Over the last 16 years of running PhotographyTalk, one of the most common questions across all genres of photography has a similar echo: “What is the best lens for this?” or “What is the best camera for that?” Today, I will address a question I often hear: What is the best lens for landscape photography?
Rather than identifying one lens, because there are so many moving parts to this question—things that depend on the photographer and their preferences—I will share with you what I believe are the 10 best lenses for landscape photography.
My choices are based on lenses I’ve personally shot with and curated from discussions I’ve had with many of you over the years. That way, there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re shooting Nikon, Canon, Sony, or other systems. Also, as you’ll see, I provide links to used versions of each lens–after all, buying used lenses is a smart approach for building an awesome landscape photography kit. More on that later…
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
- Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
- Why Buying a Used Lens Makes Sense
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
- Mount: Nikon F
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
This lens was a workhorse in my kit for years. When I was looking for ultra-wide coverage and needed sharpness from edge to edge, the 14-24mm delivered.
The fixed f/2.8 aperture allows for great low-light performance, which is essential when shooting landscapes at sunrise or sunset. The colors and contrast this lens produces are stunning, and while I’ve had this lens out in all sorts of conditions—rain, snow, wind—it has never let me down.
One thing I’ve noticed is how little distortion it offers, even at 14mm. That’s impressive, considering how wide you can go. The lens might be a bit heavy, but for me, the image quality it provides makes it worth carrying around on long hikes.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
- Mount: Canon EF
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
For Canon users, this lens is a top choice. While it’s not as fast as its f/2.8 sibling, the f/4L IS USM more than makes up for it with its image stabilization (IS), which is fantastic for handheld shooting in low light. I’ve found the IS to be particularly helpful when I’m shooting during the blue hour or trying to capture long exposures without a tripod.
I also appreciate the build quality of this lens. It’s weather-sealed and durable, which is important when you’re out in unpredictable conditions. Plus, it offers excellent sharpness, even when shooting at its widest focal length of 16mm, making it ideal for expansive landscapes. What’s not to like?!
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
- Mount: Sony E
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
Sony’s G Master lenses are known for their exceptional optical performance, and the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is no different. I’ve used this lens on several landscape shoots, and it consistently delivers razor-sharp images, even in the corners. The f/2.8 aperture also gives me flexibility when shooting in dim light, like before sunrise or during twilight.
Another aspect I love about this lens is its fast autofocus. While landscapes typically involve more manual focusing, I’ve found the autofocus to be incredibly accurate when I do need it. The colors rendered through this lens are also beautifully vibrant, making post-processing much easier.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
- Mount: Fujifilm X
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
While I don’t personally shoot Fujifilm, I’ve spoken with several landscape photographers who swear by this lens. The 10-24mm focal length offers a versatile wide-angle range, perfect for capturing sweeping vistas. Plus, the built-in optical image stabilization (OIS) makes it easier to shoot handheld, especially when lighting conditions are less than ideal.
What sets this lens apart is its weather resistance (WR). Fujifilm has designed it to handle rain, dust, and freezing temperatures—so you can take it just about anywhere. For those who love to shoot in rugged outdoor conditions, this is a solid option.
Keep Reading: Best Camera for Landscape Photography: What to Look For and Top Picks for 2024
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
- Mount: Sony E
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
I had the opportunity to use this Tamron lens on a friend’s Sony A7R IV, and I have to say, it impressed me for the price. The 17-28mm focal range is ideal for landscapes, offering a wide enough view to capture large scenes without introducing excessive distortion. The f/2.8 aperture is also fantastic for low-light situations, which is especially useful when capturing dramatic skies during golden hour or sunset.
What stood out to me about this lens is how well Tamron has balanced quality and affordability. It’s compact and lightweight, which is something I always appreciate when hiking for hours to get the perfect shot. The autofocus is smooth and fast, and I didn’t encounter any noticeable chromatic aberration, even in high-contrast scenes with bright skies and dark landscapes.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art
- Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
Sigma’s Art series is known for delivering stunning image quality, and the 14-24mm f/2.8 is no exception. I’ve shot with this lens on both Nikon and Canon bodies, and it’s consistently sharp, with excellent color reproduction. One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, even at 14mm.
