Product photography is a type of photography that displays products in their best possible light. To get the perfect shot, the right camera lens is essential. With the countless camera lens options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is the best for product photography. Investing in a good camera lens can make all the difference in creating high-quality images that stand out. In this article, we will explore the best camera lens options for product photography, including what to consider when choosing a lens and which lenses will best suit your photography needs.
#1 Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Review
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice for product photography. With a 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8, it provides sharp and clear images with enough depth of field to create stunning product photographs. This lens is great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography, thanks to its versatile nature that delivers impressive results in any condition.
The lens’ angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) is 40º, 27º,46º, which is perfect for capturing detailed shots of products. The 50mm focal length makes it easy to fill the frame with products, capturing every detail, and showcasing them in full glory. This makes it one of the best lenses for product photography, especially for close-up shots.
The minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meters) and the maximum magnification of 0.21x make it possible to capture fine details of the product. The lens works exceptionally well for food photography, jewelry, and other small objects that require a level of precision to bring out the beauty of the object.
In addition, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens also features a stepping motor (STM) that delivers near-silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills. This feature allows it to capture the subject in motion with ease, and the focusing is fast and precise. This is a great feature for product photography as it ensures that the product is always in focus.
Furthermore, the lens has an effective focal length of 80 millimeters on APS-C cameras and 50 millimeters on full-frame cameras. This allows it to capture detailed images that exhibit great sharpness and clarity. This makes it ideal for photographers using crop sensor cameras, as well as those with full-frame cameras.
Lastly, the lens construction of 6 elements in 5 groups makes it lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around. The lens’ design is also sturdy, making it a great lens for those who want to carry their camera gear around for extended periods or use it in difficult shooting conditions.
In conclusion, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a great camera lens for product photography. Its 50mm focal length, maximum aperture of f/1.8, and minimum focusing distance make it perfect for capturing detailed shots of products. Its stepping motor (STM) feature delivers near-silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies, and smooth AF for stills, making it a great choice for shooting product videos. It is also lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making it a great choice for photographers who are always on the go.
#2 Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras [EOS R, EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6]
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras [EOS R, EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6] Review
The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is an excellent camera lens for product photography. With its compact and lightweight design, it is easy to handle and can be used for extended periods without fatigue. The 50mm focal length is perfect for capturing sharp, detailed images of products.
One of the most significant features of the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is its large aperture of F1.8. This allows for low-light photography and creative background blur, making it ideal for product shots that require a focus on the specific product. With the F1.8 aperture, the lens can also create stunning bokeh, adding depth and dimension to photos.
The stepping motor (Gear-Type STM) in the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is also another compelling feature that makes it an excellent choice for product photography. Its smooth and quiet continuous autofocus is perfect for capturing subjects in motion, whether you are shooting video or taking photos. It ensures that your images are sharp and in perfect focus, enhancing the overall quality of your product shots.
The lens comes with a control ring that allows for direct setting changes, making it easier for users to adjust settings according to their needs. This feature enables users to be more creative with their shots and achieve the desired effects.
The lens also has optimized lens placement and coatings that help deliver outstanding color balance, while reducing ghosting and flare. This ensures that the colors in your photos are accurate and vibrant, producing images that are true to life.
The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is specifically designed for the Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras [EOS R, EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6]. This means it is specifically built to work seamlessly with these camera models, maximizing its performance and producing outstanding results.
In Conclusion, the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is an excellent choice for product photography due to its compact and lightweight design, large F1.8 aperture, smooth and quiet continuous autofocus, control ring for direct setting changes, outstanding color balance, and minimal ghosting and flare. With its compatibility with the Mirrorless R System, it is a must-have for anyone looking to capture outstanding images of their products.
#3 Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens Review
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens is an excellent camera lens for product photography. Manufactured in Japan, this lens has been designed and engineered to deliver sharp, clear, and high-quality images.
The package dimensions are 10.5 cms (L) x 18.3 cms (W) x 19.3 cms (H), and it comes in a single pack. The product type is camera lenses, and the package quantity is one. The package is durable and provides protection for the lens during transportation.
One of the most significant advantages of the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens is its versatility. The lens is suitable for a range of photography applications, including product photography. The lens offers a range of focal lengths, starting from 24mm and ending at 70mm. This range provides the photographer with the flexibility needed to capture different types of shots, from a wide-angle shot to a close-up shot.
Another feature that makes this lens ideal for product photography is its fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. This aperture allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in faster shutter speeds and a shallower depth of field. A shallow depth of field is essential for product photography as it helps to isolate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer’s attention to the product.
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens also comes with a newly-designed focus ring that is smooth and responsive. This feature allows for more precise focusing when capturing shots of products, making it easier to achieve sharp images.
