When people think of landscape photography, they often imagine ultra-wide prime lenses capturing sweeping mountain ranges or endless desert plains. While primes have their place, zoom lenses bring a different kind of flexibility that can make a big difference when you’re out in the field. They allow you to adapt to changing light, shifting weather, and the unexpected elements that often define outdoor photography.
Having spent countless hours with a camera in hand on trails, coastlines, and ridgelines, I’ve come to rely heavily on zoom lenses for landscape photography. They give me the range I need to go from a dramatic wide shot of the horizon to a compressed telephoto image of a distant mountain—all without swapping lenses in dusty or wet conditions. This versatility isn’t just convenient; it helps you capture more compelling and varied images.
In this article, we’ll explore the focal ranges that work best for landscapes, highlight specific lenses within those ranges, and cover important budget considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which zoom ranges are worth considering for your own kit.
Table of Contents
- Why Focal Range Matters in Landscape Photography
- Wide-to-Standard Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (16–35mm Range)
- Standard Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (24–70mm Range)
- Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (70–200mm Range)
- Superzoom Options (24–105mm / 24–120mm / 28–300mm)
- Ultra-Wide Specialty Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (12–24mm Range)
- Budget & Pricing Considerations
- How to Choose the Right Zoom for Your Style
- Final Thoughts on Zoom Lenses for Landscapes
- FAQ
Why Focal Range Matters in Landscape Photography
Photo by Andrew Mayovskyy via Shutterstock
Focal range shapes how we interpret a scene. A wide focal length opens up vast spaces and emphasizes the foreground, while longer focal lengths compress the distance between elements, creating dramatic effects with mountains, trees, or rock formations. This flexibility is why zoom lenses for landscape photography are such powerful tools: they allow you to approach the same scene from multiple creative angles without moving your feet as much.
In real-world terms, imagine standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean. A 16mm wide shot captures the endless horizon and crashing surf below, immersing viewers in the scale of the environment. Switch to 200mm, and suddenly you’re pulling in details of a lone sailboat far out at sea. Both images tell different stories, and both are valid interpretations of the same moment.
Another reason focal range matters is practicality. Landscape photographers often hike long distances with limited time at a location. Carrying several primes may not be realistic. With the right zoom range, you can adapt quickly when clouds break or wildlife enters the frame, ensuring you don’t miss fleeting opportunities.
Wide-to-Standard Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (16–35mm Range)
The 16–35mm zoom range is a staple for many landscape photographers. It excels at capturing vast scenery, dramatic skies, and strong leading lines. These lenses are wide enough to create impact but still versatile enough to avoid extreme distortion when handled with care. For many, this range forms the backbone of their kit.
Popular examples include the Canon RF 15–35mm f/2.8L IS USM, Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM, and Nikon Z 14–30mm f/4 S. The f/2.8 versions are bright, sharp, and beloved by professionals, but the f/4 versions are lighter and more affordable while still delivering excellent results. If you’re carrying gear on a multi-day hike, that weight difference can matter as much as cost. You can find any of these lenses on online platforms like MPB for less than buying new, too.
Personally, I find this range invaluable for sunrise and sunset shots where including foreground elements like rocks, flowers, or streams creates depth. A wide zoom lets me move just a few steps and completely change how the scene reads. It’s one of the most creative tools available to landscape shooters.
Standard Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (24–70mm Range)
The 24–70mm range offers a blend of versatility and image quality that appeals to landscape and travel photographers alike. At 24mm, you’re still able to capture sweeping landscapes, while at 70mm you gain the ability to frame tighter compositions without switching lenses. This range is also a strong choice if you want a single lens for multiple types of photography.
Excellent models include the Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM, Sony 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II, and Nikon Z 24–70mm f/4 S. The f/4 options again shine for landscape photographers who value weight savings over speed. I’ve found the Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM to be especially sharp and lightweight, making it a practical option for long treks.
One of the hidden benefits of this range is its natural perspective. Images at 35–50mm often feel the most lifelike to viewers, which can help landscapes resonate more deeply. Having this lens in your bag ensures you’re ready for both sweeping and intimate moments.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (70–200mm Range)
Nikon Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S
Telephoto zooms aren’t always the first thing people associate with landscapes, but they are essential for many photographers. They allow you to compress distance, stack mountain ranges, or pick out patterns in the terrain. Sometimes the most dramatic landscapes are hidden in details, and a telephoto zoom makes those details shine.
Great options include the Canon RF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM, Sony 70–200mm f/4 Macro G II, and Nikon Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S. While the f/2.8 versions are faster, the f/4 versions strike an excellent balance for landscapes—lighter, less expensive, and still tack-sharp. When you’re hiking several miles, shedding even a pound of gear can feel like a gift.
I’ve often reached for a telephoto when I wanted to isolate a snow-covered peak glowing in the morning sun. Wide shots tell the story of place, but a telephoto can tell the story of a single moment within that place.
