To master the art of long-exposure photography, you need the best lens for long exposure. But which type of lens is best for shooting long exposures?
The lens needs to have sharp optics and a wide focal length. And it needs to match your camera system. So, our article is packed with high-quality wide-angle lenses for all the top camera brands.
The Canon RF 14-35mm F/4L IS USM is our choice as the best lens for long-exposure photography. It’s a beautiful wide-angle zoom from Canon’s superior L Series. It gives you edge-to-edge clarity, image stabilization, and the perfect aperture range for long exposure.
What Is the Best Lens For Long Exposure?
The best lens for long exposure helps you capture stunning images. It doesn’t matter if you shoot long-exposure landscapes, cityscapes, or something more experimental. Using the right lens is key to success. That’s why we recommend the Canon RF 14-35mm F/4L IS USM.
Good optical quality is important in all types of photography. But edge-to-edge clarity is especially important when it comes to long-exposure photography.
The camera won’t always pick up imperfections when using a fast shutter speed. But imperfections are detected and magnified when the shutter is open for a long time.
We recommend wide-angle lenses for long-exposure photos. Using a lens with a short focal length, you get a broader view of the scene in front of you. And we’ve selected zoom lenses, so you have more flexibility with composition when on location.
A fast max aperture isn’t important in this discipline. Your shutter is open for seconds at a time. So, getting enough light won’t be a problem.
But you still want a decent aperture range for more exposure control. Most of our lenses have a f/4 max aperture, more than enough for long exposures.
Here’s a quick overview of all the best lenses for long exposures. We focus on each lens in more detail in the section after. And we have a bonus section at the end looking at photography equipment for long-exposure photography.
- Beautiful zoom lens with ultra-wide field of view
- Sub-Wavelength Structure coating and an Air Sphere coatings on glass
- Wide f/4 to f/22 aperture range
- Weather-resistant for outdoor use
- Delivers wide-angle, low-light performance
- Incorporates Optical Image Stabilizer
- Minimizes aberrations with aspheric and Extra-Low Dispersion elements
- Dust-resistant and water-resistant for robust use
- Ultra-wide zoom defies conventional limits
- Versatile 17–28mm focal range covers all needs
- Fixed f/2.8 aperture excels in low-light settings
- Light, durable, and perfect for telling epic stories
- Ultra-wide zoom for versatile shooting
- Vibration Reduction for sharper handheld shots
- Nano Crystal Coat enhances image clarity
- Quick switch between manual and autofocus
- Ultra-wide 20-70mm zoom for varied subjects
- Advanced Aspherical element to remove abberations
- Fast, quiet XD Linear Motor technology
- Compact design with state-of-the-art optics
- Advanced optical elements for superior image quality
- 6-stop stabilization for clear hand-held shots
- Lightweight and durable for adventure seekers
- Weather-sealed for reliable outdoor use
- Wide-angle zoom for Lumix full-frame cameras
- 3 aspherical and one Ultra-High Refractive element
- Manual focus clutch for better focus control
- Rugged build; splashproof, dustproof, and freezeproof
- Exceptional image quality in all conditions
- Fluorine coating enhances image clarity
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Weather-sealed design for durability
8 Best Lenses for Long-Exposure Photography
This section looks at all the best long-exposure lenses in detail. We’ve chosen wide-angle zoom lenses because they give you a wide field of view and versatility.
We’ve included lenses for Canon and Nikon, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Our top long-exposure lens recommendations for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus OM System cameras can also be found.
1. Canon RF 14-35mm F/4L IS USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
14-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC), fluorine coating, custom control ring, weather-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon mirrorless cameras
|
The RF 14-35mm F/4L IS USM is the best lens for long exposure if you’re a Canon user. It’s compatible with Canon’s R-range mirrorless cameras. And it’s from Canon’s L Series, meaning it’s one of their top-tier lenses.
You can’t fault the optical quality. LensaAberrations and distortion can be a problem with wide-angle zooms. But you experience very few of either using this lens. That means you get ultra-sharp long-exposure images every time.
Picture quality is given an extra boost thanks to the special lens coatings. This lens has both SWS and ASC lens coatings. These increase light transmission and reduce ghosting and glare.
The outer elements also have a fluorine coating. This protects the glass from water, scratches, and smudges.
An f/4 maximum aperture might not seem like much, especially for an L Series lens. But that’s more than fast enough for long-exposure photography. And the range goes up to f/22, which is great for long-exposure landscapes.
