12 Best Lenses for Landscape Photography in January 2026 (Tested)

After spending eight years shooting landscapes across three continents, I’ve learned that lens choice matters more than camera body. The best lenses for landscape photography combine sharpness, weather sealing, and the right focal length for your vision. My most-used lens for forest scenes? A 70-200mm telephoto, not a wide-angle.

The best lenses for landscape photography are wide-angle zooms (16-35mm f/4 or 14-24mm f/2.8) for expansive scenes and telephoto zooms (70-200mm f/4) for intimate landscapes and compression effects. A complete kit typically includes a wide zoom, standard zoom (24-70mm), and telephoto zoom.

Most photographers start with wide-angle lenses, but I’ve seen too many beginners overuse ultra-wide angles, making distant mountains look tiny. The right lens depends on your subjects: grand vistas need wide angles, while intimate forest scenes shine with telephotos.

In this guide, I’ll cover 12 lenses tested across various conditions, from Icelandic waterfalls to desert sunsets. Customer photos from real buyers validate what I’ve found in the field.

Our Top Landscape Lens Picks by Category (January 2026)

Complete Lens Comparison

This table compares all 12 landscape lenses across key categories. Each lens serves different purposes, from ultra-wide vistas to intimate telephoto compositions.

Understanding Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Different focal lengths serve different purposes in landscape photography. Wide-angle lenses (14-35mm) capture expansive scenes with foreground elements, standard lenses (24-70mm) provide natural perspectives, and telephoto lenses (70-200mm+) compress scenes and isolate distant subjects.

Most landscape photographers prefer a wide-angle zoom lens (typically 16-35mm f/4 or 14-24mm f/2.8) as their primary lens, complemented by a telephoto zoom (70-200mm f/4) for capturing distant details and creating intimate landscape compositions.

I’ve seen photographers regret not buying telephoto sooner, after shooting only wide-angle for years. Telephoto lenses create compression effects that make mountains appear more dramatic and isolate intimate scenes within larger landscapes.

Detailed Lens Reviews (January 2026)

1. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM – Best Premium Wide-Angle Zoom

This G Master lens delivers exceptional corner sharpness throughout the zoom range. After testing it on sunrise shoots in the Rockies, I found wide-open performance at f/2.8 impressive for nightscapes.

The two XA (extreme aspherical) elements achieve remarkable resolving power. Customer photos validate the sharpness claims, showing crisp details from edge to edge even in challenging conditions.

Build quality is premium with weather sealing that held up during coastal mist conditions. At 1.5 pounds, it’s lighter than typical mirrorless wide-angle zooms.

The constant f/2.8 aperture makes this ideal for astrophotography. I’ve captured clean Milky Way shots without needing to push ISO beyond reasonable limits.

Customer images consistently show the optical quality this lens produces. Real buyers have documented impressive corner sharpness that rivals prime lenses.

Who Should Buy?

Sony shooters wanting premium wide-angle performance for landscapes and astrophotography. Ideal for those who frequently shoot in low-light conditions.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious photographers or those who don’t need f/2.8 aperture. The f/4 version offers similar landscape performance at lower cost.

2. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM – Best Value Canon Ultra-Wide

This lens surprised me with its corner-to-corner sharpness. After comparing it directly to the f/2.8 version, I found it actually performs better for landscape work where you typically shoot at f/8-f/11.

The built-in image stabilization provides up to 4 stops of correction. This proved invaluable during dawn shoots when I forgot my tripod and needed sharp handheld exposures.

At 1.36 pounds, it’s noticeably lighter than the f/2.8 alternative. For hikers and backpackers, every ounce matters on long treks.

Customer photos demonstrate the impressive corner sharpness this lens delivers. Real-world images show consistent quality across the frame at landscape apertures.

The fluorine coating on the front element makes cleaning easy after dusty desert shoots. Water beads up and wipes away without leaving residue.

Who Should Buy?

Canon landscape photographers who shoot primarily at smaller apertures. Perfect for travel photographers wanting quality without weight.

Who Should Avoid?

