Best Lenses for Landscape Photography: Expert Picks for Stunning Vistas

Landscape photography captures the beauty of nature in stunning detail. The right lens can make a big difference in the quality of landscape images. Wide-angle lenses are popular choices that let photographers include more of a scene in the frame.

The best lenses for landscapes offer sharpness, minimal distortion, and versatility in different lighting conditions. Some top options come from major brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Others are made by third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. Both zoom and prime lenses can work well for landscape shots.

1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a top choice for landscape photographers. It offers a wide zoom range that's perfect for capturing sweeping vistas and dramatic scenes.

This lens boasts excellent image quality, with sharp results across the frame. It performs well even in the corners, which is crucial for landscape shots.

The constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure throughout the zoom range. While not as fast as some alternatives, it's sufficient for most landscape work.

One standout feature is the built-in image stabilization. This helps reduce camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld shots in low-light conditions.

The lens is well-built and weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor use in various conditions. It's also relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for long hikes or extended shooting sessions.

Canon's L-series quality is evident in this lens, with robust construction and reliable performance. It works well on both DSLR and mirrorless Canon cameras with an adapter.

For landscape photographers who prioritize image quality and versatility, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a solid investment. It strikes a good balance between performance and affordability within its class.

2. Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a top-notch lens for landscape photography. It offers an ultra-wide zoom range that's perfect for capturing vast scenes and dramatic vistas.

This lens is part of Nikon's premium S-Line for mirrorless cameras. It delivers exceptional image quality with edge-to-edge sharpness, even when shooting at its widest aperture.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture makes it great for low-light situations. This feature is especially useful for night sky and Milky Way photography.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the lens is relatively lightweight. Photographers can carry it on long hikes without feeling weighed down.

The lens features two control rings and a custom function button. These allow for quick adjustments and easy handling in the field.

An added bonus is the ability to use filters. Unlike its DSLR predecessor, this lens accepts screw-in filters, giving photographers more creative options.

The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S excels in durability too. It's built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a reliable choice for landscape shooters.

With its combination of wide-angle coverage, excellent optics, and practical features, this lens is a standout option for landscape photography enthusiasts.

3. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is a top-tier ultra-wide zoom lens for landscape photography. It offers an exceptionally wide angle of view, making it ideal for capturing vast scenes.

This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. This feature allows for great low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field when needed.

The image quality of the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is impressive. It delivers sharp results across the frame, even at wide apertures. This makes it a versatile choice for various landscape scenarios.

One notable strength of this lens is its coma correction. This makes it an excellent option for astrophotography, allowing photographers to capture clear night skies without distortion of stars near the edges of the frame.

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is built to professional standards. It features weather sealing and robust construction, making it suitable for use in challenging outdoor conditions.

While this lens offers outstanding performance, it comes with a high price tag. Photographers should consider their budget and specific needs when deciding if this investment is right for them.

4. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is a great choice for landscape photographers using Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. This lens offers a wide-angle view perfect for capturing expansive scenes.

It features a constant f/2.8 aperture, allowing for good low-light performance and depth of field control. The lens is sharp across its zoom range, producing high-quality images.

The Tamron 17-28mm is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on long hikes or outdoor shoots. Its weather-sealed construction helps protect against dust and moisture.

This lens uses a stepping motor for quick and quiet autofocus. This is useful for photographers who also shoot videos with their cameras.

The minimum focus distance is 19cm at 17mm, allowing for close-up shots with interesting perspectives. The lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.2 at 17mm.

While not as wide as some other options, the 17-28mm range is versatile for landscapes. It can capture both broad vistas and tighter compositions.

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 offers good value compared to similar lenses. It delivers strong image quality and is built at a lower price point than some competitors.

5. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art lens is a top choice for landscape photographers. It offers a wide focal range that captures expansive scenes with ease.

This lens boasts excellent image quality. It produces sharp photos with minimal distortion and color fringing. The f/2.8 aperture allows for good low-light performance and depth of field control.

The lens is built to withstand tough conditions. It features extensive weather-sealing, making it suitable for outdoor use in various environments.

The Sigma 14-24mm has a minimum focus distance of 10.2 inches. This allows photographers to get close to subjects while maintaining a wide field of view.

The zoom range is suitable for landscape photography. The 14mm end excels at capturing expansive vistas, while the 24mm is ideal for more confined compositions.

This lens is suitable for full-frame cameras. It operates effectively with high-resolution bodies, producing detailed images throughout the frame.

Photographers appreciate the smooth handling of this lens. The built-in hood adds protection and helps prevent unwanted flare.

While it's larger and heavier than some alternatives, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art delivers professional-grade results. Its image quality and durability make it a valuable tool for serious landscape photographers.

6. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is a premium ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It provides an equivalent focal length of 14-28mm in 35mm format, which makes it perfect for landscape photography.

This lens features a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range. This allows photographers to maintain consistent exposure settings while zooming.

The 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is built to withstand tough conditions. It has a weather-sealed design that protects against dust and moisture. This makes it suitable for outdoor use in various environments.

The lens construction includes 14 elements in 11 groups. It incorporates two aspherical ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and one DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element. These help to reduce distortion and chromatic aberrations.

At its widest setting, this lens provides a 115-degree angle of view. This expansive field of view is useful for capturing sweeping landscapes and architectural shots.

The lens comes with a fixed lens hood and a pinch-style lens cap for added protection. Its rectilinear design helps minimize the fisheye effect often seen in ultra-wide lenses.

Landscape photographers will appreciate the 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO's versatility. It excels in capturing both grand vistas and tight interior spaces. Its premium build quality and optical performance make it a valuable tool for serious photographers.

Understanding Lens Types

Lens choice greatly impacts landscape photography. Different lenses capture scenes in unique ways, affecting perspective, depth, and composition.

Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses provide an extensive field of view, generally featuring focal lengths between 14mm and 35mm on full-frame cameras. Their ability to capture more of a scene in a single shot makes them a favorite for landscape photography.

Wide-angle lenses enhance the size and drama of foreground objects. They also amplify the perception of depth by highlighting the distance between nearby and distant subjects. This effect is particularly effective for incorporating captivating foreground elements in landscape photography.

Many wide-angle lenses offer a very close minimum focus distance. This feature lets photographers get right up close to subjects while still capturing the wider scene behind them.

Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses have longer focal lengths, usually 70mm and above. They magnify distant objects and compress perspective. This compression makes objects in the frame appear closer together.

In landscapes, telephoto lenses excel at isolating specific parts of a scene. They can highlight distant mountains or focus on patterns in nature. The compressed perspective creates a layered look that can be very striking.

Telephoto lenses also work well for capturing wildlife in their natural habitats. They allow photographers to keep a safe distance while still getting close-up shots of animals in the landscape.

Prime vs. Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses feature a fixed focal length, resulting in sharper images and enhanced low-light performance. They are generally simpler in design and are often more durable for outdoor settings.

Zoom lenses offer variable focal lengths. They provide more flexibility in framing shots without changing lenses. This can be helpful when working in changing conditions or hard-to-reach locations.

Both types have their place in landscape photography. Primes might be preferred for their image quality, while zooms offer versatility. The choice often comes down to personal preference and specific shooting needs.

Factors to Consider for Landscape Photography

When choosing a lens for landscape photography, two key aspects stand out: the focal length and aperture and the lens's ability to withstand outdoor conditions. These factors shape the quality and versatility of your landscape shots.

Focal Length and Aperture

Focal length impacts how much of a scene you can capture. Wide-angle lenses, typically 14-35mm, are popular for landscapes. They let you fit more into the frame, which is great for vast vistas. Longer focal lengths, like 70-200mm, work well for isolating parts of a scene.

Aperture affects depth of field and low-light performance. A wide aperture (small f-number) lets in more light, which is useful for night landscapes. It also creates a shallow depth of field, blurring backgrounds. Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) keep more of the scene in focus, ideal for most landscapes.

Some lenses offer variable apertures, changing as you zoom. Fixed aperture lenses keep the same maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, often preferred by pros.

Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers often work in harsh conditions. Weather-sealed lenses protect against dust, moisture, and light rain. This feature is crucial for outdoor shooting.

Weather sealing uses rubber gaskets and seals to keep elements out. It's found on higher-end lenses. While not fully waterproof, it adds protection in damp or dusty environments.

Not all lenses have weather sealing. Budget options often lack this feature. For serious landscape work, investing in a weather-sealed lens can save worry and protect your gear.

When paired with a weather-sealed camera body, these lenses offer the best protection for outdoor shoots.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lens for landscape photography can make a big difference. Wide-angle lenses let you capture sweeping vistas. Telephoto lenses are great for zooming in on distant details.

Image quality matters a lot for landscapes. Look for lenses that are sharp from edge to edge. Good contrast and color are important, too.

Consider your budget when picking a lens. There are good options at different price points. Cheaper lenses can still take nice photos if used well.

Think about what scenes you like to shoot most. This can help narrow down your lens choices. Some photographers prefer one versatile zoom lens. Others like having a few prime lenses.

Don't forget about size and weight. A lighter lens is easier to carry on long hikes. But bigger lenses often have better image quality.

Try renting or borrowing lenses before you buy. This lets you test them out in real conditions. You can see which focal lengths and features you use most.