The 17 Best Nikon Landscape Lenses (in 2024)

Nikon is one of the leading manufacturers of cameras and lenses. The company delivers exceptional quality and a range of cameras that hobbyists and professionals can use (with great results!).

Interested in landscape photography? We’ve sourced the best Nikon landscape lenses on the market – including mirrorless options, full-frame DSLR options, and APS-C DSLR options.

best nikon landscape lenses

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Best Nikon Landscape Lenses for Z Cameras

The Nikon Z range of cameras is becoming incredibly popular. The following are some of the best landscape lenses for Z models:

1. Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Our Z Pick
Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S
Amazing quality and performance

The Z 20mm is the best prime lens available for Z-camera landscape photography.

Pros
Superior image quality
Durable, weather-sealed exterior
Relatively lightweight and compact
Cons
Quite expensive

The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is possibly the best Z lens for landscape and wide-angle shots. As an S-series lens, it boasts superior quality and features, and the images you can capture will look fantastic. You can expect no softening and corner-to-corner sharpness.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 20mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 20mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

The 20mm f/1.8 features a weather-sealed exterior, which makes it robust and able to handle all weather conditions. The lens glass also features coatings to help reduce distortions like ghosting and flare. Your landscape shots will look perfect!

The wide maximum aperture also means this lens has great performance in low-light landscape scenarios. It is a little expensive, but if you want to take professional-grade landscape shots with your Z camera, this is the best option available.

2. Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
Another fantastic Z prime lens

The 35mm allows you to take tighter landscape shots with fantastic clarity.

Pros
Weather-sealed build quality
Excellent sharpness and clarity
Lightweight and compact for a prime lens
Cons
Relatively expensive

Another excellent S-series Z lens is the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. This compact lens looks fantastic and is incredibly durable due to its weather-sealed exterior. You can comfortably use this landscape lens outdoors even if the weather is unfavorable.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 35mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 35mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

As a landscape shooter, you can benefit from the 35mm focal length and complex lens construction. The 35mm f/1.8 contains aspherical and ED elements that will ensure maximum contrast and great colors. You can also expect corner-to-corner sharpness and no softening even at the edges of the frame.

This lens is also quite lightweight and should be comfortable to carry on those long outdoor adventures. We also like the programmable control ring. You could set this to adjust exposure compensation or aperture, for example, so you can react quickly to changing light conditions.

3. Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
A great budget landscape lens

The 24-50mm is a strong budget alternative to more expensive S-series lenses.

Pros
Versatile focal distance
Excellent build quality
Small and lightweight
Cons
Not as sharp as S-series lenses

Many Nikon Z lenses are expensive. That’s why the Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 makes a great budget option. It is much cheaper than most other Z lenses but still offers great quality and usability. With a versatile focal length of 24-50mm, it is also suitable for landscape photography.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm | Compact mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm | Compact mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

Although a zoom lens, the 24-50mm is still compact and weighs only 6.9 oz/195 g. As a result, it could be the perfect lens for hiking trips and travel landscape photography. At 24mm, you can expect beautiful and sharp wide-angle shots. And the lens maintains its sharpness throughout the zoom range (although you may experience a little softening at the edges).

While not as high quality as the S-series Z lenses, the Z 24-50mm is still an excellent choice, especially as a budget landscape lens.

4. Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
Great for low-light landscape photography

The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a top wide-angle lens that delivers consistent image quality and versatile low-light capabilities.

Pros
Weather sealed for outdoor use
Relatively compact when retracted
Consistent sharpness due to excellent optics
Cons
Relatively expensive

If you want a versatile dedicated landscape lens with excellent low-light capabilities, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is one of the best lenses available. This S-series lens looks fantastic, and it also offers outstanding performance.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | Professional large aperture wide-angle zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | Professional large aperture wide-angle zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

The focal length is perfect for taking epic landscape shots. The build quality of this landscape zoom lens is also superior; it’s certainly suitable for outdoor use. The optics are also excellent, and you can expect consistent sharpness across the focal length range. There should also be minimal distortion.

Due to the maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is also suitable for nighttime landscape photoshoots. It is also relatively compact for a zoom lens when fully retracted.

5. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
Great for traveling with limited space

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a highly portable lens thanks to a special retractable mechanism that reduces its size to just 3.5 in/8.8 cm.

