When it comes to landscape photography, the Nikon D800 camera is a powerful tool, and the choice of lenses plays a crucial role in capturing the stunning beauty of nature. The following is an exploration of the lens tests for landscape photography with the Nikon D800.

The Wide – Angle Wonders
Nikon AF – S 14 – 24mm f/2.8G ED
In our tests, this lens has proven to be an outstanding performer for landscape photography. Its ultra – wide angle allows photographers to include vast expanses of scenery within a single frame. The f/2.8 aperture not only provides excellent light – gathering ability in low – light conditions such as during sunrise or sunset over mountains but also enables a beautiful depth – of – field effect. When shooting a majestic mountain range with a foreground of wildflowers, the 14 – 24mm lens can render the entire scene with sharpness from the nearest flower to the distant peaks. The lens’s ability to control distortion is remarkable, ensuring that straight lines in architectural elements within the landscape, like a lighthouse against a coastal backdrop, remain straight.
Nikon AF – S 16 – 35mm f/4G VR II
This lens offers a more affordable option for those seeking wide – angle capabilities. The f/4 aperture, combined with the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature, makes it a great choice for handheld shooting. In field tests during windy conditions near waterfalls or in forest landscapes, the VR function helped in getting sharp images. The 16 – 35mm focal length range is versatile, allowing for creative compositions of both close – up foreground elements like rocks in a stream and the broader background of the forest or canyon walls.
The Standard Zoom Contenders
Nikon AF – S 24 – 70mm f/2.8E ED VR
For landscape photography, this standard zoom lens offers a useful range. The 24mm end is wide enough to capture a good portion of the landscape, while the 70mm end can be used for zooming in on details such as the texture of ancient tree bark or the unique patterns on a cliff face. The updated optical design of this lens provides excellent resolution and contrast. When photographing a desert landscape with sand dunes and a clear blue sky, the lens can reproduce the vivid colors and sharp details of the scene. The VR feature further enhances the usability during handheld shooting during hikes between different shooting locations.

Nikon AF – S 24 – 120mm f/4G ED VR
With its broader focal length range compared to the 24 – 70mm, the 24 – 120mm lens is a great all – in – one option for landscape photographers on the move. It can handle everything from wide – angle views of valleys to mid – range shots of rock formations. The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure settings across the zoom range. In tests during different times of the day, from the soft light of dawn to the harsh mid – day sun, the lens maintained good image quality, making it a reliable choice for various landscape scenarios.
The Telephoto Triumphs
Nikon AF – S 70 – 200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
This telephoto lens may not be the first thought for landscape photography, but it has its unique applications. When shooting distant mountain peaks covered in snow or isolating a particular section of a vast ocean vista, the 70 – 200mm comes in handy. The f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth – of – field effect, which can be used to make a specific element in the landscape stand out against a blurred background. In tests during wildlife – rich landscapes, it also proved useful for capturing animals in their natural habitats within the larger landscape context.
In conclusion, through these tests, it is clear that different Nikon D800 lenses offer distinct advantages for landscape photography, enabling photographers to bring out the best in every natural scene they encounter.