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10 Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nikon Z 5 with Compact Zoom Lens | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera with 24-50mm zoom lens | Nikon USA Model

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,416
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization
Weight and Portability

Most important from
479 reviews

Lens Quality and Coating
The image quality is outstanding, especially in low light conditions, delivering sharp and vibrant photos.
Image Stabilization
The in-body image stabilization is a game-changer, allowing sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds.
Weight and Portability
The compact size and lightweight build make it an excellent travel companion without compromising performance.

The Nikon Z 5 paired with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens is a compact and lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera kit suited well for beginners and hobbyists interested in landscape photography. The 24-50mm focal length covers a useful range from wide-angle to normal views, which is good for capturing a variety of landscape scenes, but it might feel a bit limited if you want ultra-wide or telephoto options. The lens aperture varies from f/4 to f/6.3, meaning it lets in less light at the telephoto end, which could affect performance in dim conditions or when trying to achieve a shallow depth of field. However, the camera’s 24.3MP full-frame sensor delivers sharp and vibrant images with good low-light capability, helping to offset some aperture limitations.

The 5-axis in-body image stabilization is a strong plus, allowing you to shoot handheld with less blur, especially useful in landscape shots during dawn or dusk. While the lens quality and coating promise sharp details and reduced glare, the lens itself is relatively basic in build and lacks advanced weather sealing, so extra care is needed if shooting in harsh weather. Its compact size and moderate weight make it easy to carry on long outdoor trips. Connectivity features like built-in WiFi and Bluetooth simplify sharing photos on the go.

This camera and lens combo provides a solid entry point for landscape photography with good image quality and stabilization, though those seeking wider apertures or rugged weather resistance might want to explore higher-end lenses or bodies.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,416
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization
Weight and Portability

Most important from
479 reviews

Lens Quality and Coating
The image quality is outstanding, especially in low light conditions, delivering sharp and vibrant photos.
Image Stabilization
The in-body image stabilization is a game-changer, allowing sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds.
Weight and Portability
The compact size and lightweight build make it an excellent travel companion without compromising performance.
#2

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens Base Bundle

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization

Most important from
5 reviews

Focal Length
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens meets expectations with its versatile focal length and excellent low-light performance.
Lens Quality and Coating
The lens construction with advanced elements and coatings effectively reduces distortions and enhances image quality, ensuring sharp and vibrant photos.
Image Stabilization
Vibration Reduction technology is a significant advantage, especially for handheld shooting situations where camera shake might be an issue.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing provides reliable protection against dust and moisture, making the lens a dependable choice for various outdoor conditions.
Weight and Portability
Despite its relatively large size and weight, the robust build quality and performance features make it a worthwhile investment for serious landscape photographers.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens is a versatile choice for landscape photography. With a focal length range of 24-70mm, it offers flexibility for capturing wide vistas and more intimate details of the landscape. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and control over depth of field, making it suitable for different lighting conditions and creative effects.

The lens construction includes ASP/ED, AS, ED, and HRI elements, along with Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which enhance image quality by reducing distortions, chromatic aberrations, and flares, ensuring sharp and vibrant photos. The addition of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology helps in stabilizing images, especially useful in handheld shooting situations where camera shake might be an issue. This is a significant advantage for landscape photographers who often work without a tripod.

The weather sealing of the lens provides protection against dust and moisture, making it a reliable companion for outdoor shoots in various environmental conditions. However, the lens weighs 2.4 pounds and its dimensions are relatively large, which might be a drawback for photographers who prefer lightweight and compact gear for long hikes or travels. Despite its higher weight, the robust build quality and performance features make it a worthwhile investment for serious landscape photographers.

