Best Landscape Photography Cameras and Lenses, According to Landscape Photographers
You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the right gear to support you in your efforts to build a photography career, you’ll likely struggle to establish yourself. This is especially true when working as an aspiring landscape photographer.
Landscape photography requires you to work within the confines of nature. For instance, you might run into issues with the weather (i.e. rain, overcast skies, overly sunny conditions), you can’t always manipulate your scene, and you’ll likely have to do some work to get the exact lighting that fits your vision. In other words, you need the right photography gear to help you capture the perfect shot.
Keep in mind, that with landscape photography, there’s no shortage of gear you can opt for, but it’s important to remember that not each piece is absolutely necessary. We recommend sticking to the basics, picking the pieces that you think you’ll get the most use out of, and building your gear supply as you gain more experience as a landscape photographer. This way, you’re intentional about which pieces you’re adding to your collection.
If you need more inspiration before diving headfirst into your new landscape photography career, we highly recommend taking a look through these top landscape photography portfolios, as well as these landscape photography examples.
When you’re ready to kick that landscape photography career into full gear, read on to discover all of our favorite landscape photography equipment.
Landscape Photography Cameras
Lucky for you, when it comes to landscape photography, an expensive camera with a lot of fancy features isn’t absolutely necessary. While you can certainly make use of a high-end camera, with landscape photography, you’ll find that you get more bang for your buck when you focus your budget on having a variety of camera lenses. Having said that, if you have the budget or you’re just getting started with your landscape photography career and you want to purchase the best landscape photography camera possible, here’s what we recommend:
1. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
Our top pick for photographers who are just starting with landscape photography, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a great everyday option that is versatile enough to meet the needs of professional photographers, as well as those who want to capture every day moments. We also like this option for beginners because it has a touch screen that provides guides that explain different settings. In other words, if you’re just starting out, this camera will hold your hand as you embark on your landscape photography career, while also giving you the creative freedom to develop your own unique style. Some of the features that we think you’ll love about this option include:
Great battery life, allowing you to go multiple days without the need to charge
24.1 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor for crisp, quality images
ISO range of 100-25600
Shoots 7 frames per second
Built-in wifi and Bluetooth technology
45-point All Cross-type AF System
4K 24p video and vertical video features
Vari-angle touch screen for easier image composition
2. Nikon D5600
This is an alternate, beginner-friendly option that we’re always happy to endorse. While we find the Rebel T8i (mentioned above) more comfortable to use, there are some key features with this Nikon option that make it a worthy contender. Most notably, the affordable price tag is usually one of its bigger selling features, but beyond that, we also think you’ll enjoy:
24.2 megapixel resolution
The lightweight body makes it ideally suited for travel
100-25600 ISO
5 frames per second continuous shooting
Built-in wifi and Bluetooth technology
Built-in HDR feature for enhanced dynamic range
Full HD video
3. Nikon D780
An easy-to-operate camera that makes shooting landscapes a true breeze. Whether it be the textured handgrips or the easy-to-operate menu that sell you, using the Nikon D780 camera simplifies your shooting experience so you can focus on what matters—your subject. If you’re interested in learning about some of the technical features that make this such a great landscape photography camera, here’s what we love:
Long battery life (i.e. can take approximately 2,250 photos without the need to recharge)
Weather sealed, which is convenient since landscape photographers spend so much time outdoors
Works well in low light settings
24.5 megapixel backside illuminated FX full frame sensor for high quality images
Shoots 4K UHD video
7 frames per second continuous shooting
ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
51-point AF system for fast and accurate autofocus
N-Log and new HDR (HLG) shooting formats preserve more detail, dynamic range, and contrast in video
Disruption-free silent shooting at 12 FPS because maybe you’re capturing landscapes and happen upon some wildlife that you need to photograph
4. Fuji X-T4
If you’re in need of a smaller camera that is portable and great for hikes and other all-day excursions, we can’t say enough good things about the Fuji X-T4. The X-T4 is a great budget-friendly option, and is also mirrorless! If both of those things sound good to you, here are some other features that might sell you on this option:
26.1-megapixel resolution
5-axis in-body images stabilization up to 6.5 stops, meaning you can shoot sharp, quality images when you shoot handheld
Battery life will last about 500 photos
Shoots great JPEG images as well as RAW files
15 frames per second continuous shooting
Fastest Autofocus in mirrorless APS-C cameras
Extensive weather resistance for protection against dust, moisture, and 14°F (-10°C) temperatures
Full HD/240p high-speed recording which gives you a maximum 10x slow motion effect
5. Canon EOS R5
If you like the sound of a lightweight mirrorless camera that is ideally suited for on-the-go shooting, this is a great option for those who specifically enjoy Canon cameras. With that same budget-friendly feature as the Fuji option mentioned above, you can save even more money by opting for the Canon EOS R6. Very similar to its R5 counterpart, the R6 option is more ideally suited for a general-purpose camera, but will save you quite a bit of money if you’re on a budget. If you’re not on a budget, here are some of the reasons why we love the superior R5 version.
