A World in Focus: Best Camera Lenses for Nature Photography

Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography? After extensive research and experience, I am here with a guide to help you find the best camera lens for nature photography. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a newcomer, this article is your go-to resource for selecting the perfect camera lens.

If you are new to the photography journey, I suggest checking out my blog on the beginner’s guide for buying camera lenses. This will give you a foundation for choosing the right camera lens.

List of the best camera lens for nature photography [Quick Overview]

1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
4. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
5. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
6. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
7. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS
8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
9. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
10. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II
11. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Detailed Analysis of Best Camera Lens For Nature Photography

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

• The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM has a focal length range ideal for capturing wide landscapes.

• The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM has a f/4 maximum aperture, allowing it to perform well in low light and providing a shallow field depth for creative effects.

Brand	Canon
Type	Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full-frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF
Angle of view	108.10 – 63 degrees
Image Stabilization	Yes, 4-stop Image Stabilizer
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine blades
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical and 2 UD elements
Minimum focus distance	0.28m/0.92ft
Weight	615g/21.7oz
Adjustment	Manual/autofocus
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile telephoto zoom range.
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• High-quality optics.

Reasons to avoid:

• Relatively heavy and bulky.
• Expensive

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

• The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens provides an ultra-wide-angle perspective, allowing you to capture expansive scenes.

• The fast f/2.8 aperture of this lens ensures excellent low-light performance, enabling you to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality.

Brand	Sony
Type	Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full-frame
Compatible Mounting	Sony E-mount
Angle of view	122 – 84 degrees.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	9
Lens construction	17 elements in 14 groupsIncluding 3 XA elements, 2 Super ED elements, and 3 ED elements
Minimum focus distance	28 cm
Weight	847 g
Adjustment	Focus hold button, Autofocus/Manual Focus switch, zoom lock switch
Durability	Dust and moisture-resistant design
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration

Reasons to buy:

• Extremely wide field of view
• Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
• Excellent image quality & sharp even at wide open apertures
• Low chromatic aberration
• Weather-sealed construction

Reasons to avoid:

• Large and heavy
• Expensive
• No image stabilization

3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

• The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens provides Full-frame (FX) format coverage, making it suitable for Nikon’s full-frame DSLR cameras.

• It features a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range, providing consistent exposure settings and good low-light performance.

Brand	Nikon
Type	Wide angle lens for DSLRs
Lens format coverage	Full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) sensors
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F, Nikon DSLRs also
Angle of view	107 to 63 degrees.
Image Stabilization	Yes, Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine blades
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groupsIncluding 2 ED and three aspherical elements
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m
Weight	680 g
Adjustment	Manual/autofocus
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Amazing all-round performance.
• Good handling.
• Robust build quality.

Reasons to avoid:

• Fixed aperture at f/4.
• Modest stabilization.

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

• The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens offers Full-frame (RF) format coverage, designed specifically for Canon’s mirrorless cameras.

• A fast and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, enabling excellent low-light performance and creative depth-of-field control.

Brand	Canon
Type	Wide angle, L Series lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF
Angle of view	N/A.
Image Stabilization	Yes, up to 5 stops of correction
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine blades
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groupsIncluding three aspherical and 2 UD elements
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m
Weight	840 g
Adjustment	Manual focus override, Nano USM autofocus system for fast and quiet autofocus
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Image stabilized.
• Super fast and silent focus.
• Wide-angle coverage.

Reasons to avoid:

5. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S

• The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens provides Full-frame (FX) format coverage, exclusively designed for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras.

• A constant maximum aperture of f/4, offering good low-light capabilities and consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range.

Brand	Nikon
Type	Wide-angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Nikon Z
Angle of view	N/A.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	Seven blades
Lens construction	14 elements in 12 groups,Including  4 ED and four aspherical elements
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m
Weight	485 g
Adjustment	Manual focus override, Stepping Motor (STM) autofocus system for fast and quiet autofocus
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Fast and quick autofocus.
• Good image quality.

