Disadvantages of wide-angle lenses in landscape photography
Wide-angle lenses are an important part of landscape and seascape photography and are widely used in the field. They are extremely popular and often produce amazing results if used correctly. Like any lens used in landscape and seascape photography, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of.
One of the big disadvantages of wide angle lenses is that when you are close to an object, they tend to distort and stretch the subject out of proportion, which is not a desirable effect. Unless of course you’re trying to achieve that effect, but most of us as landscape and seascape photographers don’t go for that effect. It’s easy to avoid this effect if you know it, but if you’re not aware of it, it may surprise you.
Another downside to wide-angle lenses is that they are prone to vignetting and can often produce photos with smooth edges. The entire photo may be sharp except for the edges, again this is an undesirable effect, but it is easy to avoid. Your wide angle lens will be particularly prone to vignetting if you have a thick filter holder. You should always try to get a very fine filter holder to avoid vignetting.
The last real downside to a wide angle lens in landscape and seascape photography is that it has a very limited zoom. They’re great for taking close-up shots of objects, but they’re almost useless when it comes to capturing objects that are at a considerable distance.
The advantages of a wide angle lens far outweigh its disadvantages, but as with anything you buy, you just need to be aware that they do have a few disadvantages. As with anything, as long as you are aware of your limitations, you shouldn’t have a problem with them. They play an important role in landscape and seascape photography for good reason, they are a very effective lens and can capture a lot of information.
If you are looking to buy a wide angle lens, you should not worry too much about the disadvantages, as the advantages far outweigh them. Go for it!