45-megapixel sensor
Excellent weather sealing
Shoots 8K RAW, 4K and Full-HD up to 120fps
10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log, Canon Log3 or HDR PQ, Internal Recording in all Formats, with Auto Focus
Ergonomic build for easy shooting
Easy to understand menu for intuitive shooting
High speed continuous shoot at 12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 20 frames per second using the electronic shutter
Dual Pixel CMOS AF system features an incredible 1,053 Automatic AF zones with 100% coverage
EV -6 Low-light Autofocus for autofocus is practically full darkness
5 axis in-body images stabilizations with up to 8 stops of shake correction
Dual Card Slots for CF express and UHS-II SD Memory Cards
6. Sony A7R IV
While we’re on the topic of mirrorless cameras, if we had to pick just one this might be it. While you may find the menu settings a little unorganized, in our books, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Having said that, this is one of the more pricey options, so we recommend really considering your goals as a photographer prior to investing in this camera. Some of the features that make this such a great landscape photography camera include:
61-megapixel full frame sensor features high sensitivity and low noise, despite an extremely high pixel count
ISO range from 50-102400
Excellent weather sealing for when you’re out in the wild
Incredible autofocus: 567 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points
Up to 10fps continuous shooting at 61MP with AE/AF tracking
15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW
5-axis in-body image stabilization, 5.5 stops
Dual USH-II SD Card slots
If you’re serious about your landscape photography, we highly recommend looking further into this option. Designed for professionals, this camera delivers beautiful image quality that automatically helps your images stand out from the rest. Other notable features that photographers enjoy about this option include:
36.4 megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
High ISO Sensitivity: ISO 819,200 for still photography and ISO 25,600 for video
Superior in-body image stabilization
Fully weather-sealed, making it a great option for landscape photographers
Built-in GPS and compass navigation written into every image for easy tracking
Pixel Shift Resolution II for superior image clarify, super high resolution images and lower noise sensitivity
Astrotracer for clearer night sky images for all you astrophotographers out there
While this isn’t the most affordable option on this list of best landscape photography cameras, there are some features that make it a popular option amongst landscape photographers. In particular, we would say this option is best suited for those professional photographers who feel confident in their pursuit of a landscape photography career. If you’re not certain, one of the budget options mentioned above might be better suited for your needs. Here’s what makes this option so superior:
102-megapixel large format sensor to capture exquisite details, beautifully smooth gradations, and wonderfully accurate colors
Great in-body image stabilization for hand-held shooting
Highly portable for a camera with such powerful features.
A handful of camera features that are ideally suited for landscape photographers (i.e. focus stacking, bracketing, focus peaking, etc.)
Achieve focus in light levels as low as -5.5EV through the camera’s phase detection autofocus pixels
Durable magnesium-allow body and weather sealing for dust and moisture resistance
Dedicated shock absorber to reduce any camera shake that would typically be evident in such high resolution images.
4K/30p movies with a shallow depth-of-field, wide tonal gradation, and impressive ISO sensitivity in either 10-bit F-log or 12-bit ProRes RAW.
