The Buyers guide to...Best lenses for landscape photography

It might be lightweight and very affordable but the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is also optical solid, which makes it a great choice of landscape lens for photographers using a Canon APS-C format DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 90D or the Canon Rebel SL3 / 250D.

Its 10-18mm focal length range translates to 16-28.8mm on an EF-S mount camera, which is nice and wide for sweeping vistas. There’s also a closest focusing distance of just 22cm, which means you can go in close to foreground elements and capture high-impact images with plenty of context.

As its barrel and mount are made from plastic and its isn’t weatherproof, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM needs to be treated with care and protected from the elements, but at just 240g, it’s a lens you wont mind carrying everywhere.

Helpfully, the lens is also stabilised, which means you won’t need to carry a tripod as often as with a non-stabilised optic.

Although designed for use on Canon full-frame DSLR cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the (comparatively) compact and lightweight EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM can also be used on APS-C format cameras like Canon EOS 90D, on which it has an effective focal length of 25.6-56mm, which means it makes a good choice of landscape lens for either format.

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM has Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) built-in to extend the safe-hand-holdable shutter speed by up to 4EV. That’s useful if you’re not a fan of carrying a tripod.

There’s also an on-board intelligent CPU that enables the lens to understand if it’s being hand-held as normal or if the photographer is panning, and it automatically selects the appropriate IS mode.

The front and rear elements of the lens have fluorine coatings to repel dust and water droplets, while the barrel is weather-sealed – ideal for a landscape lens.

Inner focusing means that the lens doesn’t change length or rotate during focusing so you don’t need to worry about carefully positioned ND grad or polarising filters shifting when you depress the shutter release.

While the sharpness drops off towards the corners of the frame (not an issue with APS-C format cameras), the central area of the lens is very sharp.

Wide and fast, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is an attractive lens for landscape photographers using a Canon R-series camera such as the Canon EOS R5.

Despite having a slightly wider focal length range, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L is a fraction smaller than its closest match in the EF mount, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM. A 1mm difference might not sound much, but it’s significant with very wide lenses.

Combined with the closest focusing of 28cm throughout the zoom range to enable foreground elements to loom large, that extra width could be especially useful for landscape photography. And in low light, the image stabilisation, which extends the safe hand-holdable shutter speed by up to 5EV, could be very handy.

Being a Canon RF lens, the 15-35mm f/2.8L has a customisable lens ring, which is helpful for making intuitive adjustments to aspects such as the aperture or exposure compensation.

You can find the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM on Amazon UK and Amazon USA

Read our Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM Review

The Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR has the same optics as the Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS, but it has seals to make it weather-resistant, there’s an enhanced aperture ring with an f-stop scale and an ‘Auto’ setting and the optical image stabilisation (OIS) has been improved boosting the shutter speed compensation from 3.5EV to up to 6.5EV.

Also, despite the additional features, at 385g, the latest XF 10-24mm lens is 25g lighter than its predecessor.

On a Fujifilm X-Series camera like the Fujifilm X-T4, the Fuji XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR has an effective focal length range of 15-36mm, making it ideally suited to landscape photography. At the 10mm end you can stand close to the edge of a river and capture the bank at your feet and the tree branches above your head, while the longer focal lengths allow you to frame the scene a little tighter.

The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm F4 OIS WR is available to order from Amazon UK and Amazon USA

Read our Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR Review

With an effective focal length of 21mm on a Fujifilm X-series camera, the Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 R is a compact wide-angle lens that makes a good choice for landscape photography.

While a prime lens lacks the versatility of a zoom lens, the fixed focal length encourages you to explore then scene more rather than zoom in or out to adjust the composition. Also, while perfectly at home on a camera like the Fuji X-T4 or X-T3, Fuji’s prime lenses make a more natural partner for X-E-series cameras like the Fujifilm X-E4 or the X-Pro3.

Thanks to the presence of a focus scale with depth of field markings, which is revealed when the focusing ring is pulled back, the Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 R enables hyperfocal distance focusing, which is great news for landscape and street photographers.

More expensive than the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and lacking the VR image stabilisation system, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a better optical performer with excellent centre sharpness and little vignetting.

Like the AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR, this lens is designed for use on Nikon APS-C (DX) format DSLRs on which its effective focal length is 15-36mm. That’s a great range for landscape photography and the closest focusing distance of 24cm enables high-impact foreground interest.

Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) focusing system is fast and accurate, but more significantly for landscape photographers, it operates internally so that the front element doesn’t rotate so there are no problems when using polariser or graduated filters.