Pros
Highly compact
Great focal length
Weatherproofed exterior for outdoor use
Cons
Not as versatile for low-light photography

If you are looking for similar performance and capabilities to the 14-24mm but want something cheaper, the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a good alternative. This lens is just as versatile as the 14-24mm and delivers great image quality, too.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture wide-angle zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture wide-angle zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

The 30mm focal length is not great for classic landscape images as you’ll be forced to cut out part of the scene, but at 24mm, you can create beautiful wide compositions, and at 14mm, you can create breathtakingly expansive shots.

One item to note: This lens has a constant maximum aperture of f/4 as opposed to f/2.8. This does put it at a slight disadvantage for low-light photography. However, it still offers great performance in all other types of lighting.

We also like that the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S has a retractable lens mechanism. This means that when the lens is not in use, you can retract the barrel and reduces its size to just 3.5 in/8.8 cm. As a result, it can easily be stored in a backpack or gear bag for travel.

6. Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S

Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S
Great for general landscape photography

The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is a traditional wide-angle prime lens that is perfect for landscape photography.

Pros
Great maximum aperture of f/1.8
Excellent STM autofocus system
Durable and weather-sealed design
Cons
Not as lightweight as some other 24mm prime lenses

The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is a great conventional landscape choice thanks to the 24mm focal length. No, it’s not an ultra-wide angle option, but it offers a wide field of view compared to 35mm and 50mm lenses.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 24mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 24mm prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

The Z 24mm f/1.8 S has a host of useful features. First, there’s the ultra-fast and quiet STM AF system, which allows you to focus quickly, even when faced with low-contrast scenes. The top-notch optics also produce sharp, distortion-free photos.

Like other S lenses, this 24mm lens is also dust- and drip-resistant. The exterior is sealed to keep moisture out of the moving parts of the lens, so you can confidently use the lens outdoors.

We also like the f/1.8 maximum aperture. This provides excellent low-light performance, and it also helps the lens deliver beautiful bokeh backgrounds.

7. Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE)

Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE)
Great for beginners

The Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) is a special-edition wide-angle lens that looks fantastic and is a great budget choice.

Pros
Lightweight
Small size for convenient storage
Stylish retro design
Cons
Some may find the 28mm focal length limiting

The Nikon Z line of cameras also has some excellent budget options for landscape photography. An interesting choice is the Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE). This is a special-edition prime lens that’s perfect for beginners looking for a reliable landscape prime.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) | Retro-styled compact standard prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) | Retro-styled compact standard prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

Compared to other Nikon Z prime lenses, this special-edition model has a classic design. It looks more like Nikon lenses from the film days, but it still has the style and clean look of modern Z lenses. It is compatible with both Nikon (Z-series) FX and DX cameras, too.

At 28mm, you don’t get a huge field of view, but the lens can still be used to create excellent landscape photos. Regardless, it is a versatile option that can be used for many types of photography.

8. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Great as a multi-use kit lens

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is one of the best kit lenses for landscape photography due to its optics, build quality, and focal-length range.

Pros
Has a customizable control ring
Fast and accurate AF
Durable build with weather sealing
Cons
Not as versatile for low-light photography as the f/2.8 variant

If you want a standard lens that offers excellent landscape capabilities, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is one of your best choices, thanks to its versatile focal length, consistent image quality, and solid build quality.

At 24-70mm, you can handle landscape photography – and so much more. You could easily use this lens as your “go-to” kit lens when a specialist lens isn’t required.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

The constant f/4 maximum aperture is also a bonus. There is a version available that has a constant aperture of f/2.8, but it’s far more expensive. And at f/4, you still get decent performance for low-light photos. It also has excellent optics, and you can expect minimal distortion regardless of the focal length.

9. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Great as a standard professional lens

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S represents the best in quality and provides a solid set of focal lengths for landscape photos.

Pros
Versatile focal length of 24-70mm
Constant maximum aperture of f/2.8
Extensively sealed against dust and moisture
Cons
Expensive

The best standard lens for Nikon Z cameras is the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. If you want the best in terms of quality, performance, and versatility, this should be your go-to pick.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Professional large aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Professional large aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

It is perfect for high-end travel landscape photography. Landscape shots can be created at 24mm, which gives you excellent wide-angle detail.

