5 Affordable Lenses That Are Perfect for Spring Landscape Photography
Landscape photographers can get big performance from lenses with smaller price tags.
Spring is upon us, and that means flowers will soon be blooming. The landscapes around us are about to change drastically. It’s this reason that many decide to pick up a camera. When it comes to landscape photography, you don’t need a super expensive, ultra-fast lens. You can actually pick up more affordable options with slower apertures. Landscape photography is about slowing down. When I say this I mean slowing yourself down so you can enjoy the views and slowing down your aperture. You need smaller apertures to get more in focus during landscape photography. The lenses we’ve rounded up after the break are perfect for those new to the genre. You’re going to get sharp lenses that produce gorgeous colors. Best of all, they won’t make your wallet cry. See our picks for the best affordable landscape photography lenses after the break.
Canon RF 24-105mm f4-7.1 IS STM
In our review, we said:
“Overall, you’ll be delighted with the images from the Canon RF 24-105mm. Colors are beautiful and natural, images are very sharp, you can create some beautiful bokeh, and there’s not a hint of fringing or chromatic aberration.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $399
Olympus 12-45mm f4 PRO
In our review, we said:
“I really like the Olympus 12-45mm f4 PRO as an enthusiast’s lens. And that’s who it’s being targeted to. This is a fantastic walkaround lens that you’ll enjoy mounting on your camera. It’s as small as a prime, and it’s versatile. You never need to stop it down, really.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $549
Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6
In our review, we said:
“Lucky for you, the Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 is weather sealed. So when you buy the lens as a kit with the camera, you’ll get maximum build quality. That’s very refreshing. It’s nice to know you can take it out anywhere. In fact, we’ve taken this lens out into the rain, and it’s survived. But besides the weather sealing, the lens is nice and compact.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $597.99
Pro Tip: There’s a lot more to landscape photography than just pointing your camera at a pretty scene. You need to take both lighting and your overall composition (including foreground elements) into consideration. You also need a sturdy tripod and possibly some filters. There’s a lot to learn. Fortunately, you can learn all about it with this great tutorial from Scott Kelby. Read up on techniques and then go and practice. Your landscape photography skills will increase dramatically.
Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 Di III RXD
In our review, we said:
” We’re very happy to say that when it comes to colors, the Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 Di III RXD really excels. Most types of photographers will appreciate the colors, but those who don’t like Sony’s super-saturated look will perhaps be happiest. Instead, Tamron mutes it just a little bit.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $799
Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary
In our review, we said:
“The Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary’s absolute strongest point is the image quality. Photographers who use APS-C cameras will really fall for the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Not only is it one of the sharpest lenses we’ve seen for APS-C cameras, but it also has really nice bokeh, great colors, and keeps fringing to a minimum.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now EF-M: $399
Buy now M4/3: $399
Get for Sony E: $374.99