Equipped with built-in optical image stabilization, you can compensate for the slower max aperture. That’s handy if you want to use the lens for other types of photography, broadening the lens’s appeal.
The custom control ring is another useful feature. You can use it to change settings such as aperture, ISO, and white balance, giving you more manual control.
The Canon RF 14-35mm F/4L IS USM is a beautiful lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. It’s a versatile wide-angle zoom for a wide range of styles. But it’s our top choice as the best lens for long-exposure photography.
2. Canon EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Full-time manual focus, 9-blade diaphragm, 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon DSLR cameras
|
Like the RF 14-35mm lens, the Canon EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM is a brilliant choice for long exposure. But this lens is compatible with Canon DSLR cameras.
The 16-35mm focal length range is perfect for long exposures. The wide viewing angle lets you capture broad scenes. And you have flexibility with the zoom to help compose powerful shots.
Exceptional quality glass is standard in Canon L lenses, and this lens is a great example. It’s constructed of 16 elements in 12 groups. And of those 16, you have one aspherial and two ED elements. That means chromatic aberration and ghosting are practically non-existent.
With an internal focus system, the lens doesn’t expand or contract when refocusing. That is useful for long-exposure photography because you don’t have to readjust your tripod if you change the focus.
The lens also has a full-time manual focus override. So you can refocus manually whenever you need to.
The f/4 to f/22 aperture range is perfect for this type of photography. You usually use something around f/9.5 or f/11, so you have plenty of wiggle room.
Plus, Canon’s USM autofocus system is excellent. And image stabilization is always a bonus in any lens. These features aren’t much of a use for long exposures. But they make the EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM a versatile and well-rounded camera lens.
3. Nikon Nikkor Z 17-28mm F/2.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
17-28 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Internal zoom, weather-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon mirrorless cameras
|
If you have a Nikon mirrorless camera, the Nikkor Z 17-28mm F/2.8 is the long-exposure lens you need. As a wide-angle zoom from their ever-growing Z Series of lenses, it’s exactly what you need for pro-level long exposures.
With such a wide field of view, this lens is perfect for sweeping landscapes. The 11mm zoom range gives you more freedom with composition. But something around 24mm is the sweet spot for long-exposure photography. You get a broad scene and sharp corner-to-corner picture quality.
Thanks to the internal zoom system, the lens doesn’t change size when zooming in or out. That means once your camera is mounted on the tripod, you won’t need to rebalance it if you change the composition.
A f/2.8 max aperture is overkill for long exposures. An aperture that wide isn’t necessary. But it does give you excellent versatility. You can use it for long exposures, portraits, and product photography.
A modest level of weather resistance keeps the lens safe in bad weather. It won’t survive heavy downpours, but a bit of drizzle sea spray won’t hurt.
You can use the Nikon Nikkor Z 17-28mm F/2.8 for a wide range of photographic styles. And it should be at the top of your shopping list for long exposures.
4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm F/4G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
3 aspherical elements, 2 ED elements, Nano Crystal coating
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon DSLR cameras
|
We have another top-quality wide-angle lens from Nikon. But the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm F/4G ED VR is for their DSLR cameras.
This lens gives you stunning visual quality from Nikon’s premium G range. Unlike inferior wide-angle lenses, you can use this lens at each end of the focal range without experiencing distortion. That gives you even more freedom when composing your shots.
Excellent optical quality is achieved with ED glass and aspherical elements. The results are images free of chromatic aberrations and distortion.
Nikon’s built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system gives you more low-light exposure control. You probably won’t need it when shooting long exposures. But it’s a useful feature in any lens. The same applies to the fast and reliable autofocus (AF) motor.
You have plenty to work with with an f/4 to f/22 aperture range. You’ll mostly use the narrower end of the scale. But a max f/4 aperture is useful if you want a shallow depth of field.
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm F/4G ED VR should be a must-have for any Nikon DSLR user. That’s especially the case if you want to master long-exposure photography.
5. Sony FE 20-70mm F/4 G
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
20-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Advanced Aspherical (AA) element, manual aperture ring, XD (Extreme Dynamic) AF motor
|
| Best For |
Best For
Sony mirrorless cameras
|
Sony mirrorless cameras are excellent for long exposure. But it’s best to have a lens that makes the most of the camera’s high-resolution sensor. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is that lens.
