The best lens for product photography largely depends on the type of products you are photographing, the desired look of your images, and your camera's sensor size. However, here are a few lenses that are commonly recommended for product photography across various camera systems:
1. Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro USM: This is an affordable macro lens that allows you to capture detailed images of small products with a 1:2 magnification ratio. It's excellent for capturing fine details and textures.
2. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: A higher-end macro lens with a 1:1 magnification ratio, excellent sharpness, and image stabilization, making it great for photographing small to medium-sized products.
3. Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED: This is Nikon's equivalent to the Canon 50mm macro lens, offering high sharpness and a good working distance for small product photography.
4. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED: A professional-grade macro lens with a longer focal length, 1:1 magnification, and vibration reduction for sharper images.
5. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS: A top choice for Sony full-frame E-mount users, this lens offers exceptional sharpness, a 1:1 magnification ratio, and optical stabilization for handheld macro photography.
6. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art: An excellent third-party option for both Sony E-mount and L-mount (Leica, Panasonic S, Sigma) systems, known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh.
7. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro: A versatile lens for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs that provides great sharpness and vibration compensation for both product and macro photography.
8. Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro: A compact and sharp macro lens for Fujifilm X-series cameras, suitable for photographing small to medium-sized products.
9. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro: A high-quality macro lens for Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a 1:1 magnification ratio and fast, silent autofocus.
10. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro: A compact and affordable full-frame E-mount lens that is excellent for product photography with a 1:1 magnification ratio and good sharpness.
When selecting a lens for product photography, consider the following:
- **Magnification Ratio**: Macro lenses with higher magnification ratios (like 1:1) allow you to photograph subjects at life-size on the camera sensor.
- **Focal Length**: Shorter focal lengths (around 50mm) are good for small products and offer a wider field of view, while longer focal lengths (like 100mm) provide more working distance and a narrower perspective, which can be beneficial for photographing larger items or when you need to be farther from your subject.
- **Aperture**: A wider aperture (f/2.8 or smaller) allows for a shallower depth of field, which can help isolate your product from the background.
- **Sharpness**: Look for lenses that are known for their sharpness, as this is crucial for capturing detailed product images.
- **Autofocus**: While manual focus is often preferred for product photography, fast and accurate autofocus can be helpful when working with subjects that have a very shallow depth of field.
- **Stabilization**: Although not a must, lenses with image stabilization can be useful when shooting handheld or in less than ideal lighting conditions.
Additionally, consider investing in lens accessories such as extension tubes or a focus stacking rig to enhance your product photography capabilities. These tools can help you achieve greater magnification and better control over depth of field.