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Wide Angle Lens Landscape Photography: Capture the Bigger Picture

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What Does a Wide Angle Lens Do?

At its core, a wide angle lens increases the field of view you can capture in a single frame. Compared to standard or telephoto lenses, wide angles allow you to include more of the scene; both horizontally and vertically. Think of it as zooming out on the world.

But it’s not just about fitting more into the frame. Wide angle lenses also exaggerate perspective and enhance the feeling of depth. This distortion (especially when you’re close to your subject) is what makes wide angle shots so dynamic and immersive.

What Are Wide Angle Lenses Used For?

You’ll most often see wide angle lenses used in:

• Landscape photography (of course!)
• Architecture and interiors
• Astrophotography
• Environmental portraits
• Street photography

In landscape photography, they’re ideal for showcasing grand vistas, leading lines, and the interplay of foreground and background. You can place a tiny wildflower inches from your lens and still capture the mountain range behind it. That’s the magic of a wide angle.

Are Wide Angle Lenses Good for Landscape Photography?

Without question…..yes. Wide angle lenses are a go-to tool for landscape photographers because of their ability to stretch the imagination and showcase the scale of the natural world.

From mountains that loom large to winding rivers that guide your eye into a distant valley, wide angle lenses help you capture the rhythm and flow of a scene.

But, like any tool, they require practice. Composition is everything.

If you’re not careful, you could end up with too much in your frame, or foreground elements that dominate in unintended ways. Spend time understanding how your lens “sees,” and you’ll unlock a new level of creative freedom.

What Is the Point of a Wide Angle Lens?

So what’s the point of using a wide angle lens when you’re out in the field? Simply put, it allows you to include more of the environment; sky, foreground, background, and everything in between, into your frame.

In landscape photography, this means you can capture those sweeping vistas, expansive skies, and the feeling of standing in the middle of something vast and awe-inspiring.

But more than just “fitting more in,” a wide angle lens can help tell a more immersive story. When used with intention, it draws your viewer in, placing them right into the heart of the landscape.

When to Use a Wide Angle Lens

Use a wide angle lens when you want to:

• Emphasize the scale of a landscape
• Include both an interesting foreground and a distant background
• Create depth in your composition
• Get close to your subject while still showing the environment
• Take photos in tight spaces (like slot canyons or forest clearings)

A good rule of thumb: if your goal is to immerse the viewer in the scene; use a wide angle.

I use my wide angle a lot when I’m photographing rugged coastlines or towering rock formations. It lets me bring in that feeling of standing on the edge of something vast and ancient.

Wide Angle Lens Focal Length

So what qualifies as a wide angle lens?

• On a full-frame camera, a lens under 35mm is considered wide.
• On an APS-C sensor, anything under 24mm is typically wide.

What Wide Focal Lengths are Good For

• 35mm – wide but natural, good for walk-around landscapes. This is how our eyes perceive the world so this focal length creates relatable images
• 24mm – popular for its versatility and minimal distortion
• 20mm – starts to feel more immersive and dynamic
• 16mm and below – ultra-wide territory, great for dramatic effects, perfect for astrophotography

If you’re just starting out with wide angle landscape photography, a 16–35mm zoom gives you great flexibility in a single lens.

Do I Need a Lens Hood for a Wide Angle Lens?

Here’s a practical question that comes up a lot: Do I need a lens hood for a wide angle lens? The short answer is yes, but with a few caveats.

A lens hood helps to prevent lens flare and protect your front element from scratches, rain, or accidental bumps.

However, because wide angle lenses have such a broad field of view, the lens hood needs to be specifically designed to avoid vignetting (those dark corners you might see in your image if the hood intrudes into the frame). Most wide angle lenses come with a petal-shaped lens hood for this reason.

If you’re shooting into bright light, say, a sunrise over the ocean or a high-noon desert scene, a hood can make a big difference in preserving contrast and clarity. Just make sure it’s the right shape and size for your lens.

Things to Watch out for with a Wide Angle Lens

There are many situations and issues to watch out for when using a wide angle lens and in another post I cover the 14 top mistakes to avoid when using a wide angle lens.

Conclusion

Wide angle lens landscape photography is a beautiful way to stretch your perspective; literally and figuratively. These lenses open up new ways to tell the story of a place, whether you’re standing on a wind-whipped cliffside, hiking through dense woodlands, or watching the Milky Way rise above the desert.

Learning how to use a wide angle lens takes a bit of practice, but the rewards are immense. With the right focal length, thoughtful composition, and a clear creative vision, you can create amazing images that resonate with your viewers.