Best Canon lens for landscape

Have you ever been in a beautiful natural situation, ready to capture but unclear which is the best Canon lens for landscape will do the scene justice?

You’re not alone if this sounds familiar. I stood before a stunning view, thinking of the “Best Canon Lens for Landscape.” While I have explored the best camera lens for landscape photography, my concentration today is entirely on Canon lenses.

After discussing Canon lenses for different photography categories, it’s time to explore deeper into the world of landscapes. In this post, I will walk you through the greatest Canon lens options for creating genuinely outstanding landscape photography.

Quick list of best Canon lens for landscape

Quick list of the 9 best Canon lens for landscape.

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
2. Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM
3. Canon EF 16–35mm F4 L USM
4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L
5. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
6. Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
7. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
8. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
9. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

 

Detailed analysis of the best Canon lens for landscape

Detailed analysis of the 9 best Canon lens for landscape.

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 72mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.27x.
• Dust and water resistance, as well as improved durability under harsh conditions.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	20 elements in 15 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1 m.
Weight	780 G.
Adjustment	AF with a full-time manual.

Reasons to buy: 

• Advanced optical stabilization.
• When a telephoto lens is necessary for landscape photography, this is the lens to choose.

Reasons to avoid: 

 

2. Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

 

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 72mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.27x.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	6 blades.
Lens construction	11 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.25 m.
Weight	405 g.
Adjustment	System of rear focusing with USM focus adjustment

Reasons to buy: 

• Packing is simple for outdoor adventures.
• More affordable than alternative options.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No Image Stabilization.
• Limited to Wide-Angle Photography.

 

3. Canon EF 16–35mm F4 L USM

 

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 77mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.23x.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	615 g.
Adjustment	Even in AF mode, full-time manual focus allows for vital focusing precision.

Reasons to buy: 

• Versatility across a wide range of angles.
• Stabilization of images.
• Aperture that remains constant.

Reasons to avoid: 

• It might be heavy.

 

4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L

 

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 77mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.7x.
• Dust and water-resistant, allowing for shooting even in hard and demanding conditions.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	15 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.38 m.
Weight	600 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Standard Zoom is a versatile zoom lens.
• Quality L-Series.
• Lightweight and compact.
• Excellent image quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Maximum Aperture (f/4) is restricted.
• Not recommended for low-light photography.

 

5. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 82mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is 0.21x.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight
Adjustment	Autofocus with Nano USM is fast, smooth, and quiet.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide-Angle Excellence.
• Large Aperture (f/2.8).
• Stabilization of images.
• High-Quality Optics.
• Suitable for Low-Light Photography.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Premium Price Tag.

 

6. Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

• The maximum aperture of this lens ranges from f/4.5 at the wide end (18mm) to f/6.3 at the telephoto end (45mm).
• This lens has a filter thread size of 52mm.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of 0.16x in AF mode and 0.26x in MF mode (at 45mm).

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	7 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	7.9 inches.
Weight	130 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Lightweight and compact.
• Zoom Range is Versatile.
• Stabilization of images.
• Affordability is an option.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Aperture Range (f/4.5-6.3) is Limited.
• Not suitable for low-light situations.

 

7. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L

• The maximum aperture of this lens is f/4. While it does not have an ultra-wide aperture like some prime lenses, it offers good low-light performance and creative depth-of-field customization.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is 1:7.1.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 blades.
Lens construction	118 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	25 cm.
Weight	820 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus only.

Reasons to buy: 

• Tilt-Shift Capabilities that are Unique.
• It is ideal for architectural photography.
• Exact Perspective Control.
• L-Series Optics of the highest quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No filter size.

 

8. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 77mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.25x.
• Water and dust resistance, weather-resistant construction.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	475 g.
Adjustment	An ultrasonic monitor (USM) with a powerful ring-type produces rapid and silent autofocusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• L-Series Quality.
• Good Image Quality.
• Affordable for an L-Series Lens.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No Image Stabilization.
• Some Distortion at the Wide End.

