Cameras and Lenses for Product Photography

Make sure you’re properly equipped for product success.

One of the most common questions asked by those just starting out in product photography is what camera and what lens is best for product photography.

To help answer this question, Karl explains some of the camera choices for product photography before taking a closer look at some of the best lenses for product photography. He also details what lenses he uses when shooting products and why these are his lenses of choice.

Comments

  1. Hi Karl,

    Absolutely loving the content. Quick question on the lenses for product photography – I do have the Sony 35 mm F/1.4 GM or a Tamron 28-200 mm f2.6-5.6 on Sony A7RV body. Will these be sufficient for a start?

    1. Hi, the 35mm focal length is a bit wide angle unless you’re shooting furniture or something big from a distance. The 28-200 would be ok if you use it around the 100mm focal length area.

  2. Hi Karl
    Please give me your recommendation about what is the best and cheapest lens to start in food and product photography.
    I use canon R100 and 18-45mm kit lens ,55-210 mm and 10-18 mm wide lens.
    I will start doing food and product photography for free so I can learn.
    Thank you

  3. Hello Karl,

    I watched your video and I truly appreciate your time, effort, and the valuable information you shared.

    I recently purchased the latest Sigma 24-70mm lens, and I also own the Sony 90mm Macro. My question is: I bought the Sigma 24-70mm mainly for two purposes — shooting a variety of products (since I can’t capture full product sets with the Macro lens) and also photographing wedding halls and desserts. Do you think this is a good choice? And what would be the ideal aperture setting for the Sigma 24-70mm?

    Thank you, you are truly inspiring!

  4. Hello Karl,

    I watched your video and I truly appreciate your time, effort, and the valuable information you shared.

    I recently purchased the latest Sigma 24-70mm lens, and I also own the Sony 90mm Macro. My question is: I bought the Sigma 24-70mm mainly for two purposes — product photography and also shooting wedding halls and desserts. Do you think this is a good choice? And what would be the ideal aperture setting for the Sigma 24-70mm?

    Thank you, you are truly inspiring!

    1. Hi, for product photography your 90mm Macro lens is the best choice. I use a focal length of between 70-100mm for nearly all my product photography. The 24-70 is not as good as your 90mm for product photography work unless what you are photographing is interior rooms or large sets.

  5. Hi, Karl

    I am having canon EOS 850 D camera with a kit lens 18 – 55 mm.
    is that a good start for product photography. And guide me that later how can i upgrade it, which lens should be better?

    Thank you

  6. Hi Karl,

    I hope you’re well. I recently picked up the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro and wanted to check in with you. Would you say this was a good choice for both product and portrait photography?

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. Hi, It’s the correct focal length for portrait work and also product work, especially as it’s a macro but I’ve never used that lens so I don’t have any information on it’s performance. Did you look at the MTF charts for it and compare to say the equivalent Sony 90mm Macro G lens or the Canon 100 macro lens. Only using the lens and checking the MTF charts can you discover it’s optical quality.

  7. Hi Karl, this is crazy and not at all what you recommend, but what about a 40mm prime like Voigtlander 1.2 Nokton? Why I am even considering this is because I work in a small space and I need something lightweight that I’ll also use for video work among other things, but it’s main purpose is product work. I already have the 70-180mm from Nikon but, as you said, can be a bit bulky and difficult to get around in a small studio. I work with a Nikon ZF that is a full frame. For close shots, I have extension tubes. Am I making a mistake to consider this focal length?

    1. Hi, you are making a mistake considering that focal length for product photography as it will create too much distortion on products especially if shooting close.

  8. Hi, I am Evelyn.
    I have a sony a7cii 33 full frame censor and a 35mm prime lens.
    What lens would be appropriate for me?
    Thank you

    1. Hi Evelyn, to ensure you watched this video and based on the information provided in this video which lens do you think is best for your camera?

    1. Hi, if you are rendering for product photography in CGI then I would suggest approximately 100mm-120mm for a 35mm format camera but if you’re rendering camera is say medium format then 80-100mm.

    1. Hi, I’m sure the camera is capable it will come down to the lens that you choose for the camera for product photography.

      1. Hey Karl its me again, I got the 50mm prime lens with the R5, Wasn’t sure what type of photography I would be doing until now, so I was thinking of getting the 85mm and a 100mm prime lenses for my product photography business. Would you agree with my options? I need some feedback. Thank you.

