Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

79.4 Landscape Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-light performance with minimal aberrations. The relatively lightweight 355g build and Nano Crystal Coatings enhance handling and reduce flare for a versatile prime. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a wide, fast prime for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras.

Read Full Review
Price CA$999
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED lens

Great Alternatives

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

Tamron SP SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

67.4 Landscape Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in Vibration Compensation (VC), this lens excels in low-light photography and handheld shooting. Its robust G2 build quality and versatile 24-70mm zoom range make it a reliable workhorse for everyday professional use. This lens is best for event photographers and videographers who need a sharp, all-purpose zoom in challenging lighting conditions.

Read Full Review
Tamron SP SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens
Price CA$1,220

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom

65.9 Landscape Score
17-50mm f/2.8 Nikon F (DX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and optical stabilization provide excellent low-light performance for a standard zoom lens. The inclusion of FLD glass elements ensures high sharpness and color correction comparable to fluorite. This lens is best for professional photographers and videographers working with Nikon DX cameras who need a versatile, fast zoom for events or controlled shoots.

Read Full Review

Laowa Zero-D 12mm f/2.8

59.8 Landscape Score
12mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 12mm f/2.8 prime lens stands out with its ultra-wide field of view and a bright maximum aperture, supported by three extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements for sharp, low-distortion images. Its robust, all-metal build quality is a notable highlight that ensures durability for demanding use. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who require extreme wide-angle perspectives with minimal optical distortion.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM

58.5 Landscape Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and robust HSM autofocus system deliver exceptional low-light performance and sharpness for a wide-angle prime. The lens's 15-element optical design effectively controls distortion and chromatic aberration, making it highly reliable for critical work. This lens is best for portrait and documentary photographers who require a fast, wide-angle optic with consistent rendering and precise focus.

Read Full Review

Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC

55.1 Landscape Score
24mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its +/- 8.5º tilt and shift capabilities provide extensive perspective and focus control for architectural and product photography. The 24mm focal length and full-frame coverage offer a versatile wide-angle perspective for creative compositions. This lens is best for photographers specializing in architectural, real estate, or tabletop product photography requiring precise perspective correction.

Read Full Review
Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC lens
Price CA$781

Tamron Di II Auto Focus 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP LD Aspherical

53.4 Landscape Score
10-24mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 10-24mm focal range provides an ultra-wide 15-36mm equivalent on APS-C cameras, paired with built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens accepts standard 77mm filters and uses a micromotor autofocus system, though it lacks full-time manual override. This lens is best for APS-C Nikon and Canon photographers needing a stabilized, wide-angle zoom for landscapes or interior photography on a budget.

Read Full Review

Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift

52.8 Landscape Score
24mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its 24mm focal length and +/- 8.5º tilt mechanism offer precise perspective control and selective focus for architectural photography. The 82mm filter thread and full-frame coverage make it a versatile tool for landscape and interior work. This lens is best for architectural photographers needing to correct converging lines and for product photographers creating miniature effect shots.

Read Full Review
Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens
Price CA$891

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 F

50.7 Landscape Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 85mm focal length provide excellent subject isolation and low-light performance for portraits. The lens offers a compelling combination of a bright aperture and relatively lightweight build at 481g, making it a more portable option than many competitors. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic focal length with a very shallow depth of field on a budget.

Read Full Review
Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 F lens
Price CA$734

Zeiss Planar Classic ZF.2 T* 50mm f/1.4 Standard Camera

46.5 Landscape Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and ZEISS T* coating deliver superior contrast and low-light performance with minimal flare. The precise manual focus ring and nine-blade aperture create exceptionally smooth, harmonious bokeh. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers who prioritize manual control and rendering quality over autofocus speed.

Read Full Review

Voigtländer Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II S AI-S

44.4 Landscape Score
58mm f/1.4 Nikon FX IS
Why we recommend this

Its manual-focus f/1.4 aperture and CPU-integrated Ai-S mount deliver outstanding performance and beautiful bokeh for both modern DSLRs and classic film SLRs. The lens offers a nostalgic barrel design reminiscent of vintage Nikkor optics while providing chipped metering compatibility. This lens is best for portrait photographers and Nikon enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, character-rich normal prime for both digital and film systems.

Read Full Review

Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5

42.2 Landscape Score
28mm f/2.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its unique soft-focus glow at wide apertures, paired with a versatile 1:2 macro magnification, makes it a creative tool rather than a standard prime. The 12-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh, enhancing its portrait capabilities despite lacking autofocus or stabilization. This lens is best for photographers seeking an artistic, dreamy look in their close-up and portrait work, where manual control and optical character are prioritized over technical perfection.

Read Full Review

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro

41.8 Landscape Score
50mm f/2 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:2 magnification ratio and Planar optical design deliver exceptional sharpness for a macro lens, while the ZEISS T* coating minimizes flare. The robust all-metal construction and smooth manual focus ring provide a premium tactile experience for precise control. This lens is best for portrait photographers who also need close-focusing capability for detailed product shots.

Read Full Review

AstrHori 28mm f/13 Macro Probe

38.3 Landscape Score
28mm f/13 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its unique probe design and 480mm minimum focus distance allow for extreme close-up work with a 2:1 magnification ratio, ideal for detailed macro subjects. The lens offers a very deep depth of field with its f/13 to f/40 aperture range, beneficial for maintaining sharpness throughout intricate scenes. This specialized tool is best for macro photographers and videographers needing to capture minute details in tight spaces, like insect behavior or product textures.

Read Full Review

Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro

36.8 Landscape Score
100mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and 300mm minimum focus distance deliver true macro capabilities for detailed close-up work. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides useful subject isolation for portrait photography as well. This lens is best for Nikon F-mount photographers specializing in macro subjects like insects or product details, who also want a versatile 100mm prime for portraits.

Read Full Review