TonyBrown

I currently use a Nikon D500 and shoot mainly wildlife. While the camera is very good for other uses, I have always wanted a Full Frame camera and am planning to get a Nikon D850. I will keep the D500 for Wildlife and will look to use the D850 for Landscape and Wildlife. My question is what is the best lens for Landscape. I currently have a range of Zoom and Prime lenses(200-500, 80-400, 500 and 300)and a few other lenses(16-85 DX, 35, and a 18-300). I have looked at the 24-70 f2.8E, which seems to get mixed reviews for the money and the size of the lens seems to mean that expensive filters(Lee system) are the main option to maintain quality. The 24-120 has a greater range, but I am worried that the quality may not be as good as the 24-70. Any advice would be appreciated.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

How about the 16-35? For landscape you might want something wider than 24-70, which is more a general purpose lens.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The 16-35 should be a consideration.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

I have the D850 and the 16-35. Once I got the 24-70, I started using the 16-35 only for Aurora night sky photos. The 24-70 is used for landscapes and travel.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have both the D500 for wildlife and the D850 for landscapes. My favorite landscape lens is the Nikon 16-35 f4 (mostly at the wide end). I also use the Nikon 24-120 f4, I use these two because they share the same filter size. I use the 16-35 about 80% of the time.
The shot below was taken with the D850 and 16-35 f4. Waterfall in Waterbury Vermont.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You will get more opinions and hopefully they will not confuse you. Understand that the quality of a lens depends more on the photographer than on the lens. Modern lenses are sharp and as you know VR is an asset when using a tripod is not practical or desirable.
The 24-70 lens is a very good lens and it is expensive and heavy. For landscapes there will be times when you will feel the need for something wider than the 24 mm focal length.

Although I do not own one I am very familiar with the 16-35 f4 zoom. Its images are tack sharp and it has a range of focal lengths often used by landscape photographers. The price is reasonable, specially if refurb or used.
Here is one of the many reviews on this lens.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/16-35mm.htm

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Landscapes are what I do. I pair my 16-35mm with my 28-200mm and I have landscapes pretty well covered.

Electric Gnome Loc: Norwich UK

I have the D850 and the 24-70 f2.8 is a really sharp great lens although a bit big. I also have the 16-35 f4 and use it a lot.

It depends what kind of landscape you want to photograph. Had I lived somewhere where I could zoom with my feet then I would have purchased some good primes to pull every detail from the D850.

However I live near the Norfolk Broads and cannot zoom with feet as I am unable to walk on water hence the 16-35 which I prefer over the 14-24 because my Lee filters all fit it.

Bottom line I would add the 16-35 f4 to my landscape kit. The 24-70 f2.8 is sharper than the walk about lenses but the size and weight make it a chore. I have a backpack so it does not bother me carrying the heavier kit.

Image below with 16-35 f4 and Lee Big Stopper with Lee Half Grad.

(Download)

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have the cameras you are discussing. You will find the D850 extremely "compatible" with your D500, so let me encourage you to use all that you already know about your D500 to help you choose. Here are some thoughts and experience to consider as you decide.

I have a 14-24mm f2.8 wide angle that I use a lot, just not usually for landscapes. I don't prefer the distance distortion...the way it pushes backgrounds out into early next week. My approach, when necessary or desired, is to shift to portrait orientation and do a three or four shot panorama, even hand held, if necedsary, using a lens with a more moderate focal length.

My 24 - 70mm is the non-VR version. I chose it because it is smaller and lighter. It also takes smaller filters. I have other lenses with VR, so I use it and know all about it, but I do not miss it at those focal lengths.

The 24-120mm f4 will work fine on the D850. The main shortcoming is that it isn't as "colorful" as the 24-70. Mine spends most of its life on my D500 as a better alternative to the 16-80mm DX, which turns out to be f4 over almost all of its range anyway.

My 14-24mm wide angle gets used quite a bit, just not for landscapes. It is good to the corners, especially after a little gentle correction. I do not use filters with it. If you ever try night sky photography, you will need and greatly appreciate the extra stop at the bottom.

Good luck as you decide. The D850 is a natural addition for you. Have fun.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Nikon has some very good and inexpensive wide angle AF lenses any one of which could fill your need as long as you are ok with using an aperture ring.

AF Nikkor 24mm f/2D
AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D
AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D

OregonCoaster

The 20mm f/1.8 is a beautiful lens. Sharp, fast (1.8 and almost instantaneous auto focus). Great field of view, 94° and will allow a closeup of less than 8”. A surprisingly versatile lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

These links cover landscape photography. Lots of info -

https://www.lightstalking.com/3-quick-tips-on-when-to-use-a-telephoto-lens-in-landscapes/
https://www.lightstalking.com/9-best-landscape-tutorials-2017-far/
https://digital-photography-school.com/find-best-locations-landscape-photography/
http://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-improve-your-landscape-photography/
http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/10-lessons-for-your-best-landscape-photographs/
http://digital-photography-school.com/10-tips-for-better-landscape-photography/

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

Consider the Nikon 14-24 mm This is on of Nikons “holy trifecta” Extra crisp

photoman43

Look at the lens recommendations for various camera bodies toward the end of the newsletter.

https://ejphoto.com/Quack%20PDF/Quack%20Spring%202020.pdf


On my D850 I use a Nikon 24-85mm f 3.5-4.5 G. I also own the Nion 24-70 f2.8 but it is so heavy I do not use it that much anymore.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/872406-REG/Nikon_AF_S_24_85mm_f_3_5_4_5G_ED.html

Other views:

https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-articles/choosing-lenses/my-five-favorite-nikkors.html

https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-blogs/the-d850-blog/the-best-lenses-for-the.html

Photec

My impression of your camera choices is a very good choice, and I think you will really appreciate the D850 for your landscapes. Something to remember about it though, 45MP makes for some very small pixels and that does open the door to motion blur. I have had to change my favorite walk around lens from the 24-70 f2.8G (non-VR) to the latest 24-120 G f4 VR. The earlier versions of the 24-120 were awful, so be sure you look at the latest version, it is so much better that Nikon is now shipping it as the kit lens for the D850.

If you also want to shoot panos on a tripod I have had excellent results shooting vertically with the 50mm, either 1.4 or 1.8. A tripod is required, and a leveling tripod head makes that a lot easier.

Focus stacking is a whole new world on the D850 for landscapes. Just set it up, press go and the camera does the rest until you get to post processing. Yes, those files are big, so plan on an XQD card. Good luck.