Reasons to avoid:

• There is no image stabilization & focus distance scale.
• Expensive for f/4 wide-angle zoom.

6. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

• The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS lens is Designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, providing an APS-C format coverage.

• A constant maximum aperture of f/4 is suitable for various shooting scenarios and offers good low-light performance.

Brand	Fujifilm.
Type	Wide angle zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C
Compatible Mounting	Fujifilm X
Angle of view	110 – 61.2 degrees
Image Stabilization	Yes, up to 3.5 stops of correction
No.of diaphragm blades	Seven blades
Lens construction	14 elements in 10 groupsIncluding four aspherical and 3 ED elements
Minimum focus distance	0.24 m
Weight	410 g
Adjustment	Stepping motor for autofocus.
Durability	Weather sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Exceptional short zoom sharpness.
• Robust build quality.
• Compact and lightweight.

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive for APS-C lens format.
• Stabilization only up to 3 stops.

7. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

• The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS lens is Designed for Sony E-mount APS-C format cameras, making it suitable for a wide range of Sony’s mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors.

• A maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range, offering versatility for various shooting conditions and styles.

Brand	Sony
Type	Super wide-angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	APS-C
Compatible Mounting	Sony E mount
Angle of view	109 – 76 degrees.
Image Stabilization	Yes, Optical SteadyShot (OSS) technology
No.of diaphragm blades	Seven blades
Lens construction	Ten elements in 8 groupsIncluding three aspherical and 1 ED element
Minimum focus distance	0.25 m
Weight	225 g
Adjustment	Autofocus – stepping motor
Durability	Metal body construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Includes optical steady shots.
• Lightweight and compact.

Reasons to avoid:

• Sharpness is lacking at f/4.
• Stabilization only of 3 stops.

8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

• The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is Designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, providing APS-C format coverage.

• A constant and wide maximum aperture of f/2.8, enabling excellent low-light performance and creative depth-of-field control.

Brand	Fujifilm
Type	Standard zoom lens
Lens format coverage	APS-C
Compatible Mounting	Fujifilm X
Angle of view	83.2 – 29 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine blades
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groupsIncluding three aspherical and 3 ED elements
Minimum focus distance	0.3 M
Weight	655 g
Adjustment	The lens features a manual focus ring, an aperture ring, and a Focus/Zoom Lock switch for quick and precise adjustments.
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• High-quality optics.
• Weather-sealed construction.
• Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture.

Reasons to avoid:

• No image stabilization
• Relatively heavy and bulky compared to other standard zoom lenses.

9. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

• The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens features designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras, providing full-frame (35mm) format coverage.

• A fast and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, offering exceptional low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.

Brand	Canon EF
Type	Standard zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF
Angle of view	84 – 34 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine rounded aperture blades.
Lens construction	18 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.38 meter/1.25 feet
Weight	805 g.
Adjustment	Inner focusing with USM.The Zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting.
Durability	Solid build quality and very professional. You get what you pay for.
Chromatic Aberration	Provide high-quality images with minimal chromatic aberration.

Reasons to buy:

• Incredibly sharp
• Versatile zoom range.
• Fast and accurate autofocus.
• Durable build quality.

Reasons to avoid:

• No image stabilization.
• Weight and bulk may not suit all photographers.

10. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II

• The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II lens is designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras, providing full-frame (35mm) format coverage.
• A maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range makes it versatile for various shooting conditions and offers image stabilization (IS) for sharper handheld shots.

Brand	Canon
Type	Standard zoom lens
Lens format coverage	24-105mm
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF mount
Angle of view	N/A.
Image Stabilization	Four stops of image stabilizationhelps to minimize camera shake and produce sharp images
No.of diaphragm blades	Ten blades
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groupsincluding four glass-molded (GMo) aspherical lenses and one super UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens
Minimum focus distance	0.4m
Weight	795 g
Adjustment	Autofocus with full time manual focus override.
Durability	Dust- and water-resistant switch panel, zoom and focus rings, and lens mount.Fluorine coating
Chromatic Aberration	Barrel distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Extensive weather seals
• Constant aperture value
• Four-stop image stabilizer

Reasons to avoid:

• Barrel distortion

11. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

• The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens provides Full-frame (FE) format coverage, designed for Sony’s full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras.

