The Best Sony Landscape Photography Lens for 2024
What is the ultimate Sony landscape photography lens?
- Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens
- Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens
- Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens
- Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
- Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
- Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens
- Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens
- Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G Lens
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens
- Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens
- Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Lens
- Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens
- Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens
What is the ultimate APS-C Sony landscape photography lens?
- Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens
- Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
- Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G Lens
- Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
- Telephoto zoom lenses from the full-frame list
As a generalization, the above lists are sorted in preference, usefulness, focal length range, performance, and price descending sequence. Landscape photography focal length needs vary greatly, and multiple lens kits are optimal for this pursuit. APS-C format camera users can consider also the full-frame recommendations covering the same focal length ranges.
About Sony landscape Lenses
You may have determined this already from the above list, but a great Sony landscape photography lens kit consists of one (or more) lens from each of the following categories:
- The Best Sony General-Purpose Lenses
- The Best Sony Telephoto Zoom Lenses
- The Best Sony Wide-Angle Lenses
In addition, you will probably want one of these: The Best Sony Macro Lenses.
With a selection (or multiple selections) from each of the above categories, you will have lenses with a vast range of focal lengths for your landscape photography needs. Landscape photography can make use of all focal lengths Sony currently offers, from the widest angle through the longest telephoto, but I'll approximate the most useful range at 16-300mm. The ultra-wide-angle lenses will allow you to emphasize a foreground subject against an all-in-focus large scene, the telephoto lenses will keep distant subjects large in the frame, and the general-purpose lens will frequently find landscape application.
The focal length is of primary importance for landscape photography, but the max aperture is (usually) not. While a wide aperture can be used to isolate a detail in the landscape or to capture the night sky, much landscape photography is done using small apertures for significant DOF (Depth of Field). Therefore and fortunately, landscape photography does not require the fastest lenses, those with the widest aperture with accompanying heaviest weight, largest size, and highest cost.
What is needed is high contrast and resolution from corner to corner of the frame. Landscape subjects typically have extremely fine details, and sharp reproduction of these subjects is a requirement. Lenses need to be sharp enough to show the tiniest details.
Landscape photography often requires travel to get to the ultimate landscape photography destination. When traveling by airline, you will want to keep your pack light. The same need applies when hiking to a select location. Packing light helps keep the photographer's energy up, and increased energy will allow him or her to better focus on capturing the desired image. Light weight is a generally important feature for a lens in the landscape kit.
Since landscape subjects are often motionless, image stabilization can be a huge benefit for a landscape lens for those times when a tripod is not desired or practical. Even under full sunlight, I very frequently need image stabilization to make handheld shooting successful, especially when using a light-reducing circular polarizing filter (a mandatory part of the landscape kit). The wind typically found at some of the ultimate landscape locations further increases the need for image stabilization with handheld daylight photography.
Since landscape subjects are often motionless, fast autofocus is not usually an essential feature for landscape photography. I use regularly use autofocus when shooting landscapes, but waiting even an extra second for the lens to focus would seldom make a difference in my images (unless the wife and kids are waiting for me). Even manual focus often works well for landscape photography, especially when photographing at narrow apertures.
Landscape photographers encounter bad weather (or search for it to capture the moodiest images), and this inclement weather may or may not be expected. Those working around water may also have to deal with saltwater or freshwater spray. Having weather sealed gear is a definite advantage under these circumstances. In addition to using mostly weather sealed equipment, I generally have rain covers with me to quickly cover everything should I need to.
Should I get a prime or a zoom lens for landscape photography? The prime vs. zoom lens decision is a big one for the landscape photographer. Generalizing, the biggest advantage for using a prime lens is ultimate image quality. These lenses typically produce the sharpest corners, low (or no) distortion, the least vignetting, and the best sunstars.
Blurry corners are usually not appreciated in landscape images. Distortion is typically the most noticeable when a flat line appears near the frame border, and curved oceans just don't look right. Vignetting shows most readily with a solid color covering a sizable portion of the frame edge and corner, and though a gradient blue sky color may be pretty, this effect being caused by the lens is usually not desirable in a landscape image. A great sunstar can become the most-stunning element in a landscape image, and a wide aperture, typical of a prime lens, stopped down significantly, usually creates the largest, best-defined sunstars.
A prime lens downside is that you need to buy and carry many lenses to adequately cover the focal length range of a single zoom lens. Frequent lens changes required by a set of primes will inevitably lead to increased sensor dust that will be impossible to overlook in areas of blue sky at f/11. The best zoom lenses available today have excellent image quality, and they are my choice for a significant percentage of my landscape photographs. However, I often have both lens types with me, and sometimes I carry cameras with both types mounted at the same time.
