As far as our senses go, sight is the most important. If a product is photographed in a visually pleasing manner, it might trigger a desire within the consumer to purchase the product in the photo. It could be food, clothing, or shoes but if it is tastefully arranged and professionally photographed, it will appeal more to the consumer than a written or radio broadcast advertisement.
The right equipment can make a huge difference in the quality of your product photographs and this means a proper product camera as well as the best optical device in favor of the job. We have compiled a list of optimum lenses and equipment to get the most out of your product photographs.
- The 12 Best Lenses for Product Photography
- Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens
- Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens
- Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Canon
- Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Fixed Lens
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens
- Sigma 24-105mm F4.0 Art DG OS HSM Lens
- Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Wide Angle Lens
- Tamron AFF017N700 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro
- Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro
- Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR f/34-8 Fixed lens
- Best lens for Product Photography Buyer’s Guide
- Which camera is Best for Product Photography?
- Which Camera is Best for Food Photography?
- What is the Best Lens for Food Photography?
- What is a Macro Lens?
The 12 Best Lenses for Product Photography
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Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens

As one of the sharpest 85mm lenses that Nikon has ever produced, the Nikon AF FX Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G fixed optical device is a great option in support of product photography and stills. It was designed in favor of use with Nikon’s FX-format DSLR cameras thanks to the f/1.8 telephoto device which is great at shooting stills and HD videos.
The internal focusing device does not change in size during Auto Focus operation which makes it a compact and lightweight device capable of focusing on close ups. The Nikon Lens is designated with the letters IF on the optical device barrel. This is a medium telephoto portrait which is one of the best lengths in favor of product photography. It has a fast f/1.8 aperture which will capture brilliantly sharp photos even in low light situations.
NIKKOR’S trademark Silent Wave Motor technology enables super fast autofocusing that is extremely accurate while being super quiet. The optical device has a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with almost no lag time. By simply turning the focusing ring on the optical device, it is possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while still looking through the viewfinder.
This optical device has a fast maximum aperture which makes it great at taking product photography stills under low light conditions. When mounted on a DX-Format DSLR camera, this product has an effective field of view of 127mm which is perfect in favor of product or food photography shoots where details and brilliance need to be priority.
Pros
- Silent Wave Motor
- Manual and Auto Focus Mode
- Super Integrated Coating
- Internal Focus
- Medium Telephoto zoom
Cons
Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens

The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens is the very first ultra-wide angle device to cover the full frame 35 mm image circles with Vibration Control Technology. This is one of the better camera lenses to use if you are interested in product photography. Wide angle lenses emphasize the closest in frame subjects and a lot of backgrounds that tend to remain more or less partially focused and recognizable. This gives an interesting and eye catching effect to the product you are shooting.
This device has the fastest full frame zoom available on the market at the moment, its wide open exposure settings remain the same when zooming from wide angle to a less wide angle focal length. Its f/2.8 aperture is more preferred when capturing the action in low light. The center of 15-30 VC frame is extremely sharp throughout the entire focal length range through the comers trail the center of the frame in their sharpness.
The Tamron device remains clear right into the extreme corners and there are really only a small handful of lenses that are able to this at the same focal length. Chromatic Aberrations are relatively well controlled with only a very small amount t showing at the wide end. CA diminishes to negligible at 30mm ant the quiet, high torque Ultra Silent Drive focuses fast under normal and even long focal lengths.
This is a professional looking device which will surprisingly not break the bank. The device does not change size when zooming in and out but the front element extends and retracts in and out of the built in hood. It is a large and relatively solid device and is one of the better lenses available in support of product photography.
Pros
- USD Technology
- Chromatic Aberration Control
- Circular polarizer Filters
- 280mm Minimum Focus Distance
- Diameter increase
Cons
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

