11 Best Lenses for Nature Photography in 2024

Choosing the right lenses for nature photography can greatly improve your shots, capturing the beauty of the outdoors with clarity and detail. Whether you’re shooting wide landscapes or close-up details of flora and fauna, having the right lens in your bag is crucial.

Our top pick, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, stands out for its wide aperture and sharpness, making it very useful for low light conditions. Alongside this top choice, we also present 10 other lenses, offering a variety of options to suit different photography needs.

What Is the Best Lens for Nature Photography?

Selecting the best lens for nature photography involves considering factors like low-light performance, sharpness, and versatility. Our list includes top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma, Panasonic, and Pentax, focusing on prime and zoom lenses that excel in capturing the intricate details and vast landscapes of the natural world. These lenses were chosen for their ability to produce clear, detailed images in a variety of settings, from dense forests at dawn to mountain peaks at sunset.

Our Favorite Lenses for Nature Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for nature photography. From wide apertures for low light to macro capabilities for detailed shots, there’s a lens here for every scenario. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your photography bag.

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is an exceptionally fast prime lens. Its f/1.4 aperture allows for shooting in low light, making it good for capturing the beauty of nature during dawn or dusk. The lens also offers edge-to-edge sharpness, ensuring that every detail of the natural world is captured with clarity. It’s a great all-around lens and will capture all kinds of nature photography with ease.

It’s pretty heavy for a wide-angle lens at 1.7 lbs (760 g) but shouldn’t be too much to carry, even if shooting all day. It’s weighty because its build quality is robust, featuring weather sealing that protects it in various outdoor conditions like rain or dust. This makes it a reliable option for photographers who often find themselves in challenging environments.

Canon’s L-Series lenses are rightly respected for their image quality, and the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM’s optical performance, including its ability to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, makes it a very useful lens for capturing the beauty of nature. Its closest focusing distance of 28cm also allows for detailed shots of smaller subjects, adding to its appeal for nature photography.

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a macro lens that is light and easy to carry, and brings the wonder of macro shooting to the mirrorless Canon user. It weighs 10.8 ounces (305 g), which is light enough for long treks. This lens also offers a close focusing distance of 6.7 inches (17 cm), allowing photographers to capture detailed shots of small nature subjects like plants and insects. However, it’s not the best for distant wildlife due to its fixed 35mm focal length.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens performs well in low light, helping to keep ISO levels low for clearer, less noisy images. The image stabilization claims to offer up to five stops of shake reduction, which is helpful for handheld shots in dim conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. This feature is particularly useful in nature photography, where tripods might not always be practical.

Despite lacking weather sealing, its solid build quality means it can handle most situations with care. The lens’s optical performance is impressive, with good sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to its aspherical element. For photographers using Canon’s EOS R series cameras, this lens is a very useful addition to their bag, offering a mix of macro capability, image stabilization, and excellent image quality in a compact form. Used with a camera like the EOS RP, you can use Canon’s software to focus stack images to achieve some stunning macro shots.

The Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 stands out for its macro capabilities, offering a 1:1 magnification ratio that’s perfect for capturing the intricate details of nature. This prime lens is lightweight at 9.2 ounces (260 g), making it easy to carry on long hikes or nature walks. Its minimum focusing distance of 6.3 inches (16 cm) allows photographers to get up close to their subjects, from tiny insects to delicate flowers, capturing them in stunning detail. Although with any 50mm lens, you’ll have to be aware of not getting in your own light.

Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, when paired with Nikon Z series cameras that feature in-body stabilization, it becomes a powerful tool for handheld macro photography. This is especially useful in low light conditions where slower shutter speeds are necessary. The lens’s sharpness is impressive across the aperture range, with minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to its optical design that includes an extra-low dispersion element.

This lens is a good option for those venturing into macro photography or seeking a versatile prime lens for their Nikon Z camera. Its compact size, combined with its macro functionality and excellent image quality, makes it a very useful addition to a nature photographer’s bag.

The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G is a prime lens known for its wide aperture and sharpness, making it a solid choice for nature photography. Its f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, crucial for capturing the early morning or late evening scenes in nature. The lens’s ability to produce images with a shallow depth of field helps isolate subjects, such as wildlife, from their backgrounds, creating compelling compositions.

Weighing around 1.3 lb (600 g), this lens is relatively light, fitting well into a nature photographer’s bag without adding much burden during hikes. Its weather-sealing feature is particularly useful, offering protection against dust and moisture, which are common in outdoor environments. 

Optically, the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G delivers crisp, clear images across the frame, with minimal distortion. Its closest focusing distance of about 1 ft (30 cm) is adequate for detailed shots of flora, although not suited for true macro photography. This lens is a very useful tool for those looking to capture the beauty of nature with a fast, high-quality prime lens.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is a prime lens that is great for nature photography thanks to its wide aperture and compact design. Weighing just 10 ounces (280 g), it’s light and compact. Its f/1.8 aperture is ideal for capturing landscapes in low light, allowing for detailed shots with a shallow depth of field to highlight subjects like wildlife or plants against their natural backgrounds.

