Best Lenses under $500 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED 18-55mm

77.4 Landscape Score
70-300mm f/4.5 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Effective Vibration Reduction enables three-stop slower handheld shooting, and the 272g lens' Silent Wave Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. The refurbished unit offers like-new optics with ED glass and Super Integrated Coating, plus a 90-day warranty at a budget price. It's best for Nikon DX beginners needing a compact stabilized zoom for close-ups, portraits, and daily walkaround use.

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Price $473
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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED 18-55mm lens

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Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm

50.6 Landscape Score
60mm f/2.8 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

A 1:1 magnification ratio and close focusing to 22cm make this 60mm f/2.8 macro lens a sharp tool for life-size reproduction. Its compact 440g build and 9-blade aperture also suit it for portraits, while Nikon's Super Integrated Coating controls flare. This lens is best for macro photographers who need a lightweight, all-purpose prime for detailed close-ups and flattering headshots.

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Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm lens
Price $299
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX 18mm

48.4 Landscape Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Nikon F (DX)
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 Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX 18mm lens
Price $389
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Nikon BENOISON Telephoto 420-800mm

31.4 Landscape Score
420-800mm 16 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a massive 420-800mm focal range with image stabilization in a portable 717g lens, this manual-focus telephoto stands out for reach, but its fixed f/8.3–16 aperture and lack of autofocus demand full manual control. The sturdy metal build and upgraded F-mount compatibility eliminate the need for a T adapter, making it an affordable super-telephoto entry for Nikon DSLR hobbyists. Best suited to amateur wildlife and moon photographers comfortable with manual exposure and focus, it falls short for professional or travel uses that require speed and brighter optics.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 24-120mm

27.7 Landscape Score
24-120mm f/4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Constant f/4 aperture, a multi-focus stepping motor, and a five-element ED/aspherical optical design with ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings deliver sharp, fast-focusing images throughout the 24-120mm range. Weighing just 576g with full weather-sealing, fluorine coating, and a programmable control ring, it provides premium, lightweight handling ideal for all-day use. It’s best for travel and event photographers seeking a single Z-mount lens with consistent exposure and robust build, though its macro performance is notably weak.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 24-120mm lens
Price $298

Best Lenses under $1,000 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S 24-120mm

90 Landscape Score
24-120mm 22 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across the 24-120mm range with 4-stop VR II stabilization and Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting while maintaining consistent exposure. Its 710g build and 90-day warranty make it a practical all-in-one walk-around lens, though the 450mm minimum focus limits close-up versatility. Best for event and portrait photographers needing a single, durable zoom for mixed lighting conditions and handheld video.

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Nikon Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED 85mm

45.5 Landscape Score
85mm 32 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Combining 1:1 magnification at an 11.3-inch minimum focus distance with 4-stop Vibration Reduction, this 85mm macro lens captures sharp close-ups handheld, aided by ED glass and Super Integrated Coating for reduced flare. Its lightweight 355g (12.5oz) body and quiet AF-S autofocus offer portability and discreet operation, while the f/3.5 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm yield smooth, natural background blur. It’s ideal for Nikon DX-format shooters focusing on macro nature details or portraits who need a stabilized, travel-friendly prime lens.

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Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 1989 AF FX Micro- 200mm f/4D IF-ED Fixed 200mm

24.4 Landscape Score
200mm f/4 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

Combining a 200mm focal length with a constant f/4 aperture, it achieves 1:1 macro at a 19.3-inch working distance, using Extra-low Dispersion glass to control chromatic aberration. The long working distance keeps you from disturbing skittish subjects, and internal focusing ensures the lens barrel does not extend during operation. This lens suits field macro photographers who need reach to capture insects and small wildlife without intrusion.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 2164 70mm

75 Landscape Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture, with 3 ED and 3 aspherical elements and Nano Crystal Coat, ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and flare resistance for demanding low-light scenes. A Silent Wave Motor drives fast, quiet autofocus, and the 0.38-meter minimum focus distance enables crisp close-up compositions. It suits event and portrait photographers who need a versatile zoom for dim venues and tightly framed detail work.

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Nikon Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 50mm

27.5 Landscape Score
50mm f/2 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The 50mm f/2 optic delivers half life-size 1:2 macro magnification with ZEISS T* coating for controlled flare, all in a compact 111g manual-focus body. The all-metal Milvus build and bundled filter kit add practical value, while the smooth, long-throw focus ring excels for precise depth-of-field control. This lens suits portrait and macro shooters on Nikon F who want deliberate, tactile handling and edge-to-edge sharpness without autofocus.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 22-70mm

88.8 Landscape Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm range, this lens pairs Nikon's Vibration Reduction (4 stops) with a 1:2 maximum magnification for unusually close focusing in a standard zoom. Its robust weather-sealed build and fluorine-coated front element resist the elements, while the electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures even during high-speed bursts. This lens is best for landscape photographers who need a single, sharp zoom, as well as macro enthusiasts looking for 0.5x magnification without switching lenses.

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Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED 24mm

26.9 Landscape Score
24mm 32 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The 24mm focal length combined with +/- 11.5mm shift and +/- 8.5° tilt provides precise perspective control for architecture, while three ED and three aspherical elements with Nano Crystal Coat suppress distortion and flare. Its 1:2.7 maximum magnification and close-range correction system deliver sharp macro performance uncommon in a wide tilt-shift lens. This manual-focus optic is best for architectural photographers and product shooters needing full-frame Nikon F-mount movements without digital correction.

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Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D 85mm

10 Landscape Score
85mm 32 Nikon F
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Premium Lenses for landscape

Best Pick

Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 20065 19mm

26.9 Landscape Score
19mm 32 Nikon F
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