Best budget landscape lens for nikon dslr

So you want to throw a few cheap lenses in your bag and shoot some landscape, but are wondering what the best landscape-specific lenses are? Maybe you’ve spent thousands on camera gear and don’t want to break the bank on another lens. The below 5 Nikon lenses are all under $200. They’re cheap but still produce nice quality images.

Any photographer looking for a more affordable lens but still with great optical qualities must find a best budget nikon lens for himself/herself. And I mean, most of the people will have a problem because of the expensive price in buying good lenses. And that’s what makes us realize, there are some cheap and good lenses out there.

If you are looking for a cheap lens, there are several options that I can help you with. The lens that I will recommend is available at less than $100. It has great image quality and build that will last for years. This is just one of the lens that I can recommend in the best budget lens category.

Best landscape lens for nikon z50

I am about to make a value for money versus quality for money argument. Of course, the better the quality of photo you want to take, then the more expensive camera body and lens you need. The cheaper your camera is, the more you have to handle settings manually, which requires skill and practice. However today we will talk about some of the best lenses under $400 which is still quite staggering as far as pricing goes.

When I had the chance to buy my first DSLR, I did a lot of research to find the best lenses for Nikon D50. And I found out that for an entry-level DSLR, the kit lens is fine but you should definitely upgrade if you can. Even though I’ve been through four upgrades since then, I still remember that precious and hard-earned advice. Looking back, it was really sound advice and can help beginners in their stepping stone journey. The only thing is that landscape photography has become serious business with the advent of digital cameras. So today’s landscape lenses are at a price point never before seen — almost all of them into the hundreds of dollars!

One of the best ways to improve your photos is by improving your lens. But with camera lenses, there’s a lot of false information and myth out there. Many people get caught up spending more money on lenses but don’t actually realize how much it can slow them down. The truth is, bad lenses can actually frustrate you as you waste time, money and patience trying to create the perfect shot.

There’s a misconception that landscape lens means ultra-wide angle lens.

 Best budget landscape lens for nikon dslr

You can use ultra-wide angle for landscape, but it truly excels in interiors where you want to emphasize a foreground object.

For the best landscape shot, you want a zoom lens for different focal lengths with a decent angle.

The best landscape lens for Nikon offers proper zoom and sharp images. Here are our favorites.

We Recommend

Best for Landscape

Nikkor 14-24mm

Best for the Money

Nikkor 24-70mm

Best Budget Option

Tamron SP 15-30mm

Best Landscape Lens for Nikon

1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Landscape Lens

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This Nikkor is one of the best options for normal and wide-angle shots. The maximum aperture in this lens is f/2.8 and ultra-wide-angle zoom optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness.

It comes with Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and PGM aspherical lenses control chromatic aberrations while enhancing sharpness and contrast even at the widest aperture settings.

This lens has the Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor, which enables fast autofocus while being extremely quiet, which might become handy when shooting in nature.

Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet autofocusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range. It has a quite rugged construction with professional-grade dust and moisture resistance.

What we liked

• Enhanced optical formulas
• Exceptional sharpness
• Image integrity is outstanding
• Moisture and grade dust resistant
• Rugged construction

What we didn’t like

• Heavy 
• The lenses do not accept screw-in filters

2. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Zoom Lens

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR improves upon nearly every aspect of its acclaimed predecessor-sharpness, speed, consistency, control, and durability.

This is a truly versatile telephoto lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and electromagnetic aperture mechanism.

The optical design incorporates a unique aspherical extra-low dispersion element, in addition to three aspherical, two extra-low dispersion, and one high refractive index elements, to help reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions.

It also has an optical precision to the edge of the frame, a new aspherical extra-low dispersion (ASP/ED) element is paired with traditional as, ED and HRI elements for a thrilling new level of optical precision.

24-70mm is the sweet spot of the zoom range for many photographers, great for everything from landscape photography and studio work to weddings and press events.

The F/2.8 constant aperture allows for faster shutter speeds to freeze fast action, renders a beautiful bokeh blur, and performs brilliantly in low light.