This lens also offers a close focusing distance of 8.7 inches (22cm), making it versatile for shooting smaller details in nature, such as flowers or insects, without the need for a dedicated macro lens. There’s no built-in image stabilization, but will work smoothly with the in-body IS of relevant Sony camera bodies. There’s no denying that its sharpness and minimal distortion make it a very useful tool for capturing the beauty of the natural world.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a prime lens that excels in capturing the fine details of nature, thanks to its sharp optics and wide aperture. Weighing around 1.8 lbs (820 g), it’s a bit heavy but manageable for short hikes or stationary wildlife photography. Its f/1.4 aperture not only allows for shooting in low light but also creates a beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for isolating subjects like birds or small animals against a soft, uncluttered background.

Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, when used with Sony’s newer camera bodies that feature in-body stabilization, it becomes a powerful tool for handheld shooting in nature. The lens’s weather sealing adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, ensuring reliability in various outdoor conditions. With its exceptional image quality and build, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is very useful for nature photographers looking for a lens that combines performance with artistic potential. And when your subject is the human animal, you’ll find it to be a wonderful portrait lens! 

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is a prime lens celebrated for its optical performance and compact design, making it a favorite among nature photographers. Weighing just 6.6 ounces (187 g), it’s light enough to carry on any adventure. Its wide f/1.4 aperture not only excels in low-light conditions but also allows for a shallow depth of field, beautifully isolating subjects like wildlife or flowers from their surroundings.

Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, the lens’s superior sharpness and minimal distortion make it a powerful tool for capturing the vastness and intricacies of the natural world. The autofocus, while not the fastest, is precise in well-lit conditions, so you shouldn’t miss any of the action. The lack of weather sealing might be a concern for some, but its solid metal construction provides a reassuring level of durability. Overall, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is very useful for photographers who prioritize image quality and portability in their nature photography endeavors.

The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R is a prime lens celebrated for its exceptional optical quality and wide aperture, making it a favorite among nature photographers who focus on wildlife and detailed landscape elements. Weighing around 14.3oz (405g), it’s relatively lightweight, allowing for easy transport during outdoor excursions. Its f/1.2 aperture not only excels in capturing scenes in low light but also provides a shallow depth of field, perfect for isolating subjects from their environments with a pleasing bokeh effect.

Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, the lens’s superior sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration ensure crisp, clear images of nature’s intricate details. The autofocus, while not the fastest, is precise, capturing fleeting moments in wildlife photography with accuracy. The lack of weather sealing might be a concern for some, but its solid build and exceptional image quality make the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R a very useful tool for capturing the beauty of the natural world.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A is a versatile zoom lens that stands out for its constant wide aperture and robust build, making it a solid choice for nature photographers. Its range from wide-angle to short telephoto is perfect for capturing everything from vast landscapes to detailed close-ups of flora and fauna. Weighing 2.24 lbs (1.0 kg), it’s not the lightest, but manageable for short hikes or stationary shooting setups. The lens’s optical stabilization is a real benefit for handheld shooting in low light, helping to keep images sharp without a tripod.

Optically, the lens impresses with sharpness across the zoom range, particularly when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. Its fast f/2.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur, isolating subjects effectively. While it lacks the lightness of prime lenses, its versatility and image quality make the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 a very useful tool for capturing the natural world’s diversity. The inclusion of weather sealing adds confidence for photographers shooting in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

The Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. lens is a versatile tool for nature photographers, offering a broad focal range that covers everything from wide landscapes to close-up details. Its built-in Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) is particularly helpful for handheld shooting in low light, reducing camera shake and ensuring sharp images. Weighing 1.5 lbs (680 g), it’s relatively lightweight for its range, making it manageable for hikes and extended outdoor sessions.

This lens stands out for its almost-macro capability, allowing photographers to explore the smaller wonders of nature with a 0.5x magnification ratio. Despite its constant f/4 aperture not being the widest, it strikes a good balance between light intake and maintaining a compact size. The weather sealing adds an extra layer of confidence for shooting in diverse conditions, from dusty trails to misty mornings. Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. is a very useful lens for capturing the vastness and intricacies of the natural world, making it a solid choice for nature photographers seeking versatility and reliability. And you’ll appreciate its qualities in a host of other shooting situations. My 24-105mm lens hardly ever leaves my camera body.

The HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW is a fast prime lens that shines in the realm of nature photography, offering a blend of high optical quality and robust construction. Its fixed 50mm focal length, equivalent to a “normal” view on full frame cameras, is versatile enough for capturing a wide range of subjects, from detailed portraits of wildlife to the subtle textures of plants. The lens’s f/1.4 aperture excels in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to isolate their subjects with a shallow depth of field and create images with a compelling bokeh effect.

Weighing in at 2 lbs (910 g), this lens is built to endure the rigors of outdoor photography, featuring extensive weather sealing that protects against the elements. Despite its heft, the lens’s superior sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration make it a valuable tool for nature photographers seeking to capture the world with clarity and precision. The autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring that fleeting moments in the natural world are not missed. Overall, the HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW is a very useful lens for those dedicated to exploring and documenting the beauty of nature.

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Nature Photography

We think you should find what you need in this review if you’re looking for the best lenses for nature photography. We have covered a range of lenses suitable for various aspects of nature photography, from wide landscapes to detailed macro shots. So you should be able to find the right tool for your needs.

Our top choice, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, stands out for its exceptional sharpness and low-light performance. It is a very useful lens for capturing the beauty of nature. But there are 10 other lenses to choose from, catering to different lens mounts, photography styles, and shooting requirements.