You know the picture quality is top-notch with a Sony G lens. The overall quality of the glass is excellent. But the lens also contains special AA elements to ensure aberrations are non-existent.
With a wide focal length of 20mm, it gives you the widest angle of any Sony lens for their full-frame cameras. You get an almost panoramic view that works well for long-exposure landscapes.
You also have a wide zoom range, letting you experiment with composition. And it lets you try other types of photography with this lens. It’s also a good choice for videographers.
Setting the right aperture is always important in long-exposure photography. So, many photographers will appreciate the manual aperture ring on the lens. You can change the setting without going into the camera menu. And you can turn the click sound on and off.
Sony’s high-thrust XF AF motor is fantastic. It’s fast, responsive, and quiet. You won’t often need it for this type of photography. But it’s another strength many photographers will appreciate.
As a wide-to-standard zoom lens, the Sony FE 20-70mm F/4 G stands out for its versatility. It’s a brilliant investment if you’re a Sony user. And you definitely won’t regret it if you love taking long exposures.
6. Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F/4 R OIS WR
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-80 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
3 aspherical elements, manual aperture ring, weather-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Fujifilm cameras
|
The XF 16-80mm F/4 R OIS WR is the best long-exposure lens for a Fujifilm camera. It’s a high-quality wide-angle zoom lens that fits the brief perfectly.
As Fujifilm’s X Series cameras are APS-C, the effective focal length is slightly different than stated. The 16-80mm focal length equals 24-120mm on a full-frame camera. The higher end won’t be much use for long exposures. But the 24mm end is perfect.
It’s hard to find fault with the build quality. The metal construction feels solid. The barrel is packed with high-quality glass. And there’s a total of 16 elements arranged in 12 groups.
Included in those 16 are three aspherical elements and one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) aspherical lens. That means distortion is kept to an absolute minimum, resulting in images with edge-to-edge sharpness.
Old-fashioned shooters will appreciate the manual aperture ring that lets you change the aperture on the barrel. The f/4 to f/22 aperture range is ideal for long exposures.
The AF motor is super-fast and near-silent in operation. And the optical image stabilization gives you even more control over your exposure settings. You won’t be using these features for long exposures. But they are features that make it a versatile, high-performance lens.
The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F/4 R OIS WR is your best option for long-exposure photography. It offers excellent value for money even when you buy it brand new. And it’s an investment that improves your creative photography.
7. Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F/4
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic LUMIX
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Three aspherical elements, Ultra-High Refractive (UHR) index lens, focus clutch, splash-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Panasonic full-frame cameras
|
The Panasonic Pro 16-35mm F/4 is the best long-exposure lens for Lumix shooters. It’s a versatile lens for all types of photography and video production. But we think it’s the perfect choice if you love shooting long exposures.
It’s surprisingly compact for a lens of this quality, considering it contains 12 elements made from super-sharp glass. Of these, you have three aspherical elements and one UHR lens. These give you incredible light transmission, reducing distortion to a minimum.
You can safely use the lens outdoors in tough conditions with such a rugged build. It’s splash-resistant. So you can use it in light rain and by the seashore. It’s dustproof for use in super dry conditions. And it can withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Other interesting features include the speedy AF motor and manual focus clutch. The clutch lets you override the autofocus motor and use manual focus whenever needed.
Again, the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F/4 is also a great lens for video shooters. Panasonic makes excellent hybrid cameras. And this lens is a great option if long-exposure photography is part of a wider creative project.
8. Olympus OM System ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
12-40 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Weather-sealed, fluorine coating, Zuiko Extra-low Refraction Optical (ZERO) coating, AF clutch
|
| Best For |
Best For
Olympus OM System cameras
|
If you use an Olympus or OM System camera, you need the right lens for long exposures. Your best option is the Olympus OM System ED 12-40mm F/2.8 Pro II.
It’s a lightweight, compact zoom lens, perfect for the compact Micro Four Thirds cameras. And the build quality is excellent. It’s one durable lens, being weather-sealed and freeze-proof. You’ll have no problem using it outdoors.
The outer lens element also has a fluorine coating to protect it against scratches and smudges. Other elements have OM System’s special ZERO coatings. This improves light transmission and prevents glare and ghosting.
A f/2.8 aperture is overkill for long-exposure photography. But it’s a huge bonus if you want to use the lens for other pursuits. It gives you a lovely shallow depth of field, which is great for portraits or food photography.
