How to Choose Your Lenses for Landscape Photography

Forget about which are the ‘best’ lenses for landscape photography. This article is all about choosing the ‘right’ lenses for you and your photography journey.

Lenses are super important in landscape photography because they affect how you compose your photos.

Each lens brings its own “visual personality” to the table. Wide-angle lenses let us highlight different elements, while telephotos bring distant subjects closer.

It all starts with what images you visualise capturing. Do you want to capture the big vistas, dramatic foregrounds or more intimate images?

Your lens selection can make or break your shot, affecting everything from the depth of field to the overall composition.

The 3 Most Common Lenses For Landscape Photography

These are the three most common lenses for landscape photography:

16-35mm: Wide-Angle and Ultra-Wide Angle for traditional landscape images
24-70mm: Standard Zoom, for versatility and a general walk around lens
100-400mm: Telephoto for capturing distant landscapes and isolating subjects

Three camera lenses of varying sizes arranged in a row on a textured surface. The lenses are labeled as Canon, with focal ranges visible: 16-35mm, 24-70mm, and 100-400mm, highlighting different options for photography. — These are my essential lenses – 16-35mm wide angle, 24-70mm standard zoom, and 100-400mm telephoto

Wide-angle lenses are considered a must-have for landscape photography. They allow you to capture a wide field of view, giving your photos a sense of scale and depth.

Additionally, a wide-angle lens can help you create a sense of perspective, making objects in the foreground appear larger than those in the background.

Another lens to consider for landscape photography is a telephoto lens. While a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the big picture, a telephoto lens allows you to zoom in and capture details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Then there’s the versatile mid-range lenses that can be used for a variety of purposes, including landscape photography.

A mid-range lens is perfect for capturing details in the landscape, such as rock formations, trees, and waterfalls. It can also be used for creating panoramic shots by taking multiple shots and stitching them together.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which lenses you need for landscape photography.

In this article, we’ll break down the essential lenses you need to capture stunning landscape photos.

Zoom Lenses Versus Prime Lenses For Landscape Photography

When it comes to landscape photography, the choice between zoom lenses and prime lenses is an ongoing debate.

Both options have distinct advantages to offer.

Zoom lenses are known for their flexibility, allowing you to quickly adjust the composition without changing lenses. They are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots of expansive landscapes or zooming in for intricate details.

On the other hand, some consider that prime lenses provide superior image quality and performance, thanks to their simpler design and wider maximum apertures.

They are also more compact and lightweight, making them great for photographers on the move.

Ultimately, the choice between zoom lenses and prime lenses for landscape photography comes down to individual choice and priorities.

I have always only owned zoom lenses because of their flexibility – the less I have to carry the better.

A selection of various camera lenses arranged on a wooden table, with the quote "The best zoom lens is your legs" by Ernst Haas shown on the left side of the image.

Wide-Angle Lenses For Landscape Photography

Wide-angle lenses are often considered to be the superheroes for landscape photography!

With their expansive field of view, wide-angle lenses are particularly suitable for landscape photography, and would be the first specialised landscape photography lens that I would recommend.

Wide-angle lenses let you fit the entire mountain in the background into your frame, and they can be used to show a great deal of land and sky. They can also be used to distort or skew perspective to produce more drama.

These lenses make anything close to it look larger, and objects in the background appear smaller and further away. This can result in a dramatic image which is a very attractive plus.

These rocks are really only quite small but appear larger as they are so close to the wide-angle lens

The amount of depth of field they provide also helps to ensure consistent sharp focus from foreground to background, which is often useful when photographing great expanses of land.

They commonly range from 15mm (with some as wide as 10mm). They are great for astrophotography, landscapes, cityscapes and seascapes (pretty much all landscapes really).

Thoroughly recommend this video all about wide-angle lenses by Mads Peters Iversen (one of my favourite YouTube channels)

Standard Zoom Lenses For Landscape Photography

When it comes to landscape photography, standard zoom lenses are like versatile companions that adapt to your every need.

With focal lengths typically ranging around 24-70mm, they closely mimic the focal length of our own eyes, capturing compositions that feel familiar and engaging.

Standard zoom lenses offer a practical solution for scenes where you may want to exclude surrounding scenery. The abundance of empty space around your subject can be distracting, but using a standard zoom lens allows you to improve your compositions by zooming in and placing the emphasis back on your subject.

They can also provide an advantage when you need to get closer to your subject without disturbing the environment, such as when faced with a fence or fragile vegetation.

They are a great versatile lens and one that always lives in my bag, particularly when travelling.

A wide shot of the iconic Sydney Opera House at sunset, with soft pastel colors in the sky and calm water in the foreground. The architectural design of the Opera House's sails stands out against the horizon. — By using my standard zoom lens was able to exclude distractions on either side of the Opera House in this image

Telephoto Lenses For Landscape Photography

When it comes to landscape photography, telephoto lenses open up a whole new world of possibilities.

