Best Lenses under $500 for landscape

Best Pick

Sony E PZ SELP1650PS 16-50mm

69.6 Landscape Score
16-50mmf/32Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom lens pairs durable, high-quality materials with Optical SteadyShot stabilization for stable handheld footage. Its quiet, smooth power zoom and retracting, ergonomic design remain discreet and compact for travel. This lens is best suited for casual photographers and vloggers needing a versatile, budget-friendly walkaround zoom for APS-C E-mount cameras.

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Price $300
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Also available open box & refurbished:
Sony E PZ SELP1650PS 16-50mm lens

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS

66.9 Landscape Score
55-210mm22-32Sony EIS
Why we recommend this

The 55–210mm f/4.5–6.3 OSS lens pairs a 345g build with 4-stop optical stabilization and internal autofocus, delivering sharp handheld telephoto shots up to 210mm. Its budget positioning and 4.5/5 customer rating from over 8,100 reviews make it a reliable, lightweight zoom with responsive autofocus and smooth stabilization for video. It’s best for amateur sports and wildlife shooters on Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras who need an affordable, stabilized telephoto that won’t weigh down a travel kit.

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Sony FE SEL28F20 28mm

57.5 Landscape Score
28mmf/22Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 200g build is dust and moisture resistant, yet it packs a bright f/2 aperture and refined optics with 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements for sharp full-frame rendering. Its quiet linear actuator AF and internal focus minimize distraction for video, while optional 21mm ultra-wide or 16mm fisheye converters extend creative potential. Landscape and travel photographers will value this compact 28mm prime’s sharpness, weather sealing, and lightweight portability.

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Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom 75-300mm

52.5 Landscape Score
75-300mmf/4.5Sony AIS
Why we recommend this

The 75-300mm range with optical stabilization in a mere 510g body provides an effortless telephoto reach for Sony A-mount cameras. Its 7-blade aperture renders smooth, circular background blur at an entry-level price, reinforcing its daylight-shooting value. This lens fits budget-minded hobbyists needing a lightweight companion for casual wildlife, sports, and portrait snaps in good light, not low-light or macro work.

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Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom 75-300mm lens
Price $160
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom 55-200mm

35.4 Landscape Score
55-200mmf/4Sony A
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 306g, this compact 55-200mm zoom (82.5-300mm equivalent) delivers smooth, quiet autofocus via a built-in SAM motor for Sony A-mount cameras. The f/4-5.6 circular aperture creates pleasing background blur, and the 0.95m minimum focus distance yields a useful 0.29x maximum magnification for detailed close-ups. Ideal for APS-C Sony Alpha DSLR owners needing a lightweight, budget telephoto for portraits and general outdoor reach, though it should be avoided on full-frame bodies like the DSLR-A900.

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Sony SEL16F28 VCLECF2 10-13mm

31.2 Landscape Score
10-13mmf/2Sony E
Why we recommend this

Converting the SEL16F28 into a 10mm f/2.8 fisheye, this converter delivers an ultra-wide 180-degree perspective with a constant f/2.8 aperture in a compact 295g body. It uniquely adapts to the SEL20F28 for a 13mm focal length, offering flexible wide-angle options without investing in a dedicated lens. This accessory is best for APS-C shooters wanting an affordable entry into exaggerated, creative fisheye effects for portraiture and close-up work.

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Sony SEL16F28 VCLECF2 10-13mm lens
Price $110

Best Lenses under $1,000 for landscape

Best Pick

Sony G Master SEL2470GM 24-70mm

83.6 Landscape Score
24-70mmf/22Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 22% weight reduction to just 695g makes this the lightest f/2.8 standard zoom in its class, paired with four XD Linear Motors for near-instant autofocus. Its Nano AR Coating II effectively suppresses flare and ghosting for exceptional clarity, while the 0.32x maximum magnification adds versatile close-up capability. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a rugged, weather-sealed workhorse without the bulk.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

83.4 Landscape Score
24-240mm22-40Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom range with built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization provides a 10x all-in-one reach in a weather-sealed, 780g body. The linear motor autofocus is fast and silent, while the circular aperture creates pleasing bokeh for portraiture and close-up depth. It’s best for travel and landscape photographers who need a single, stabilized lens to cover wide vistas through telephoto details without swapping glass.

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Sony Vario-Tessar SEL1670Z 16-70mm

80.6 Landscape Score
16-70mmf/22Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across the 24-105mm equivalent zoom range, combined with Optical SteadyShot stabilization and a lightweight 308g build, makes this a versatile all-day lens. The Carl Zeiss T* coating and four aspherical elements deliver strong contrast and sharpness, while the weather-sealed construction adds reliability in the field. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers using APS-C Sony bodies who need a single, high-quality zoom that won't weigh them down.