Additionally, the lens utilizes advanced optical design, including multiple low-dispersion and aspherical elements. This design ensures that the lens captures images with high resolution and contrast, while minimizing distortion and aberrations that may compromise image quality.
In terms of build quality, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens is solidly constructed with high-quality materials. The lens features a dust and splash-resistant design, which makes it ideal for outdoor photography sessions.
Overall, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens is an excellent lens for product photography. Its versatility, fast aperture, responsive focus ring, and advanced optical design all make it an ideal tool for capturing sharp, clear, and high-quality images. Its durability and resistance to dust and moisture only further enhance its appeal as a reliable and versatile lens for product photography.
#4 Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon, Black
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon, Black Review
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon, Black, is a must-have camera lens for any product photographer. It has a wide range of features that make it versatile, and the F1.8 maximum aperture means that images are sharp, bright, and clear, providing excellent detail for product photography.
One of the most significant features of this lens is the ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing. This motor makes the lens incredibly quiet, so that you can take pictures in a quiet setting without making noise. The full-time manual focusing allows the photographer to manually adjust and focus the lens without putting the camera in manual mode, making it much easier to adjust the focus when shooting still pictures.
Another great feature of this lens is its 72mm filter size. The larger diameter of the filter means that the lens is more forgiving when shooting in low light conditions, which is ideal for product photography where lighting is often set up to illuminate the product. In combination with the F1.8 maximum aperture, the filter size means that you can shoot high-quality product photos without having to worry about noise or blurring.
The minimum focusing distance of 28 cm/ 11.0 in. is an added bonus, making it very easy to photograph small products. This lens can also be tailored using the USB Dock compatibility, which enables you to adjust and customize the lens, making it more adaptable and flexible to all kinds of shootings.
The MC-11 compatibility means that you can use this lens on a broad range of different types of camera bodies, making it more versatile and adaptable to different environments. The lens is available in Canon EF (EF-S), Sony Alpha (dot), Nikon f (DX) mounts, so you can easily use it with different cameras easily.
Overall, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon, Black, is a great camera lens for product photography. Its wide range of features makes it versatile and adaptable to different settings, making it excellent for product photography. The F1.8 maximum aperture, 72mm filter size, and the minimum focusing distance of 28 cm/11.0 in, all make it an excellent choice for any product photographer. If you are looking for a camera lens for product photography, then look no further than this one. Highly recommended!
#5 Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens Review
Product photography requires a lens that can deliver sharp and clear images with minimal distortion, and the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens is the perfect choice for the job. The lens is designed with the latest technology that enhances autofocus speed and accuracy, reducing focus breathing, focus shift when zooming, and axis shift when zooming. It delivers superb resolution and image quality throughout the zoom range, thanks to the inclusion of two aspherical elements and one XA (extreme aspherical) element that ensures that every part of the image is sharp and clear.
The lens also features two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, two Super ED glass elements, and one ED aspherical element that minimize chromatic aberration, while Sony’s Nano AR (anti-reflective) Coating II subdues flare and ghosting to produce images with excellent contrast and sharpness. The lens is compatible with high-performance 1.4x and 2x teleconverters (sold separately) that offer additional reach.
One of the most remarkable features of the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens is its autofocus system. The lens features four of Sony’s original XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors that deliver high thrust efficiency, resulting in AF speed that is up to 4x faster compared to the previous model. The AF system also offers precise continuous autofocus and tracking for stills and movies. AF tracking while zooming is improved by approximately 30%, which greatly increases the chances of getting the shot, even with subjects moving rapidly towards the lens.
Designed with movie magic in mind, the lens features advanced design and technology that reduces focus breathing, focus shift when zooming, and axis shift when zooming. The XD Linear Motors and a new aperture drive unit contribute to quiet operation, making it ideal for movie shooting. The lens also comes with independent control rings for focus, zoom, and iris, with a click on/off switch for the aperture ring, allowing for precise control and adjustments during photo or video shoots. Sony’s Linear Response MF feature ensures responsive and repeatable direct manual focus control.
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens offers outstanding optical quality and autofocus in the world’s lightest* 70-200mm F2.8 zoom lens. Its magnesium alloy barrel components result in an overall weight of just 2.3 lbs. (1045 grams), making it approximately 29% lighter than the previous model. This advanced design improves balance, while a constant barrel length further contributes to easy, agile handling.
In conclusion, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens is an excellent choice for product photography. Its advanced autofocus system, exceptional optical performance, lightweight design, and movie-friendly features make it an ideal option for both stills and videos, ensuring you capture the perfect shot every time. Overall, it is a great investment for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level.