• A maximum aperture of f/4, offering good low-light performance and consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range.

Brand	Sony
Type	Telephoto zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Sony E
Angle of view	N/A.
Image Stabilization	Yes, Optical SteadyShot (OSS) technology
No.of diaphragm blades	Nine blades
Lens construction	21 elements in 15 groups
Minimum focus distance	1 m
Weight	840 g
Adjustment	The lens features a manual focus ring, an AF/MF switch, and an intuitive zoom ring for quick and precise adjustments.
Durability	Weather-sealed construction
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile telephoto zoom range for capturing distant subjects.
• Excellent image quality with sharpness and clarity.
• Optical image stabilization (OSS)
• Relatively compact and lightweight

Reasons to avoid:

• The lens lacks a built-in tripod collar, which may limit stability and mounting options for specific shooting scenarios.
• The maximum aperture of f/4 may not be sufficient for low-light situations

What to look for in the best camera lens for nature photography

Aperture

In nature photography, prioritize lenses with a wide maximum aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or wider). This allows for more light, enabling faster shutter speeds for capturing fleeting moments and creating a beautiful background blur (bokeh) that isolates subjects from distractions, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your nature shots.

• Landscape photography: f/8 to f/11
• Wildlife photography: f/4 to f/5.6
• Portrait photography: f/2.8 to f/4
• Macro photography: f/5.6 to f/8

Focal Length

For nature photography, consider lenses with varying focal lengths. Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 16-35mm) capture landscapes and vast scenes, while telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-200mm) bring distant subjects closer. A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm) strikes a balance, making it suitable for various nature photography scenarios, from landscapes to wildlife.

Autofocus

Select a fast and accurate autofocus (AF) lens for nature photography. Look for advanced AF technologies like ultrasonic or linear motors, which provide quick and silent focusing. Additionally, consider lenses with customizable focus settings to adapt to varying subjects, ensuring you can precisely capture wildlife and fleeting moments.

Image Stabilization / Vibration Reduction

When choosing a lens for nature photography, prioritize those with built-in Image Stabilization (IS) or Vibration Reduction (VR). This feature minimizes camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions or when using telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, ensuring your nature images are crisp and clear.

Weather Resistance

Opt for lenses with a weather-resistant construction for nature photography. Look for features like rubber gaskets and sealed seams, denoted by terms like “WR” or “Weather-Sealed.” These lenses can withstand rain, dust, and harsh outdoor conditions, protecting your equipment during outdoor shoots in unpredictable weather.

Best camera lens for nature photography FAQs

What camera lens is best for nature photography?

Wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses stand out as landscape photography favorites. They typically span focal lengths of 14-35mm, with a few extending as wide as 10 or 12mm.

What makes a great nature photograph?

It should spark your interest in the main subject and maybe even surprise you. Photography is like a window to our emotions, taking you to places you might never visit otherwise. Conservation International’s photos are bold, colorful, and full of hope, using bright and cheerful colors.

Can you make a living as a landscape photographer?

There is a way! You must learn how to get there and begin making money as a professional landscape photographer. The demand for landscape photos still exists worldwide.

Who will buy my nature photos?

The top method to sell your nature photos online is through your website, offering them as digital downloads. You can also sell them on stock image websites like Shutterstock, 123RF, Dreamstime, and iStockPhoto.

Conclusion

After extensive research, it’s evident that the best camera lens for nature photography, especially when capturing birds in their natural habitat, boasts a wide aperture, rapid autofocus, and robust weather-sealing. This combination ensures the lens’s capability to immortalize the awe-inspiring beauty of the wilderness, including the grace of avian creatures.

While many excellent options are available, finding the best camera lens for nature photography that best suits your specific needs, as well as your personal preferences and budget, will ultimately lead to stunning and memorable nature photography.