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Sony Vario-Tessar SEL1670Z 16-70mm lens
Price $810

Sony G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS 70-300mm

76.8 Landscape Score
70-300mmf/29Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 telezoom stands out with its linear motor AF, 2 ED elements, and Nano AR Coating delivering reliable sharpness, all within a dust- and moisture-resistant construction. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization enables sharp handheld shots at 300mm, while the 9-blade circular diaphragm renders smooth bokeh for portraits. Best for outdoor and wildlife photographers who need a portable 854g telephoto lens that balances reach, stabilization, and robust build quality.

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Sony E SEL11F18 11mm

68.7 Landscape Score
11mmf/16Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining an ultra-wide 16.5mm equivalent field of view with a bright f/1.8 aperture and a mere 181g weight, this lens stands out for handheld vlogging and tight-space shooting. Its dust- and moisture-resistant design, suppressed focus breathing, and dual linear AF motors ensure reliable, smooth performance for video work. This is the ideal lens for vloggers and travel photographers who need a compact, fast ultra-wide prime with dependable autofocus.

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Sony Sonnar T* FE SEL55F18Z 55mm

52.7 Landscape Score
55mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The ZEISS T* coating and three aspherical elements deliver exceptional contrast and sharpness across the full-frame sensor, even wide open at f/1.8. Its compact 281g build with weather sealing makes it a discreet, durable choice for everyday shooting without sacrificing optical performance. This lens is best for professional portrait and street photographers who prioritize a standard 55mm focal length with fast, reliable autofocus.

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Sony Vario-Sonnar T DT SAL1680Z 16-80mm

51.6 Landscape Score
16-80mm22-29Sony A
Why we recommend this

Offering a 24-120mm equivalent range with an f/3.5-4.5 aperture, its Carl Zeiss T* coating and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, contrast-rich images on APS-C sensors. Weighing just 445g with internal focus and a 35cm minimum focus distance, it remains a nimble travel option despite lacking stabilization. It best suits landscape and travel photographers using Sony A-mount cameras who prioritize a single, lightweight zoom with Zeiss rendering.

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Sony Vario-Sonnar T DT SAL1680Z 16-80mm lens
Price $855

Sony DT SAL1870 18-70mm

50.2 Landscape Score
18-70mmf/3.5Sony A
Why we recommend this

A lightweight 235g build with an aspherical and ED glass element makes this an unobtrusive everyday zoom covering a 27-105mm equivalent range. Its DT design is optimized for APS-C Sony Alpha bodies, delivering corrected wide-angle accuracy and controlled chromatic aberration at a budget kit-lens price. This lens is best for beginners or casual shooters who want a single, leave-on solution for snapshots, portraits, and travel without added weight.

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Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm

40.2 Landscape Score
24mmf/22Sony E
Why we recommend this

The bright f/1.8 aperture and 24mm focal length on APS-C, combined with silent linear motor autofocus and a 225g weight, deliver sharp low-light imaging with smooth bokeh for street work. Its all-aluminum barrel and T* coating reduce flare and ensure durability, while the 0.25x magnification at 160mm minimum focus expands close-up versatility. Best for street photographers and environmental portraitists who need a fast, wide, and portable prime with precise autofocus.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Sony G SEL1655G 16-55mm

77.2 Landscape Score
16-55mmf/22Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 16-55mm zoom range pairs with four aspherical and three ED elements for sharp, high-contrast images on APS-C bodies. Its 494g weather-sealed build and fast XD Linear Motor autofocus make it a portable, durable workhorse that handles quickly in changing conditions. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a single, bright zoom covering 24-82.5mm equivalent without the bulk of full-frame glass.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Sony FE SEL1224G 12-24mm

76.4 Landscape Score
12-24mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a versatile 12-24mm focal range with a constant f/4 aperture, this lens delivers sharp results through 4 aspherical and 4 ED glass elements in a compact 565g body. Its dust and moisture-resistant build and Nano AR Coating ensure reliable performance with dramatically reduced flare, even in challenging light. This is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need an ultra-wide, rectilinear zoom that remains portable for extensive field work.

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Price $2,298
Sony FE SEL1224G 12-24mm lens

Premium Lenses for landscape

Best Pick

Sony G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm

85.7 Landscape Score
28-135mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A servo-powered zoom mechanism and constant f/4 aperture across the 28-135mm range make this a standout for controlled video environments. Optical SteadyShot stabilization and a Nano AR Coating ensure sharp, consistent footage, while the full-frame E-mount compatibility offers wide creative latitude. This lens is best for documentary filmmakers and event videographers who need a single, reliable parfocal zoom for run-and-gun shooting.

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Price $2,898
Sony G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm lens