When using vibration reduction, press the shutter-release button halfway and wait for the image in the viewfinder to stabilize before pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

What we liked

• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture with an electromagnetic diaphragm
• Great image quality and sharpness with virtually no distortion
• 4 stops of Vibration Reduction for handheld and low light shooting 
• Very speedy lens
• Worth the money if you can afford it

What we didn’t like

• Higher price

3. Tamron AFA012N700 SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Wide-Angle Lens

The Tamron AFA012N700 SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Wide-Angle Lens is the best Nikon lens for landscape and travel – particularly for experienced photographers who do not want to spend too much money on a new lens.

The performance will be similar to an ultra wide angle lens Nikon offers. This is due to the adjustable focal length.

The focal range can be adjusted between 15mm and 30mm. This allows you to get more precision when configuring your camera and lens for the perfect shot.

The lens features a constant f/2.8 aperture exposure. The lens also has a nine-blade aperture design. This is a great feature for people who are looking to take bokeh shots.

The Tamron AFA012N700 SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Wide-Angle Lens offers a 110-degree viewing angle too. This allows you to get more imagery into every shot you take. While a professional lens, it does come at a surprisingly affordable price tag.

What we liked

• Adjustable focal length
• Fixed constant aperture
• Wide angle lens
• 9 blade aperture design
• Compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras
• 110-degree angle of view
• Affordable price tag

What we didn’t like

• Quite heavy

4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Zoom Landscape Lens

This Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens has a fast f/2.8-4 aperture, VR image stabilization, and Nikon advanced lens technology.

It covers wide-angle to portrait views with absolutely brilliant image quality. An ideal lens for landscape photography, conveying a sense of place, blogging, low light, HD video, and much more.

This is the world’s lightest 5x zoom lens with an F/2.8-4 aperture, which is excellent for softening foregrounds or backgrounds and highlighting your subject.

On a DX-format camera, it’s zoom range is equivalent to Nikon 24-120mm FX lens (35mm format), a staple in many pro camera bags.

Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates glare, while extra-low dispersion glass and aspherical elements reduce color aberration and enhance sharpness and contrast.

There’s even a specialized Tripod VR mode, a first for this zoom range*, that eliminates the effects of tripod vibration.

A specialized electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism operates in precise sync with the camera’s shutter for reliable exposure control during high-speed sequences.

What we liked

• World’s lightest 5x zoom with an f/2.8-4 maximum aperture
• Versatile zoom range that covers wide-angle to portrait views 
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.15 feet.(0.35 meter)
• 4 stops of VR image stabilization for handheld and low light shooting
• Nonstick protective fluorine coatings on the glass resist water, dirt, and smudges

What we didn’t like

• Low-light performance could need improvement
• Some vignetting

5. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens

The Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 DC HSM is the first wide-angle to standard zoom lens to achieve a large aperture of 1.8 designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors.

This lens incorporates a wide glass-molded aspherical lens with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass to compensate for aberrations and curvature at the widest angle.

The 18-35mm is ideal for landscape photography, portraits, casual, and close-ups. This has been my main lens for years. It is super sharp and the autofocus is out of this world.

This lens, however, is very heavy, and since I shoot with a battery grip attachment, it makes it that much heavier. This is the only negative behind this lens if you even want to consider it a negative since it is expected.

The motors are silent and the fluidity of the autofocus is insane. Sometimes I let the autofocus do its job because it keeps up with my moving subjects better than I can.

What we liked

• Fast and versatile design
• Art-series zoom, covering wide-angle to normal focal lengths
• Bright f/1.8 constant maximum aperture, which suits its use in difficult lighting conditions
• Impressive depth of field control throughout the zoom range
• The 18-35mm is ideal for landscape photography, portraits, still, life, snapshots, casual, and close-ups

What we didn’t like

• Not compatible with Full Frame cameras

6. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens

Nikon 20mm/1.8 is lightweight and compact with an FX-format. These lenses offer a combination of an ultra-wide perspective of a focal length worth 20mm.

The maximum ratio of reproduction in this lens is 0.23x. Aspherical lens and extra-low dispersion glass elements.

These also consist of (SWM) an innovative silent wave motor. This motor uses electronic waves for accurate, fast, and nearly quiet autofocus operations, which lie approximately 78 inches in proximity to your subject.