        1. Hi, yes the 85 and the 100 primes would be good choices for product work. I’m guessing the 100mm you’re talking about is the Macro lens which is a very good choice as it can shoot at normal distances and of course much closer if needed.

        2. Hi, the 85mm may be OK but it depends on how close it can focus. With the 100mm I assume you’re talking about the macro lens which is good.

          1. Hi, first of all have a listen to the recommended lenses in this video for FF35mm and why these are recommended and then you should be able to find a chart online that tells you the equivalent focal lengths for the APSC format. That would be your starting point and then you need to consider from those lenses which ones allow you to focus close enough for product photography (that information will be in the lens specifications). Then consider the quality of the lens, the type of glass and preferably a prime lens. The price will often dictate or tell you a bit about the lens quality but you can also evaluate the MTF charts of the lens.

  11. I’ve learned something about Nikon lenses recently. Some (or all) old film era AF-D lenses have an issue where, when stopped down, the design of the rear elements cause the light to bounce around inside the camera (because sensors reflect more than film) causing a purple spot in the centre of the frame when shot on a digital body (D500 in my case), especially when you have strong backlighting. Of course in product photography we often shoot stopped well down. I upgraded my AF-D 50 1.8 to a AF-S 50 1.8 and the purple spot is gone, I understand that the newer lenses have curved rear elements that prevent this issue.

    1. Thanks for the info Chris, I’m sure that will be useful knowledge to many people who read these comments.

  12. John

    HI Karl. Just joined and loving your courses. I’m just getting started in product photography and struggling with what lenses to use. I’m stuck using my Canon SL2 (cropped sensor) for now until I can upgrade. Currently I have the following lenses and perhaps you could suggest which I start out with or recommend a different focal length lense to purchase for starting out:
    – the kit lens 18-55mm
    – 50mm prime (nifty 50)
    – 35mm Macro prime
    – 85mm prime

    I’ve tried the 85mm but it seems I have to back up quite some distance from the product for it to focus correctly.
    Any insight would be greatly appreciated and thanks for all you do here!

    1. Hi, thanks for joining. The 50mm may be your best bet on a crop sensor if it focuses close enough. Most product photographers use a dedicated macro lens with a focal length between 60-100mm in 35mm Full Frame. For example if I’m shooting on a sony full frame I’d be using the 90mm macro lens which is an ideal focal length and super sharp macro for getting close. On my medium format I’m either using a 120mm macro (equivalent to about 100mm of FF35mm) or I’m using a 100mm lens with extension tubes. You could also get a cheap set of extension tubes that you could use with either your 50 or your 85 that would allow it to focus much closer. Cheers Karl.

      1. John

        Thank you much Karl. An extension tube set is on the shopping list until I can upgrade to a full frame camera.

    2. I had same issue with the 85mm 1.2. Beautiful lens.. for portraiture work, horrible for small studio product photography. I’ve learned to love my 100mm f/2.8 macro and 28-70mm f/2.0 beast, it covers probably anything I could need as a hobbyist and I’m sure as an entry level freelance pro.

  13. Hi Karl,

    Your courses are giving me the confidence I’ve been lacking, so thank you for that. I’m a fashion and portrait photographer and I’ve been working mostly outdoors with natural light or with continuous lighting, with a DSLR Nikon D750. For my current employer I’ve been asked to set up an in-house photo studio for product photography (cosmetics). Quite a game changer for me and I’m trying to step it up. We have about 8-10k to spend (including lighting etc.).

    For the camera and lenses I landed on a Sony A7III or Sony A7R4 with a 90mm macro lens.

    Does this sound like a good starting point? Is there any lens you would recommend to add straight at the beginning?

    Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi thank you for your comments. I too use the Sony 90mm macro lens and it as any excellent lens for product photography so for your camera and lens choice this is a very good starting point. It is your skill with lighting that will matter the most and that is what you can learn here.

  14. hi! im rlly enjoying this course, so thank you! I have a 24-70mm lens is that good enough to start product photography or would you recommend me to get a new one?

    1. Hi, I don’t know that camera very well but I’m sure it will be fine. It’s more about the lens choices for product photography than anything else and whether you can tether the camera.

  16. Hi Karl,
    I’m Luca, a wedding and product photographerI always used Nikon for my work but as I need to refresh most of my equipment I was wondering wheter maybe it’s time to move to Sony, or to stick with Nikon and get a Z9.

