Whether it’s the subtle changing of the leaves, the wispy clouds floating in front of deep scarlet sunsets, or early morning coastal sunrises, the varying and unpredictable UK seasons are a landscape photographer’s dream.
With such a vast array of stunning possibilities to add to your portfolio, you’ll want to make sure that you have the best tools to capture the scene all year round. Of course, you already have your camera, so now it’s time to attach a good landscape lens.
The following nine optics represent not only excellent quality, but also outstanding value, making them ideal for all skill levels and every budget.
Best lenses for landscapes shortlist:
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Description
Canonu2019s ultra-wide entry for APS-C cameras is a hidden gem. Featuring a traditional landscape focal distance and slight 240g weight, itu2019s an ideal kit bag companion. The optics include 14 elements in 11 groups, and seven rounded diaphragm blades, though this is not a lens designed to capture bokeh. Thereu2019s a brace of switches on the barrel, which allow you to easily change between manual and autofocus, and engage 4-stop image stabilisation.
Considering the costs of this humble lens, the results are very impressive. As is typical for many zoom lenses, there is a touch of vignetting at f/4.5, and barrel distortion at 10mm, though it’s not overly pronounced, and very easy to correct in post-production. For the price, this lens displays excellent sharpness centrally throughout the range, though it’s a touch sharper at the 18mm end. Corners are also sharp when wide-open, and while not quite matching the central sharpness, the results are negligible.
Pros
Ultra-wide
Inexpensive
Image stabilisation
Cons
Slight distortion
A bit plasticky
Spec
Max aperture: f/4.5
Min aperture: f/29
Min focus: 22cm
Elements/groups: 14/11
DxL: 75x72mm
Weight: 240g
Description
This ultra-compact 230g APS-C lens from Nikon is a real heavy hitter when it comes to lightweight landscape lenses. It boasts a 35mm equivalent ultra-wide 15-30mm and variable f/4.5-5.6 aperture, which is ideal for landscape photography, where youu2019re generally aiming for a larger depth-of-field.
The construction, while not the most premium on the list, keeps the weight down, and is made up of 14 elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical elements. You also have 3.5 stops of VR (Vibration Reduction), which is a nice touch.
For a relatively budget optic, the results are very impressive, with the central sharpness returning great results, even wide-open, throughout the zoom range. The corners are also sharp, which adds to the overall quality of this lens. As is common with wide-angle zoom lenses, there is a touch of barrel distortion at the 10mm end, which can be corrected in post-processing, and at 20mm, distortion is handled exceptionally well.
Pros
Impressively sharp
Price
Compact
Cons
Narrower aperture
Feels plasticky
Spec
Max aperture: f/4.5
Min aperture: f/29
Min focus: 22cm
Elements/groups: 14/11
DxL: 77x73mm
Weight: 230g
Description
Sigmau2019s Art range of prime lenses is among the most sought after on the market. Not only do they offer good value for money, they also display stunning optics and excellent design. The 24mm, which works on full-frame or crop sensor Nikons, Canons and now Sonys, features 15 elements in 11 groups. This includes three FLD (Fluorite Low Dispersion) and four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements for superior performance.
As you’d expect, the Sigma displays outstanding sharpness throughout the aperture range, though the corners are a tad soft when shot wide-open, catching up by f/2.8. This shouldn’t pose any problems for those using it as a landscape lens, where you’ll find excellent sharpness across the image at narrower apertures. However, the ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture means it’s also ideal for astrophotography.
Distortion and fringing are almost invisible, though a touch of vignetting is present at the widest apertures.
Pros
Good pricing
Wide aperture
Very sharp
Cons
Heaviest in test
Not weather-sealed
Vignetting
Spec
Max aperture: f/1.4
Min aperture: f/16
Min focus: 25cm
Elements/groups: 15/11
DxL: 85x90mm
Weight: 665g
Description
This Micro Four Thirds Olympus prime is a great option for those looking to save weight, coming in at a dainty 130g. Its metal build quality feels very sturdy and the 11 elements in eight groups offer aspherical and ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, which keep chromatic aberration to a bare minimum.
The 35mm equivalent 24mm focal length gives this lens a wide variety of uses, from landscape to travel or documentary, meaning you get a lot of bang for your buck. Thanks to its prime construction, it displays a formidable level of central sharpness, even when wide-open, while the corners catch up from f/4 to return truly stunning results.
Although distortion is expected with wide-angle lenses, the Olympus does a great job of handling it, even at the edges where it’s barely noticeable. It also does a great job combating flare, chromatic aberration and vignetting, which is truly impressive considering the wide aperture on offer. It also accepts 56mm ND filters.
Pros
Very lightweight
Wide aperture
Sharp
Cons
Fixed length
No IS
No lens hood
Spec
Max aperture: f/2
Min aperture: f/22
Min focus: 20cm
Elements/groups: 11/8
DxL: 56x43mm
Weight: 130g
Description
This E-mount lens is designed to work with Sonyu2019s APS-C cameras, where it sports a 35mm equivalent of 15-27mm, making it ideal for capturing sprawling vistas. The wide f/4 aperture and image stabilisation also offer an advantage for those shooting in low-light.