This lens allows you to freely capture architecture and expansive landscape photography, crowd shots, concert stages, wedding parties, and lots more. With this lens, you also have the low-light capabilities for your view.

What we liked

• Compact and lightweight
• Shallow depth of field
• f/18 maximum aperture
• Nanocrystal coat combat sagittal flare
• High resolution
• No ghosting
• Extreme sharpness

What we didn’t like

• For a perfect view, you need to go live view
• With distinct good focus too the stars have distinct glares

7. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED Zoom Lens

Nikkor 16-35mm/f4 is best option for normal and wide-angle shots. The maximum aperture in this lens is f/4 and offers two modes of focus. The lenses also offer manual and autofocus with manual override.

The lens construction consists of 12 groups and 17 elements. There is also vibration reduction, image stabilization with up to 4 stops. You can use the Nikon F mount for DX DSLRs and FX.

These lenses are extra wide in angle and ideal for capturing interiors, cityscapes, and landscape photography.

With the 16-35mm AF-S NIKKOR and f/4G ED VR, you can not only capture a perfectly complete image but also get focal lengths that cover a tremendously large range. The images also benefit greatly from the steady handgrip of the Nikon image stabilization and vibration reduction technology.

What we liked

• Rich color rendition
• Sharp focus
• f/4 fixed aperture lens
• the focal range does not compromise on depth of field or brightness
• Creative bases have astonishing versatile covering
• 2.5 stops of blur-free shooting option manually
• Does not rely heavily on a tripod

What we didn’t like

• Slight compromise with a shutter speed
• The lens may be slightly heavy for some users

8. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

This Nikon’s 70-200 f/2.8 lens has been the benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, unrivaled for low-light, sports, wildlife, concerts, weddings, portraits, and everyday shooting.

This is the best Nikon lens I have ever had the pleasure to use. The images are super crisp and clear all and I see no barrel distortion or chromatic aberration.

It is lighter than the previous model and has 4 stops of vibration reduction! You can remove the tripod collar or just the foot if you wish.

The buttons work very well when I want to autofocus with those and then shoot with the main button, just like using back-button autofocus.

It performs exceptionally well in low light thanks to constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. You can shoot with the aperture wide open at f/2.8 across the entire zoom range—from 70mm to 200mm.

What we liked

• Masterful design
• Aperture gives Creamy background
• Focus and zoom rings have a reverse position and give stable zooming
• Built for field
• Improved AF tracking

What we didn’t like

• A bit costly
• Is only suitable for experienced photographers but not beginners and amateurs

9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens

When it comes to looking at a Nikon wide-angle lens FX, some people do prefer something with a fixed focal length.

This keeps the shot stable and reduces the need for constantly switching settings to get a good shot.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens is a top option for photographers looking at the best Nikon lens for hiking.

It features built-in autofocus. This lens offers a fixed focal length of 24mm.

It also has a constant minimum exposure rating of f/1.8G. It also provides great performance in a low-light condition.

It has a fast focus system. The autofocus function ensures you are able to focus on a subject without the need to manually adjust a ring.

While this is primarily a prime lens, it does feature a focal length that would also classify it as a wide-angle option. With this in mind, you can use the lens for more than just landscapes – including portraits, wildlife, and more.

What we liked

• Great price tag
• Good for beginners
• Constant f/1.8 aperture
• Fast focus system
• Wide-angle prime lens
• Can be used for bokeh photos
• Good for more than landscapes

What we didn’t like

• Does not have image stabilization
• May not be suitable enough for professionals

10. Tokina AT-X PRO DX for digital SLR 11-20mm f/2.8 Pro DX Lens

This Tokina AT-X PRO is a versatile wide-angle zoom for Nikon DX-format DSLRs.

It offers a 16.5-30mm equivalent focal length and features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for maintained brightness throughout the zoom range.

One P-MO hybrid aspherical element and two glass-molded aspherical elements work in tandem to minimize distortions and control various aberrations while three SD ultra-low dispersion elements reduce chromatic aberrations for increased clarity.

It’s well-suited to working in a wide variety of situations, and this ultra-wide zoom covers an array of wide-angle perspectives while maintaining consistent illumination for working in challenging lighting.

