5/5 - (1 vote)

Capturing stunning landscapes requires the best lenses, and we’ve got you covered. The right lens can make all the difference, providing sharpness, contrast, and color. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, investing in the best lenses for landscapes is essential for capturing stunning and memorable photos.

Our Top Picks

Detail Reviews Of Top 5 Best Lenses for Landscapes

1. Best Overall: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 16-35mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Autofocus: Yes

Pros:

  • Excellent sharpness and color accuracy
  • Image stabilization works great for handheld shooting
  • Durable and weather-resistant build

Cons:

  • The price may be too high for some users
  • Some distortion at the wide end of the lens

Product Summary: 

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens is an outstanding lens for landscapes. It produces sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. The image stabilization is excellent for handheld shooting, and the lens is built to last. While it’s not the most affordable option on the market, it’s certainly worth the investment for serious landscape photographers. This lens is suitable for anyone who wants to capture stunning landscapes with a high-quality lens.

2. Best Value: Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 10-20mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Autofocus: Yes

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Good image quality for the price

Cons:

  • Some distortion at the wide end of the lens
  • Not as sharp as more expensive options

Product Summary: 

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens is the best value option for landscape photographers on a budget. Despite its affordable price point, it still offers image stabilization and autofocus. While it’s not the most durable or high-quality option on the market, it still produces good images for its price range. This lens is suitable for anyone who wants to capture landscapes without breaking the bank.

3. Best Wide Angle: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 12-24mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Autofocus: Yes

Pros:

  • Exceptional wide-angle coverage
  • Great build quality and weather resistance
  • Excellent image quality

Cons:

  • No image stabilization
  • Expensive

Product Summary: 

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens is the best option for landscape photographers who want exceptional wide-angle coverage. This lens offers excellent build quality and weather resistance, making it suitable for use in any conditions. While it’s not the most affordable option on the market, it produces excellent images with sharp detail and accurate colors. The lack of image stabilization may be a drawback for some users, but overall, this lens is an outstanding choice for anyone who wants to capture stunning landscapes with a wide-angle lens.

4. Best Telephoto: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Weight: 1.67 lbs

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Image stabilization for sharp shots
  • Excellent image quality with minimal distortion

Cons:

  • Fixed maximum aperture of f/4 may not be suitable for low light conditions
  • Expensive compared to some other telephoto lenses

Product Summary:

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who need a versatile telephoto lens that is lightweight and compact. With image stabilization and fast autofocus, it’s easy to capture sharp shots with minimal distortion. Although the fixed maximum aperture of f/4 may not be suitable for low light conditions, this lens is still an outstanding option for those who need a reliable telephoto lens for everyday use.

5. Best Prime: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Weight: 1.47 lbs

Pros:

  • Wide maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance
  • Exceptional image quality with excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Sturdy build quality with a durable metal construction

Cons:

  • No image stabilization
  • Some chromatic aberration at wide apertures

Product Summary:

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is a top-performing prime lens with a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, making it an ideal choice for low light conditions. The lens has a sturdy metal construction, and its exceptional image quality with excellent sharpness and contrast makes it a favorite among photographers. While it lacks image stabilization and may have some chromatic aberration at wide apertures, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is an outstanding option for those looking for a top-performing prime lens.

FAQs

Q: What should I look for in a lens for landscape photography?

A: When selecting a lens for landscape photography, it is essential to consider its focal length, aperture range, image stabilization, and overall image quality. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing expansive vistas, while telephoto lenses can be useful for isolating details or compressing a scene. Additionally, look for lenses with a wide aperture range to allow for more creative control over depth of field and low light performance, and image stabilization to minimize camera shake when shooting handheld.

Q: Do I need a specific brand of lens for landscape photography?

A: No, you do not need a specific brand of lens for landscape photography. There are excellent options available from various camera manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Sigma. Ultimately, the best lens for landscape photography is one that meets your specific needs and fits your camera system.

Q: Is a zoom or prime lens better for landscape photography?

A: Both zoom and prime lenses can be excellent choices for landscape photography, depending on your shooting style and preferences. Zoom lenses offer more versatility, allowing you to adjust your focal length to capture a range of compositions, while prime lenses are generally lighter and offer wider maximum apertures, making them ideal for low light shooting or creative depth of field effects.

Final Thought

In conclusion, the best lenses for landscape photography are those that provide excellent image quality, a suitable focal length, and a wide aperture range. There are many excellent options available from various camera manufacturers, including zoom and prime lenses, so it’s essential to consider your specific shooting needs when making a selection. With the right lens, you can capture stunning images of the natural world that will be treasured for years to come.