Hands-on guide of best camera lens for landscape photography

As an avid photographer, I’ve dedicated countless hours to finding the perfect lens that captures the breathtaking beauty of nature. In this comprehensive guide to the best camera lens for landscape photography, I’ll share my experiences with exceptional lenses, covering their focal length, aperture, and image quality.

This guide will help you make informed judgments whether you’re a seasoned or an experienced photographer looking for new perspectives.

If you are new to photography, I recommend reading my article on the beginner’s guide for buying camera lenses. This will provide you a solid basis for selecting the proper camera lens.

Let’s take your landscape photography to the next level!

Capture with the best camera lens for landscape photography [Quick Overview]

1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (Wide angle )

2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (Wide angle )

3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR (Wide angle )

4. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM (Telephoto )

5. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (Wide angle)

6. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS (Wide angle)

7. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS (Wide angle)

8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR (Standard zoom lens )

9. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM (Wide angle)

10. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II (Standard zoom lens )

11. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS (Telephoto zoom lens)

Best camera lens for landscape photography [ Detailed Analysis]

1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (Wide angle)

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is an exceptional choice for landscape photography.

The lens is equipped with image stabilization (IS) technology, which ensures sharp and blur-free images even in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld.

The f/4 aperture offers excellent depth of field control.

Its weather-sealed construction makes it suitable for outdoor shooting.

Reasons to buy:

• Wide-angle versatility.
• Excellent image quality.
• Durable and weather-sealed construction.

Reasons to avoid:

• Rarely seen no image stabilization.

So, if you’re capturing majestic mountains, serene seascapes, or expansive landscapes, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens delivers outstanding performance.

2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (Wide angle )

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens captures enormous views and dramatic perspectives with excellent detail.

This lens’s constant f/2.8 aperture is a noticeable feature; a large aperture lets you regulate depth of field and perform well in low light.

Sony’s G Master (GM) lenses are high-performance. Aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optics minimize distortion, chromatic aberration, and optical flaws

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is crafted with a durable, weather-sealed construction. It can withstand dust, moisture, and tough outdoor conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Clear and sharp images
• Ultra-wide-angle coverage.
• Fast maximum aperture of f/2.8.
• High-quality construction and durability.

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive price tag.
• Large and heavy lens.

3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
(Wide angle )

The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens is a versatile option for landscape photography with a focal length range of 16-35mm.

Nikon’s VR (vibration reduction) lowers vibration for clearer handheld photos. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass reduces chromatic aberrations and improves image clarity.

The f/4 aperture controls depth of focus and maintains performance across the zoom range & SWM (Silent Wave Motor) ensures rapid, precise autofocus.

Its weather-sealed construction makes it durable and suitable for outdoor shooting.

Reasons to buy:

• Good zoom range, covers practical range below 50mm
• VR makes the consistent f/4 a non-issue if you’re worried about f/2.8 vs. f/4
• Internal zoom means no external moving parts
• Nano Crystal Coat
• Vibration Reduction is a plus point
• Compatibility with my D850; and (especially) Image Quality

Reasons to avoid:

• Rather long lens, so be careful how you place it in your camera bag if attached to the camera (or don’t do it)
• It is a little heavy, but if you have an FX camera, you don’t care about that
• Double check the weight of this lens. It may be a bit heavy for some folks
• Vignetting is noticeable at 16mm when using square filters.

4. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
(Telephoto )

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens has an ultra-wide focal length range of 15-35mm.

The lens features a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture.

Its Image Stabilization (IS) technology ensures clear images in tough settings & UD and aspherical elements reduce distortion and chromatic aberrations in the lens.

It also boasts Canon’s renowned L-series build quality, making it durable and weather-resistant for outdoor shooting.

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile wide-angle to standard zoom range.
• Fast maximum aperture of f/2.8.
• Image stabilization for sharper handheld shots.
• Sharp images even in low light conditions

Reasons to avoid:

• Size and weight
• Higher price

5. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
(Wide angle)

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens has an ultra-wide focal length range of 14-30mm.

The lens features a constant f/4 aperture, providing consistent performance throughout the zoom range.

The lens is designed specifically for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras, delivering high-resolution images and smooth, silent autofocus.

It also features a compact and lightweight design, making it portable and ideal for on-the-go landscape photographers.

Reasons to buy:

• Light weight, compact and portable.
• Wide-angle coverage.
• Excellent image quality.
• Versatile lens for various shooting situations.

Reasons to avoid:

• Distortion at some extent
• Lack of built-in image stabilization.

6. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
(Wide angle)

The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS lens covers a 10-24mm constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent performance across the zoom range.

OIS decreases camera shake for precise handheld photos, and Aspherical and ED elements eliminate aberrations and give high-resolution images.

It offers precise focusing and a compact, lightweight construction for Fujifilm’s X-series mirrorless cameras.

Reasons to buy:

• Very handy, compact, and lightweight
• Excellent image quality.
• Optical image stabilization for sharper handheld shots.
• Wide-angle to ultra-wide-angle coverage.
• Balances comfortably on the X-T1

Reasons to avoid:

• expensive, even when it is on sale
• uses digital trickery to correct for optical distortion and vignetting

7. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS
(Wide angle )

Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS lenses cover 10-18mm with constant f/4 aperture, ensuring consistent performance across the zoom range.

Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilizes and sharpens low-light shots, and aspherical and ED lenses provide high-resolution, distortion-free images.

Aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optics produce high-resolution images with fewer aberrations.

Fast, silent autofocus allows perfect focusing & its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and outdoor shooting.

Reasons to buy:

• Sharp center and good corners wide open, corners improve stepping down to F5.6
• Fast reliable AF
• Supports DMF (direct manual focus to change focus manually with focus ring after AF)
• Good build quality
• Has a focus and a zoom ring for manual use
• Lightweight

Reasons to avoid:

• Focus by wire limitations for long exposures (no end position for infinite focus, which makes it hard to focus using long exposure time)
  A little bit high prices
• It lets you capture expansive vistas and wide-angle shots with exceptional detail and perspective.

8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
(Standard zoom lens )

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is a versatile and high-performance zoom lens for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras.

The constant f/2.8 aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects across the zoom range.

Three aspherical and three ED elements reduce aberrations and sharpen pictures in the lens. The lens has a quick, quiet linear motor (LM) for precise autofocus.

Its weather-resistant construction makes it durable and suitable for use in challenging conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Constant 2.8 aperture and this lens maintains good sharpness at 2.8 through the entire zoom range
• Excellent sharpness all the way out to f8 and still very usable all the way to f16
• The lens has markings for those common focal lengths so it’s quick to switch
• Amazing build quality and feel
• Dedicated aperture ring
• Outstanding image quality
• Weather resistant
• Fast autofocus

Reasons to avoid:

• It’s pretty heavy
• No image stabilization built-in, combined with the weight. This can be an issue unless you have a Fiji body with IBIS. It’s not an issue on my X-T5
• Focus by wire isn’t for everyone
• It’s not well suited for macro work

With a focal length range of 16-55mm, it covers a wide-angle to standard zoom range, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios.

9. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
(Wide angle)

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens captures wide-angle scenes and distant details with its fixed f/2.8 aperture.

Built with professional-grade construction, it is weather-sealed to withstand various outdoor environments.

Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology allows for fast and quiet autofocus.

Reasons to buy:

• An all-purpose/walkaround lens.
• Versatile focal length range for a wide variety of photography genres.
• Excellent image quality with sharpness and clarity.
• Robust build quality and weather sealing for durability and protection in challenging conditions.

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavier and bulkier compared to other lenses
• Lack of image stabilization

Additionally, its compatibility with 82mm filters enhances image creativity. Renowned among professionals, it is a trusted choice for landscape photography.

10. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II
(Standard zoom lens)

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II lens is a versatile option for various photography genres, including landscape.

From wide-angle to telephoto, it allows for different compositions and produces clear, aberration-free images.

Its constant f/4 aperture maintains exposure throughout the zoom range & built-in Image Stabilization (IS) system allows handheld low-light shooting.

The lens is constructed with durable and weather-sealed materials, suitable for outdoor use.

Reasons to buy:

• Covers wide-angle to mid-telephoto.
• Lens hood glides on effortlessly.
• Versatile focal length range suitable for a wide range of photography genres.
• Image stabilization (IS) feature for sharper handheld shots.
• Solid build quality and weather sealing for durability and protection.
• Good image quality with sharpness and minimal distortion.

Reasons to avoid:

• Relatively high price compared to other lenses in its range.
• Slightly heavier

Its fast and accurate autofocus, combined with the L-series quality, makes it a reliable choice for landscape photography.

11. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
(Telephoto zoom lens)

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens is a versatile telephoto zoom with a constant f/4 aperture.

It features built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization, fast and precise autofocus, and a durable, weather-resistant design.

