Which type of lens is best for capturing expansive landscapes?

A wide-angle lens is the best choice for capturing expansive landscapes because it has a shorter focal length, which allows it to capture a broader view of a scene. This type of lens excels at emphasizing the depth and scale of a landscape, making it particularly effective for landscapes with vast skies, expansive fields, or large mountain ranges.

Wide-angle lenses also often create a sense of immersion, drawing the viewer into the scene by enabling the photographer to include foreground elements along with the background. This is particularly advantageous in landscape photography, where context and depth contribute significantly to the composition.

In contrast, telephoto lenses are designed for isolating subjects and compressing distances, which is more suited for wildlife or distant objects rather than vast landscapes. Macro lenses focus on capturing small subjects up close, making them unsuitable for expansive views. Standard lenses offer a natural perspective but lack the wider field of view necessary to encompass large landscapes effectively.