Further good news is that, while the lens isn’t fully weather-sealed, the mount is metal and there’s a rubber gasket to exclude dust and moisture.

When it was introduced in February 2010, the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR was the first ultra-wide zoom lens to feature image stabilisation or vibration reduction (VR) as Nikon calls it. Highly effective, the VR extends the safe hand-holdable shutter speed by up to 4EV, which is useful for landscape photographers who don’t like carrying a tripod.

Featuring the Nikon F mount, the lens is designed for use on Nikon DSLRs. While its image circle covers a full-frame (FX) sensor, on APS-C (DX) format cameras it offers an effective focal length of 24-52.5mm, making it a useful landscape lens for either camera type.

Nikon’s optical design ensures that chromatic aberrations are controlled very well and the lens produces superb results, especially when closed down to around f/8 or f/11. However, there’s significant barrel distortion visible at the 16mm end which could be an issue when shooting cityscapes or architectural photography.

Built and priced with professional photographers in mind, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a faster and more expensive alternative to the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S. Along with the usual zoom and manual focus rings, the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S has a dedicated control ring, a customisable function button and a small display screen that can reveal key information such as the aperture setting, focus distance or the exact focal length.

Designed for Nikon’s mirrorless Z-series camera which has in-body image stabilisation, the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S doesn’t have Vibration Reduction (VR) built-in.

Unusually, the lens comes with two lens hoods, one for normal use and the other for use with 112mm screw-in filters. Alternatively, the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S can accept gel filters in its rear slot, but it’s not directly compatible with filter holders.

Measuring 88.5 x 124.5mm / 3.5 x 5-inches and weighing 650g / 1lb 7oz, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is significantly smaller and lighter than the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED (98 x 131.5mm / 3.9 x 5.2-inches and 1000g /35.3oz), which is for Nikon DSLR cameras. That means it’s easier to carry and use for long periods of time. Also, the front element is far less bulbous and therefore less prone to attracting water droplets.

One of the reasons that Nikon introduced the Z mount was to enable faster and better-quality optics to be created and the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S demonstrated this by delivering superb images throughout its zoom and aperture ranges. There’s even a good level of detail in the corners of images shot at the wodest point with the widest aperture.

Read our Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Review

Although the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a stop slower than the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, it’s also much smaller, has 6mm longer reach and is more affordable, which makes it a very attractive alternative for photographers shooting with a Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera.

It also has the benefit of an 82mm filter mount and, as it can be used with filter holders, it’s compatible with graduated filters. That’s good news for landscape photographers, especially those wanting to shoot long exposures during the day.

Despite its second-fiddle billing behind the 14-24mm f/2.8, the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is sealed against dust and moisture. In addition, the front element is fluorine-coated to make it easier to keep clean. All adding to the lens’s appeal to landscape photographers.

If you’ve used the AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED on a DSLR, the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S seems like a baby of a lens in comparison. However, it has a greater zoom range and it’s easier to use with filters. Its collapsible design also makes it a little more portable than it might otherwise be.

Also, while the lens is designed to cover a full-frame sensor, it has an effective focal length range of 21-45mm on the APS-C format Nikon Z50.

You can find the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S Review

The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is the latest optic in Nikon’s S-line of bright f/1.8 lenses. It features a 9-blade aperture for smooth background blur, and a minimum focus distance of 0.2m.

As well as ED glass, it also is coated with Nikon’s anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat to prevent ghosting and flare.

This Nikon Z full-frame lens offers fast, smooth AF performance, which makes it perfect for video, and it’s weather-sealing means you can shoot in any conditions.

On the lens barrel are focus rings and a control ring that can be customised for ISO, silent aperture control or exposure compensation.

You can find the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S Review

Designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 ED PRO has an effective focal length range of 14-28mm, which is great for landscape photography. Matched by the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 Asph., it’s the widest optic available for the system.

The M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 ED PRO is also built to a high standard with weather-sealing and superb optics that enable it to deliver excellent-quality results throughout its focal length and aperture range.

Unfortunately, like many ultra-wide lenses the M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 ED PRO doesn’t have a filter thread, but there are adapters available to enable filters to be used.

Building a high quality constant f/2.8 lens isn’t cheap so the Oympus M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 ED PRO costs a fair whack but it compares well with similar optics. It’s also comparatively heavy and is, therefore, better suited to larger Micro Four Thirds cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1X or the Panasonic Lumix G9. If you use a smaller camera like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 Asph. may be a better choice.

