Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM
£1,269/$1,299 An ultra-wide bargain
There’s a tough choice between recent Sigma Art-line wide-angle zooms for Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLRs. It boils down to the 12-24mm f/4 and this 14-24mm f/2.8. Both are about the same size and weight but, while the 14-24mm naturally isn’t quite as generous in its maximum viewing angle, the faster aperture rating is a bonus. Well-made and optically excellent, this lens is a real bargain. Quality glass includes three top-spec Fluorite Low Dispersion elements and a further three Special Low Dispersion elements.
There are certain advantages to APS-C format cameras for landscape photography. The crop factor means you’ll be shooting with shorter ‘actual’ rather than ‘effective’ focal lengths, making it easier to get a large depth of field for keeping near and far areas simultaneously sharp. The lenses themselves also tend to be significantly smaller and lighter.
For Canon DSLRs, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a smart budget buy. It features a stepping motor-based autofocus system, offering similar quick and quiet performance as in the competing Nikkor AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR, but with the same lack of a focus distance scale. Both lenses also feature optical image stabilisation.
For landscape photography with Canon or Nikon DSLRs, though, there’s no beating the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD. With image stabilisation and weather seals plus a fluorine coating on the front element, it delivers excellent image quality in all respects.
While the crop factor of Micro Four Thirds format cameras boosts the telephoto abilities of MFT lenses, it makes the design of ultra-wide optics more difficult. Our best buy is the excellent Olympus ED 7‑14mm f/2.8 PRO.
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM £249/$300
Image quality is pretty much as good as from Canon’s pricier EF-S 10-22mm lens, and it adds image stablisation. It’s a greatvalue own-brand option.
Nikkor AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR £264/$307
This budget-friendly DX-format zoom packs good performance and useful Vibration Reduction into a small, light package. It’s great value at the price.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7‑14mm f/2.8 PRO £1,059/$1,399 Delivers an astonishing 114-degree viewing angle, similar to using a 14mm lens on a full-frame camera. Contrast and sharpness are outstanding.