My Best Nikon Lenses for Shooting Landscape and Outdoor Photography
that allow me to achieve epic results
A quality lens has more of an impact than a quality camera
If you are reading this page, then it is a fair bet that you understand this core principle of photography: that having a quality lens that is right for the conditions and your style, is arguably far more important than what camera model you have.
This concept often bewilders most amateurs and enthusiasts. However once they begin to apprecaite why this is the case, then they can begin to start accumulating a higher quality lens collection that will last them years and years through each camera model that you cycle through.
Nearly every piece of gear that I own is Nikon. They make incredible lenses, and fantastic camera bodies. However I have also had the pleasure of trying out many of the various high-end Canon lenses that are preferred by many landscape photographers, and they too, are amazing. I say this so you understand my inherent bias, but that I recognize the quality of other lenses beyond just what's in my camera bag.
What makes a lens ideal for landsape photography
In order to understand what features makes the best lenses for landscape photography, you have to first have a basic understanding of what makes a landscape or outdoor photo so compelling.
Although there are of course plentiful exceptions to this rule
If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to create epic landscape photography, I recommend looking into taking one of these ultimate landscape photography courses.
Factors I look for in the best lens for landscape photography
With all of these factors in mind, here are my favorite recommended lenses for achieving amazing landscape and outdoor photography.
Nikkor (Nikon) Lenses
Nikon 14-24 f/2.8
Buy from Amazon | Adorama
Nikon 18-35 f/3.5
This wide angle lens is increibly tack-sharp, lightweight, and versatile; all at a much more affordable price than the f/2.8 lenses. Even though I would ideally use this more for a daytime lens, it still works incredible well in low-light and for capturing night photography.
I highly recommend this fantastic wide angle lens for your landscape photography bag.
Buy from
Amazon |
Adorama
Nikon 70-200 f/4 VR
Buy from Amazon | Adorama
Although the relative light weight of the 70-200mm lens technically doesn't require a tripod collar, I find it to be very helpful when shooting in low-light conditions. It allows me to keep the center of balance on the tripod, preventing it from any subtly movement.
Compared to the highly popular
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, this lower-priced, lighter-weight lens definitely holds its own. In fact, the sharpness and advanced Vibration Reduction technology of the f/4 version are an improvement upon the 2.8. The only advantage that the larger, heavier cousin has, is that
Top of the line landscape photography lenses like these are definitely not cheap. For this reason I highly recommend renting a piece of gear you are considering purchasing first. You can rent these Nikon lenses from BorrowLenses to try them out and make sure they are right for you.