This lens is built like a tank, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s durable and can handle tough conditions; on the other hand, it’s not the lightest lens in my bag. However, if you’re after top-notch image quality and don’t mind a bit of extra weight, this lens is hard to beat.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
- Mount: Canon RF
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
If you’ve been following this channel over the years, you’ll know that the 15-35mm is one of the main reasons I moved to the Canon R5 and R6. I absolutely love this lens! For Canon mirrorless shooters, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L is truly a gem. It offers the perfect combination of a wide focal range and image stabilization, which is a lifesaver when you’re shooting handheld in low light. I’ve found the image stabilization to be crucial, especially when working without a tripod during those low-light moments at sunrise or sunset.
The f/2.8 aperture provides that extra bit of flexibility for shooting in darker environments or when you need a little more control over the depth of field. The image quality is superb, with rich colors and sharp details that extend all the way across the frame. Another feature I love is that it’s weather-sealed, making it an excellent choice for those of us who shoot in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s mist, rain, or dust.
Whether you’re capturing grand landscapes or focusing on intimate details, this lens does it all and continues to be one of my go-to choices for landscape photography.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
- Mount: Sony E
- Type: Ultra-wide zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
I’ve had the chance to use the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G during a few shoots, and its ultra-wide focal length offers a unique perspective on landscapes. Shooting at 12mm allows you to capture an incredible amount of the scene, especially if you’re aiming for a dramatic foreground.
The constant f/4 aperture keeps things lightweight while still offering solid performance in lower-light conditions. And despite its ultra-wide range, distortion is well-controlled, which is a common issue with lenses this wide. If you’re a Sony user looking to push your creative boundaries, this lens will help you do just that.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
- Mount: Nikon Z
- Type: Wide-angle zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
I’ve shot extensively with this lens on my Nikon Z7 back in the day, and it’s one of the best wide-angle options for Nikon’s mirrorless system. The 14-30mm focal range gives me plenty of flexibility, from wide vistas to tighter compositions, and the f/4 aperture makes it lightweight and easy to carry on longer shoots.
One thing I really appreciate about this lens is that it has a filter thread—something rare for ultra-wide lenses. This means I can use my favorite polarizing or ND filters without needing any special adapters. The lens is also weather-sealed, so I’ve been able to use it in less-than-ideal weather without worrying about damaging it.
Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
- Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Type: Ultra-wide zoom
Why It’s Great for Landscape Photography
If you’re shooting with a Micro Four Thirds system, the 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is one of the best lenses you can get for landscapes. I’ve had some limited experience with this lens, but several photographers in the community have shared rave reviews. It’s incredibly sharp and offers excellent performance at wide focal lengths, making it perfect for capturing dramatic landscapes.
The lens is also weather-sealed, meaning it can handle tough environments—whether it’s rain, snow, or sand. The constant f/2.8 aperture is also a bonus, providing great low-light performance for early morning or late evening shoots.
Why Buying a Used Lens Makes Sense
Photo by Pawel Papis via Shutterstock
There you have it—10 of the best lenses for landscape photography!
As you can see, there’s no single “best” lens for everyone. It depends on your system, your style of shooting, and the kinds of landscapes you want to capture. Whether you prefer ultra-wide angles, weather-sealed durability, or exceptional sharpness, there’s something in this list for you.
My parting advice is this–don’t discount buying used lenses. I’ve bought my fair share of used lenses over the years, usually from online platforms like MPB, and have had excellent experiences across the board.
What sets MPB apart from buying gear on Craigslist or OfferUp is that each lens is thoroughly inspected by industry experts. Their assessment is then provided to you in plain English (with photos!) on the MPB website. That means you know exactly what you’re buying before you press the buy button. Nice!
I also appreciate that MPB offers a six-month warranty on most lenses, plus a seven-day return window, just in case. Having that coverage is nice. Another aspect of working with MPB that leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy is that you can trade in or sell your old gear and get cold, hard cash in return.
Think about it…if you want to upgrade your current lens situation, simply trade in your old lens and apply the money MPB offers you toward a new-to-you landscape lens. Or, if you just want to cull the herd of lenses you have, hit MPB up to sell the lenses you no longer want or need and get cash in return. What’s not to like?!
Photo by leungchopan via Shutterstock
Of course, the savings of buying used is a huge benefit. Buying used means you can stretch your budget further, so perhaps you can get two killer landscape lenses for the price of one brand-new one. That’s how to fill out your kit!
Remember, the lens is just a tool—what matters most is how you use it to capture the beauty of the world around you. Happy shooting!
Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!
Learn More:
- Beginner Photography Kit: What You Really Need to Get Started
- The Best DSLR Camera for Enthusiast Photographers
Hero Photo by Happy_stocker via Shutterstock