This lens also has the benefit of a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. While this doesn’t make a huge difference, it does offer greater flexibility when shooting in low light. It also allows you to create fantastic bokeh backgrounds. If you can afford the higher price tag, this zoom lens is certainly worth it and will give consistent performance for landscape photos.

Best Nikon Landscapes Lenses for Full-Frame DSLR Cameras

Own a Nikon DSLR? Then check out this list of the best full-frame (FX) DSLR lenses for landscape photography. Full-frame lenses are more expensive than APS-C (DX) lenses, but they do generally offer better-quality optics.

10. Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

Our FX Pick
Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED
Ultimate quality for FX cameras

The 20mm prime is a fantastic-quality lens that will help you create professional-grade landscape shots.

Pros
Superior image quality and clarity
Durable build quality
Great low-light performance
Cons
Relatively expensive

We certainly can’t complain about the quality of the Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED. The sharpness of the resulting photos is magnificent. If you want a high-quality ultra-wide lens, then the 20mm f/1.8 is definitely a great pick.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

The 20mm fixed range allows you to create some interesting shots that pack so much detail into the frame. It’s sure to create some stunning landscape images!

As with any landscape lens, durability is a must. This lens is robust, and you should never really experience any problems with parts failure.

11. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
A high-quality zoom lens

The 16-35mm offers great versatility and can handle a range of landscape compositions.

Pros
Image stabilization
Excellent build quality
Great performance at all focal lengths
Cons
Quite heavy compared to other zoom lenses

The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR was actually one of the first lenses to offer image stabilization alongside an ultra-wide focal-length range. Fortunately, when using the lens, you can barely hear any noise or disturbance at all – it really is a joy to work with.

Nikon 16-35mm f4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 16-35mm f4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens (Image from Amazon)

The lens has been sealed and can withstand tough weather conditions. This makes it perfect for any outdoor adventures you may wish to embark on.

And the autofocus of the lens is marvelous. Focusing speeds are lightning-fast, and the focus is accurate, too. If you like to include wildlife in your landscape images, for instance, you should be able to track your subjects with ease and end up with beautiful results!

12. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
A great lens for general usage

This lens is great for general photography and also has solid landscape capabilities.

Pros
Versatile 24-70mm focal distance
Image stabilization
Minimal distortion and ghosting
Cons
Quite a large lens

Despite its age, the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED remains hugely popular among Nikon photographers. It can fill a variety of different roles, and it’s perfect for landscape photography, too.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) (Image from Amazon)

I’m a big fan of the focal-length range. At 24mm, you can take sweeping wide-angle landscape shots, and at 70mm, you can hone in on landscape details. The optics and build of the lens are fantastic – it is very well made. Plus, the contrast and quality of the photos this lens produces are amazing.

13. Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED
Fantastic quality and performance

This 24mm prime lens is another top choice for dedicated landscape photographers.

Pros
Superior image quality
Excellent performance
Great in low-light situations
Cons
Expensive

Nikon has an amazing range of prime lenses that are suitable for landscape photography. One great option is the fantastic Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED. This prime lens offers the best of both worlds: It has fantastic image quality, but it’s also lightweight and compact. In addition, the f/1.8 maximum aperture offers great versatility when shooting in low light.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

The 24mm offers a combination of high-quality lens elements and lightweight materials. If you want a top-quality lens behind every landscape shot you take, the 24mm f/1.8 is a top choice.

Best Nikon Landscapes Lenses for APS-C DSLR Cameras

If you have a crop-sensor camera, you can use full-frame (FX) lenses as well as dedicated APS-C (DX) lenses. In this section, we look at four of the best options for crop-sensor landscape photography.

14. Nikon AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Our DX Pick
Nikon AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Built for detailed landscape shots

This 10-24mm offers plenty of flexibility for beginner landscape photographers.

Pros
Fast and quiet AF system
Multiple lens elements for clear photos
Great field of view
Cons
Not as sharp as prime lenses

The Nikon AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a specialist lens that’s primarily useful for landscape shots.