The main reason I decided to purchase this lens in the first place was for night landscape photography. The 11-20 was supposed to fix several issues the 11-16 had while adding 4mm to the focal range.

This lens is one of my favorite and most used. I couldn’t be happier with the choice—great quality and no troubling issues to speak of.

What we liked

• The lens is very, very sharp
• Build quality is great
• Zoom ring feels just right (not too stiff, not too loose)
• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for maintained brightness throughout the zoom range
• Very versatile lens

What we didn’t like

• May have some flare when in direct sunlight (depends on what you shoot)

11. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens

The Nikon 10-24mm zoom is ideal interiors, cityscapes, landscape photography, architecture, and other purposes too. It has a focal length of 10-24 mm with f/ 0.8.

This model gives you a 109 degrees angle of the image through 61 degrees. The focal length is equivalent to 15-36mm in length.

With the SWM, users have access to quiet and accurate autofocus operations. It also offers color correction and superior sharpness and efficiently reduces chromatic aberration.

With the aspherical lens present, the elements virtually reduce coma and other kinds of aberrations caused by the lens. Even under the widest aperture use, there are no malfunctions or aberrations. The model also accepts the screw-on filter type.

What we liked

• Compact yet ultra-wide angle
• Ideal for HD videos and photos of landscape photography
• Captures with remarkable clarity
• Advanced, optimized lens for DX-format
• Peak performance in both HD and still shooting
• Great color reproduction, contrast and image quality

What we didn’t like

• A little distortion at the wide end
• Manual focusing is a little tricky

12. Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens

This Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM is a state of the art lens designed for full-frame cameras but can also be used with APS-C sensors as well.

The 35mm 1.4 DG HSM includes new features based around a unique lens concept and design.

The 35mm is a staple focal length in the world of photography and paired with Sigma technology. This lens can take artistic expression to the next level.

The lens is equipped with technology including a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), floating internal focusing system, SLD, and FLD Glass elements.

The HSM ensures quiet, high speed, accurate autofocusing, while the floating focusing system allows for superior optical performance with subjects at a closer shooting distance.

The SLD glass elements, along with the FLD glass elements, which are equal to fluorite, help correct both axial and chromatic aberration. This Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM is a must-have for any camera bag.

What we liked

• Great value for money 
• F1.4 maximum aperture and is compatible with all current Nikon cameras (both DX and FX)
• Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
• Available in Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA mounts

What we didn’t like

• May be some spotty focus during lower light when shooting wide open

Types of landscape photography lenses

Wide-angle Lens  

• Wide-angle is better suited for landscape photography. At any given setting of the aperture, a wide-angle lens offer more depth of field. These subject distances more than telephotos. 
• With a wide-angle lens, photographers can obtain more sharpness in front to back images. Wide-angle lenses offer more perspective and understanding of the image. 
• They add more depth by distancing the horizon further away than it is in reality. Wide-angle lenses include up to 40 mm of focal length on a camera with a full-frame. 

Prime lens

• Prime lenses offer the best value for cost regarding image quality. They work well for photographers within a budget. 
• The maximum apertures of prime lenses are wider. When bending down to f16 or f11, these are more useful to shoot handheld images in low light. Nifty fifty prime lenses and bokeh are good examples.

Telephoto and Zoom

• These are considerable any type of lens consisting of a more than 50 mm focal length. These lenses specialize in magnifying the subjects lying at far to moderate distances like animals and birds. 
• These lenses allow you to capture subjects that lie at a distance away within your landscape. 
• These are good for sports events and wildlife photography.

Macro Lens

• Allow you to explore flower or leaves patterns, moss clumps and lichen. 
• They offer a limited depth of field even with small apertures. 
• These are good for capturing small subjects at close by distances.

What is the best focal length for landscape photography?

14mm

This focal length lies at the end of the spectrum for landscapes. It requires a massive scene and far-stretched places to capture. It covers a tremendous area from one side to the other. This focal length requires the photographer to make the best use of the foreground. The lens poses difficulties in the correct use of the foreground, dramatic and appropriate large size of landscapes, and simplifying scene so as not to overwhelm the viewer.

