What are the absolute best landscape lenses for Sony full-frame? I'm panicking because my trip to Iceland is in like three weeks and I'm still stuck. I've been looking at the 16-35mm GM II but then I see folks saying the 12-24mm is better for those huge scale shots. My problem is I use ND filters a lot for waterfalls and I heard the 12-24 is a nightmare to fit filters on because of the glass shape. Budget is right around $2000 and I really only have room for one heavy lens in my pack. Should I just stick with the 16-35 or am I gonna regret not going wider for the glaciers?
Quick reply while I have a sec. I spent a month in the Lofoten Islands recently and honestly, 16mm was plenty wide for about 95% of my shots. The technical problem with those 12-24mm lenses is that bulbous front element. You end up needing a massive 150mm bracket system which is heavy and expensive. Since you use NDs for waterfalls, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is the logical choice because it takes standard 82mm filters or a compact NiSi V7 100mm Filter System.
- 12mm creates massive foregrounds that can feel empty
- The GM II weighs only 547g, way easier for hiking glaciers
- Standard filters save you around $400 compared to specialized kits I basically lived at 16-20mm for my big landscapes. You wont regret staying at 16mm when the wind starts blowing 40mph near those glaciers... plus it fits better in a light pack.
- Use the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II. Unfortunately, the 12-24mm bulbous glass makes filters a total nightmare. Its not as good as expected for long exposure waterfall shots.
Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in because I've done the Iceland trek twice now. Honestly, spending your full $2000 budget on one lens right before a trip to one of the most expensive countries on earth might not be the best move. You're gonna want that extra cash for the insane fuel prices and glacier tours. In my experience, some of the third-party glass is so good now you're mostly paying for the badge with the GM series. I've tried many setups over the years and found these much more cost-effective:
- The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is way lighter than the GM, takes standard 72mm filters, and costs less than half. Sharpness is basically indistinguishable for landscape work.
- Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is another workhorse. I've used it in heavy rain and it never skipped a beat.
- If you're worried about glaciers, maybe consider a used Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G. It's a legend for a reason and handles NDs perfectly. Quick question tho... which body are you actually shooting on? If you're on a high-res sensor like the A7R series, you have way more flexibility with cropping, which might change how wide you actually need to go.
Bookmarked, thanks!
Choosing the perfect landscape lens for your Sony full-frame camera is a fantastic pursuit, as the system offers some of the very best options available. To help you navigate the choices, I've selected three outstanding lenses that cater to different needs and budgets.
- Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II If your budget allows and you want one lens that can do it all—from sweeping landscapes to environmental portraits and even astrophotography—the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is the definitive choice. Its constant F2.8 aperture is invaluable for low-light work and gives you incredible control over depth of field.
- Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G If your passion is capturing vast, dramatic vistas, seascapes, or architecture, the Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G is your lens. The ability to go to 12mm opens up a world of creative possibilities that a 16mm start point simply can't match, all while maintaining excellent portability.
- Sony 16mm F1.8 G If astrophotography is a priority, the Sony 16mm F1.8 G s arguably the best tool for the job. Its F1.8 aperture gathers a tremendous amount of light, allowing for sharper stars at lower ISOs. Its featherlight weight also makes it a dream for long hiking trips where every gram counts.