 

9. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

 

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 77mm.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is approximately 0.4x.
• The first L-Series lens to have Nano USM.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Zoom lens.
Lens format coverage
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	18 elements in 14 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	700 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Versatile Standard Zoom.
• Image Stabilization (IS).
• High-Quality L-Series Optics.
• Good Image Quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Limited Aperture for Low-Light.
• May Lack Specialized Features for Specific Genres.

 

What to look for in the best Canon lens for landscape

1- Focal length 

When looking for the best Canon lens for landscape photography, focal length is an important consideration. Choose a lens with a long focal length, such as 16mm or wider. This lets you record various scenes, from broad vistas to small details. Wide-angle lenses have a larger field of view, making them perfect for capturing nature’s splendor.

However, different focal lengths can portray different moods and viewpoints in landscape photographs. Therefore, it’s crucial to balance your focal length choice with your individual creative vision. The best Canon lens for landscape photography will strike the ideal balance for your individual style.

2- Aperture 

When deciding on the best Canon lens for landscape photography, the aperture is an important factor to consider. A wide aperture, defined by a lower f-number (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4), allows more light to enter the lens, allowing for sharper photographs in low-light circumstances and more creative control over depth of focus.

This is particularly useful for creating a blurred background (bokeh) while keeping the foreground sharp. A narrower aperture (higher f-number), such as f/8 or higher, on the other hand, can produce a more extensive depth of field, ensuring that everything in your landscape, from foreground to background, remains sharply focused.

The appropriate aperture is determined by your creative vision and shooting conditions, making it an important consideration when choosing the finest Canon lens for landscape photography.

3- Image stabilization 

Image stabilization is an important feature when looking for the finest Canon lens for landscape photography. Image stabilization (IS) reduces the impact of camera shake, which is especially important when shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds.

IS may make a major difference in creating sharp, clear photographs in landscape photography, where you may meet uneven terrain or shoot in variable light conditions.

Look for Canon lenses with image stabilization (IS), which can reduce the likelihood of blur produced by little motions, ensuring your landscapes are sharp and detailed. It’s an important consideration, especially if you want to capture those breathtaking landscapes without a tripod.

4- Lens type 

Consider the lens that matches your artistic vision when choosing the best Canon lens for landscape photography. Wide-angle lenses with focal lengths of 16mm or wider are frequently the best choice for landscape photography.

These lenses are excellent for photographing large scenes and for accentuating foreground aspects. With a fixed focal length, prime lenses can give superb image quality and sharpness, making them a good choice if you seek the highest optical performance.

Zoom lenses, on the other hand, provide flexibility by allowing you to frame your photographs with various focal lengths. The finest Canon lens for landscape photography is the one that best suits your shooting style and needs.

Best Canon lens for landscape FAQs

How much zoom do you need for landscape photography?

I recommend two lenses for landscape photography: a wide-angle zoom lens (16-35mm) and a telephoto zoom lens (70-200mm). These two focal lengths cover various landscape circumstances, from enormous, expansive vistas to more abstract and intimate landscape scenarios.

What aperture to use for landscape?

The best aperture for landscape photography.

In summary, you’ll want to gravitate toward higher aperture ranges (f/16 to f/22). These are narrower apertures, which admit less light into your camera and necessitate longer shutter speeds. This combination will result in the proper light exposure.

Is Zoom or Prime better for landscape photography?

Prime lenses have several significant advantages over zoom lenses in landscape photography. One of the key advantages is that they are smaller and lighter, making them easier to transport and less prone to cause tiredness when carried on your back for long hiking journeys.

Is 24mm wide enough for landscape?

In many ways, 24mm is ideal – the Goldilocks of landscape focal lengths. The sweet spot is 24mm. It just feels perfect.

Conclusion

Finally, after reviewing my search results and analyzing my options, it’s time to choose the Best Canon lens for landscape.

If you’re new to photography, read my “Beginner’s Guide for Buying Camera Lenses.” This article provides useful information for individuals just starting in photography.

So, take what you’ve learned, explore your lens selections, and capture your vision with the Best Canon lens for landscape.