    About Sony this is the setup I have in mind. Your opinion would be highly apreciated!

    Sony a7 r V
    70-200 GMII 2.8
    50mm 1.2 GM
    24mm 1.4 GM

    Thanks!

    1. Hi, in my opinion in 35mm Sony has the advantage but Nikon and Canon are also still very strong. You won’t go wrong with and of the brands. You mention product photography but I don’t see a 100mm macro in your list.

      1. Hi Karl,
        in fact I forgot to mention the 90mm Macro from Sony 😉

        Thanks for your reply!
        I think I will go with Sony.
        Keep Safe!

  17. Tamer.gawish

    hi Karl
    thank for the rich content you gave me along the courses
    will a crop sensor camera still do the jop? i have plans to upgrade but not in the near future
    if so what the main thing i should consider with my lenses regarding the focal length also will the post production be different regarding the size of sensor?
    thanks

    1. Hi Tamer, yes a crop camera can work you will have to look at the lenses that are macro and or about equivalent to 80 to 100mm for a full frame camera, I would guess that would be about 50 or 60mm on a crop sensor camera.

  18. Hi Karl

    Second time back on the series. Great advice throughout.

    My question is I have a Nikon D7200, I use to shoot small antiques, I sell online. I note you are not a big fan of crop sensor in the intro, so would I be better upgrading to say a Nikon D750 or D780, if so would either do as good a job?
    Thank you.
    Lee

    1. Hi Lee, I’m not a fan of crop sensors simply because FF can offer you more but the problem you will have in upgrading to a FF is that you will also need to upgrade your lenses too. If you’re shooting requirements are very specific as you have described then you may not notice and great benefit, especially with small objects where you need greater depth of field which effectively a crop sensor camera offers.

  19. huesimagingsolutions

    Hi Karl,

    I am a product photographer specializing in Jewelry. I currently shoot with a Lumix S1R with a SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO. I get very good results however while shooting rings or small earrings, I cannot use the full sensor because of the limits of the focal length. I am looking to add more reach while working on these smaller items to control the reflections. I focus stack so I have lots of play in my exposer settings, in fact I can work with very shallow steps in the camera’s focus bracketing. I am thinking of adding a 2x teleconverter to this lens to add the reach. Is this a suitable solution or should I just look for a longer zoom lens that will allow me to use the whole sensor? Thank you for your workshops!!

    1. Hi, I’m afraid we don’t know the systems of all the cameras on the market as there are too many variables to keep track of. What you mention sounds feasible but you should check if the 2x convertor will increase your shooting distance and therefore make your subject smaller.

  20. Hi Karl, is it okay to use Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 lens? I know you said that it needs to be a fix lens, but the budget wont allow for now. Thanks.

    1. Hi, yes you can use that lens at the 70-100 range but you’ll find after time that it’s a difficult lens to work with because it is big and heavy and it might not focus close enough.

  21. I have my online Business where we sell on amazon, what about using Smart Phone as we can’t afford to buy Professional Cameras, any top tips? Thanks

    1. Hi, you can use smart phones for photography. The most important thing is actually lighting for product images and most other images.

    2. Hi Carl,
      Thanks for your prompt response, can you please recommend backgrounds material , product display and drop back to use for product Photography for amazon. Basically, I am looking to do all images for amazon working from home ,I have limited space, it will be difficult to create studio as i need just basic image which shows product details with white background.
      I bought white backdrop but i couldn’t mange to take a good shoot specially for flat item (yoga mat) 183×16 cm.
      Many Thanks

      1. Hi Roma, I’m afraid I can’t as I have no idea what you are trying to do or what space you have, budget or equipment available. Unfortunately we are not able to offer support on these type of things unless it is something very obvious. Our support is available to all our members for technical and training support that is related to the techniques shown in our training or where members are struggling with a particular lighting technique or training related problem. My advice is for you to watch more of the product and pack shot related classes that match what you want to photograph and consider how they can be applied to what you want to do. Thank you.

  22. Hello, i have Nikon D850, i want to buy lens for product photography?
    can you please recommend me ?
    i want something cheap, not expensive .

    1. Hi, In this video I have recommended the best focal length lenses for product photography. If you have a limited budget then you will have to do some research on which lenses are available at the correct focal length. Unfortunately there are too many too choose from for us to offer a specific recommendation.

