Top 10 Absolutely Best Lens for Product Photography – 2021

Finding the best lens for product photography can be quite a task. As a photographer, you need to ensure that every accessory that you get is versatile to take care of multiple projects- right from product to outdoor photography and so on.

Things to Consider when buying A Lens for Product Photography :

Two of the most important metrics that you need to take care of in product photography are the aperture and focal length of the lens.

You need to ensure that the aperture of a lens is as high as possible for excellent product photographs. It ranges from F1 to F22- the lower the better. For product photography, anything faster than F/3.5 will give you excellent photos.

The next important thing to consider is the focal length- the longer it is the shallower the depth of field will be. For accurately capturing the item, you need a medium-range focal length. 88mm in the medium-telephoto range gives you imagery with little or no distortion. But that is not all there is to choose a lens for product photography.

To help you uncover the potential of your camera and artistic side, we have compiled a list of the best lenses for product photography. Each of these lenses is not only ideal for product and still-life photography but also comes with many other capabilities to make your job easier.

Best Lens for Product Photography: Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

The Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro is the best lens for product photography due to its versatility. It is ideal for portrait mid-mid-range subjects. The lens is designed for full-frame EF-Mount DSLRs by Canon, but it also works with APS-C variants, with which it provides 160mm focal length. 

This lens is ideal for both portrait and macro photography. It also has a built-in focus limiting switch that can be used to limit the focus in a distance range.

Specifications:

• Focal Length: 100mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/2.8 and f/32
• Max Magnification: 1x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.06 x 4.84 inches
• Filter Size: 67mm

Reasons to buy:

• Silent autofocus and great speed provides great results
• Robust and tough build quality, ideal for shooting in any type of weather condition
• ULD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) lens element eliminates chromatic aberration
• Can be used for macro and portrait photography
• Hybrid Image Stabilization creates great results even in low light
• f/2.8 focal length creates the impression of distance by the shallow field depth

Cons:

• Too much autofocus traveling, can be noisy
• A Bit expensive if you are on a budget

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Best Value for Money: Tamron AFF012N -700 SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

The Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is among the best lenses for product photography with an affordable price tag. This versatile length comes with VC image stabilization along with an advanced optical layout that comes together to enhance the image quality.

It is designed specially for Nikon F mount DSLRs with FX-format and works with DX models.

The autofocus performs quickly and quietly due to the ring-type Ultrasonic Silent Drive or USD motor. It also has a Floating System for moving the elements for focus control to provide better results in close-up photography.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 35mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/1.8 and f/16
• Max Magnification: 0.38x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.17×3.1 inch
• Filter Size: 67mm

Reasons to buy

• Produces enhanced image quality with its image stabilization and optical layout combination
• Suppresses ghosting and flare to provide greater color fidelity and increased contrast
• Low Dispersion element along with 2 aspherical and 1 eXtra Low Dispersion element control a range of distortions and aberrations
• Even sharpness and illumination with lesser color fringing
• f/1.8 is ideal for low-light photography as well

Cons:

• Compatibility issues with Canon 6D Mark II cameras

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Best Nikon Lens: Nikon AF-SFX 50mm f/1.8 Lens

This easily one of the best lenses for product photography Nikon. It comes with a lightweight design and a bright max aperture. The focal length standing at 50mm is ideal for a wide range of conditions and subjects.

The single aspherical element helps decrease distortion and spherical aberrations. Its Integrated Coating helps in flare reduction as well as ghosting suppression, giving greater contrasts and higher accuracy of color.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  1.8 and 16
• Max Magnification: 0.15x
• Lens Dimensions:  2.84×2.06 inch
• Filter Size: 58mm

Reasons to buy

• The silent motor provides fast and accurate autofocus
• Its 1.8 aperture provides great results in low-light and higher depth of field control
• The advanced Integrated Element gives better sharpness and rendering
• Can be used with Nikon’s FX F-mount cameras and DX models

Cons:

• Build quality is not at par with other lenses in its range

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Best Canon Lens for Product photography: Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0L

The 24-70mm L series from canon has some of the best lenses for product photography, and this is no exception. Its full macro shooting mode with 0.7x magnification and image stabilization make it the ideal choice for still life photography.