However, if you opt for the Oympus M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 ED PRO, it’s unlikely that you will be disappointed.

Designed for professional use, the Olympus M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO is built to a high standard and has wetherproof seals.

The M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO is designed for use on Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1X, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic Lumix G9 on which it’s subject to a 2x focal length magnification factor. That means it’s effectively a 24-80mm lens, which makes it a great everyday workhorse optic as well as a good choice for landscape photography.

With a filter thread of 62mm, the M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO doesn’t demand big, expensive filters and it can be used with a wide range of filter holders.

It’s also a high-quality optic that delivers superb results with plenty of detail across the whole frame and little distortion.

buy the Olympus M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro from Amazon UK or Wex Photo Video in the UK and Adorama or B&H Photo Video in the USA.

Designed for capturing big, sweeping vistas, Panasonic’s Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 offers an equivalent focal length of 14-28mm with a 114-degree angle of view. Despite its 2x wide-angle zoom range, the 7-14mm f/4 is surprisingly compact and lightweight and weighs next to nothing in your camera bag.

Its seven-blade aperture produces nice shallow depth of field effects, while multiple coatings on the lens’ front element help reduce ghosting and flare.

The Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 isn’t cheap, but you’re getting what you pay for in edge-to-edge sharpness and very little vignetting, plus its compact size.

If you’re looking for a lens that boasts all these qualities and will challenge you to look at the landscape from new perspectives, this could be the best lens for you.

Get the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 at Amazon UK or Amazon US.

A robust all-rounder, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 Asph offers an equivalent focal length of 16-36mm and can be used in poor weather conditions, thanks to its weather-sealing and metal body.

Developed as part of Panasonic’s partnership with Leica, the 8-18mm f/2.8-4 provides excellent contrast and colours, and sharpness is consistent throughout the frame.

The lens gives you a 16mm equivalent wide angle focal length, which is very wide, and image quality is very sharp at this end. Other features include support for AF and a focusing ring for manual focus.

Get the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 Asph. at Amazon UK or Amazon US.

The LUMIX S Pro 16-35mm F4 is a compact wide-angle zoom that weighs just 500g and offers a robust build quality that is dust and splash proof. Inside, it has a nine-blade aperture that produces stunning bokeh effects, something you don’t often see in a wide-angle lens.

You can focus as close as just 25cm, and its 77mm filter thread means you can mount a variety of filters for all sorts of creative effects.

Colours are strong, subjects are well defined, and images are sharp across the frame. AF performance is also fast and price, and Panasonic has included a focus clutch mechanism for instantly switching between AF and MF.

Get the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 at Amazon UK or Amazon US.

Sigma is part of the L-Mount Alliance which means that as well as other mount lenses, it can produce optics for L-mount cameras like the Panasonic Lumix S5, S1 and S1R. Currently, the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 DG DN Art is available in the L mount and Sony FE mount.

As part of Sigma’s Art lens range, the 14-24mm f2.8 DG DN Art is a high-quality optic with a delightful build and weather-sealing. There’s some barrel distortion visible when shooting at the shorter end of the zoom-range but in other respects, this lens produces superb results.

While the focal length range is very attractive for high-impact landscape photography, the ultra-wide design means that the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 DG DN Art isn’t directly compatible with most filter holders and there’s a gel-filter slot at the mount-end. With the appropriate adapter in place, the lens can be used with the Lee Filters SW150 Mark II system, but even then you can expect to see significant vignetting at the shortest end and it’s best to stick to 15mm or longer.

Read our Sigma fp Review

Designed for Sony’s APS-C series mirrorless cameras, the E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a lightweight wide-angle zoom that offers a constant maximum aperture of f/4 through the entire focal range.

The lens also offers built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation that provides up to 4-stops of stabilisation, which makes it ideal for shooting low-light landscapes and night photography. Its weather sealing against dust and moisture also make it ideal for using in all conditions.

The lens is sharp across the frame, and colours are striking with plenty of contrast.

Get the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS at Amazon UK or Amazon US.

Designed for Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is a top-notch lens that’s designed to get the most out of a high-resolution full-frame sensor such as the one found in the Sony A7 R IV.

It’s not cheap, and it relies purely on the camera’s stabilisation system, but the quality of the results that it produces is impressive, making the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM very desirable for landscape photography.

Further good news is that’s extensively sealed against dust and moisture and it can accept 82mm screw-in filters and filter holders.

Get the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM at Amazon UK

Read our Hands-on Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master Review