Choosing the right lens can make all the difference when taking photos of the natural world. The sharpness, focal length, and weight of your lens all play a part in the final image. And if you’re using a Nikon mirrorless camera, the growing lineup of Nikon Z lenses offers some incredible tools for landscape photography.
When you’re hiking in the mountains, shooting the desert at golden hour, and photographing stars in the middle of nowhere, the right lens will help you create images that tell a story. Nikon Z lenses are known for their optical clarity, weather sealing, and modern design. But which ones are best for landscape photography?
Let’s have a look at wide-angle zooms, sharp primes, and even a few specialty lenses to cover every shooting style. Whether you’re just starting or upgrading your gear, there’s a Z lens here for you!
Table of Contents
- What to Look For in a Landscape Lens
- Best Ultra-Wide Zoom: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- Best Value Wide-Angle Zoom: Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
- Best Prime for Sharpness: Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S
- Versatile Option: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
- Specialty Choice: Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D
- Honorable Mention Nikon Z Lenses
- Nikon Has the Lens You Want
- FAQ
What to Look For in a Landscape Lens
Photo by Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock
Not all lenses are created equal—especially for landscape work. When shopping for Nikon Z lenses, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
First, think about focal length. Wide-angle lenses (usually 14mm to 35mm) let you capture more of the scene. They’re perfect for big skies, rolling hills, and dramatic foregrounds. Ultra-wide lenses below 20mm can make your images feel immersive.
Next, consider sharpness and distortion control. Landscapes are full of detail. You want a lens that delivers edge-to-edge clarity at f/8 to f/11, the sweet spot for most landscape shots. Low distortion is also important to keep lines looking natural.
Finally, don’t overlook weather sealing, size, and weight. Nikon Z lenses are often built to handle the elements. And if you’re hiking to get the shot, every ounce matters.
Best Ultra-Wide Zoom: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the flagship ultra-wide zoom for the Z system—and it shows. This lens is razor-sharp from corner to corner and boasts minimal distortion even at 14mm. For landscape photographers who want the best, this is it.
What really stands out is its weight. It’s significantly lighter than the old F-mount version. That means you can carry it longer without sacrificing image quality. The f/2.8 aperture also makes it great for night sky work and low-light landscapes.
Another huge perk: it can take 112mm screw-on filters with the included lens hood adapter. That’s rare for ultra-wide lenses and a big plus for anyone using neutral density or polarizing filters.
If you want the ultimate in image quality from your Nikon Z lenses, the 14-24mm f/2.8 S belongs in your bag.
Best Value Wide-Angle Zoom: Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a favorite among travel and landscape photographers who want a lightweight setup without sacrificing quality. It’s small, sharp, and much more affordable than the f/2.8 version.
At just 1 lb. 1 oz., it won’t weigh you down on hikes or long shoots. It accepts standard 82mm filters right on the front, making it easy to add ND or CPL filters without adapters.
In the field, this lens performs beautifully. You get clean edges, accurate color, and impressive sharpness even wide open. And because it’s so compact, it’s perfect for backpackers and minimalist photographers.
If you’re new to Nikon Z lenses and want a strong performer at a reasonable price, the 14-30mm f/4 S is a fantastic starting point.
Best Prime for Sharpness: Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S
The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is a landscape shooter’s dream. This prime lens is incredibly sharp, even at its widest aperture. Stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8, and you get detail-rich images across the entire frame.
Its 20mm focal length is wide enough for dramatic landscapes, but not so wide that it distorts everything. It’s also a great choice for astrophotography thanks to its fast f/1.8 aperture and low coma performance.
The lens is weather-sealed, lightweight, and built to last. Whether you’re photographing snowy peaks or stormy coastlines, it can take the abuse.
If your landscape style leans toward ultra-clean compositions with strong foregrounds, this is one of the best Nikon Z lenses to add to your kit.
Versatile Option: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Some landscapes don’t need to be shot ultra-wide. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S gives you the flexibility to frame your scene just right. From wide shots to tighter compositions, it handles it all.
This is a lens you can leave on your camera all day. It’s sharp across the zoom range and delivers beautiful color and contrast. The f/4 constant aperture is fine for most landscape work, especially since you’ll be stopping down anyway.
It’s also compact and lightweight, making it a solid choice for hiking and travel. Weather sealing helps you shoot with confidence in changing conditions.
If you only want to carry one lens and still get amazing results, this is one of the most versatile Nikon Z lenses out there.
Specialty Choice: Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D (Z Mount)
Looking for something different? The Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D might be your secret weapon. It’s not made by Nikon, but it’s available in Z mount and offers some unique advantages for creative landscape shooters.
This is a manual focus lens with almost zero distortion. That makes it perfect for ultra-wide compositions where straight lines matter—like shooting forests, canyons, or architecture in nature.
The f/2 aperture also makes it great for astro work. And at just 1 lb. 2 oz., it’s not going to slow you down on the trail.
If you’re already familiar with Nikon Z lenses and want to push your creative limits, this Laowa is a great lens to experiment with.
Honorable Mention Nikon Z Lenses
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S – A great choice for environmental portraits and general nature scenes.
- Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S – Slightly narrower than the 20mm, but still excellent for broad vistas.
- Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S – For compressed landscapes and faraway peaks, this telephoto zoom shines.
Nikon Has the Lens You Want
Nikon Z lenses offer incredible variety and quality for landscape photographers. Whether you’re after an ultra-wide zoom, a sharp prime, or a lens that can do a bit of everything, there’s an option that fits your style and budget.
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and Z 20mm f/1.8 S are top-tier picks if sharpness and performance are your priority. The Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a great lightweight choice, and the Z 24-70mm f/4 S is ideal if you want versatility in a single lens.
Every lens on this list has something unique to offer. The right one for you depends on how you shoot and what landscapes you love most. Just remember, the best Nikon Z lenses aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the ones that help you tell your story.
Speaking of expense, I strongly encourage you to consider buying a used Nikon Z lens. Online platforms like MPB make it quick, easy, and simple to do so. You can buy a new-to-you lens outright or trade or sell your current gear to offset the cost of your purchase.
Plus, as I’ve found over the years buying gear from MPB, they do a fantastic job of inspecting and describing the condition of each lens. You get a six-month warranty on most items and benefit from a seven-day return window, too. What’s not to like?!
FAQ
What’s the best Nikon Z lens for wide landscapes?
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S offers the widest field of view with exceptional image quality, making it ideal for sweeping landscapes.
Can I use filters with ultra-wide Nikon Z lenses?
Yes. The Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S can use 112mm screw-on filters with its adapter, and the Z 14-30mm f/4 S takes standard 82mm filters directly.
Are third-party Z mount lenses worth it for landscapes?
Some are. The Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D is a great ultra-wide option with nearly zero distortion and good build quality.
Do I need f/2.8 for landscape photography?
Not usually. Most landscapes are shot at f/8 or higher. However, f/2.8 or wider is useful for night or astro photography.
Are Nikon Z lenses weather-sealed?
Most S-line Nikon Z lenses feature weather sealing, which helps protect your gear during outdoor shoots.
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- Used Nikon D850 Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in 2025
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Hero photo by rdonar via Shutterstock