The lens has Hybrid Image Stabilization that allows for angular and shift-type shakes during macro shooting. The lens is compact and lightweight with standard zoom capabilities.

Specifications:

• Focal Length: 24-70mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/4 and f/22
• Max Magnification: 0.7x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.28×3.66 inch
• Filter Size: 77mm

Reasons to buy:

• Flexible zoom range for different imagery
• Advanced optical layout with 2 UD and 2 aspherical elements
• Super Spectra Coating to provide better results in low light
• Ring-type USM for autofocus with minimal noise

Cons:

• Change in light from the lens when zooming in/out

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Best Lens for Beginners: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

For beginners, the best lens for product photography Canon is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. This is among the most versatile focal lengths that you can get and is ideal for most types of photography.

It has an f/1.8 aperture for best results even in tough lighting conditions. The Super Spectra coating on its elements minimizes ghosting and flare.

It is compatible with full-frame EF-mount DSLRs and the APS-C variants by Canon. It uses AF motor with STM stepping for near-silent and smooth autofocus. It also has a full-time focus override. The metal lens mount adds to the durability of the lens while keeping the form factor compact.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/1.8 and f/22
• Max Magnification: 0.21x
• Lens Dimensions:  2.72×1.54 inch
• Filter Size: 49mm

Reasons to buy

• Versatile normal-length prime that takes care of most photography needs
• More control over the depth of field to isolate the subject
• Super-spectra coating to realize contrast and color accuracy
• Great results in harsh and backlit conditions
• Durable metal length mount and focusing ring that maintains compactness
• Best for Small Items: Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Lens

Cons

• Small toothed focus ring makes it harder to change focus during takes

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Best for Portraits and Product Photography:
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II Lens

What makes this one of the best Canon lens for Product photography and portraits is the mixture of a bright maximum aperture with the short-telephoto focal length.

This lens has a fast f/1.2 aperture that gives you a high control of the depth of the field. Thus, you can use it to easily isolate the product and get the desired focus effect. and 85mm focal length is Ideal For Portraits

You can use this lens with both full-frame EF-mount DSLRs and APS-C models by Canon.  There is a single aspherical element that suppresses the spherical aberrations to provide accurate rendering and high sharpness.

Its floating optical system allows for high sharpness and clarity across the focusing range. It also has a ring-type USM (Ultrasonic monitor) for quick and precise autofocus.

This lens is a part of the L-series, which are sealed against moisture and dust. These are some of the best lenses for all photography styles.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 85mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/1.2 and f/16
• Max Magnification: 0.11x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.6×3.31 inch
• Filter Size: 72mm

Reasons to buy

• High-speed CPU and ring-type USM with focusing algorithms provide quick and precise autofocus
• High control over depth of field which is crucial to product photography
• Durable and protected against moisture and dust
• It also has a full-time manual control on the focus
• Super-spectra coating limits the ghosting and flares with more accuracy across a range of lighting conditions
• Part of the L-series Canon lenses considered one of the best in the segment

Cons

• Auto-focus is slower compared to other lenses in the range

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Best Telephoto Lens for Product Photography:  Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

This is not just one of the best lens for outdoor product photography has, but also ideal for wildlife and other outdoor photography in general.

One of the unique aspects of the EF 70-300mm is the Lens Information Display that provides you with the focal length & distance along with the stabilizer settings on the screen.

Its telephoto zoom is made for full-frame EF-mount DSLRs by Canon. You can also use it with APS-C models. The UD element helps in the reduction of chromatic aberrations to give you more clarity and color fidelity. The Image Stabilizer takes care of 4 stops of camera shakes to give you sharper images even in tough lighting conditions. 