  23. Hi Karl,
    I’m happy I discovered your courses. Although I’ve taken one in the past I’ve only returned to the idea now and would like to invest in a camera and lens.
    I was going to get a Canon 90D and a lens to help out with product photography and lifestyle shots for them. But now I listened to this and feeling I should still get a full-frame…
    My focus would most likely be skincare, but as a bonus I would like to be able to capture a bit bigger objects in a small studio as well. I’m going to practice at first and try to go commercial later.
    What lens would you recommend or if I had the option to get a full frame what would be a better price option? I’m currently not able to invest in a 2K plus lens, would rather go for a cheaper option in terms of body and a better lens.
    Really appreciate your input here. thank you so much!

    1. Hi, if you were using a full frame camera then my first choice as mentioned in this video for product or portrait photography would be a focal length of around 70 to 100mm. Canon do an excellent 100mm macro lens which you will see Anna and I using in our food photography classes. This lens is good for product closeups but can also be used for portraits. Unfortunately there is never one lens that is perfect for everything but for example I use my 100mm on my camera for most of my work.

  24. Hello Karl Taylor?

    Im new to courses and it usefully to me as Beginner. But recently i bought a Camera A sony a6400 aps-c for product photograph which micro Lens should i use or change the camera ?

  25. Hello Karl,

    Thank you for such great class. Quick question, do you have new Sony camera setup and default setting guides for product photography.

    Thank you,

  26. jasonh

    Great course! Thank you. I do have a question about lenses. I do bottle photography and lifestyle photography for bottles. I have a Canon Rebel 17. What type of lense would you recommend for product/lifestyle bottle photography?

    Thank you in advance.

      1. jasonh

        Thank you for responding Karl. I looked in my manual and on my camera and I cannot locate the size of my censor for my Canon Rebel. How would I find this information? Thank you.

        1. Hi, there must be a specifications for it somewhere online or in the manual? It should say sensor size in mm? My guess is that it is an APS size crop sensor and if it is then you will likely need a 50mm focal length lens and a Macro version would be very good for product photography.

          1. jasonh

            Ahhh yes. Thank you. I was trying to do some research and I thought a 50mm lens would be best. I seriously appreciate it. I am loving your courses!

  27. Dear Karl, Please could I ask your opinion. I will be shooting jewellery images with gemstones I have been using a Fujifilm x30. This was great for a while when I was starting out but I want invest in a new camera with a better macro lenses, I’m looking for the following credentials.

    Full shame sensor
    Mirrorless
    100mm macro lens
    Tethering cab abilities
    Focus stacking

    I just don’t know which system to invest in, Canon, Nikon or Sony? Also please note I’m still learning all of the terminology but basically I want to do exactly what you show in your jewellery videos.

    Thank you so much

    Tiffany

    1. Hi Tiffany, If it was me starting again with 35mm full frame I would go with Sony and the 90mm Macro G lens which is very sharp. You can tether all of this into Capture One software with focus stacking.

      1. Dear Karl,

        Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I was wavering as it doesn’t have automatic focus stacking and didn’t know if that was a game changer.

        My plan was to buy the following:

        Sony Alpha 7iii Full Frame
        Sony 90mm Macro G

        I also want to thank you for these classes, they really are so insightful and clear to understand.

        Best

        Tiffany

          1. Brilliant that’s great thank you. I have one more question. The cones are perfect for what I need.

            How do you feel about second hand cameras and lenses?

            Thank you so much

            Tiffany

            1. Hi Tiffany, I’ve purchased plenty of second hand kit in the past. You just need to have a good look at it and check it if you can. Second hand from camera retailers is usually OK as they put a 3month guarantee on it. With lenses it’s the obvious things, do they look damaged, do the lenses look clean inside, does the focus turn smoothly, zoom etc, and do the aperture blades close correctly.

  28. Hi
    the 120 macro is 95 mm for 24×36 i think is ok
    And i find full autocus connect with hasselblad
    Fotodiox Pro 48mm Automatic Macro Extension Tube Compatible with Hasselblad XCD-Mount Cameras Such as X1D 50c and X1D II 50c
    And
    Fotodiox Pro 20mm Automatic Macro Extension Tube Compatible with Hasselblad XCD-Mount Cameras Such as X1D 50c and X1D II 50c
    Good day regards

  29. Hi
    I have hasselblad 907X & CFV II 50C, I did not find a macro ring for this camera, would the 120 macro 3.5 lens be suitable for this type of activity because the sensor is smaller than the h series; if not which one?
    Cordially

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