The Best Sony Full-Frame Landscape Photography Lenses
1. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens
Compact, Lightweight, Optically Impressive, G Master Build an Performance
Camera manufacturers typically offer high-end f/2.8 zoom lenses covering wide angles, the general-purpose range, and a telephoto focal length range. These three lenses tend to be the most sought-after and popular models in the lineup, and with the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens, Sony completed version II updates to their flagship f/2.8 GM zoom lens trio.
Smaller and lighter are concepts we all appreciate, and with the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens, Sony claimed the title to the world's smallest, lightest full-frame AF wide-angle zoom lens.
While smaller and lighter are welcomed traits, the version II updates offer far more, including high-performance AF and impressive optical quality.
"Designed to rival the primes, this zoom's optics have been revamped to provide even greater resolution, clarity, and bokeh quality." [Sony]
The bottom line is that you want the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens in your kit.
2. Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens
Impressively Sharp, Small, Light, Affordable
Would you accept a truncated focal length, 16-25mm vs. the classic 16-35mm range, for a significantly reduced size and weight and a dramatically lower cost? This is your lens. The Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens is a compact, ultralight, affordable, wide-aperture, full-frame, ultra-wide-angle lens that is ideal for general-purpose use. This lens's best feature is its outstanding image quality. The kit's standard zoom likely takes a gap-free handoff to the longer range.
3. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens
An Exceptional Bargain
For a very low price, the Tamron 17-28 Di III lens provides professional-grade image quality in a compact, lightweight package. There is little this lens lacks aside from switches. The focal length range does not reach the widest or the longest in the class, but it matches perfectly with another exceptional bargain lens, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens.
4. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Outstanding Image Quality, Exceptionally-Wide Angles of View, G Master Build
While not inexpensive, this lens delivers incredible image quality, despite the extremely-wide angles of view it avails. With f/2.8 available, this Sony lens is a great choice for photographing the night sky, along with low light events. Take this lens to the most beautiful locations and it is sure enable you to bring home exceptional results. Note that this does not accept front filters.
5. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
Outstanding Image Quality, Ultra-Wide Angles of View, Relatively Affordable, Beatifully Designed
While this lens's focal length range is not as dramatic as the Sony equivalent, the cost is not as dramatic either. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens impresses with the image quality it delivers, the build and aesthetic qualities are excellent, and AF is fast and quiet. Note that this does not accept front filters.
6. Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens
Compact, Lightweight, Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens
The diminutive, lightweight Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens is a great option for the frequently needed ultra-wide through wide-angle coverage.
Only the strong barrel distortion at the wide end of the focal length range detracts from the otherwise stellar optical performance this lens delivers. Plan on utilizing the correction options provided.
Additional features this lens avails include power zoom, dual XD linear drive AF, and reduced focus breathing, make this lens a highly attractive choice for video capture.
The moderate price ensures high popularity for this lens.
7. Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens
Ultra-High-Performing General-Purpose Zoom Lens
Because of its remarkable capabilities and features, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens is the go-to lens for many, including the most advanced professionals. The most-needed focal length range is fully covered, with outstanding image quality included.
The wide f/2.8 max aperture advantages this lens for stopping action in low light, making it an ideal choice for photographing action sports and low light events. The f/2.8 aperture is also useful for creating a strong background blur, allowing the subject to be isolated from a distracting background.
This lens's autofocus system performs excellently, and the wide aperture enables reliable low light AF performance.
The Sony "GM" build quality ensures enduring performance from this relatively compact and lightweight lens.
8. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens
Excellent Image Quality, Close-Focusing Capabilities, Excellent Build Quality, Great Focal Length Range, Fast Autofocus, Optical SteadyShot, Weather Sealing, Close Focusing
Though it lacks the wide f/2.8 aperture, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens adds significantly to the long end of the general-purpose focal length, and it also adds Optical SteadyShot. Lighter weight, smaller size, and lower price are additional advantages this lens has over the Sony FE f/2.8 counterpart, and somewhat surprisingly, the f/4 lens is slightly sharper in most comparisons. The optical performance, combined with the rest of this lens's features, including good weather-sealed build quality and a great close-focusing capability, make it a very popular landscape photography zoom lens choice.
9. Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G Lens
Impressively Sharp, Small, Light, Affordable, Short Focal Length Range
Would you give up the long end, the last 20mm, of a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for a reduced size and weight and a significantly lower cost? Sony thinks some of you might, and I think they are right. The Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G Lens targets photographers seeking a compact, ultralight, affordable, wide-aperture, full-frame, general-purpose lens that produces excellent image quality. A relatively short zoom range was necessary to accomplish that goal, but the included angles of view are often the most important ones.
10. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens
Incredible Value, Excellent Image Quality, Great Design and Build Quality, Compact, Lightweight
It is not often that I recommend choosing a camera to gain access to a lens, but the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens is such an incredible value that this is one of those unique scenarios.
For a very low price, this lens provides a wide f/2.8 aperture over the entire focal length range.
From an image quality perspective, this lens rivals even the best Sony standard zoom lenses.
Everyone can appreciate the small size and light weight of this lens, and Tamron's (USA) 6-year warranty is unsurpassed.
While I prefer the 24mm focal length to be available on my landscape lens, this lens's overall package makes me willing to overlook that aspect. The Tamron 28-75 is simply a great all-purpose lens and a great deal.
11. Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens
Strong Value, Solid Performer
Will the followup to the best-selling mirrorless camera lens become the MVP of your kit? The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens has what it takes for that role. Its high utility focal length range, wide f/2.8 aperture, fast and accurate HLA AF, excellent optical quality, and excellent design make it a great choice for everyday needs, including landscape photography. The affordable price seals the deal. Look for this lens at the top of the best-selling lenses list.
12. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Lens
Relatively Light, Well-Built, Ideal Telephoto Landscape Focal Length Range
I often find my favorite landscape images being captured at telephoto focal lengths, and this lens has the most-needed range for this use. Stepping down from an f/2.8 aperture to f/4 results in a substantially reduced size, weight, and cost.
This lens includes pro-grade features including solid, weather-sealed build quality, and Optical SteadyShot. This is a great telephoto zoom lens option for landscape and travel, and the half lifesize (0.5x) macro capability may catch your attention.
13. Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens
Compact, Light, Sharp, Affordable, Slightly Shorter Focal Length Range
Tamron continues to produce great mirrorless lenses, and the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is another big hit. Though this lens's focal length range falls short of the competing 70-200mm models, the range it does provide is great for landscape photography, and the image quality it provides is similarly great. The compact and light weight will be appreciated during long wedding shoots. That the price is affordable is welcomed by everyone.
14. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens
Long Focal Length Range with Long Focal Lengths, Excellent Image Quality, G Master Build, Optical SteadyShot, Weather-Sealed
While landscape photographers may sometimes find this lens's 100mm wide end a bit too narrow, but sometimes the 400mm end is very welcomed, including for making distant mountain scenes large in the frame. I often photograph wildlife and landscapes simultaneously, and this lens's range is ideal for that dual purpose. When 400mm is not long enough, this lens's teleconverter compatibility will be found advantageous. The FE 100-400 has Sony GM pro-grade build quality.
APS-C Landscape Lenses
Those with an APS-C format camera do not need the wider image circle provided by a full-frame lens. With a smaller image circle requirement, APS-C lenses can be smaller, lighter, and less expensive. Thus, it makes sense to match the lens to the camera, at lest for the wide-angle and normal focal length range options.
The Best Sony APS-C Landscape Lenses
1. Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens
Light, Well Constructed, Affordable, Great Image Quality
This lens provides the ultra-useful ultra-wide-angle through wide-angle focal length range in a high-performing, compact, lightweight, affordable package. It delivers sharp image quality from the most-needed APS-C focal length range below the 17 or 18-something standard zoom lenses.
2. Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Tiny, Light, Well Built, Affordable, Great Image Quality
Though tiny and light, the Sigma 10-18 still features a wide f/2.8 aperture over the entire focal length range, increasing this lens's versatility into low light conditions and increasing the subject-isolating background blur potential.
This lens is well-designed, nicely constructed, and features a quiet and quick AF system and great image quality. Its affordability will seal the deal for many.
Great Image Quality, Extremely Useful Zoom Range, Compact, Light, Well Built
The most important APS-C lens in the bag. Nearly everyone needs a general-purpose zoom lens, including landscape photographers, and though expensive, the Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G is a requisite lens in a serious amateur or pro APS-C kit. This small, light, high-performing lens is a great choice for general-purpose uses ranging from landscape photography to portraiture, and the wide f/2.8 aperture extends utility into motion in low-light scenarios, including night sky photography.
4. Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Compact, Light, Well Built, Affordable, Great Image Quality
Again, nearly everyone needs a general-purpose zoom lens, and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens is an outstanding choice for APS-C camera owners (and not a bad choice for full-frame camera owners willing to work within the smaller image circle).
The advantages of a smaller image circle are reduced cost, decreased size, and a lower price, and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens embodies those attributes while still providing a zoom range, wide aperture, and impressive image quality. This is an attractively designed lens with an especially-valued focal length range.
If those attributes do not attract your attention, that this is the review-time best-selling APS-C zoom lens should.
Visit the Sony Lens Recommendations page for more recommendations.
