The Best Focal Length for Landscape Photography

Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2023/10/09/The_Best_Focal_Length_for_Landscape_Photography.webp
Article: description: Many landscape photographers prefer a wide-angle lens for their work, but is it the best focal length for landscape photography? Consult this guide to learn about a variety of options!
6600
1

Photo by Oleh_Slobodeniuk via iStock

Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres of photography, and one of the most common questions we receive here at Photography Talk is, “What is the best focal length for landscape photography?” If you have recently asked yourself the same thing and want to improve your landscape photography, keep reading! 

Before we get to it, though, here’s one important disclaimer. While we understand everyone shoots with different camera systems, this article primarily recommends Sony full-frame lenses. With that said, if you shoot with a different brand or sensor size, don’t worry! We will also highlight Sony APS-C, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds lenses. 

Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, purchasing a used landscape photography lens has never been cheaper and easier than it is today. Who is MPB, you ask? They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform where you get incredible deals buying, selling, or trading in pre-owned camera gear.

Better yet, all their cameras and lenses are carefully hand-inspected by professionally-trained product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. OK, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover the best focal lengths for landscape photography!

Check out the video above by Nigel Danson to learn seven easy ways to improve your landscape photography regardless of your lens and focal length. 

Table of Contents

A Good Focal Length for Landscape Photography

While telephoto lenses aren’t typically what comes to mind when people think of the best focal length for landscape photography, there are definitely times when they are incredibly handy. For example, far away subjects or times when you want to convey more intimate details of a landscape. We captured some of our best landscape shots using the 70-200mm focal length!

One of our go-to lenses for landscape photography is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II. It debuted in 2021 and immediately replaced the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS as the company's most-sold telephoto zoom lens. We particularly love its optical image stabilization, which enhances image quality and makes it a great low-light lens. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II:

  • Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 70-200 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 40 cm
  • Filter Size: 77 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.3x
  • Size/Weight: 88 x 200 mm / 1045 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Used Lens Price: $2,649 - $2,699

Alternatives from other brands:

A Better Focal Length for Landscape Photography

Regarding versatility, the best focal length for landscape photography is 24-70mm. 24mm is wide enough to capture vast mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and desert landscapes. But at the same time, 70mm is tight enough to shoot more detailed shots of forests, rocks, flowers, and animals. 

The lens we have on our Sony Cameras, more often than not, is the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. It’s a high-end G-Master lens boasting insane image/video quality, a compact/portable design, and two customizable focus-lock buttons. Also, it is weather-sealed to protect it against dust and rain–a must for a good landscape photography lens. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: 

  • Lens Type: Standard-Length Zoom Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 24-70 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 21 cm
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.32x
  • Size/Weight: 88 x 120 mm / 695 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: No
  • Used Lens Price: $2,149 - $2,259

Alternatives from other brands:

 Learn More:

The Best Focal Length for Landscape Photography

Ding, ding, ding! Folks, we have a winner! Our top choice for the best focal length for landscape photography is, without a doubt, 12-24mm. This ultra-wide-angle field of view (FOV) is ideal for landscape images, and if you’ve never used one before, the results will blow you away! As a bonus, it’s also the best focal length for aerial and astrophotography. 

Our favorite lens in this focal range is the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM. It features fast and accurate autofocus (AF), a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, and a built-in lens hood. The AF performs well during handheld shooting. The f/2.8 aperture creates wonderful bokeh (shallow depth of field) effects, and the lens hood prevents unwanted lens flares. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM:

  • Lens Type: Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 12-24 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm
  • Filter Size: 72 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
  • Size/Weight: 98 x 137 mm / 847 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: No
  • Used Lens Price: $2,309

Alternatives from other brands:

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Focal Length for Landscape Photography

Choosing the best focal length for landscape photography isn’t always easy, and it depends on factors such as your camera body, experience level, budget, etc. Having said that, whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, you can’t go wrong with any of the landscape photography lenses covered in this article!  

Head over to MPB to find unbeatable deals on all of them today! Furthermore, they have tons of fantastic budget-friendly lenses as well. And once you’ve decided which one is right for you, here’s a short list of our top tips for landscape photography:

  • Practice, practice, practice 
  • Invest in a sturdy tripod and good-quality lens filters
  • Shoot during the right times of day (golden hour & blue hour)
  • Make a plan and scout your locations
  • Follow the rule of thirds
  • Use a mid to high aperture (8 or higher!)
  • Shoot RAW files, and don’t be afraid to edit your photos

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we're absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:




Landscape Photography Tips

Do you lack the depth of knowledge or the skill level needed to replicate the incredible landscape shots you see the pros posting online every single day?

Take our Landscape Photography Course and join the photographers who have fast tracked their learning by mastering the art of taking awe-worthy landscape shots in just a matter of days.

Not a Member? Join Today