If you’re a budding landscape photographer, you’ve probably noticed that gear can get expensive rather quickly. You don’t need to splurge on the priciest lenses, though, to capture breath-taking vistas. With some smart choices, you can find affordable lenses that will serve you brilliantly, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your kit.

In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best affordable lenses for landscape photography, focusing on those that offer excellent image quality without costing a fortune. We’ll dive into the key features, benefits, and real-world performance of each lens so that you can make an informed decision and head out into nature with confidence.

What to Look for in a Landscape Photography Lens?

Before we dive into the specific lenses, it’s worth briefly touching on what makes a lens ideal for landscape photography. You want a lens that can capture wide, sweeping scenes with sharpness from edge to edge, decent aperture range, and ideally one that handles different lighting conditions well.

Here’s a rundown of the key factors to keep in mind:

Focal Length: Typically, wide-angle lenses are the go-to for landscape photography because they allow you to capture a broader view. Anything from 10mm to 35mm can work, depending on your style.

Sharpness: Sharpness is crucial in landscape photography as you’ll often be capturing intricate details. Look for lenses known for good resolution and minimal distortion.

Aperture: A lens with a decent maximum aperture (such as f/2.8 or f/4) is helpful in low light or for creating depth in your images. While landscapes typically call for narrow apertures (like f/8 or f/11), having the option of a wider aperture gives you versatility.

Build Quality: If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently, you’ll want a lens that can withstand the elements. Look for lenses with weather sealing or sturdy construction.

Now, let’s explore some fantastic options!

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

If you’re a Canon APS-C user, this is one of the most affordable wide-angle lenses available, and it’s ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. The 10-18mm focal range allows for impressive versatility, making it possible to photograph both vast mountain ranges and intimate details.

WHY IT’S GREAT FOR LANDSCAPES:

Wide-angle flexibility: The 10mm end allows you to capture wide scenes effortlessly, perfect for expansive landscapes like coastal views or mountain ranges.

Image stabilisation: A real bonus for handheld shooting, particularly in low-light conditions when you may not have a tripod handy.

Lightweight and compact: At just 240g, it’s easy to carry around during long hikes or travels.

The only downside? The maximum aperture isn’t great for low light, but given the price and quality, it’s a trade-off many are happy to make.

We love the sharpness of this lens, particularly for its price range. It handles colours well and produces minimal distortion at the wide end. While it may not be the best for astrophotography, its performance during the day or in well-lit environments is impressive.

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

Nikon fans looking for an affordable wide-angle lens will love this option. The 10-20mm focal length makes it perfect for landscape shots, allowing you to capture sweeping vistas without distortion.

WHY IT’S GREAT FOR LANDSCAPES:

Vibration reduction (VR): This feature helps to reduce blur from camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld or in less-than-ideal conditions.

Ultra-wide perspective: The 10mm focal length is perfect for capturing the grandeur of landscapes, giving you that immersive feel.

Compact design: Another travel-friendly lens, it weighs just 230g, so you won’t feel burdened on your adventures.

While the aperture range isn’t the best for low light (f/4.5 at the wide end), it’s still a stellar performer in daylight, and its price makes it accessible for most budgets.

We love the Nikon AF-P 10-20mm for its sharpness and lack of chromatic aberration. It delivers crisp, vibrant images, especially in good light. It's considered one of the best lenses for beginners or those on a budget who still want fantastic results.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

If you’re looking for a versatile lens that covers both landscapes and general-purpose photography, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is a strong contender. While it isn’t an ultra-wide lens, the 17mm end is still wide enough for most landscape compositions, and the constant f/2.8 aperture makes it excellent for low-light situations.

WHY IT’S GREAT FOR LANDSCAPES:

Constant f/2.8 aperture: This lens lets in a lot of light, making it a great option for early mornings or late afternoons when the light is lower.

Image stabilisation: Helps to compensate for any minor shakes, making it easier to shoot handheld.

Excellent build quality: The lens feels solid and well-constructed, with smooth zoom and focus rings.

Though it’s a bit heavier than other lenses on this list, the extra versatility makes it a worthy investment if you need a "do it all" lens for landscape and other types of photography.

This Sigma lens is highly regarded for its sharpness and fast focusing. Many photographers appreciate its versatility, and despite being slightly more expensive than the ultra-wide lenses, its performance justifies the price. It’s perfect if you want a lens that can cover a variety of photographic needs without sacrificing landscape quality.

Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

Tamron’s 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 is an excellent option for those looking for something with a bit more reach. Covering both wide-angle and some telephoto range, it gives you flexibility when composing your shots. The lens is packed with features typically seen on more expensive glass, including weather sealing and vibration compensation.

WHY IT’S GREAT FOR LANDSCAPES:

Wide-angle versatility: The 10-24mm focal length allows you to capture vast scenes, perfect for wide-angle landscapes, while the longer end is great for isolating certain elements.

Weather sealing: A key feature for outdoor photographers, ensuring that dust or moisture won’t ruin your gear in less-than-perfect conditions.

Vibration compensation (VC): Helps reduce camera shake, even in handheld shots.

This is a bit pricier compared to others on the list, but it’s packed with features and offers excellent image quality for landscape photographers who want durability and flexibility.

We could rave about the Tamron 10-24mm all day for its performance in diverse conditions. Its sharpness, particularly at the centre of the frame, is excellent. there is a very slight softening at the edges, but for the majority of landscape shots, it performs exceptionally well.

Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

Sony mirrorless users, particularly those on APS-C cameras, will appreciate the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS. This lens is perfect for capturing wide-open landscapes, whether you’re shooting in the golden hour or under the midday sun.

WHY IT’S GREAT FOR LANDSCAPES:

Constant f/4 aperture: While it’s not super wide, the constant aperture means you’ll get consistent performance across the focal range.

Optical Steady Shot (OSS): Sony’s in-built image stabilisation system helps to reduce blur caused by camera movement, particularly helpful when shooting without a tripod.

Compact and lightweight: Weighing just 225g, it’s easy to take on trips and long hikes.

The Sony 10-18mm is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable, wide-angle option without having to lug around heavy gear.

Many users (including us) have praised the Sony E 10-18mm for its consistent sharpness across the frame and its ease of use. The build quality is solid, and while it may seem a bit pricey compared to others, the results and portability make it a popular choice for landscape photographers.

Finding the best affordable lens for landscape photography doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Whether you’re a Canon, Nikon, Sony, or even a third-party lens user, there are options out there that will help you take stunning landscape images without draining your wallet.

When choosing the right lens, consider your camera system, how wide you want to go, and what kind of shooting conditions you’ll be in most often. Every lens on this list offers great value for its price and has been well-reviewed by photographers who’ve tested them in the field. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain at sunrise or strolling through a serene forest, the right lens will help you capture the beauty of the world around you.

So, what’s your next lens going to be?

Happy shooting!

This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue providing valuable content. we only recommend products and brands that we trust and believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for your support!