Best Lenses under $500 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

71.9 Landscape Score
10-20mmf/29Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The 10-20mm focal length paired with optical VR and a mere 232g body lets you capture stable ultrawide vistas handheld on APS-C cameras. Its AF-P stepper motor delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus, while the three aspherical elements and Super Integrated Coating control aberrations without extra bulk. Best suited for Nikon DX DSLR users seeking a cost-effective, travel-ready lens for landscapes, architecture, and casual video.

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Nikon 2177

53 Landscape Score
60mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering true 1:1 reproduction with edge-to-edge sharpness, its optical formula includes one ED and two aspherical elements alongside Nano Crystal Coat to suppress flare and chromatic aberration. The internal focusing design and silent wave motor provide fast, quiet autofocus without a rotating front element, making filter use straightforward. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters who need a precise, lightweight macro lens for detailed close-up work and copy stand reproduction.

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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 2162 18mm

52.8 Landscape Score
18-135mmf/3.5Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

The lens stands out with a 7.5x zoom spanning 18-135mm, an ED glass element that controls chromatic aberrations, and an AF-S motor delivering fast, quiet autofocus. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm renders pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, and the 67mm filter thread accepts common accessories, while the renewed option offers tested reliability at a lower cost. This lens is best for DSLR beginners and travel photographers needing a single, affordable cover-all zoom for everyday shooting.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 50mm

51 Landscape Score
50mmf/16Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and Silent Wave Motor deliver strong low-light performance and fast, quiet autofocus on Nikon F-mount bodies. Its compact 280g build and 9-blade diaphragm produce a pleasing, rounded bokeh for subject isolation without adding bulk. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who need a lightweight prime with shallow depth-of-field control.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon 20052

71.3 Landscape Score
24-70mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

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Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III

31.3 Landscape Score
Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

Doubling focal length while maintaining autofocus, this teleconverter uses an aspherical element and a 7-element/5-group optical design to preserve superior contrast and resolution. Its compact, 329g build makes it a highly portable way to extend telephoto reach without the cost of a new super-telephoto lens. This accessory is best for wildlife and sports photographers using compatible Nikon F-mount primes who need 2x magnification and can accept the resulting light loss.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

75.3 Landscape Score
24-70mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

58 Landscape Score
14-24mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 14-24mm zoom range combines with ED and aspherical elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness, while ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings suppress flare in backlit scenes. Its weather-sealed, 1000g magnesium-alloy body includes a programmable control ring and an OLED information panel for quick setting checks in the field. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a rugged, ultra-wide zoom with consistent low-light performance.

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No Lenses under $2,500 yet. See our top picks

Premium Lenses for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20082 500mm

53.9 Landscape Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

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