Specifications

• Focal Length: 70-300mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/4 to 5.6 and f/32 to 45
• Max Magnification: 0.25x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.15×5.73 inch
• Filter Size: 67mm

Reasons to buy

• Lens Information Display that provides all required details on the top of the screen
• Dual-purpose autofocus motor provides quicker performance across the zooming range
• Ideal for a photo as well as a video recording with an Image Stabilizer system
• Nano-USM technology gives a quick and still-optimized ring

Cons:

• Autofocus is slow around 400mm

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Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens: Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

When it comes to the best lens for product photography with wide-angle capabilities, then the Tamron 10-24mm VC HLD is one that you must consider. This lens is made for DX-format F-mount Nikon DSLRs.

It has an advanced optical design with aspherical and low-dispersion elements for suppression of spherical and chromatic aberrations.  This provides higher clarity, color fidelity, and sharpness.

The lens has a 4 stop VC or Vibration Compensation. This minimizes the effects of camera shaking during handheld shooting. The build quality makes it moisture resistant. A fluorine coating at the front element protects against smudging, dirt, and dust.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 10-24mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/3.5 to 4.5 and f/22 to 4
• Max Magnification: 0.19x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.29×3.2 inch
• Filter Size: 77mm

Reasons to buy

• Provides high sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity
• Better contrast with minimal flare and surface reflections in strong lighting
• Vibration Compensation allows better photos during handheld photography
• HLD Autofocus motor for smooth and quick focus performance 
• Durable and tough form factor

Cons

• Color saturation feels diminished in exterior lighting conditions

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Best Macro Lens: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S

Macro shots are required for a range of small and mid-sized products. In such a case, one of the best lenses for product photography is the Sigma 70-200mm HSM. This EF-Mount lens has an advanced bright design equipping you with greater control on the depth of field. Its OS system ensures that there is minimal effect of camera shake for stable shots.

The 10 low dispersion elements significantly decrease the effect of color fringing and chromatic aberrations. The Multi-Layer coating further decreases flare and ghosting during strong lighting photography. You get a hypersonic motor for quick autofocus but also have the option of full-manual control on the focus.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 70-200mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/2.8 and f/22
• Max Magnification: 0.21x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.71×7.99 inch
• Filter Size: 82mm

Reasons to buy

• Part of the Sigma Global Vision product range provides excellent speed, optical performance, e and several customizations for various types of photography.
• Constant f/2.8 aperture means better results in low-light and control for shallow depth of field photography
• Rear and front lens elements have oil and water-repellent coatings
• 9 FLD elements and 1 SLD element decrease chromatic aberrations and color fringing

Cons:

• The lens is heavy with a weight of 4 lbs

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Best Lens for Still Life Photography – Zoom Upgrade: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

As one of the best lenses for Product photography and all other everyday needs, this Canon EF-mount lens is ideal for portrait-length to the wide-angle range. It belongs to the Art lens series. This series has an optical design made of 3 SLD elements with 4 aspherical elements for reduced spherical and chromatic aberrations.

The Super Multi-Layer coating minimizes ghosting, flare, and gives contrast-rich imagery even in strong lighting. Its optical stabilizer minimizes the effects of camera shake, even when you shoot handheld.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 24-70mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Maximum and Minimum Apertures:  f/2.8 and f/22
• Max Magnification: 0.21x
• Lens Dimensions:  3.46×4.24 inch
• Filter Size: 82mm
• Price: US$ 1079 (Amazon)

Reasons to buy

• Provides great results in all light conditions
• Reduced chromatic aberrations across the zoom range
• HSM (Hypersonic motor) provides a fast and near-silent autofocus
• TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) used in construction, adds to durability and dust resistance
• Compatible with Signa USB dock that can be used to upgrade firmware and fine-tune lens parameters

Cons

• Focus and zoom ring positions are the opposite of most lenses

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Conclusion

As you search for the best lens for product photography, you now have a better idea of the most trusted lenses in the market and what they offer. Use this as your starting point for finding the lens that will get you amazing photographs in any condition and setting.

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