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10 Best Nikon Landscape Lens 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,142
Aperture
Image Stabilization
Lens Quality and Coatings

Most important from
128 reviews

Aperture
Despite being an older design, the lens still excels in capturing sharp, clear images, even in low light conditions without VR.
Image Stabilization
Despite being an older design, the lens still excels in capturing sharp, clear images, even in low light conditions without VR.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Optically, the lens delivers very sharp images with nice contrast and colors, especially on a D700.
Weather Sealing
The lens is built to professional quality standards with all-metal construction and weather sealing, making it durable for rough environments.
Weight and Size
The Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D is a remarkable lens with a solid feel and reasonable heft, making it versatile for professional use.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom Lens is a robust option for landscape photography, designed specifically for Nikon DSLR cameras. Its wide focal range of 17-35mm allows for versatile shooting, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 facilitates shooting in lower light conditions while allowing for beautiful depth of field effects. The inclusion of aspherical and ED glass elements improves image quality, reducing distortion and color fringing, which is crucial for landscape images where clarity is key.

This lens features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus, beneficial when capturing wildlife or serene landscapes without disturbing the environment. Additionally, the 9-blade rounded diaphragm helps create pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, enhancing the artistic quality of your shots.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The lens does not include built-in image stabilization, which may be a concern for photographers working in low-light settings or shooting handheld. While the lens offers weather sealing, it might not be as rugged as some higher-end options available, limiting its use in extreme conditions. Weighing 26.3 ounces, it’s also on the heavier side, which could be a factor for photographers who need to carry their gear for long periods. This lens excels in image quality and versatility, making it a great choice for dedicated landscape photographers. Just keep in mind the weight and the absence of image stabilization if those factors are important for your shooting style.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,142
Aperture
Image Stabilization
Lens Quality and Coatings

Most important from
128 reviews

Aperture
Despite being an older design, the lens still excels in capturing sharp, clear images, even in low light conditions without VR.
Image Stabilization
Despite being an older design, the lens still excels in capturing sharp, clear images, even in low light conditions without VR.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Optically, the lens delivers very sharp images with nice contrast and colors, especially on a D700.
Weather Sealing
The lens is built to professional quality standards with all-metal construction and weather sealing, making it durable for rough environments.
Weight and Size
The Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D is a remarkable lens with a solid feel and reasonable heft, making it versatile for professional use.
#2

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens, Bundle with NiSi 112mm Circular NC UV Filter, Cleaning Kit

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens is a strong choice for landscape photographers who want a wide-angle zoom with excellent image quality. Its ultra-wide 14-24mm focal length lets you capture expansive scenes like mountains, city skylines, and night skies with ease. The constant f/2.8 aperture is bright, which helps in low-light conditions or creative depth effects, although landscape shooting often uses smaller apertures for maximum sharpness.

The lens boasts outstanding optics for sharp, detailed images across the entire frame, supported by quality coatings that reduce glare and improve contrast. It also features a weather-resistant design, so you can shoot outdoors in damp or dusty conditions without worry. While it doesn’t mention built-in image stabilization, many Nikon Z cameras have in-body stabilization that works well with this lens. One downside is its weight — at 3.47 pounds, it’s heavier than some other wide-angle lenses, which might matter if you hike or carry gear for long periods.

The included NiSi UV filter and cleaning kit add practical value for protecting and maintaining the lens. This lens is well suited for landscape photographers who prioritize sharpness, wide fields of view, and durability, especially when paired with Nikon’s mirrorless cameras.

#3

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G Fixed Focal Length Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Rating
9.1
Aperture
Lens Quality and Coatings
Weight and Size

Most important from
159 reviews

Aperture
Extremely clear and sharp when stopped down to f/2.8 or lower, making it perfect for landscape photography.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Handles bright contrasts crisply, especially along horizons during sunrise or sunset.
Weight and Size
Despite its weight, the lens is nicely balanced and perfect for photojournalism or as a walk-around lens.

