander APO lenses (35 and 50). The Loxia 85 is very highly regarded. There are good reviews of most of them over at Philip Reeve.

I’ve not used 85 much for landscape and prefer something longer. My current favourite landscape lens is my Batis 135 although I wish it was smaller.

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

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Are you open to manual focus? Some of the most highly regarded primes are MF. I used to have the Voigtlander 35mm Apo which was extremely sharp. I now have the Zeiss Loxia 25mm lens which is also very sharp. But my Loxia is now up for sale. My eyes are getting too old for accurate mf. The A7Rv does have focusing aids, if you are leaning that way.

I shoot landscape.

If you are shooting at f5.6-11, then a lot of lenses perform similarly due to aberrations reducing as you stop down, and diffraction limiting high frequency MTF.

Modern zooms are pretty good for landscape, although UWA zooms that are sharp across the frame are harder to come by.

If you use a tripod and shoot MF, then maybe lens character is what matters?

These guys are pretty reliable for landscape https://phillipreeve.net/blog/fe-lenses-sony-comprehensive-independent-guide/ .

The answer would be different if you do Astro, when the 20/1.8 G would be attractive. Otherwise, I’d pick the Voigtlaender 21/3.5 Colour Skopar, 35/2 APO Lanthar, 50/2 APO Lanthar, 65/2 APO Lanthar macro, Sony 85/1.8 or Sigma 90/2.8 and Sony 100-400 GM.

If you do pick zooms, then the Sony 16-35/4 PZ and 70-200/4 G II macro and TC14 would be handy, with the 50/2 APO in between.

I also have an adapted EF 24/3.5 TSE II.

My normal kit is Tamron 17-28/2.8 & 28-75/2.8 or one of them plus one or two primes - Loxia 21/2.8 or Sigma 35/2. I also have a Sony 20-70/4 as an 80% one-lens solution, extendable with a Voigtlaender 15/4.5. I’m thinking that a Samyang V-AF 100mm T2.3 Cine might make a handy short tele, but it’s hardly been reviewed.

The Tamrons do decent sun stars stopped down, the Loxia is excellent. Even the 20-70/4 makes an effort stopped down.

Andrew

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,

I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge.

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One of mine is FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro. For two reasons:

1) I love 50mm for framing of certain landscapes.

2) It is sharp.

A few:















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http://www.rsjphoto.net/

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

Click to expand...

I am landscape shooter and I lover of prime and manual focus lens, so I ALWAYS go with the manual focus prime over AF when i can find the focal length that fits me, which I almost always can.

At the moment, my landscape /Astro landscape primes for my Sony system include: Sony 14GM, Sigma 14 F1.4 DG DN, Sigma 20 F1.4 DG DN, Sony 20G, Voigtlander 21 F1.4, Voigtlander 35 F2 APO, Voigtlander 50 F2, Zeiss Loxia 85, Voigtlander 110, I also use my Canon Tilt and Shift 17, 24, & 50, 90 regularly on my Sony for landscape. I still have Tamron 28-200, Sony 20-70 F4, 24-70GM but will be selling them soon since I never use them .

I only starting to do little deep sky and at the moment the old Samyang 135 F2 MF is my favorite, oh, also consider tracker if yu are into astro even for wide field Milky Way landsape. it will make a HUGE difference and all of a sudden you F2.8 lens doesn't feel that bad.

The Sigma 14 and 20 F1.4 dg dn are my all time favorite Milky Way Landscape lens. while they are AF lens but manual focus operation on those are not as bad as most Sony AF lenses, they also offer Manual focus lock which can be really handy, also so easy to install lens heater when you are out there in the field, so I prefer them over the Sony 14GM and 20G, The Voigtlander 21 F1.4 i have, while it has F1.4 max aperture but the Coma is horrible wide open, so that's practically a F2.8 Astro lens, but that's the BEST general landscape lens FOR ME. I also hve a Samyang 24 1.8, not the best lens in the world but works really good for astro, it's not any worst than my 24GM that's why I let go the GM and keep the Samyang due to 24mm is not my favorite FL for astro, only use it once in a while, so I just keep the Samyang instead.

You mentioned you want 24, 35 85 to start with, may be take a closer look at the Zeiss Loxia 25, Voigtlander 35 F2 APO and Zeiss Loxia 85, well, that's only if you are OK with Manual Focus. For the AF lenses, may be take a look at Viltrox 16 F1.8, Samyang 24 1.8, Samyang 35 1.8, Sony 85 1.8G. Especially the Viltrox 16 1.8, it's really a great Astro lens for rediculously low price, even I have both Sigma 14 1.4 and 14GM I am pretty impressed with that lens after playing with it, to be honest if i have the choice again, I will for sure to have the Sigma 14 1.4+ Viltrox 16 1.8 combo. rather than a 14GM.

you will also have a lot more slower primes to choose from too, reason I recommand those becasue you mention ASTRO, so those F1.8 primes will work nicely there, good balance between max aperture, optic quality and price.

