Are you ready to elevate your landscape photography game? Sony offers an impressive range of zoom lenses that allow you to capture the majesty of the great outdoors with unparalleled precision and detail. Whether you're an amateur photographer eager to enhance your skills or a professional looking to expand your lens collection, these top Sony zoom lenses provide the versatility and quality you need for stunning landscape shots.
1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a top choice for landscape photographers seeking flexibility and superb image quality. With its versatile focal range, this lens is ideal for capturing everything from expansive vistas to detailed close-ups. It offers a fast aperture and exceptional sharpness, consistent with Sony's G Master standards, delivering stunning resolution and beautiful bokeh, making it indispensable for serious landscape photographers.
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
Colorado-based landscape and nightscape photographer Brandt Ryder (@brandtryderphotography) thought he could get away without a 24-70mm in his landscape kit—that is, until he met the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. "I always told myself I could live without one of the holy trinity lenses – the 24-70mm focal length," he explains. "I resisted for years until Sony released the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. When I heard it was smaller, lighter and sharper than its predecessor I caved and bought it. I love having this versatility in my kit as it has made me see scenes and compositions in a totally new way. The 24-70mm really shines with compression shots. I mean what could be better than getting amazing wildflowers and compressed mountain peaks? Nothing!" Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Complete G Master Kit For Landscapes & Astroscapes.
Photo by Brandt Ryder. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/125-sec., f/13, ISO 800
2. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II
For capturing distant landscapes or compressing perspectives for dramatic effect, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is an outstanding option. This lens offers impressive sharpness and vibrant color reproduction, suitable for both full-frame and APS-C format cameras. With Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, you'll achieve crisp images even in challenging conditions, allowing you to focus on distant details with extraordinary clarity.
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II
Renowned photographer and Sony Artisan Chris Burkard, who includes nearly all of these lenses in his landscape photography kit, calls the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II the third piece of the puzzle that will always complete his bag. "From surf photography to landscapes, the 70-200mm is one of the best ways to capture and compress many layers to showcase depth of field in a landscape," he says. "This lens is one of many ways for me to get creative and find textures in nature as seen in the image here. This lens has been a staple for me for many years and I doubt it will ever leave my kit." Read more in What’s In My Bag: Chris Burkard’s Hybrid Kit For Travel, Adventure & More.
Photo by Chris Burkard. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/1600-sec., f/4, ISO 200
3. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II
When it comes to wide-angle shots, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II excels at capturing broad landscapes with depth and precision. Its wide focal length range is perfect for dramatic skies and expansive scenery, providing photographers with creative opportunities to play with perspective. The lens’ fast f/2.8 aperture is ideal for low-light conditions, ensuring your photos are beautifully illuminated at any time of the day.
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II
Hawaii-based landscape, travel and lifestyle photographer Vince Lim (@vincelimphoto) considers the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II perfection for capturing stunning landscapes. "This lens is the perfect choice for landscape photography, offering unparalleled sharpness and clarity across its entire focal range," he explains. "At 16mm, you can really get creative at different angles that help you capture the full majesty of the landscapes you are shooting. I use the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II from the mountains to the coastlines, and even for underwater photography. The G Master II version really stands out with its superior optics, lightweight design, and build quality. This is one lens that would never leave my bag." Read more in What’s In My Bag: An Alpha 7R V & G Master Kit For Landscape, Travel & Lifestyle Photography.
Photo by Vincent Lim. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/50-sec., f/16, ISO 200
4. Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is unparalleled when it comes to ultra-wide-angle photography, allowing you to capture vast landscapes with breathtaking detail and clarity. This lens is perfect for dramatic perspectives and large-scale compositions, making it an excellent choice for capturing stunning vistas and architectural marvels. Its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in varied lighting conditions, making it invaluable for landscape photographers who push creative boundaries.
Nature, wildlife and landscape photographer Matt Kloskowski reaches for the Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master when he has an impactful landscape foreground. He says, "I use this lens mostly for landscapes, but also sometimes cityscapes where I need to fit a lot in the photo. I’ll only pull this out if I have a really impactful foreground right in front of me and I want to make sure it’s a big part of the photo while still showing off the background too." Read more in What's In My Bag: A Nature Photographer's Kit That's All About The Need For Speed.
When I have a very impactful foreground area, I want to include as much of it as I can while still showing off everything else in the distance. Photo by Matt Kloskowski. Sony Alpha 7R III. Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master. 3.2-sec., f/16, ISO 250
5. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master
For those who want to capture landscapes from afar, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS II offers unparalleled reach without sacrificing quality. It excels at bringing distant subjects into focus, adding an intimate element to your landscape photography. Advanced optical design features, such as a double linear motor and Direct Drive SSM, ensure rapid and accurate autofocus, allowing you to capture distant details with ease.
Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master
Landscape and nature photographer Sapna Reddy (@sapnareddy) always includes the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master in her kit for capturing a landscape's details. She says, "This tele lens is my favorite as it helps to draw attention to details that may be otherwise overlooked. Abstract images that bring attention to tonality and geometry are especially favored with this lens." Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Full-Frame Kit For Uplifting Landscape & Nature Photography.
Photo by Sapna Reddy. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/7.1, ISO 100
Selecting the right zoom lens is crucial for capturing nature's beauty in all its forms. Whether you’re focusing on the intricate details of a far-off mountain peak or the sweeping grandeur of a coastline at sunrise, Sony’s lineup of zoom lenses offers the flexibility and functionality needed to capture it all. So grab your gear, explore the outdoors, and let Sony’s finest lenses help you create stunning landscape photography.