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization

Most important from
5 reviews

Focal Length
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens meets expectations with its versatile focal length and excellent low-light performance.
Lens Quality and Coating
The lens construction with advanced elements and coatings effectively reduces distortions and enhances image quality, ensuring sharp and vibrant photos.
Image Stabilization
Vibration Reduction technology is a significant advantage, especially for handheld shooting situations where camera shake might be an issue.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing provides reliable protection against dust and moisture, making the lens a dependable choice for various outdoor conditions.
Weight and Portability
Despite its relatively large size and weight, the robust build quality and performance features make it a worthwhile investment for serious landscape photographers.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization

Most important from
127 reviews

Focal Length
The go-to lens for wide-angle photography, with sharp images and great color contrast.
Lens Quality and Coating
A solid performer with a reliable build quality, balancing well with pro camera bodies.
Image Stabilization
Even without image stabilization, this lens captures tack-sharp photos handheld at low shutter speeds.
Weather Sealing
Excellent for both indoor and outdoor use, resisting dust and grime effectively.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom Lens is a solid choice for landscape photography, thanks to its wide 17-35mm focal length range, which is ideal for capturing expansive scenes. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for good performance in low light and can create a pleasing blur effect for out-of-focus elements, enhanced by the 9-blade rounded diaphragm.

The lens includes two types of aspherical lenses and ED glass elements, enhancing image quality by reducing aberrations and improving sharpness and color accuracy. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quiet and precise autofocusing, a handy feature when focusing on intricate landscape details. However, this lens lacks image stabilization, which could be a downside when shooting handheld in lower light conditions. Additionally, while it is built for durability, there's no mention of weather sealing, which might be a concern for photographers shooting in challenging weather conditions.

Weighing 26.3 ounces and measuring 4.2 inches in length, it is relatively portable but not the lightest option available. The lens is designed specifically for Nikon SLR cameras and uses a 77mm filter size, which can be an additional cost if filters are needed. Despite being discontinued, it has good user reviews with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 125 ratings, indicating general satisfaction among users. This lens is best suited for professional or serious amateur photographers who prioritize image quality and can manage without image stabilization and weather sealing.

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Lens Quality and Coating
Image Stabilization

Most important from
127 reviews

Focal Length
The go-to lens for wide-angle photography, with sharp images and great color contrast.
Lens Quality and Coating
A solid performer with a reliable build quality, balancing well with pro camera bodies.
Image Stabilization
Even without image stabilization, this lens captures tack-sharp photos handheld at low shutter speeds.
Weather Sealing
Excellent for both indoor and outdoor use, resisting dust and grime effectively.

Buying Guide for the Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography

Choosing the right Nikon lens for landscape photography can significantly enhance the quality of your images. Landscape photography often requires capturing wide vistas, intricate details, and varying light conditions. Therefore, understanding the key specifications of lenses will help you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Focal LengthFocal length determines the field of view and how much of the scene will be captured. For landscape photography, wide-angle lenses (typically 10-35mm) are preferred as they allow you to capture expansive scenes. If you want to include more of the environment in your shots, go for a shorter focal length. For more detailed and isolated compositions, a longer focal length (up to 70mm) might be suitable. Consider what kind of landscapes you will be shooting and choose a focal length that matches your vision.
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 apertures (lower f-numbers) can be useful in low-light conditions or for creating a shallow depth of field effect. Choose an aperture based on the lighting conditions and the depth of field you desire.
Lens Quality and CoatingThe quality of the lens elements and the coatings applied to them can affect image sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy. High-quality lenses with advanced coatings reduce lens flare and ghosting, which is particularly important when shooting landscapes with bright light sources like the sun. Look for lenses with multi-coated elements to ensure the best image quality. If you often shoot in challenging lighting conditions, investing in a lens with superior coatings can make a significant difference.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization (IS) helps reduce camera shake, allowing you to take sharper images at slower shutter speeds. This can be particularly useful in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. While not always essential for landscape photography, it can be beneficial if you frequently shoot in conditions where a tripod is not feasible. Consider whether you need this feature based on your shooting style and the environments you typically photograph.
Weather SealingWeather sealing protects the lens from dust, moisture, and other environmental elements. For landscape photographers who often shoot in diverse and sometimes harsh conditions, weather-sealed lenses provide added durability and reliability. If you plan to shoot in various weather conditions, investing in a weather-sealed lens can ensure your equipment remains functional and protected.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and size of the lens can impact your comfort and mobility, especially during long shooting sessions or hikes. Lighter and more compact lenses are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for travel and outdoor photography. However, they may sometimes compromise on certain features or build quality. Consider your typical shooting scenarios and how much gear you are comfortable carrying when choosing the weight and size of your lens.

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