Astrophotographers needing f/2.8 or wedding photographers requiring faster apertures for low-light events.

3. Sony 16-35mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T ZA OSS – Best Budget Sony Wide-Angle

This Zeiss collaboration delivers excellent optical quality at a lower price point than the G Master version. I’ve used it for tripod-based landscape work with outstanding results at f/8.

The ZEISS T* coating effectively reduces flare and ghosting. During sunrise and sunset shoots, I’ve pointed this lens directly toward the sun with minimal issues.

At just 1.14 pounds, it’s the lightest wide-angle zoom in Sony’s lineup. For hiking photographers, this weight savings is significant over long distances.

Built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization adds versatility for handheld situations. While landscape photographers typically use tripods, the stabilization helps when shooting from unstable positions.

Customer images confirm the sharpness this Zeiss lens provides. Real buyers have captured impressive landscapes with excellent contrast and minimal chromatic aberration.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious Sony shooters wanting Zeiss quality without G Master pricing. Ideal for tripod-based landscape photographers.

Who Should Avoid?

Astrophotographers needing wider apertures or those who demand perfect corner sharpness wide open.

4. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM – Best Premium Standard Zoom

This G Master standard zoom rivals prime lenses for sharpness. I’ve tested it extensively and found it delivers outstanding performance throughout the entire zoom range.

The XA element maximizes resolution while ED and Super ED glass control chromatic aberrations. Customer photos show the impressive detail this lens captures.

Nano AR coating provides accurate light transmission with minimal flare. I’ve shot directly into the sun with excellent contrast and minimal ghosting.

The 9-blade circular aperture creates beautiful bokeh when shooting wider apertures. While less critical for landscapes, this versatility helps for other photography genres.

At 24mm, this lens provides a wide field of view for expansive scenes. At 70mm, it reaches into short telephoto territory for tighter compositions.

Customer images validate the sharpness claims. Real users have captured stunning landscapes showing the optical quality this G Master lens delivers.

Who Should Buy?

Sony professionals wanting one lens for multiple genres. Perfect for those needing versatility without sacrificing quality.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget photographers or those who only shoot landscapes with tripods. The f/4 version offers similar landscape performance at lower cost.

5. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – Canon’s Sharpest Standard Zoom

Widely regarded as one of Canon’s best zoom lenses, this delivers prime-like sharpness. I’ve tested it against primes and found it difficult to distinguish the difference at landscape apertures.

The redesigned optical formula provides improved sharpness throughout the zoom range. Customer photos demonstrate the exceptional quality this lens produces.

Build quality matches Canon’s L-series reputation. The weather sealing has kept this lens functioning during rain storms and dusty conditions.

At 24mm, you get a respectable wide-angle view. The 70mm reach provides flexibility for tighter compositions without switching lenses.

This lens shares Canon’s “holy trinity” status with their 16-35mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. Professional Canon shooters often build their kits around these three optics.

Who Should Buy?

Canon professionals demanding the best standard zoom performance. Ideal for those shooting multiple genres beyond landscapes.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing image stabilization or those on a tight budget. The f/4 IS version offers stabilization at lower cost.

6. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM – Best Value Standard Zoom with IS

This lens offers unique features that make it surprisingly versatile for landscapes. The built-in macro mode provides up to 0.7x magnification, perfect for close-up detail shots in nature.

The Hybrid IS system compensates for both angular and shift camera shake. This proves especially useful for close-up work where every movement matters.

At 1.32 pounds, it’s the lightest L-series standard zoom. For travel photographers, this weight savings is significant over long days of shooting.

The one-touch switch at the telephoto end activates macro mode. I’ve used this feature countless times for photographing wildflowers, leaves, and stream details.

Corner sharpness improves by f/8, which is where most landscape photographers shoot anyway. Customer images show good results when stopped down appropriately.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers wanting one versatile lens. Perfect for those who enjoy macro photography alongside landscapes.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing wider apertures for low light or those concerned about quality control consistency.

7. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS – Best Sony Telephoto for Landscapes

This telephoto lens creates the compression effects that make landscapes dramatic. I’ve used it extensively for forest scenes and distant mountain ridges with stunning results.