The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens is a solid choice for landscape photography enthusiasts, offering a fixed focal length of 35mm which is ideal for capturing wide scenes. The lens boasts a fast f/1.4 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). This can be particularly useful during dawn or dusk shoots when lighting conditions are less than ideal. The Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images with minimal distortion. Additionally, the aspherical lens element further enhances image quality by minimizing chromatic aberrations and other distortions.

The lens is designed to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format Nikon DSLRs, making it versatile for different camera bodies. However, it does lack image stabilization, which means that you'll need steady hands or a tripod to avoid blur, especially in low-light conditions. The lens is also on the heavier side, weighing in at 1.32 pounds, which might be a consideration for photographers who prefer lighter gear for long hikes or travel.

It is well-built but does not mention specific weather sealing, so extra care may be needed in harsh weather conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the lens's high build quality, exceptional optics, and professional-grade performance make it a great investment for serious landscape photographers.

Rating
9.1
Aperture
Lens Quality and Coatings
Weight and Size

Most important from
159 reviews

Aperture
Extremely clear and sharp when stopped down to f/2.8 or lower, making it perfect for landscape photography.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Handles bright contrasts crisply, especially along horizons during sunrise or sunset.
Weight and Size
Despite its weight, the lens is nicely balanced and perfect for photojournalism or as a walk-around lens.

Buying Guide for the Best Nikon Landscape Lens

When choosing a Nikon lens for landscape photography, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact the quality and versatility of your photos. Landscape photography often requires capturing wide vistas, intricate details, and varying lighting conditions. Therefore, understanding the specifications of a lens will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and enhances your photography experience.
Focal LengthFocal length determines the field of view of the lens. For landscape photography, wide-angle lenses (typically 10-35mm) are preferred because they allow you to capture more of the scene in a single shot. If you want to include vast landscapes or dramatic skies, a shorter focal length (10-20mm) is ideal. For more detailed shots or to focus on specific elements within the landscape, a slightly longer focal length (20-35mm) can be useful. Choose a focal length based on the type of landscapes you plan to shoot and how much of the scene you want to capture.
ApertureAperture refers to the size of the lens opening that allows light to enter. It is denoted by f-numbers (e.g., f/2.8, f/4, f/8). For landscape photography, a smaller aperture (higher f-number like f/8 to f/16) is often used to achieve a greater depth of field, ensuring that both the foreground and background are in sharp focus. However, lenses with larger maximum apertures (lower f-numbers like f/2.8) can be beneficial in low-light conditions or for creating a shallow depth of field when needed. Consider your typical shooting conditions and desired depth of field when selecting the aperture range.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization (IS) helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. While it is not always essential for landscape photography, it can be beneficial if you often shoot handheld or in windy conditions. If you frequently use a tripod, image stabilization may be less critical. Decide based on your shooting style and whether you often find yourself in situations where stabilization would be advantageous.
Lens Quality and CoatingsThe quality of the lens elements and the coatings applied to them can significantly impact image clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. High-quality lenses with advanced coatings reduce lens flare and ghosting, which are common issues in landscape photography, especially when shooting towards the sun. Look for lenses with multi-coated elements and those known for their optical quality to ensure your images are sharp and vibrant. Prioritize lens quality if you aim for professional-grade photos or often shoot in challenging lighting conditions.
Weather SealingWeather sealing protects the lens from dust, moisture, and other environmental elements. This feature is particularly important for landscape photographers who often shoot in diverse and sometimes harsh outdoor conditions. A weather-sealed lens ensures durability and reliability, allowing you to shoot in rain, snow, or dusty environments without worrying about damaging your equipment. Consider weather sealing if you frequently shoot in unpredictable weather or rugged terrains.
Weight and SizeThe weight and size of the lens can affect your comfort and mobility, especially during long shooting sessions or hikes to remote locations. Lighter and more compact lenses are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for travel and outdoor adventures. However, they may sometimes compromise on certain features or build quality. Balance the need for portability with the desired features and performance to find a lens that suits your shooting habits and physical endurance.

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