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile telephoto zoom range for capturing distant subjects.
• Excellent image quality with sharpness and clarity.
• Optical image stabilization (OSS) for handheld stability and reduced camera shake.
• Relatively compact and lightweight compared to other 70-200mm lenses, making it more portable and easier to handle.

Reasons to avoid:

• The lens lacks a built-in tripod collar, which may limit stability and mounting options for certain shooting scenarios.
• Bad quality

What to look for in a camera lens for landscape photography?

1. Focal length

When buying a camera lens for Landscape photography, it’s important to consider the desired focal length range.

Mountain scenery is best captured with a wide-angle lens between 14mm and 35mm. Wide shots are possible at this range.

For isolating details or shooting faraway peaks, a 70mm–200mm telephoto lens is useful. This range lets you zoom in and focus on certain details.

Ultimately, the choice of focal length will depend on individual preferences and shooting style, but combining wide-angle and telephoto lenses can offer versatility for Landscape photography.

2. Aperture

When considering a camera lens for Landscape photography, the aperture is an important factor.

For low-light conditions like sunrise, sunset, or shadowed regions, a lens with a wide maximum aperture like f/2.8 or wider can help. With a wide aperture and a greater depth of focus, the subject can be isolated from the backdrop.

However, if capturing the entire mountainous scene in sharp focus is the priority, a narrower aperture like f/8 or higher may be preferred to maximize depth of field.

The choice of aperture ultimately depends on the desired artistic effect and the specific shooting conditions encountered while photographing mountains.

3. Autofocus

When buying a camera lens for Landscape photography, autofocus performance is an important consideration.

To get sharp, exact focus, choose lenses with fast, accurate autofocus. Silent and fast-focusing motors let you catch ephemeral moments without disturbing the alpine surroundings.

Additionally, Consider lenses with powerful autofocus tracking technologies to follow moving subjects like wildlife or mountain climbers. Some lenses offer autofocus settings or focus limiters for different shooting conditions.

A reliable autofocus system will help you capture sharp and well-focused images in the dynamic mountain environment.

4. Image stabilization/vibration reduction

Image stabilization, also known as vibration reduction, plays a crucial role in Landscape photography when buying a camera lens.

The unstable terrain and varying mountain shooting conditions can introduce camera shake, resulting in blurry images.

A lens with built-in image stabilization compensates for these motions, allowing you to shoot clear shots handed or in difficult conditions. It stabilizes the camera sensor image to reduce camera shake from wind, uneven ground, or shorter shutter rates.

With image stabilization, you can confidently capture the details of mountain landscapes without needing a tripod in many situations, providing flexibility and convenience while maintaining image quality.

5. Weather resistance

With all the above-mentioned factors, weather resistance is also a crucial factor to consider when buying the best camera lens for Landscape photography.

Mountain weather is variable, with rain, snow, wind, and dust. Weather-resistant lenses resist these elements and last longer. It protects the lens from moisture and dirt, ensuring optimal performance.
Weather-resistant lenses let you shoot in bad weather without worrying about damage. It lets you shoot beautiful mountain landscapes without worry, knowing that your gear can resist the hard outdoor environment and give consistent results even in bad weather.

FAQs

What is the best focal length for a mountain?

35mm to 50mm (ideal for capturing landscape details). For example, if you’re standing on a ridge and photographing a distant mountain range, shooting with this smaller focal length is preferable to shooting at 21mm and attempting to fit everything into the frame.

What is the best size for landscape photography?

The most frequent aspect ratio for landscape photography is 3:2.

What is the best time of day to photograph Landscape?

The greatest light is available in the early mornings and late afternoons. Shadows and textures are enhanced by the low sun. However, this does not exclude you from photographing at other times of the day. Stormy or gloomy skies, particularly in Landscape photography, may provide dramatic images.

What are the best camera settings for Landscape photography?

Aperture — choose from f/11 to /16. A smaller aperture (higher f-stop) will provide a greater depth of field, ideal for capturing a complete mountain without blur. ISO should be as low as feasible, ideally between 100 and 200. Auto-focus point – utilize a single focus point and aim towards the mountain’s center.

Conclusion

So, I’ve gone through many camera lenses for Landscape photography, and here’s what I think.

The ideal lens relies on your preferences and shooting style. You need something to capture large, beautiful panoramas and zoom in on faraway peaks.

Choose lenses that can handle low light and blur the backdrop. It’s also crucial to have image stabilization and weather resistance. Choose the lens that makes you feel confident and captures the mountains’ beauty in breathtaking detail.