The construction is impressive, with tough plastics keeping the weight down to a slimline 225g, making it an ideal travel companion. It boasts ten elements in eight groups, and includes Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, which helps combat chromatic aberration.
It has to be said that this lens isn’t the sharpest at f/4, with results best at the widest focal length. However, this lens is well-suited for those who are looking to capture as much of the scene as possible, with f/5.6-11 all returning great results. There is also evident vignetting found from f/4, which lessens considerably at higher f/stops. However, thanks to the size, weight and great performance at narrower apertures, consider this a must for Sony APS-Cs.
Pros
IS
Minimal distortion
Compact
Cons
Softer at f/4
Vignetting
Quite pricey
Spec
Max aperture: f/4
Min aperture: f/22
Min focus: 25cm
Elements/groups: 10/8
DxL: 70x64mm
Weight: 225g
Description
This fixed aperture prime delivers a 15-30mm focal length on a 1.5x crop body. It features a solid design, boasting 13 elements in ten groups, and a minimum aperture of f/22. The front element is easily the largest in test, with an 82mm filter diameter, though the construction still manages to keep the weight down to a respectable and manageable 520g.
When shooting at 10mm, it returns very good results, even wide-open, where the centre is sharp. By f/5.6 the corners catch up with the centre and the whole image is impressive. However, at 20mm, this lens really shines. The sharpness is excellent throughout the aperture range and results in pleasing images.
At 10mm the barrel distortion is fairly prevalent, which is common for ultra-wide zoom lenses. However, it can be fixed in post. By the time you reach the 20mm focal length though, the pin-cushioning is very mild, and barely noticeable. **
Pros
Sharp at 20mm
Inexpensive
Well built
Cons
Barrel distortion
82mm filters
Soft at 10mm
Spec
Max aperture: f/3.5
Min aperture: f/22
Min focus: 24cm
Elements/groups: 13/10
DxL: 87x88mm
Weight: 520g
Description
Samyangu2019s ultra wide-angle 14mm f/2.8 is the first of the companyu2019s autofocus line-up to hit Canonu2019s EF mount, as well as being available for Sonyu2019s E-mount models. When used with APS-C sensors, you get a touch over 22mm, which is still an ideal length for landscapes.
The construction is excellent, feeling rugged and robust, featuring an external MF/AF switch, and 15 elements in ten groups, which includes three aspherical elements, as well as UMC coating, which reduces flare and ghosting.
Sharpness here is very good in the centre of the frame, even at f/2.8. The corners, while not quite as sharp when wide-open, catch up noticeably by the time you hit f/4. There is some barrel distortion here, which is common among ultra wide-angles, though this can be addressed in post-processing if needed. Unfortunately, a protruding front element means it won’t accept ND filters. This could be a deal breaker for long-exposure fans.
Pros
Weather-sealed
Rugged build
Sharp optics
Cons
Slight barrel distortion
No filter thread
No IS
Spec
Max aperture: f/2.8
Min aperture: f/22
Min focus: 20cm
Elements/groups: 15/10
DxL: 91x96mm
Weight: 536g
Description
Itu2019s field-of-view verges on ultra-wide, while a maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes it ideal for astro. The build quality is solid, with a mainly tough plastic construction housing 13 elements in 11 groups, including aspherical and ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, which cut down on chromatic aberration and distortions. It also includes a Nano Crystal Coating, which helps to ensure that all imperfections are kept to a barely noticeable minimum.
The sharpness of this lens is excellent from f/4, though it can look a bit soft in the edges wide- open, which won’t put off landscape shooters who will find the sweet spot to be thoroughly rewarding.
The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) does a great job of suppressing any focusing sound, while the AF is both rapid and accurate. One small gripe is the lack of official weather sealing, though don’t let that put you off this absolute gem.
Pros
Wide aperture
Ultra-wide
Light
Cons
Softer at f/1.8
Pricey
No weather sealing
Spec
Max aperture: f/1.8
Min aperture: f/16
Min focus: 20cm
Elements/groups: 13/11
DxL: 83x81mm
Weight: 355g
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Description
This diminutive Micro Four Thirds lens provides a 35mm equivalent of 14-28mm, giving it an appealing focal range, and a wide, constant f/4 aperture.
You get 16 elements in 12 groups, which include two aspherical lenses, as well as four Extra-Low Dispersion lenses, which both help prevent excessive chromatic aberration and distortion.
One thing which may put you off is the large protruding front element. This means you won’t be able to attach standard ND filters for long exposures.
Pros
Good construction
Ultra-wide
Very sharp
Cons
No filters
Vignetting
Priciest on list
Spec
Max aperture: f/4
Min aperture: f/22
Min focus: 25cm
Elements/groups: 16/12
DxL: 70x83mm
Weight: 300g