The class-leading minimum focus distance of 37.8 inches allows for intimate landscape compositions. Customer photos show beautiful compression effects this lens creates.

Dual floating focus system provides high autofocus speed and precision. Whether tracking wildlife or locking focus on static landscapes, performance is reliable.

The 11-blade circular aperture creates gorgeous bokeh. While less critical for landscapes, this versatility helps when transitioning to other subjects.

Optical SteadyShot stabilization offers two modes for different shooting situations. Mode 1 provides standard correction while Mode 2 is optimized for panning.

Who Should Buy?

Sony photographers wanting to capture intimate landscapes and compression effects. Ideal for those shooting multiple genres.

Who Should Avoid?

Hikers concerned about weight or budget-conscious photographers. The f/4 version offers similar landscape performance at lower cost and weight.

8. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – Best Canon Telephoto Zoom

This lens delivers exceptional sharpness throughout the zoom range. After years of use, it remains my most-used lens for forest photography and distant mountain scenes.

Canon’s Air Sphere Coating minimizes ghosting and flare. Customer photos validate the impressive optical quality this lens produces across various conditions.

The 3.5-stop image stabilization provides excellent shake correction. This has proven invaluable during dawn shoots when every second of golden hour counts.

One Fluorite element and five UD elements deliver high image quality with minimal chromatic aberrations. Colors render accurately and contrast remains high even backlit.

Build quality is exceptional with weather sealing that has endured rain, snow, and dust. The 4.9-star rating from over 500 reviewers speaks to the consistent quality.

Who Should Buy?

Canon professionals serious about landscape photography. Perfect for those wanting one telephoto for all situations.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget photographers or hikers counting every ounce. The f/4 version weighs significantly less at lower cost.

9. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD – Best Value Telephoto Zoom

This lens delivers professional-grade sharpness at significantly lower cost than name-brand alternatives. I’ve tested it alongside Canon’s L-series and found it difficult to distinguish the difference.

The VC (Vibration Compensation) system provides up to 4 stops of shake correction. Customer images confirm the impressive sharpness this lens delivers.

As the most compact lens in its class, it fits easier into camera bags. The shorter overall length makes a noticeable difference when packing for travel.

Bokeh quality is probably the best in the 70-200mm range. The pleasant creaminess to background blur adds a professional look to images.

At approximately $1000 less than comparable name-brand lenses, this offers exceptional value. For budget-conscious photographers, it delivers 90-95% of the performance at 60-70% of the cost.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious photographers wanting professional telephoto performance. Ideal for those who prioritize value over brand prestige.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who can’t adapt to the reversed ring layout or those needing weather sealing for extreme conditions.

10. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – Best Budget Prime for Canon

Widely regarded as the best value in all of photography, this lens punches far above its weight class. After recommending it to dozens of beginners, I’ve consistently seen dramatic improvements in their image quality.

The f/1.8 aperture lets in 8x more light than typical kit lenses. Customer photos from over 18,000 reviewers validate the impressive quality this lens delivers.

At just 5.6 ounces, you’ll barely notice it in your bag. For travel photographers, this weight savings means more energy for exploring and shooting.

The STM motor provides smooth, quiet autofocus perfect for video. For hybrid shooters, this versatility eliminates the need for separate video lenses.

On APS-C cameras, this provides an 80mm effective focal length. This makes it an excellent portrait lens for Canon crop-sensor users.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners upgrading from kit lenses or anyone wanting incredible value. Perfect for APS-C users wanting a portrait lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing weather sealing or those requiring autofocus performance for fast-action sports.

11. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM – Best Macro Prime for Landscapes

This lens combines wide-angle prime functionality with macro capability in a compact package. After testing it extensively, I found it incredibly sharp even wide open at f/1.8.

The 5-stop image stabilization is exceptional, especially for EOS RP and R users lacking in-body stabilization. Customer photos demonstrate the versatility this lens provides.

