Wide angle zoom or prime?

[PDP]

I'm looking to get a wide angle lens for my DSLR for landscape photography.
Should I invest in a wide angle prime or a wide zoom?

[RichardTaylor]

For what camera model?

[Matthias099]

Depends on what you want to do . . . .

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but you usually choose a prime lens for high quality photos, low light conditions due to the smaller aperture, etc.

You usually choose a zoom because of the flexibility it gives you by having different lengths in the same lens.

So it depends . . . . For landscape I would choose a zoom rather than a prime lens, because usually you shouldn't have a problem with low light, correct?

But that's only one man's opinion . . . .

[PDP]

Thanks
I'm thinking I'm more likely to use a zoom as many of my photos are seascapes, so there isn't as much opportunity to change my shooting position (without getting wet feet!).
I just wondered if wide zooms were as sharp as wide primes. I want the images as sharp as possible.

I didn't mention which type of camera I use because I'm more interested in the general advantages & disadvantages of the various options rather than specific lens models, but since you ask I'm on a Nikon DX camera, but hoping to change to a Nikon FX camera.

[Matthias099]

There are some very good wide zooms out there. But it all depends on your budget. Try to find some lens reviews to see the differences, strengths and weaknesses of your 'candidates'.

[spcandrew]

With wide-angle or ultra-wide angle lenses, the problem with zooms usually is softness in the corners, particularly when shooting at a wide aperture. That said, the top of the line Canon wide-angle L lens goes for about $2,400. Depending on the ol' budget, you will get better sharpness out of a prime lens.

[spcandrew]

Originally Posted by Matthias099

Depends on what you want to do . . . .

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but you usually choose a prime lens for high quality photos, low light conditions due to the smaller aperture, etc.

You usually choose a zoom because of the flexibility it gives you by having different lengths in the same lens.

So it depends . . . . For landscape I would choose a zoom rather than a prime lens, because usually you shouldn't have a problem with low light, correct?

But that's only one man's opinion . . . .

Almost correct You chose a prime lens because usually they are sharper at a wide aperture, not smaller, plus primes generally have a wider maximum aperture than a zoom. For instance, the Canon 85mm L lens has a widest (maximum) aperture of F/1.2 while the widest aperture on a Canon Zoom that covers 85mm is F/2.8 (on the 70-200 F/2.8).

[RichardTaylor]

The reason I ask is that it depends how wide you want to go.

For full frame cameras a wide angle prime is not a problem.
For crop cameras it may be.

For example, just looking at a local Nikon dealer, the widest prime (not a fisheye) appears to be a 20mm F2.8. That's not very wide on a crop camera.

The main general advantages of any prime are
(1) It will be smaller & lighter.
(2) It may be faster.
(3) IQ may be better (not always the case especially with some older kenses)
(4) The lens hood works properly as it is designed for just a single focal length.

I am a Canon shooter however the principals remain the same.
For a wide to very wide lens I use a 12-24 zoom, on my crop camera, because of it's versatility.
I do own a F2.8 24mm prime however it only sees use on my full frame camera (if I will be shooting hand held in low light)

[Doug Sundseth]

FWIW, I mostly shoot landscape and I'm pretty sure my next lens is going to be the Sigma 8-16mm (built for crop-sensor cameras only).

In general, I advocate composing with your feet and framing with the focal length, which gets much easier if you can change your focal length.

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

In general, I advocate composing with your feet and framing with the focal length, which gets much easier if you can change your focal length.

Absolutely - choose perspective first, then framing.
it's why I carry a bag of primes for landscape work