There’s a Lens Function (L-Fn) button near the lens mount. You can apply any specific function or custom setting to this button, giving you a more personalized user experience. This is a great feature if you have specific settings for capturing long exposures.
The ED 12-40mm F/2.8 Pro II is the ideal partner for your Olympus OM System camera. It’s well worth the price. It delivers fantastic results for long exposures, time-lapses, and other types of creative media.
Accessory Guide for Long-Exposure Photography
Finding the best lens for long exposure is important. But it’s only one part of the puzzle. You need a few other camera accessories to get the best long-exposure results. Here’s a quick look at the best camera accessories for long-exposure photography.
Long-Exposure Tripods
A tripod is essential for shooting long exposures. Even dropping your shutter speed down to 1/60 s requires some stabilization. So, if you’re keeping your shutter open for extended periods, you need a sturdy tripod to hold your camera.
A long-exposure tripod needs to be rugged. You’ll be shooting outside, so you need to know the tripod can handle harsh conditions. You don’t want your tripod turning to rust after one trip out.
It’s also best to ensure the tripod is strong enough for your camera and lens setup. You can see the maximum load capacity of a tripod before you buy it, so make sure your setup is well within that limit.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod is fantastic for long-exposure photographers. It’s strong enough for most camera setups, allowing for a load of 15.4 lb (7 kg). It’s rugged for outdoor use. And it has good adjustability. So you can mount it on uneven ground.
You can check out our article with the best tripods for time-lapse photography. It’s a similar discipline, and a good tripod will serve both types of photography well.
Best Tripod Head for Long Exposure
There are many tripod heads you can choose from these days. But we recommend a ball head when shooting long exposures.
Tripod ball heads are strong and stable. The tilting and panning movement is ideal for finding the perfect composition when shooting on rough terrain. You can keep the camera mounted at an angle for long periods.
The Neewer Tripod Ball Head is our top recommendation. With a load capacity of 17.6 lb (8 kg), it can hold most camera setups. It gives you a wide range of tilt and pan movement. And it has a built-in bubble level.
We have all the best tripod ball heads in this article. Or, if you don’t want a ball head, you can see all the best tripod heads by clicking the link.
Neutral Density Filters
Neutral density (ND) filters are a must-have for long-exposure photography. When you open your shutter for extended periods, overexposing your image is likely. Even if you’re using the narrowest aperture available, it’s easy to overexpose your image.
ND filters block light without affecting image colors or details. Your camera still renders the colors accurately. But the filter prevents some light from passing through, letting you keep your shutter open longer.
You can get different grades of ND filter. The higher the grade, the less light the filter lets through. The grades are marked by an ND number, like ND1024. An ND1024 filter is also called a 10-stop filter because it gives you 10 stops of compensation.
If you need a filter that strong, we recommend the Cokin Nuances Extreme ND filter. It’s perfect for shooting long exposures in bright daylight.
Read our full article for more of the best neutral density filters. We also have articles on the best graduated ND filters and the best variable ND filters.
Polarizing Filters
A polarizing filter is another useful accessory for long-exposure photographers. They reduce light reflections, improving light transmission through the lens. This gives you sharper detail and improves color saturation in your images.
Polarizing filters (polarizers) are popular with landscape photographers. And they are a great way to improve your long-exposure shots.
The Lee Filters LEE100 Polarizing Filter is the one you need. The optical quality is excellent. And you see a big improvement in image quality after your first shot. Check out our list of the best polarizing filters if you want more options.
Remote Shutter Release
The camera is sensitive to the slightest movement when your shutter is open for long periods. Even pressing the shutter release on the camera can ruin your image. That’s why we recommend using a remote shutter release for long exposure.
With a remote shutter release, you can open and close the shutter without touching the camera. You can also set timers and change other settings. That means there’s no risk of motion blur from touching the camera. You’re guaranteed sharper long-exposure shots.
The Pixel TW-283 E3/N3 is a great choice. It has plenty of controls, letting you work the camera remotely. And it’s reliable and affordable. If that’s not for you, check out our best camera shutter remotes article.
Conclusion: The Best Lens For Long Exposure
A wide-angle zoom makes the best lens for long exposure. And as we’ve seen, it doesn’t matter if you have a Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera. There’s a long-exposure lens for everybody.
The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM is best our top choice. It has the perfect specifications for long-exposure photography. The optical quality is exceptional. And it’s rugged for outdoor use. It’s easy to see why it takes the top spot.