Macro functionality with 0.5x magnification opens creative possibilities for close-up landscape details. I’ve used it for wildflowers, leaves, and stream patterns with excellent results.

The control ring provides direct setting changes without accessing menus. For experienced photographers, this intuitive interface improves shooting efficiency.

At 10.8 ounces, it’s light enough to carry everywhere. The compact design makes it perfect for travel and everyday photography.

Who Should Buy?

Canon RF shooters wanting one versatile lens for multiple subjects. Ideal for those who enjoy close-up nature photography.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing weather sealing or those requiring true 1:1 macro magnification.

12. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G – Best Budget Prime for Nikon

This exceptionally affordable prime delivers professional-quality images for DX-format Nikon users. After seeing hundreds of images from this lens, I’m consistently impressed by the results.

The 52.5mm equivalent on DX provides a classic normal angle of view. Customer photos from over 15,000 reviewers validate the impressive quality.

Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness sets this apart from kit lenses. Even at f/2.8, images show good detail across the frame.

Very low distortion makes this ideal for landscape photography. Many ultra-wide lenses require significant correction, but this lens produces clean, straight lines.

The rounded 7-blade diaphragm creates natural out-of-focus elements. Background blur looks pleasant rather than distracting.

Who Should Buy?

Nikon DX-format users upgrading from kit lenses. Perfect for beginners wanting their first prime lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Full-frame Nikon users or photographers requiring image stabilization.

Buying Guide for Landscape Lenses

Choosing the right landscape lens requires understanding several key factors. Let me break down what matters based on years of field experience.

Focal Length Matters More Than You Think

Your choice of focal length determines your compositional options. Wide-angle lenses (14-24mm) capture expansive scenes but make distant subjects appear small. Telephoto lenses (70-200mm) compress perspective and isolate details, creating intimate landscape compositions.

I’ve found that telephoto lenses are underutilized by beginners. Many photographers regret not buying a 70-200mm sooner after discovering the creative possibilities of compression effects.

Aperture Considerations for Landscapes

For most landscape photography, f/4 aperture is sufficient. We typically shoot at f/8-f/11 for optimal sharpness and depth of field. However, f/2.8 lenses offer advantages for astrophotography and low-light situations.

Image stabilization matters even for landscape photographers. While tripods are ideal, stabilization helps during dawn handheld shooting or when photographing from unstable positions like boats or rocky terrain.

Weight vs. Quality Trade-offs

Weight becomes critical for hiking and backpacking photographers. I’ve cut lenses from my kit after realizing the fatigue they caused on long treks. f/4 lenses typically weigh 30-40% less than f/2.8 versions while delivering similar landscape performance.

Weather Sealing is Non-Negotiable

Landscape photography often means shooting in challenging conditions. Weather-sealed lenses have saved me multiple times during rain storms and dusty environments. Look for lenses with gasketed mounts and sealed switches.

Filter Compatibility

Consider filter thread sizes when building your kit. Using lenses with the same filter size saves money and reduces the number of filters you need to carry. Common landscape filter sizes include 77mm, 82mm, and 95mm.

Focal Range	Best Use	Aperture Priority	Weight Consideration
14-24mm	Grand vistas, astrophotography	f/2.8 for stars, f/4 for general	Heavier, critical for hiking
16-35mm	Versatile wide-angle	f/4 sufficient for most	Moderate weight
24-70mm	All-purpose versatility	f/4 for landscapes	Manageable weight
70-200mm	Intimate landscapes, compression	f/4 sufficient	f/4 versions much lighter

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these lenses across various conditions, my recommendations depend on your budget and shooting style. For a complete kit, start with a wide-angle zoom (16-35mm f/4), add a standard zoom (24-70mm f/4) for versatility, and complete with a telephoto (70-200mm f/4) for compression effects.

Budget-conscious photographers should consider the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM or Nikon 35mm f/1.8G as affordable entry points. These primes deliver impressive quality that far exceeds kit lenses.

Remember that the best lens is the one you actually carry. Heavy premium lenses might stay home while lighter alternatives get the shot. Choose based on your real-world usage, not just specification sheets.