Landscape Photography Lenses
As mentioned earlier, you can get as fancy as you want with your camera, but if you don’t have great landscape photography lenses, you’ll find it more challenging to shoot images that you’re proud of. Having said that, we know that investing in multiple lenses can get pricey, so rather than going out and purchasing all the lenses, we broke it down here for you. Start with 1-2 that make sense for you and your style, and remember, as much as we can help guide you with our picks for the best landscape photography lenses, every photographer will have their own preferences. Noting your preferences and investing in lenses that support your style is what will really make the biggest difference.
1. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
For anyone out there with a Canon full-frame DSLR camera, this is a great option to consider for landscape photography. Known for its ability to produce sharp images, this lens is relatively lightweight, making it one of our favorite options for travel. We also love that:
You can easily photograph close foreground subjects
Great image stabilization for steady photos and videos
Weather-resistant
Quiet and fast autofocus
Professional L series lens
2. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
If you’re someone who shoots a lot of wide angle shots or you tend to shoot a lot at night, this is the best landscape photography lens for you. While you will find that this option is much pricier than the Canon option listed above, this is one of our top picks if you’re looking to give your images a professional edge. Keep in mind this lens is designed for the Canon EOS R System of mirrorless products. Other notable features of this lens include:
Edge-to-edge image sharpness
Great image stabilization for handheld and/or low light shooting (up to five stops)
Fast, silent autofocus
Wide maximum f/2.8 aperture
Professional L series lens
3. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
If you’re not totally set on shooting strictly landscapes just yet, this is a great lens to invest in. In particular, this lens can also be used if you have an interest in portrait photography. In addition, we would say this is an option that is best suited for photographers who are looking for a lens that can shoot wide angles. It’s also worth noting that this lens is ideally suited for mountain photography. We also recommend this lens because of the following features:
Portable and durable
Great vibration reduction
Designed to enhance sharpness and contrast
If you’re in need of a super wide-angle lens, this is the best lens for landscape photography. While this option will only work for mirrorless Sony cameras, we always mention it for its small and lightweight nature (a big feature for landscape photographers who often have to travel with their gear). If this sounds interesting to you, we think you’ll also enjoy these features:
Optical SteadyShot feature for blur-free images
Great zoom range for superior precision
Noise-free shooting even in low lighting
5. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
If you’re on the hunt for a Canon lens that has a versatile focal range, this lens is for you. You can opt to shoot wide-angle landscapes using the 24mm setting, but you can also get up close and personal with more intimate landscapes if you use the 70mm setting. This lens will deliver you beautiful results either way. Other features that make this such a great option include:
Ideal for shooting in low lighting
Incredibly sharp images
Great image stabilization
Compact for easy travel
Bright maximum f/2.8 aperture
This is the best lens for landscape photography if you shoot with a mirrorless Sony camera. Well known for its ability to produce beautiful bokeh backdrops, you’ll love this telephoto zoom lens. It even works well for wildlife photography if that’s another area of interest for you. If not, we think you’ll still appreciate these features:
Great image stabilization
Works well in low lighting
Lightweight and compact
Superior autofocus
7. Nikon 70-200MM f/2.8G ED VR II
If you’re on the hunt for a lens that can deliver sharp images, this is a great option to consider. While the heaviness of the lens and its price might deter some photographers, if you are a professional looking to upgrade your images, there are some major advantages to this telephoto lens that are worth considering, including:
Vibration reduction (ideal for handheld shooting)
Fast aperture for low lighting shoots
Great autofocusing abilities
8. Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
If you use a Fuji camera, this is the best lens for landscape photography. Not only is this a quality piece of equipment, but we’re certain with so many benefits this lens will help you produce stunning photography. Here are just some of the top features:
Enhanced optical image stabilization
Superior weather sealing
Ultra-wide angle view
Silent shooting
Landscape Photography Gear
So you’ve got your camera and you’ve started purchasing some lenses to help you on your journey to becoming a landscape photographer. At this point, if you really want to take your landscape photography to the next level, you’re going to want to invest in some landscape photography equipment. Having these pieces on hand will not only allow you to take superior quality images, but they will also likely make it easier and more streamlined to shoot your images. If you’re ready to take your landscape photography to the next level, here are pieces we would recommend investing in:
1. Tripod
While shooting handheld has certainly become easier as cameras have become more advanced, if you have the budget, we would still recommend investing in a tripod. A tripod can help you shoot panoramas, reduce image blur if you’re shooting in low light, and is necessary if you’re using filters. Here are some things you should consider when purchasing a tripod
Price (make an investment now so you don’t damage your camera and/or need to replace your tripod)
Something sturdy that can handle poor footing like rocky terrain
Lightweight so you can easily travel with it
Compact
2. Tripod Accessories
Again, image stabilization in cameras has become pretty incredible, but you still will likely come across an instance or two where your camera must remain absolutely steady in order to capture the image without disturbance. Because of this, we think it’s worth taking the time to invest in a few tripod accessories that will help ensure that your camera is secure. In other words, you can spend all the money in the world on a tripod, but if you don’t have the right accessories, your tripod won’t be able to carry out its job. Invest in these accessories for the best photos possible:
Remote trigger
Leveling base
L-bracket
Tripod head
Spiked/Claw Tripod feet
Panorama nodal slide
3. Filters
If you’re not using filters on your landscape photography, now is a great time to start. Well known for their ability to enhance landscape photos, there are various filters you can invest in, and each will have its benefits. For example, graduated ND filters work well for high contrast scenes, while a polarizing filter will help to reduce any glare or reflections. If you’re not sure what filters to invest in, these are a few that we think all landscape photographers should consider:
Polarizer
ND
Graduated ND
4. Backpack
You likely already have some type of carrying case for your camera and equipment, but as you get more into landscape photography, we highly recommend making an investment in a high-quality backpack. This is especially necessary if you’re a landscape photographer that gets out into the wild often. The last thing you want is to be hiking to a new location while fiddling with a backpack that is uncomfortable, unreliable, and unable to support all your necessary camera equipment. When looking for a backpack for landscape photography, keep these things in mind:
There needs to be room for all your camera equipment (including your tripod)
Should have accessible pockets that make locating your lenses, camera, and various equipment easy
Comfortable enough that you can wear it for long periods of time
Don’t limit yourself to a backpack specifically designed for photography. You can often find reliable, roomy backpacks at general sporting goods stores
5. Appropriate Clothing
You probably didn’t expect to find clothing on a list of gear for photographers, but when it comes to landscape photography, appropriate clothing is worth mentioning. In particular, this is most relevant to those photographers who do a lot of hiking, traveling, and/or camping when shooting landscapes. While the pieces you require will be very dependent on the weather you’re currently experiencing, in general, having these pieces of clothing could save you from a very uncomfortable shooting experience:
Quality hiking boots (waterproof is best)
Wool socks
Moisture-wicking base layers
An insulated jacket (again, waterproof is best)
Hand warmers (as a photographer, keeping your hands warm is essential)
6. Studio Equipment
While studio equipment won’t help you when you’re out shooting your landscapes, it’s still a large piece of the puzzle that you need to invest in if you want to produce quality landscape photos. While some of these things might not be necessary when you’re just beginning your career as a landscape photographer, as you evolve, you’ll likely find they help. Some “studio” equipment we recommend include:
Editing software (i.e. Adobe Lightroom)
A high-speed computer that can run programs like Lightroom
A quality computer monitor to display your images
Calibration equipment for accurate colors
7. Backup Equipment
Again, having backup equipment won’t be relevant to the beginner, but having backup equipment could save you if you’re out shooting a landscape and your equipment fails you. While you won’t want to go too overboard here since you need to be able to easily carry all your equipment, these are some of the backup pieces we recommend having with you:
A second camera (small, lightweight)
Extra battery and memory cards
USB battery charger and external battery pack
Multiple lenses (most important for landscape photography include a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and a standard lens that ranges from 27-77mm)
8. A Smartphone
While this might sound like the most obvious piece of equipment that probably almost all photographers have just for their everyday life, a smartphone is worth mentioning. Your smartphone can help with your photography, your navigattion, and can even keep you safe if you’re doing any remote hiking/camping. Some of the apps you’ll want to have on your smartphone include:
An app that will tell you the sun’s position at different times of day
A reliable weather app
A GPS navigation app
Hiking apps that show you appropriate trails
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