18m

The 18mm lens allows things to open up with no pressure on framing everything. Photographers can capture an image with fantastic foreground and steady composition without the image feeling as huge as 14mm. Offers more versatility in capturing scenes.

21mm

21mm offers great uses and opportunities to aim narrower or wider. The focal length still allows wide-open to feel but not overly wide in several situations

24mm

24mm normalize scenes. The 24mm offers the option of capturing people and urban scenes in addition to landscapes. However, these are not as ultra-wide, and the scale and grandeur slightly dip with this lens. The more photographers try to zoom in with 24 mm the more their images may flatten out. A high-quality lens offers an extremely wide-angle frame and should be less than 24mm, preferably – This allows photographers to capture more detail with the images looking more panoramic (If you regularly indulge in landscape photography, we strongly advise investing in a wide-angle lens.)

DX vs. FX

DX (Crop sensor)

• DX lenses and cameras are cost-efficient. It gives a telephoto effect, which means a lens of 200mm is visually a 300 mm lens. 
• It also offers versatility with specifically designed smaller lenses and a normal lens too. DX gives quality images with the focus on the center of the image circle.
• From the negative side, DX Offers images of the smaller viewfinder and the dim light performance is inferior to FX. Also, the dynamic range is smaller.

FX (Full-frame sensor)

• FX lenses have more depth of field control and higher dynamic range. It offers true focal lengths or angle of view and has larger pixels offering better low-light performances.
• The downside is that it is more costly and you are unable to use lenses having smaller sensor design. Although there are exceptions, however, full-frame cameras are usually heavier and larger.

FX and DX lenses can be interchangeably used. So if photographers decide to convert from a DX formatted DSLR camera to an FX camera, they will still manage to work just well enough with the FX lens full frame.
Production using smaller and lighter cameras is possible with the DX sensor. 

An example could be that a lens of 24mm in a camera with a DX sensor will offer a view of 36mm approximately. If a photographer is upgrading to an FX-format camera from a DX, it is possible to work with DX lenses since the cameras are designed to cooperate automatically. The DX crop mode, however, automatically avoids vignetting.

RELATED: Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography in 2022

The Landscape Photography Lens Price Timeline

Bargain up to – $250 – If offers classic prime lenses with optical designs boasting modern technologies. You can get a 24mm f/2.8 lens with easy to carry compact models. They offer good color rendition and robust manual focus features. Weather resistance is available only in some models.

Budget $250 – $500 – Again, you will enjoy a wide range of features such as the wider capacity of angles, compactness, prime lenses, motor supports, optimized lens coatings, and mount lenses. You will also get filter kits with UV filter protection. You will get some protection against unwanted and distracting reflections such as glass or water etc. The best thing is the tripods you get in some models, especially the mini tabletop variety. Other features included microfiber cloth, sensor swabs, and screen protectors.

Mid-range $500-$1000 – These models usually have larger sizes of the sensor with clear images and high-quality delivery. Micro thirds and APS-C are the best options. You will also get a video recording in 4k 1080P. The lifelike video experience is a plus. The megapixels are usually higher than what you get with models in previous budget ranges.

You also get a large range of ISO for capturing premium quality images even under low-light conditions. Some models in this range will offer up to 25600 expandable ranges. Some other great features of this range include excellent quality of the viewfinder, Wi-Fi, editing features, and flash adjustability. You will see some models with bright LCDs too.

Advanced $1000-$1500 – You will usually find these with both video and still options. You can take pictures in RAW format so you can easily edit them later. Focus tracking and eye detection features are a great addition. The interface is user-friendly and 4k footages are easily available in these models. With in-body stabilization, you can take clean photos and videos even when your hands are shaking, or you are moving at high speeds.

How to Choose the Best Landscape Lens for Nikon?

Lens correction

It helps in offsetting imperfections, which are always a part of every camera image. If not performed carefully, lens correction tends to worsen the images. They correct straight lines appearing curved, darkened frame corners and color fringes near the detailed edges. Three common lens correction vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration

Ultra-wide

Ultra-wide angle lens creates images that possess a tremendously wide angle of view. It makes a good option for landscape photographers and architectures and is an excellent fit for the foreground and surrounding photo elements. The focal length is smaller than a normal lens. Additionally, the best ultra-wide-angle is 8-16mm with an f/4.5-5.6

Low-Light Performance

Large apertures are appropriate for qualitative low-light performances. These allow photographers to control blur with fast speeds of the shutter. They have lower settings of ISO to control the noise. Shutter speeds are essential for avoiding blurs caused by camera shakes.

