Camera Settings for Landscape — Beginner Guide
Landscape photography is about capturing the grandness of a scene — from sweeping mountain ranges to peaceful lakesides. The goal is to keep everything sharp and well-exposed. A few simple settings make the difference between a snapshot and a photo you will want to print.
Recommended Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO | 100 |
| Aperture | f/8 – f/11 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/60s – 1/250s |
| White Balance | Daylight |
| Focus Mode | Single AF, focus 1/3 into scene |
Why These Settings?
Always use the lowest ISO for landscapes. You want maximum detail and zero noise. With a tripod, there is no reason to go higher.
This range gives you the sharpest results across the entire frame. Going higher than f/16 can actually reduce sharpness due to diffraction.
Depends on conditions. Handheld, stay at 1/60s or faster. With a tripod and no wind, slower speeds work perfectly.
Daylight preserves the natural colors of the scene. If you shoot RAW, you can fine-tune it later without quality loss.
Focus about one-third into the scene for maximum depth of field. This keeps both foreground and background acceptably sharp.
Get Personalized Settings for Your Camera
These are general recommendations. For settings tailored to your specific camera model and lens, try the wizard.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- 1Using the widest aperture (f/1.8) for landscapes — this blurs the background when you want everything sharp.
- 2Not including a foreground element — a rock, flower, or path gives the eye a journey into the scene.
- 3Shooting at noon when the light is flat and harsh. Early morning or late afternoon gives much more dramatic light.