Superzoom Options (24–105mm / 24–120mm / 28–300mm)
Canon RF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM
Superzooms are all about convenience. A 24–105mm or 24–120mm range allows you to cover everything from wide to telephoto in a single lens. For photographers who value flexibility or want to minimize lens changes in challenging environments, this can be a huge advantage.
Popular lenses in this category include the Canon RF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM, Sony 24–105mm f/4 G OSS, and Nikon Z 24–120mm f/4 S. These lenses offer excellent image quality despite their broad zoom ranges. While you may see slight compromises in sharpness compared to specialized zooms, the convenience often outweighs these trade-offs, especially when traveling.
For me, a superzoom shines when I’m on a road trip with limited time to set up shots. Being able to adapt quickly without digging into my bag helps me capture moments I’d otherwise miss. For many photographers, this kind of lens becomes a trusted companion.
Ultra-Wide Specialty Zoom Lenses for Landscape Photography (12–24mm Range)
Sony 12–24mm f/4 G
Ultra-wide zooms like the 12–24mm range push creative possibilities even further. They emphasize foreground subjects dramatically and can make small elements appear grand. Used carefully, they add energy and drama to your landscapes. Used carelessly, they can distort or clutter a composition, so they require thoughtful framing.
Lenses worth considering include the Sony 12–24mm f/4 G and the Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. Both deliver sharpness and color rendition that work beautifully for landscapes. They are also great for astrophotography when combined with fast apertures and steady tripods.
I find ultra-wides particularly fun in slot canyons or forests where space is tight. They allow me to capture the drama of towering walls or tall trees in ways that no other focal length can. They’re a specialty tool, but one that rewards creativity.
Budget & Pricing Considerations
Zoom lenses for landscape photography vary widely in price. Professional f/2.8 zooms often cost between $1,800 and $2,500 new, while f/4 versions may fall in the $900 to $1,300 range. Superzooms and ultra-wide options can vary depending on brand and mount, but the trend is clear: weight and aperture speed often drive cost.
This is where buying pre-owned gear makes a lot of sense. Platforms like MPB offer fair prices on used lenses, with a six-month warranty on most items and a seven-day return policy if you’re not satisfied. Their inventory changes daily, so there’s always a chance of finding the lens you’re after at a price that fits your budget.
I’ve personally had good experiences buying through MPB camera. Their grading system is transparent, their customer service is responsive, and trading in older gear to fund new purchases makes the process even easier. For landscape photographers who want to stretch their dollars without compromising on quality, it’s an option worth serious consideration.
How to Choose the Right Zoom for Your Style
Photo by Creative Travel Projects via Shutterstock
Choosing the best zoom lens for landscapes comes down to your shooting habits and creative goals. Do you love wide, expansive views? Then a 16–35mm or 12–24mm might be your best fit. Prefer picking out details in mountain ridges or isolating subjects? A 70–200mm will serve you well. Many photographers eventually pair two zooms—a wide and a telephoto—to cover the full range of possibilities.
Weight and portability should also factor into your decision. If you hike long distances, an f/4 lens may make more sense than a heavier f/2.8. On the other hand, if you often shoot handheld in low light, the faster aperture might be worth the extra weight.
Ultimately, there’s no single answer. The “best” zoom lenses for landscape photography are the ones that align with your vision, your budget, and your willingness to carry them into the field.
Final Thoughts on Zoom Lenses for Landscapes
Photo by Smit via Shutterstock
Zoom lenses for landscape photography offer a blend of creativity and practicality that primes simply can’t match. They let you adapt quickly, capture more perspectives, and tell richer stories. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of wide angles or the precision of telephoto compression, there’s a zoom range that fits your style.
Investing in these lenses doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With resources like MPB, you can access a wide inventory of pre-owned gear at fair prices, backed by strong customer service, a six-month warranty, and the security of a seven-day return policy. That peace of mind is worth just as much as the gear itself.
At the end of the day, landscapes reward patience, creativity, and preparedness. Having the right zoom lens means you’re ready for whatever the land and light present to you—and that’s what makes this craft endlessly rewarding.
FAQ
Photo by Creative Travel Projects via Shutterstock
Do I really need a zoom lens for landscapes?
No, but zoom lenses for landscape photography make life easier by offering flexibility. You can achieve wide, standard, and telephoto perspectives without changing lenses in the field.
Are f/2.8 lenses worth it for landscapes?
They can be, especially for low-light shooting or night photography. However, many landscape photographers prefer f/4 zooms because they are lighter, less expensive, and still very sharp.
What’s the best all-around zoom lens for landscapes?
A 24–70mm or 24–105mm zoom often provides the best balance of wide coverage and mid-telephoto reach. These lenses are versatile enough for most scenarios.
Should I buy new or used zoom lenses?
Buying used is a smart option, particularly from trusted sources like MPB. You’ll save money, get a warranty, and have access to a large and constantly changing selection.
How many zoom lenses should I own for landscapes?
Many photographers find two lenses cover nearly everything: a wide zoom (16–35mm) and a telephoto zoom (70–200mm). A superzoom can also be a convenient one-lens solution.
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Hero photo by Creative Travel Projects via Shutterstock