Aperture 

Aperture affects the brightness in the images and controls the level of exposure in the pictures. Aperture can alternate in size, which varies the overall volume of light sent to the camera sensor. The brightness of the image depends on the alternations of the aperture. The sharpest aperture range is 16-35mm f/4 between f/11 and f/8.

Autofocus Speed

Autospeed offers the assurance of images being crisp, clear, and having perfect sharp focus by the majority. An optical system with autofocus uses a control system, a sensor, and a motor for focusing on manually or automatically selected areas or points. For landscape photography, autofocus is not of paramount importance because most of the scenes are static or at least not moving at great speed.

Vibration Reduction

This is a technology that works to stabilize your lens when the user’s hand trembles or is unsteady. This way, the blurry images are controlled, which are caused by unsteady usage or if the shutter speed is not up to par. A camera must have two angular velocity sensors, one that detects yaw or horizontal movement and the other, which detects the pitch or vertical movement.

Weather-Sealed

Weather sealing allows the opportunity to shoot in wet conditions or rains. The weakest links are in non-internal zoom lenses and bodies and internal zooms. It, therefore, blocks all the harmful elements for the electronic detailing in the camera- like humidity, snow, dust, and water, etc.

If you want to take beautiful landscape photos, you need to choose your lens carefully. After all, a lens determines the quality of your image; pick a good lens, and you have the potential for amazing results. But get the lens wrong, and your images will be consistently unsatisfying.

That’s why, in this article, I’ll take you through all the best lenses for landscape photography you can buy today – including options for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm, as well as choices at every price point.

So without further ado, here are our recommendations of top-notch landscape lenses, starting with the number one pick:

1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

If you use Canon full-frame DSLRs, then the 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is an excellent choice; it carries the prestigious L-series label and features a very nice focal range and sharp image quality.

There is an f/2.8 version of this lens, but the f/4 version gives equally stunning results and comes with a cheaper price tag. It’s a fast and dynamic lens with an ultrasonic focus system and a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches (0.28 meters), perfect for photographing close foreground subjects. Plus, the 4-stops of image stabilization and great in-built weather sealing allow you to capture sharp landscape photos in all lighting and weather.

If you want to create stunning images of expansive scenes, then this is one of the best landscape lenses on the market in 2021.

2. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L is the ultimate lens for landscape photographers looking to give their images a professional edge. It’s a great match for Canon mirrorless users, although there is a huge hike in price compared to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 (featured above).

The 15-35mm is a joy to use, and photographers will love its edge-to-edge sharpness, amazing image quality, and superbly silent and fast autofocus. The lens promises image stabilization of up to five stops, which is a big deal if you plan to shoot landscapes handheld in low light.

Overall, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L is a landscape photographer’s dream, thanks to its ideal focal length and great all-around performance.

3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

The Nikon 16-35mm f/4G is one of the best landscape lenses for full-frame Nikon DSLR users, and a perfect match for photographers in search of that beautiful wide-angle perspective.

The lens is both portable and durable, plus it packs great Vibration Reduction for low-light handheld photography. The 16-35mm focal length range is ideal for landscape photography and allows you to shoot stunning near-far compositions for pro-level results. It is also (relatively) inexpensive, compact, and much lighter than most f/2.8 zooms (at 24 oz/680 g).

The lens accommodates filters with a 77mm thread – a standard filter size that will please a lot of photographers. And the lens optics are beautifully designed to enhance sharpness and contrast.

4. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 lens was Nikon’s first ultra-wide-angle zoom for Z-mount cameras, and it remains one of the best landscape lenses for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2021.

The 14-30mm f/4 is lightweight, and it’s also extremely portable. It supports direct filter attachment to the front of the lens, which expands the creative possibilities for ultra-wide landscape photography. It’s well designed with resistance to dust and water and features fabulous optics for clear and sharp shots.