#6 Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens Review
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a fantastic camera lens for product photography. Its focal length of 24-70 millimeters, with an equivalent focal length of 38.4-112 millimeters on Canon APS C cameras, makes it a versatile lens that can capture a wide range of images. The constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 is a great feature in low light situations, allowing for more light to enter the lens and giving images a shallow depth of field for a beautiful bokeh effect.
The ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual focus override is one of the key features of this lens for product photography. It allows for quick and precise focusing, which is often necessary when shooting products. The lens also has a closest focusing distance of 0.38 meters or 1.25 feet, allowing for close-up shots of products with sharp detail, making it great for macro photography as well.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens has an 82-millimeter filter size, which is a relatively standard size for camera lenses. The lack of image stabilization is an interesting feature of this lens, but not necessarily a drawback for product photography since it involves using a tripod or other stabilizing device.
One of the standout features of this lens is the image quality, which is exceptional. The optimized lens coatings provide exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting, and the fluorine coating on the front and rear lens surfaces reduces smears and fingerprints. The optical design utilizes one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide-angle, as well as eliminate color blurring around the edges of the subject for images with high resolution and contrast. Additionally, the combination of two types of aspherical lenses reduces spherical aberration and gives high image quality across the entire screen area throughout the full zoom range.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens also features a zoom lock lever which locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting. This is a useful feature when you’re on the go with the lens, as it helps to prevent movement and keep the lens in perfect condition.
Finally, the warranty for this lens is exceptional. If you purchase the product between May 1, 2016, and July 30, 2016, you will get 13 months of free damage protection from Canon, provided you register the product within 30 days of the purchase date.
Overall, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a great lens for product photography. With its fast autofocus, wide aperture, and excellent image quality, it’s the perfect tool for capturing sharp, detailed images of products.
#7 Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, 6473A003
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, 6473A003 Review
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, 6473A003 is an exceptional lens that is perfect for product photography. Its EF mount makes it compatible with Canon SLR Cameras, allowing photographers to capture stunning images with ease. The lens has a variable aperture range of f/4-45, which makes it perfect for low light situations as well as bright conditions.
One of the most impressive features of this lens is its DC autofocus motor, which is quick and precise, making it easy to capture sharp images of products. Additionally, the lens has a 4.9-foot minimum focus distance, which enables photographers to get up close and capture intricate details of their products.
With a 58mm filter thread diameter, photographers can easily add filters to enhance the look of their products. This adds an extra layer of creativity that can add depth and dimension to photographs.
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens has an impressive 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view, which provides a wide range of possible shots. This makes it ideal for capturing products from various angles, which is essential in product photography, as it helps to showcase different features and textures.
Measuring at 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long, this lens is compact and easy to handle. It weighs only 16.8 ounces, which makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time. Photographers will appreciate the improved mechanism that makes zooming smoother, which ensures that they can quickly and easily adjust the focus to capture the perfect shot.
The front part of the zoom ring sports a silver ring, which adds a touch of elegance to the lens. This gives it a professional look and makes it an attractive option for any product photographer.
In conclusion, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for product photography. It boasts impressive features such as a 4.9-foot closest focusing distance, 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view, and DC autofocus motor. Its compact design, improved mechanism, and elegant look make it a valuable asset for any photographer seeking to capture stunning product images.
#8 Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM
Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM Review
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is an exceptional camera lens for product photography. This lens comes with a high magnification, compact and lightweight design, which makes it easy to handle during a lengthy photo shoot, and it also includes Image Stabilization (IS) for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction, based on CIPA standards. The testing of this lens was performed using EOS 7D at a focal length of 250 millimeters or 400 millimeters in 35mm equivalence.
One of the most noteworthy features of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is the inclusion of one UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens element that reduces chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range. This feature allows for superb image quality, high resolution, and contrast in product photography. The lens also features a new six-group zoom system, which provides a compact design that allows this lens to achieve a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end.
This lens also has a minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet or 0.85 meters, which means that the user can enjoy a full zoom range when shooting at close range. The kit includes the lens itself, lens cap E-58II, lens dust cap E, an instruction book, and a warranty card. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is compatible with most EOS cameras.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is ideal for product photography because it allows the user to take crisp and clear images of different types of products. With the lens’s high magnification and image stabilization features, the camera can effectively capture every little detail of an object, from the smallest to the largest. The inclusion of the UD lens element means that the lens can eliminate any form of chromatic aberration, which enhances the image’s quality, resolution, and contrast. This makes the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM ideal for product photography in industries such as food, cosmetics, and fashion, where the smallest details matter.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM also allows the photographer to take high-quality images from a distance without compromising image quality. The lens’s compact design makes it easy to handle and maneuver during a photo shoot, while the wide zoom range of 55-250mm makes it suitable for capturing both wide-angle and telephoto shots. This lens is an excellent choice for a beginner photographer looking to build their photography equipment and also for a professional photographer looking for a compact and portable lens for product photography.
