Best Pick

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS

90.7 Landscape Score
100-400mm f/5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 120g build paired with an extensive 200-800mm equivalent zoom range, making it exceptionally portable for its reach. The lens is fully weather-sealed, allowing photographers to shoot confidently in adverse conditions without worrying about moisture or dust. This lens is best for travel and wildlife photographers who need a lightweight, all-weather telephoto option for handheld shooting on the go.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

87.6 Landscape Score
17-28mm f/2.8 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom design provide a compact, 451g build that maintains consistent performance for Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras. The stepping motor AF system ensures quiet and smooth autofocus, which is ideal for video work. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and vloggers who need a reliable, wide-angle zoom in a portable package.

Read Full Review

Sony G E 16-55mm f/2.8

80.1 Landscape Score
16-55mm f/2.8 Sony E (APS-C) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced aspherical elements deliver outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness and suppress aberrations. The lens is further defined by its XD linear motor, which provides fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for both photos and video. This is an ideal primary zoom for Sony APS-C shooters who prioritize optical performance and a bright aperture for everyday photography and controlled-depth-of-field work.

Read Full Review

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S.

75.4 Landscape Score
100mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and Leica-grade optics deliver sharp images with beautiful bokeh, supported by effective image stabilization and weather sealing. The compact 360g build makes this telephoto zoom remarkably portable for its focal range. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers needing a reliable, all-weather 70-200mm equivalent for portraits and events.

Read Full Review

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

Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8 Ultra-Wide-Angle

74.9 Landscape Score
18mm f/1.8 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 18mm focal length and f/1.8 maximum aperture provide a bright, expansive field of view for full-frame L-mount cameras. The optical design, featuring multiple ED and aspherical elements, is engineered to control distortion and chromatic aberration effectively. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a sharp, wide-angle prime in various lighting conditions.

Read Full Review

Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS

74.8 Landscape Score
16-300mm f/3.5 L-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its 16-300mm zoom range offers exceptional versatility in a single lens, making it ideal for travel photography where swapping optics is inconvenient. The built-in Optical Stabilization and advanced autofocus system help ensure sharp images of diverse subjects, from landscapes to portraits. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers seeking a single, all-in-one travel solution, despite its weaker performance in macro scenarios.

Read Full Review

Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF

73.9 Landscape Score
35-150mm f/2 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally fast f/2.0-2.8 aperture across its 35-150mm zoom range, paired with robust weather sealing across 11 points for reliability in tough conditions. The lens offers extensive customization with programmable buttons and switches, making it highly adaptable for different shooting scenarios. This lens is best for hybrid creators and event photographers who need a single, versatile lens for both photo and video work in variable environments.

Read Full Review

Panasonic LUMIX G Vario H-F007014 G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.

71.3 Landscape Score
7-14mm f/007014 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

This ultra-wide zoom lens offers a constant f/4.0 aperture and built-in image stabilization, making it a sharp and versatile tool for Micro Four Thirds shooters. Its compact 301g design and 7-14mm focal range provide exceptional portability for expansive landscapes. It is best for travel and architectural photographers who need a lightweight, wide-angle solution without switching lenses.

Read Full Review

Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2.0 Series

59.1 Landscape Score
40mm f/2 Sony E (Full Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its robust metal construction and integrated OLED display for focus distance are unique features that set it apart from typical prime lenses. The lens delivers excellent resolution and high contrast with a smooth, reliable autofocus system, making it a versatile full-frame option. This lens is best for videographers and portrait photographers who value precise manual focus aids and durable build quality in a compact 40mm focal length.

Read Full Review

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF

56.2 Landscape Score
150mm f/2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2-2.8 variable aperture provides a bright, fast lens across its versatile 35-150mm zoom range for full-frame Sony cameras. The lens includes three customizable mode switches for quickly adjusting focus and stabilization settings on the fly. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a single, high-performance zoom to cover wide to telephoto shots without changing lenses.

Read Full Review

Laowa Probe 24mm f/14

50.9 Landscape Score
24mm f/14 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally long, narrow barrel and 2:1 maximum magnification allow for unique macro perspectives that are impossible with standard lenses. The fixed f/14 aperture provides immense depth of field, keeping intricate subjects sharp from the probe tip to infinity. This specialized lens is best for macro photographers and videographers who need to explore tight spaces, like inside machinery or natural crevices, for detailed close-up shots.

Read Full Review