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

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.

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.

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.