In conclusion, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is a great camera lens for product photography. With its high magnification, compact and lightweight design, image stabilization, and maximum magnification of 0.29x, this lens is a convenient tool for shooting products. The inclusion of the UD lens element, which reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range, adds to the image’s quality, resolution, and contrast, making this lens a must-have in any photographer’s photography equipment. Whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM is an excellent choice.
#9 Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens Review
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is a great camera lens for product photography, especially for those using Canon APS-C cameras. The lens offers a wide angle view of 24mm, which is equivalent to 38mm on a full frame camera. This is a great focal length for shooting products, as it allows you to capture a wider view of the subject while also providing excellent detail and clarity.
One of the standout features of this lens is its maximum aperture of f/2.8. This allows you to shoot in low light situations and still get sharp, well-exposed images. In addition, the maximum magnification of x0.27 means that you can get up close to your subject and capture small details with ease.
Another great feature of the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is its slim and lightweight design. It is actually the slimmest and lightest lens in the EF-S series, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time. This makes it a perfect choice for product photographers who need to move around quickly and capture shots from different angles and positions.
Additionally, the circular aperture of the lens (with 7 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds that really make your subject pop. This is especially useful for product photography, as it allows you to highlight the product and make it stand out in the image.
Another great feature of the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is its full-time manual focus ability. This means that you can adjust the focus manually while in One-Shot AF mode, giving you more control over the final image. This comes in handy when you need to adjust the focus for a specific part of the product that you want to highlight.
Finally, the minimum focusing distance of 0.16 meters/0.5 feet allows you to get closer to your subject and capture even more detail. This is especially useful for product photographers who need to shoot close-up shots of small products or intricate details.
Overall, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is a great choice for product photographers using Canon APS-C cameras. Its wide angle view, maximum aperture, lightweight design, and full-time manual focus ability make it a versatile and reliable lens for capturing stunning product shots with ease. Whether you’re a professional product photographer or just starting out, this lens is definitely worth considering.
What Should You Look For In a Good Camera Lens for Product Photography?
Product photography is a highly specialized area of photography that requires careful consideration of several factors. One such factor is the lens used to capture the product image. Choosing the right lens is crucial for obtaining the perfect shot, and any mistake here can be detrimental to the overall impact of the photograph. Here’s what you should look for in a good camera lens for product photography.
Focal Length
The first and foremost aspect to consider is the focal length of the camera lens. In layman terms, the focal length is the distance between the lens’s optical center and the camera’s sensor. This distance dictates the magnification and field of view of the camera lens. Generally, for product photography, it’s recommended to use lenses in the range of 25mm to 100mm. Any wider or shorter focal length may distort the image, while longer focal lengths may result in a narrow field of view.
Aperture
Another significant aspect to consider is the aperture, which refers to the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. The size of the aperture is expressed in f-numbers, such as f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4.0, and so on. For product photography, a wide aperture is recommended, preferably f/2.8 or wider. Wide aperture lenses can produce a beautiful shallow depth of field that blurs the background, highlighting the product’s details.
Sharpness
Sharpness is another key element to look for in a good camera lens for product photography. A sharp lens can capture fine details, textures, and colors accurately, resulting in high-quality images. But, how can you test a lens’s sharpness? The best way is to check the lens’s MTF (modulation transfer function) chart. This chart measures the lens’s contrast and resolution, indicating the overall sharpness of the lens.
Image Stabilization
Product photographers often use a small aperture with a slower shutter speed to ensure adequate depth of field in their images. However, slower shutter speeds lead to camera shake, resulting in blurry images. Image stabilization is a feature present in modern camera lenses that reduces camera shakes, resulting in sharper images. Hence, it’s recommended to opt for a lens with built-in image stabilization.
Compatibility and Price
Lastly, you must ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your camera model. Some lenses are made only for specific cameras, so it’s crucial to confirm compatibility before making a purchase. The price of the lens is also an important factor to consider. While most high-quality lenses come with a hefty price tag, it’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability.
In conclusion, choosing the right lens is crucial for creating sharp, high-quality product images. When selecting a lens, keep in mind the focal length, aperture, sharpness, image stabilization, compatibility, and price. By doing so, you can ensure that your product photographs turn out stunning every time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best camera lens for product photography can make a significant impact on the quality of your photos. Whether you are looking for a zoom lens for versatility or a prime lens for sharpness, there are many options available in the market. While investing in a top-quality lens may seem like a daunting task, it’s a step that could take your product photography to the next level. By considering factors such as focal length, aperture, and image stabilization, you can find the best camera lens that suits your needs and budget. Remember that equipment is just one aspect of photography, and mastering lighting, composition, and post-processing is also essential to create striking images of your product.