These lenses are known for their long focal lengths, typically ranging from 70-200mm to 100-400mm (my favourite).

With their impressive reach, telephoto lenses allow you to capture distant details and isolate subjects in a way that brings a unique perspective to your landscapes.

It’s like having a window into a world that would otherwise be too far away to grasp.

But telephoto lenses do more than just bring distant subjects closer.

They also compress the image, which means you can create stunning compositions by making elements in the foreground and background appear closer together.

This compression effect adds a sense of depth and intimacy to your photos, making them visually captivating and engaging.

The downside of lenses is the size and weight when it comes to travelling. Having said that I have travelled twice to New Zealand with it and it was well worth taking it both times.

I wouldn’t consider this as an essential lens if you’re just starting out in photography, but definitely one to think about once you’re totally hooked (as I’m confident you will be).

A vibrant nighttime scene of Luna Park in Sydney, with the Ferris wheel and the park's illuminated face entrance glowing brightly. Boats pass by in the foreground on the water, reflecting the colorful lights of the amusement park. — Zooming in across Sydney Harbour at 400mm to get close to Luna Park

Choosing the Right Lenses for Landscape Photography: Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to understanding the different types of lenses available for landscape photography, there are several other important factors to consider when selecting the perfect lens for your needs. Let’s explore these factors:

Compatibility

It’s crucial to ensure that the lens you select is compatible with your camera body. Camera manufacturers often have their own proprietary lens systems, meaning lenses designed for one brand may not work on another brand’s camera body unless you use an adapter.

Third-party lens manufacturers, such as Tamron and Sigma, provide alternative options specifically designed for certain camera brands. While they may not quite match the quality of native brand lenses, they are worth considering, especially when you’re starting out as a photographer.

Having personally used both Tamron and Sigma lenses over the years, I can attest that they offer reliable performance and can be a more budget-friendly option.

While they may not have the exact same level of quality as native brand lenses, they still provide excellent results and can be a practical choice for those who are just beginning their photographic journey.

Buying a camera - the author's first camera - a Canon DSLR camera with a Tamron zoom lens resting on a wooden table outdoors. The background features a backyard with trees and a fence, bathed in natural sunlight. — I still have this Tamron lens on my original camera that I bought back in 2016 and even use it from time to time. It is a 28-300mm lens so it’s VERY versatile.

Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame

Crop sensor cameras and full-frame cameras have distinct differences that impact lens compatibility. Lens manufacturers typically produce specific lens lines for each sensor type.

While full-frame lenses can usually be used on crop sensor cameras, the opposite is not always true. If you plan to mount full-frame lenses on a crop sensor camera, it’s important to consider the crop factor. The crop factor affects the effective focal length and the field of view, resulting in a narrower angle of view compared to a full-frame camera.

To ensure accurate framing when using full-frame lenses on a crop sensor camera, be mindful of the crop factor and adjust your composition accordingly.

By understanding the implications of your camera’s sensor size and its compatibility with different lenses, you can make informed decisions when choosing the right lenses for your specific camera setup.

This article by Adobe is very helpful: Full frame vs. crop sensor: Which format is best for you?

Aperture

The aperture of your lens is a crucial factor in controlling both the amount of light entering your scene and the depth of field in your photographs.

When selecting a lens, it’s worth considering one with a fixed aperture instead of a variable aperture. Why? Because a fixed aperture provides greater consistency when shooting and allows you to capture images in low-light conditions more effectively.

If you opt for a lens with apertures like f4, f2.8, f1.8, or even f1.4, you’ll have an abundance of light at your disposal, giving you more flexibility in various shooting situations. This is mostly true if you are interested in astrophotography.

Keep in mind that wider apertures often result in larger and more expensive lenses, which is not always necessary when it comes to landscape photography.

Promo for 'Quick Start Photography Guides' with covers for different topics: Waterfall Photography, Composition 101, Golden Hour Photography, and more. The text encourages users to 'Start Capturing Landscape Photos You Love' with beginner-friendly guides, offering a bonus long exposure photography guide for free. A 'Get Started Now' button is visible.

Weather Sealing

If you anticipate shooting in challenging weather conditions or rugged environments, consider lenses that offer weather sealing.

These lenses are designed to withstand moisture, dust, and other elements, making them a worthwhile investment for landscape photography in adverse conditions.

Weather-sealed lenses are typically built more robustly to endure the rigours of rugged landscapes, and I have been thankful for that many a time when photographing seascapes.

Image Stabilisation

Image stabilisation is another feature to take into account. It compensates for camera shake, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds without introducing blur.

I strongly advocate using a tripod during most landscape shoots such as sunrise and sunset, waterfall photography, and anytime you want any kind of long exposures. In these cases stabilisation is just not necessary.

However I understand not everyone wants to carry a tripod with them everywhere.

