Which Lens for Product Photography?

[Shazland79]

Hi There. I am trying to build up my business in product photography. At the moment I am using an 18 - 55 lens, which has served me pretty well so far tbh, but I need to think about buying a lens more suitable for close ups of smaller items, or a good all rounder for studio work. I mostly photograph jewellery and accessories, phone cases etc!
If anyone has any advice id be very happy to hear it.
Thanks alot!!

 

[Professional]

Either 100mm macro/180mm macro, or one of those tilt shift lenses, maybe 45mm or 90mm

 

[meonshore]

Either 100mm macro/180mm macro, or one of those tilt shift lenses, maybe 45mm or 90mm

This, although depending on the depth of field you require, and the size of the items of jewellery, I would re-order that list - but drop the 180mm macro. Useful only for teeth and skittish insects (when compared to the 100mm macro).

So very small jewellery - 100mm macro, 90mm TSE, 45mm TSE

Larger jewellery - 90mm TSE, 45mm TSE, 100mm macro

For phone cases and larger then you'd be far better off with the TSE lenses than the macro as you can create far larger depth of field using the tilt mechanism, whilst keeping your aperture down to reduce softness due to diffraction.

 

[StewartR]

This, although depending on the depth of field you require, and the size of the items of jewellery, I would re-order that list - but drop the 180mm macro. Useful only for teeth and skittish insects (when compared to the 100mm macro).

So very small jewellery - 100mm macro, 90mm TSE, 45mm TSE

Larger jewellery - 90mm TSE, 45mm TSE, 100mm macro

For phone cases and larger then you'd be far better off with the TSE lenses than the macro as you can create far larger depth of field using the tilt mechanism, whilst keeping your aperture down to reduce softness due to diffraction.

Agree totally. Good advice.