As one of the most popular EF Prime Lenses around, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a very affordable device to add to your camera bag. This optical device is perfect in terms of artistic and impactful product photography. The wide f/1.8 aperture lets in 8 x more light than a standard zoom optical device. This means sharper product images with much less motion blur.
In low light conditions, the flash is not needed as much because of the wide aperture. The size of the aperture is one of the main reasons a product photographer would choose a prime optical device over a standard zoom device. The 50mm focal length allows you to fill the frame with your product without having to stand on top of it.
This optical device is known to give outstanding picture quality at a very affordable price which makes it the optimum device for a beginner in product photography.T he price tag is not the only thing that is small when it comes to the Canon EF f/1.8 STM, it only measures 40mm in length and weighs a mere 160g making it an ultra compact.
This is a very affordable macro optical device and a great addition to any product photographer’s camera bag. It provides high quality images which are important when focusing on still shots such as products or jewelry. This compact, standard prime device will help bring your product photography to life like never before.
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Very lightweight and compact
- Wide Aperture
- STM Stepping Motor
- Macro Close up Performance Photography
Cons
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

Another one of Canon’s premier photography lenses, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is the optimum choice for a macro photography optical device. This is the perfect lens in support of close up product photography thanks to the 100mm focal length and the 1:1 magnification capability.
This is a sturdy camera lens aimed at professional photographers who will use it out in the field. The Optical Image Stabilization allows for handheld shooting with a minimal amount of motion blur. This means that you can photograph your product or subject without a tripod and still get the same great results.
The optical lens was designed with Canon’s Hybrid-IS system which means it can compensate most linear shifts which are basically a vertical movement of the camera parallel to the focal plane. The focus ring and optical lens mount are made from aluminum, unlike the usual black plastic housing. The lens itself is made from high grade engineering plastic and is surprisingly lightweight.
The color and the contrast from the optical lens are brilliantly reproduced and the bokeh is beautifully smooth. These are two of the finest features to have when considering a lens in favor of product photographs because you want your image to be as close to life like as possible.
The solid build and design of this camera are definitely suited to professionals out in the field. It is a durable and compact optical lens which weighs next to nothing. The color and contrast are brilliantly reproduced which means your image will look ready to leap off of the page and into your buyer’s lap.
Pros
- Hybrid Image Stabilisation
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable Aluminum components
- Engineering Plastic
- Great Centre Sharpness
Cons
Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Canon

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Canon Lens is ideal when in low light situations and also has one of the optimal depths of field to produce beautifully rendering background highlights. This new line of art lenses allows the photographer to update the firmware on the lenses and adjust the parameters which is an extra that no other manufacturer offers.
This optical lens is designed in favor of use with both full frames as well as an APS-C sensor digital camera and is part of Sigma’s new Art Series of professional lenses. A Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting which leaves you with sharp, high contrast images even in poor lighting conditions. The Hyper Sonic Motor and floating inner focusing system gives you quiet and precise autofocusing every time.
Switch between manual and autofocus with the press of a button without having to switch camera modes. The new Thermally Stable Composite and all metallic parts combine together to give you a stronger and more heat resistant lens. A special treatment is applied to the glass surface which makes it more durable and gives it a longer life even with daily use.
This is the first lens from Sigma’s Art line and it was created with an emphasis on a creative an artistic touch. If you are looking at a creative and dramatic outcome in your product photography then this lens will defiantly be of great value to you.
Pros
- Thermally Stable Composite Material
- Hyper Sonic Motor
- Floating Internal Focus System
- Anti-Flare Super Multi Layer Coating
- USB Dock and SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
Cons
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Fixed Lens

If you are in the market for a medium telephoto optical lens then the Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Fixed Lens should most certainly be on your shopping list. This fixed lens offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1 and a speedy maximum aperture of 2.8. The combination of these two is what makes it the perfect optical lens in favor of close up product photography. An SWM focus motor offers fast and silent autofocusing along with a full time manual focusing.
Vibration reduction technology means that you can easily take a great shot without a tripod and still get high quality results even though the camera is handheld. Although this optical lens is slightly heavier than the rest, it has a solid feel to it and durable and sturdy. The manual focus ring is broad and easily located while three slider switches determine the focusing mode, focusing range and Vibration Reduction activation.
This optical lens was designed for close-up and macro photography but it is versatile enough to be used in virtually any photographic situation which makes it a great addition to your camera bag. The enhanced picture quality that the lens offers overall is a great plus when doing product shots since the shots need to be sharp and eye catching, you can’t go wrong with this optical lens by your side.
Pros
- SWM Focus Motor
- VR Reduction
- ED Glass and Nano-Coating
- 105mm Focal Length
- Internal Focus
Cons
Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens

Yet another excellent contender from Canon, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens is a small, lightweight and economical telephoto zoom with a surprisingly long focal length range. It can only be mounted onto Canon APS-C/1.6x FOVCF bodies since it is an EF-S optical lens. This is the first optical lens longer than 85mm and has a nice size zoom ring as well as a small manual focus ring.
It allows you to get very close to far away subjects and has a smooth and quiet STM focusing motor. Image Stabilization helps to reduce blur from any possible camera shake and allows for shutter speeds of up to 3.5 stops slower than normal. Panning detection will automatically turn off IS in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
A seven bladed aperture diaphragm increases the quality of any areas that are out of focus, leaving your subject to stand out against a soft, blurred background. A close focusing distance of 0.85m allows for photography of small subjects without losing important details. The non rotating front element makes utilizing filters easy and straightforward.
This is a compact and affordable optical lens which offers powerful telephoto performance in any light situations. This is Ideal for product photographers who are looking at an affordable yet versatile lens to add to their collection. The environmentally friendly, lead free glass is the perfect optical lens for emphasizing subjects shot against distracting backgrounds.
Pros
- APS-C Image Size
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 0.85 Close Focus Distance
- Image Stabilization
- Silent STM Motor
Cons
Sigma 24-105mm F4.0 Art DG OS HSM Lens

As far as wide angle to medium telephoto zoom lenses go, the Sigma 24-105mm F4.0 Art Lens is one of the prime Sigma lenses on the market. It was designed for both full frame and crop sensor Nikon F DSLR cameras. Three Aspherical elements are integrated into the construction as well as two SLD and FLD glass elements. These elements combined help to diminish aberration, field curvature and other distortions which might occur throughout the zoom range.
It also provides a much sharper image while reducing peripheral brightness. The Super Multi Layer Coating has been applied to the glass elements so as to reduce surface reflections, light flare, and ghosting. This allows for higher contrast and color fidelity within the images. The barrel is constructed from Thermally Stable Components which means minimal thermal shrinkage and durability during long periods of use.
The Hyper Sonic Motor delivers smooth, high speed focus with minimal noise which makes it suitable for continuous shooting as well as video. This optical lens is compatible with SIGMA’s USB Dock and Sigma Optimization Pro Software for the adjustment of focus position and regularly updated firmware.
This lens is a solid addition to any photographer’s camera bag thanks to its great focal length and versatility. It produces sharp images with little to no chromatic aberrations. A one lens solution which makes it perfect for zooming and macro close up photography.
Pros
- 9 Blade Diaphragm
- Brass Mount
- Hyper Sonic Motor
- SLD and FLD Glass Elements
- Thermally Stable Composite Material
Cons
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Wide Angle Lens

The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Wide Angle Lens delivers fast and accurate autofocus and good image quality all in one compact and moderately priced package. This wide angle optical lens comes equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer and provides up to 4 stops of shake correction while being highly effective in low light conditions.
The Ultra Sonic Focus Motor which is a ring type provides fast, smooth and silent auto focusing while full time manual focusing is available even while in AF mode. Aspherical optical lens elements reduce aberrations and help improve the image quality on the periphery. Super Integrated Coatings diminish ghosting and flare and Image Stabilization helps to prevent blur when shooting at lower shutter speeds.
The wide angle view of this optical lens is perfect for shooting indoors and other small areas thus making it a great option for merchandise and food photography shoots.
This is an everyday walk around optical lens because it is light and compact enough to carry around and store easily. This Canon is an all round optically superb lens with super fast autofocus. It is ultra sharp at all apertures which makes it perfect for indoor and outdoor merchandise or food photography where there is limited space available to move around the subject.
Pros
- Image Stabilization
- Aspherical Elements
- Integrated Coating
- Ultra Sonic Focus Motor
Cons
Tamron AFF017N700 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro

The Tamron AFF017N700 Macro Lens was designed with close up shooting in mind. This short telephoto prime optical lens can be used on FX-format Nikon F-mount DSLR’s. The life-size maximum magnification ratio of 1:1 makes it an excellent choice when shooting small, close by subjects.
The built-in Floating System maintains image quality throughout the 11.8inch to infinity focusing range. A single Low dispersion, as well as two Extra Low Dispersion glass elements, is incorporated into the optical design. These three elements combine to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, providing a clean and consistent sharp image throughout the magnification range.
Vibration Compensation Image Stabilization has been incorporated into the optical lens so as to minimize camera shake by up to 3.5 stops. This feature enables sharper handheld shooting in low light conditions. The ring type UltraSonic Silent Drive motor and an optimized actuator are employed for fast, accurate and super quiet autofocusing.
Full time manual focusing is available and the user can switch between the two quickly and easily while an internal focusing mechanism maintains the overall optical lens length during use.
If ever there was an optical lens created for close up merchandise photography, it’s this Tamron short telephoto prime lens. It is the perfect size for shooting close-ups of small or distant subjects and has a magnification of 1:1 for life-size macro photography shots.
Pros
- VC Image Stabilization
- Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency
- 1:1 Maximum Magnification
- 3 Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Ultra Sonic Silent Drive Motor for Auto Focusing
Cons
Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro

Another high-speed macro optical lens worth mentioning is the Sigma 180mm F2.8 Macro Optical lens with its magnification ratio of 1:1 and 180mm focal length. It is compatible with the Canon EF mount for use on full frame and APS-C DSLR’s. A total sum of three FLD glass elements works to correct color aberrations while a floating inner focusing system helps to diminish field curvature and distortion. The combination of these features results in an accurate scene rendition from 1:1 magnification to infinity.
A Super Multi Layer Coating minimizes and eliminates ghosting and flare as well as producing sharp contrasted images. An integrated Optical Stabilizer system enables the photographer to shoot without a tripod with shutter speeds of up to 4 stops slower than usually possible.
This comes in handy when you need to photograph your merchandise from an awkward angle or if there is not enough space for a tripod setup. Autofocusing is easy and super quiet with the Hyper Ultra Sonic Motor which is incorporated into the design. This means you can autofocus quickly and quietly even while shooting video.
Not only does this optical lens have an excellent quality build, it feels good in your hands. The autofocus is extremely fast and accurate. Macro and portrait shooting are what this lens lives for and don’t forget its stunningly soft bokeh function. This optical lens is highly recommended for merchandise and food photography because of its speed and accuracy when autofocusing along with the Optical Stabilizer which allows for handheld use.
Pros
- Hyper Sonic Motor
- Integrated Optical Stabilizer
- 9 blade diaphragm
- Multi Layer Coating
- FLD Glass Elements
Cons
Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR f/34-8 Fixed lens

The Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm fixed lens provides a telephoto to super telephoto range while somehow managing to stay relatively compact and lightweight. It has a powerful reach and is great for everything from portraits to close ups of nature and wildlife. Nikon’s unique stepping motor allows for fast and quiet autofocusing which is perfect for fast action and video recording. This is one of the reasons why it is an excellent option for wildlife photography.
The optical lens produces softly blurred backgrounds which complement its telephoto perspective and the innovative Vibration Reduction technology allows for smooth handheld use without camera shake while zooming. You will be able to get as close as 1.2m from your subject with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.25x for dramatic close ups at 300mm.
The large, comfortable zoom ring provides optimal torque for smooth, even zooming across the entire range. It is sealed to protect against dust and water droplets allowing you to snap away in even the most dismal weather conditions.
This is a great optical lens for close encounters with nature in any kind of weather and lighting conditions. The super zoom will allow you to take photos of your subject from a comfortable distance while still providing high quality merchandise images with beautiful bokeh background.
Pros
- Dust and water resistant
- Vibration Reduction Technology
- Stepping Motor
- Super Integrated Coating
- Internal Focus
Cons
Best lens for Product Photography Buyer’s Guide
Which camera is Best for Product Photography?
We shop with our eyes so it stands to reason that if you have something to sell, a stunning, brightly colored and detailed photograph will do the job for you. If you are serious about showcasing your merchandise in the best possible way then you should consider using high quality and optical lens. Sure, you could take the shot with your trusty Smartphone but what about all of the details you and your potential clients might miss? A cheaper camera and optical lens could mean the difference between your merchandise selling or not so don’t just point and shoot for the sake of getting the shot.
Put some serious consideration into the lighting and processing power of your camera because it will be integral to the end result. We highly recommend using the Canon EOS Rebel T7i Digital camera for sharp, detailed merchandise photos every time. This is an entry level DSLR but a huge step up form any Smartphone camera’s on the market. It offers a great list of features such as Blue tooth connection and a 3inch tiling touch screen.
The Canon EOS Rebel uses a 24 megapixel sensor and has dual pixel autofocus as well as the company’s latest processor. This camera is a great option for a beginner or entry level merchandise photographer who is looking for fancy features at a not so fancy price.
Which Camera is Best for Food Photography?
Food photographs should be as bright and enticing as the real deal. We eat with our eyes and a drab or unbalanced photo is just not going to be appetizing at all. There are a few prime settings you should be looking for when shopping for a camera for food photography. Does the camera have a cropped sensor? A cropped sensor is not a standard size sensor and does not match 35mm film standards. These days’ cameras have great file sizes which are important if you need to print your images so always look for a camera with the biggest file size within your budget.
If you do not plan on using a tripod, you will need a camera with a high ISO setting. Keep in mind that camera’s with a higher ISO are more pricey so maybe consider a tripod if you are on a budget. Focus points are a huge factor when taking photographs of food because of the fact that some important yet small details might be missed when using manual focus.
What is the Best Lens for Food Photography?
When considering what type of optical lens to use for food photography, you need to consider a few things. This will help you choose the correct option for the job. Think of the size of the subject and the type of lighting you will be shooting in as well as space and distance available around your subject.
You might be surprised to learn that there are many lenses that will provide you with quality optics you need for still life photography. This is because still life photographs are shot at higher apertures and since you are more than likely going to be using a tripod, you do not necessarily need any kind of vibration stabilization.
If you are a beginner with a relatively tight budget, don’t fret. Go out and grab a macro optical lens within the 100mm focal length range. This type of lens can be used for a wide range of subjects, specifically still life where details are important. They are also great value for money when you are looking for a good quality versatile optical lens.
What is a Macro Lens?
A macro lens is used to capture even the smallest details in high definition. Macro photography is the art of taking very close range photos of things such as insects or flowers. Macro optical lenses enable you to see details in the photo that you might not be able to see. A good quality macro lens should be able to focus from infinity to 1:1 magnification which means that the size of the image is the same as the image reproduced on the sensor.
Macro lenses also allow for closer focusing distances than normal lenses do and they are not necessarily more expensive than a regular or non-macro one. They come in a variety of focal lengths which allow you to choose how far you will be from your subject.
Conclusion
We hoped we have managed to give you a little more insight into what kind of optical device you should be using to take your merchandise photography to the next level. Regardless of what merchandise you are showcasing, it is integral to produce a high quality detailed product photograph each and every time. With online shopping taking the world by storm, there is no place in this competitive market for poorly taken photographs and now that you have our list of the best lenses for product photography, there is also no excuse for poor picture quality anymore.If you liked our article on product photography lenses, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.