Ultimately, the compact design and incredible corner-to-corner sharpness make the Nikon 14-30mm f/4 a lens worth considering.

5. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

The Fujifilm 10-24mm f/4 lens is one of the best lenses for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, and an excellent landscape photography lens for many reasons.

Key features include enhanced optical image stabilization, an elegant design, improved weather sealing, an ultra-wide-angle view and focal range, and silent shooting. This wide-angle zoom feels and looks fabulous and offers great image sharpness across the focal range. The construction is good quality, and you get a minimum focusing distance of 9 inches (0.24 meters).

Thanks to the ultra-wide angle of view, the 10-24mm f/4 provides gorgeous landscape possibilities for APS-C users.https://ea609555b7b084ab4bf164fe81667b55.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

6. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

Coupled with Sony’s E-mount cameras, the 10-18mm f/4 is a super wide-angle zoom lens, though bear in mind that it’s designed to work with APS-C cameras only (its focal length equivalent is 15-27mm).

The superior glass provides optimal optical performance, with excellent contrast and sharp image quality, even at the 10mm focal length. It is one of the best-quality landscape lenses for APS-C Sony mirrorless users out there, plus it’s small and lightweight (it only weighs 7.9 oz/225 grams).

The Optical SteadyShot feature keeps handheld shots blur-free, and the constant f/4 maximum aperture is decent enough for noise-free shooting in low light. Its minimum focus distance of 10 inches (0.25 meters) and attractive zoom range let you capture expansive landscapes with precision.

7. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

One of the biggest reasons to grab the Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 for landscape photography is its versatility – it features a fantastic focal length range, from wide-angle to short telephoto, along with an excellent maximum aperture for astrophotography.

It also offers the opportunity to capture the landscape with real accuracy; as you can imagine, optical performance is top-notch, and thanks to the f/2.8 aperture, sharp results are practically guaranteed, even in low light.

The Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 is suitable for landscape photographers in search of an all-around performer, especially someone who requires quality, precision, and sharpness across a wide focal range.

8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but the greatest benefit of the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for landscape shooters is the versatile focal range offered for shoots. At 24mm, you can capture beautiful wide-angle images; at 70mm, you can shoot intimate landscapes, close-up scenes, and more.

Astrophotographers will love the f/2.8 maximum aperture, which allows for a low ISO when photographing the night sky.

Bottom line: The 24-70mm f/2.8 is an incredibly sharp lens, and if you can afford it, buy it. For those who want to spend less cash, Canon offers a cheaper f/4 version.

9. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II

With a versatile zoom range that extends beyond the 24-70mm lens featured above, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L packs a punch in terms of focal length range, image quality, and edge-to-edge sharpness.https://ea609555b7b084ab4bf164fe81667b55.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Thanks to the extra reach on the telephoto end, you can zoom in to highlight specific landscape features and create more intimate, even abstract images. But you can always capture standard landscapes in the 24-35mm range, and the image stabilization ensures you can shoot in lower light without a tripod.

10. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

If you’re a Sony mirrorless shooter, the 70-200mm f/4 G is a great choice; it’s a telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and it delivers great image quality with wonderful background bokeh.

While the focal length range sits squarely in the “telephoto” arena, you can use the 70-200mm to hone in on various elements of the landscape (and potentially even wildlife, too!).

It is a fast lens and performs well out in the field, especially when coupled with its image stabilization and f/4 maximum aperture, both of which allow for improved performance in low light.

The best lens for landscape photography: final words

There are quite a few excellent lenses for landscape photography, far too many to list – but I hope this article has been helpful, and that you can now confidently choose the best landscape lens for you.

Ultimately, the ideal lens comes down to your own individual needs and budget, so don’t feel pressure to choose the most expensive or most popular option. Instead, think about your camera model (and its corresponding lens compatibility), as well as features such as image quality, build quality, image stabilization, focal length, and more.

Briefly, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L and the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S lenses are excellent choices for those looking for a mix of price and quality. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G are great if you love to capture a range of landscape shots from wide-angle to telephoto. Finally, for anyone looking for a budget-friendly landscape lens, the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a reasonable buy.