A woman standing in a forest, smiling broadly while holding a tripod over her shoulders. She is wearing a green shirt and glasses, with tall trees and dense greenery in the background. — It really does get silly sometimes

So, while not essential for landscape photography, image stabilisation can prove particularly useful when using heavy lenses or telephoto lenses. It comes in handy when shooting handheld, in windy conditions, or from vibrating platforms such as boats or bridges.

Weight and Size

Consider the weight and size of the lens, especially if portability and mobility are priorities for you.

If you prefer travelling light and carrying your gear for extended distances, smaller and lighter lenses may be preferable.

On the other hand, if you have the luxury of driving to shooting locations or weight is not a concern, a larger and potentially faster lens may be a viable option.

By considering factors such as compatibility, sensor type, aperture, weather sealing, image stabilisation, weight, and size, you can make an informed decision when choosing a lens for landscape photography that best suits your needs and shooting style.

A close-up of a large camera lens placed on a wooden table. The lens features detailed focus switches and a 30 cm ruler beside it for size comparison, showcasing the bulk and technical aspects of the equipment. — This lens alone weighs almost 3kg and is 30cm long!

Lens Accessories

Of course when it comes to selecting your lenses for landscape photography, the lenses themselves aren’t all you have to think about.

The addition of suitable accessories can truly have an impact on the quality of your images.

Let’s explore some of the most important lens accessories to consider.

Lens Hoods

A lens hood may seem like a simple accessory, but it serves multiple purposes and offers invaluable benefits.

By attaching a lens hood to the front of your lens, you can minimise lens flare and protect your precious glass from scratches and impacts.

It acts as a shield against stray light, making it particularly useful when shooting in bright sunlight or capturing scenes with strong light sources.

Most quality lenses come with a lens hood, but they can be a bit like lens caps and go missing if you’re anything like me. Luckily they are fairly inexpensive to replace.

Filters

Filters are powerful tools that can transform your landscape photography. They offer control over light, minimise glare, and enhance colours, allowing you to capture scenes with precision and artistic flair. By using filters, you can add a touch of magic and bring out the full potential of your landscapes.

Read more on Neutral Density Filters for landscape photography here:

A coastal scene featuring large rock formations rising out of a smooth, calm ocean, with the sky in a long-exposure shot creating a dreamy, blurred effect. The caption at the bottom reads, "Neutral Density Filters: How To Use For Better Photos."

Lens Cleaning Kits

This should really go without saying, but had to be included.

Maintaining a clean lens is essential for achieving optimal image quality.

Even minor smudges or dust particles can impact the sharpness and clarity of your final results. That’s where a lens cleaning kit comes in.

Look for a good kit that comes equipped with a microfiber cloth, a blower brush, and a lens cleaning solution suitable for your lens coating, to keep your lens spotless.

FAQ’s

Do I need to invest in expensive lenses for landscape photography?

The quality of the lens can have a noticeable impact on the sharpness and clarity of your images. Investing in higher-quality lenses often results in better image quality and durability. However, there are budget-friendly options available that can still produce impressive results. Evaluate your priorities and consider striking a balance between quality and budget.

Can I use lens accessories with any lens?

Lens accessories like filters and lens hoods come in different sizes to fit specific lens diameters. Ensure you choose accessories that are compatible with the thread size of your lens. Lens cleaning kits, on the other hand, can be used with any lens as they are designed for general lens maintenance.

Can I still get good landscape photos with basic kit lenses?

Yes, you can capture stunning landscape photos with basic kit lenses. While higher-end lenses may offer additional features and improved image quality, it is ultimately your creativity, composition skills, and understanding of light that will have the greatest impact on your landscape photography. Mastering the technical aspects and exploring the possibilities of your kit lenses can yield impressive results.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect lenses for your landscape photography journey is indeed a process that requires thoughtful consideration and long-term planning.

It’s all about finding the gear that aligns with your artistic vision and can accompany you on your exciting adventures to various locations.

In a nutshell, here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing your lens:

Focal length, aperture, and image stabilisation all play vital roles.

A wide-angle lens is a must-have for capturing the vastness and grandeur of landscapes, enabling you to encompass expansive scenes in your compositions.

On the flip side, a telephoto lens can be a valuable tool for isolating and emphasising specific details within the landscape, like intricate patterns or distant subjects.

And let’s not forget about the versatility of a standard zoom lens, which allows you to adjust the focal length to suit different shooting scenarios.

Now, let’s talk about lens quality. Investing in a high-quality lens can truly make a remarkable difference in the sharpness, clarity, and overall image quality of your photographs. It’s worth considering the long-term benefits that come with choosing a lens that delivers exceptional results.

Last but not least, never shy away from experimentation. Embrace the joy of trying out different lenses and exploring various settings. This process of discovery will help you uncover what works best for your unique style and the specific landscapes you’re capturing.

Remember, it’s through practice and patience that you’ll capture those breathtaking landscape photos that fill you with pride when you share them with the world.

What are your favourite lenses for landscape photography? Do you have lenses to cover all focal lengths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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