I don't consider the F1.4 good option for landsacpe, while it 's good for Astro but kind of waste of money for general landscape, not saying they are bad for landscape but you just don't need to spend that kinf of money on a F1.4 lens but mostly stop down to shoot at F8 or 11 most of the time.

tahoe4x5 said:

I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images.

Click to expand...

I enjoy using these excellent manual-focus lenses in the range that interests you:

Loxia 25mm F2.4

Voigtlander 35m F2 APO-Lanthar

Zeiss ZM mount 85mm F4 Tele-Tessar with a quality Rayqual adapter (this lens is quite good, but not quite as good as the larger and heavier Loxia 85 that is larger and heavier than I'd like to carry)

For landscape use, it would be tough to beat the first two at 24-25 and 35mm. I have no experience with lenses wider than 21-ish.

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

Click to expand...

Hi,

You're going to miss movements..... I did. You're going to be stopping well down if you still want that classic foreground detail/distant background look that view cameras offer. Without movements, small apertures are a great leveler - so most of the good quality lenses will offer similar performance at f8-11-16.

I hike my lenses into national parks with the full multi-night hiking kit. It's getting a bit tougher heading for 70, so I've opted for lighter prime options.....

• In 24mm, I use the Samyang 24/1.8 and Sigma 24/3.5. Very happy with both.
• In 35mm, the Sigma 35/2 is an excellent lens. (I also use the Sony 40/2.5G).
• I don't use an 85mm. There's no small, light option. I bought the Sigma 90/2.8. It's a great little lens. Other members here swear by the Samyang 75/1.8. Sony don't offer any compact primes in the telephoto range. And there's no compact prime longer than 90mm from anyone. In the Sony ecosystem, for compact telephotos, it's use a zoom, adapt or nothing. So, I mostly use a zoom for longer FLs. I do occasionally adapt legacy lenses (120, 135, 180mm). Sharp options can be found, but CAs can be an issue with lenses not designed for digital.

I wouldn't be too disparaging about modern zooms. The gap between primes and zooms has narrowed. While primes still (mostly) hold an incremental edge, some of Sony's zooms are truly excellent. In addition to the primes above, I also sometimes use the 20-70/4G. And for longer FLs, the 70-200/4Gii. Both are very good landscape options.

Buying used? It can be done. I've bought some excellent used lenses. One has always taken one's chances - that hasn't changed. Always check the lens in-the-hand if possible. If buying from overseas, check the satisfaction rating of the seller and the photographs and description of the lens very carefully.

Hope that helps.

Regards, Rod

Your needs are easily met and I agree with advice so far. My mentions below just add a few more choices.

sonyalphablog gives the Tamron 24 and 35 their highest rating. Both are cheap and light weight, but slow to focus. Some AF lenses are unpleasant to manually focus and both of these are like that, but they are razor sharp.

The Sony 24-50mm f2.8 is a very sharp lens and not heavy. Although it's feasible to just go with 24mm and crop for 35, part of the experience of landscape photography is composing and the 24-50 makes that more fun for me than just accepting what the prime does. Incidentally, I was once a very serious landscape photographer under the black cloth with a 4x5 view camera and 135mm lens, which has the 35mm field of view.

The Sigma 90mm f2.8 is just totally wonderful and also great for closeups of flowers and even pretty rocks.

tahoe4x5 said:

Hello,
I am going to purchase an A7Rv and would appreciate input on a selection of prime lenses by those using them for the purpose of shooting landscapes and printing very large prints please. I have shot large format for decades and need a few lenses to mirror that kit. I am thinking 24, 35, 85 to start, and perhaps a 14mm for Milky Way images. I am inclined to stay away from zooms and stick with primes for maximum image quality edge to edge. I appreciate any input you may have to share.
Also, is buying used too risky these days? I have always done so with large format gear, but that is a different creature lacking electronics.
THanks again,
JP

Click to expand...

Unless you going to use them for night sky, going with fast lenses would make little sense, but I would definitely go with weather-sealed lenses which exclude Sigma C line, Voigtländer are nice but has the same issue it’s really only good weather lenses and for their nice sunstars.



Once you stop down there little gain with more expensive lenses, there also little gain if any between primes and zooms, unless it offer better sunstars



I went from primes to zooms simply because at landscape I noticed little gain if any at all, I then added Voigtländer for substars and rendering.

Thank you very much everyone for your input. I appreciate your consideration. May I ask if anyone has experience printing large (30x40+) from these camera (a7Rv) lens combos? I'm asking for the context in which I'll be using this setup.

Thanks again,

JP

Whether zoom or prime you can't go wrong with Sony OEM. I own a mix of Sony GM and G series for landscape.