For many, the 10-24mm is the perfect second lens. These wide-angle options offer superior sharpness over their telephoto counterparts.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

The lens offers a great build, which includes ED elements that help reduce distortion. You can guarantee that your wide-angle landscape shots will look fantastic. It’s also not too heavy or bulky and should be easy to carry as a travel lens.

15. Nikon AF-S 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye

Specialist
Nikon AF-S 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye
A specialist lens for creative landscape photography

This fisheye lens is great for capturing unusual landscape shots that feature a huge field of view.

Pros
Ultra-wide focal length
Weathersealed design
Has macro capabilities
Cons
The lens glass is relatively exposed

The Nikon AF-S 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye could be classified as a specialist lens. It certainly isn’t an item you would use in every situation!

The 8mm circular focal length provides a 180-degree viewing angle and allows you to create beautiful circular landscape photos. Alternatively, at 15mm, you can create epic fisheye landscape shots that almost look like panoramas.

Nikon AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED F/4.5-29 Fixed Zoom Camera Lens, Black
Nikon AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED F/4.5-29 Fixed Zoom Camera Lens, Black (Image from Amazon)

The image quality is superb; even at the edge of photos, the details are tack-sharp. Furthermore, the AF-S 8-15mm has a fast autofocus system that is virtually silent. This product is a great choice if you want to bring variety and creativity to your work.

16. Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
A solid landscape zoom

The 14-24mm works on both FX and DX cameras, offers a great focal-length range, and produces amazing image quality. What’s not to love?

Pros
ED and nano-coated glass
Durable build quality
Great contrast, clarity, and sharpness
Cons
Heavier than some other lenses

The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is one of the best-quality AF-S landscape lenses available. If you want ultra-sharp landscape photos, even at wide angles and large apertures, this lens is a must-have.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED (Image from Amazon)

The image quality is outstanding. And the 14-24mm looks and feels robust. Yes, it’s heavy, but that’s expected from such a lens.

The 14-24mm excels at low-light landscape photography and has an amazing autofocus system, featuring Nikon’s SWM technology for fast focusing. It’s a popular choice for professionals and outdoor photographers – and while it is expensive, if you plan to sell your work, the cost is certainly warranted.

17. Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Great for ultra-wide photography

This high-quality landscape lens is perfect for capturing sweeping seascapes, mountainscapes, and more.

Pros
Huge field of view
Excellent optics
Silent autofocus motor
Cons
Quite heavy and bulky

Thanks to its 10-20mm focal length, the Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR offers great scope for wide-angle landscape photography. Using this lens, you can capture immense detail and almost create panoramic shots.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens Black
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens Black (Image from Amazon)

This 10-20mm lens is extremely lightweight. It is not a heavy-duty prime lens; rather, it’s a compact and convenient travel lens. If you love to do landscape photography on your travels, it could be the perfect companion.

Despite the lightweight design of this lens, the quality remains exceptional. Images are sharp with vibrant colors. Lens distortion and ghosting are minimal, even at 10mm. The lens can also cope with low-light situations and is assisted by the included image stabilization technology.

Pick the Perfect Nikon Lens for Landscape Photography!

We hope you found this guide to the best Nikon landscape lenses useful. Regardless of the type of Nikon camera you have and your price range, you’ll find a lens to suit your needs!

If you have a Nikon Z-series camera, you can choose from a range of fantastic prime and zoom lenses such as the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S, and the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.

Alternatively, if you have a traditional DSLR, check out fantastic-quality landscape lenses like the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, the Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED, and the Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED.

Nikon Landscape Lens FAQs

Is 50mm suitable for landscape shots?

It can be, yes. The 50mm focal length is ideal for portraits, but you can still get decent landscape shots. Just recognize that it won’t give a wide-angle field of view.

What is the best focal length for landscape shots?

Ideally, anything between 16-35mm. For instance, 20mm is a great focal length for landscape shots. But it depends on the type of photo you wish to create.

Is image stabilization important for landscape shots?

Not especially. Generally, when taking landscape shots, you’ll be working from a tripod – so image stabilization won’t make much of a difference.


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About the Author
Paul Skidmore

A seasoned content creator at PhotoWorkout, Paul merges his love for traveling and photography to craft insightful articles. With a solid grasp of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, he enjoys testing new photo software, apps, and gear. His background in web development further enriches his photography endeavors.
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