Which is the best lens for jewelry photography?

The standard 18-135mm lens is often supplied in kit form with entry-level DSLR cameras such as the Canon EOS 800D (expect to pay between 700 and 800 euros for the camera plus lens kit). If you’re photographing your jewelry for a low definition web display for a website, it will do the trick. To make high definition and more complex visuals and/or photograph specific jewelry or gems, you will have to opt for a macro lens.

Choosing the right lens can make all the difference in the final outcome. While the Canon 18-135 mm lens may work for more general product shots, professional photographers and the best jewelry photographers often opt for specialized lenses for close up shots and intricate details. The best lenses for product photography include macro lenses (or zoom lens), which offer high magnification and a shallow depth of field, allowing for crisp, clear shots of even the smallest details. These specialty lenses are designed specifically for photographing small, detailed subjects such as gems and jewelry, making them the ideal choice for anyone looking to take their product photography to the next level. Overall, the key to achieving stunning product photography lies in choosing the right lenses for the job, and professionals know that investing in high-quality product photography lenses is a must.

• Read our article on what camera settings to choose for jewelry photography

Use a macro lens to capture, for example, all the details of gold or silver jewelry with intricate patterns and ornaments. You can also use a watermark lens to show details in watermarks, to publish visuals on media such as print that require higher image quality and resolution. There are two types of macro lenses for APS-C SLR cameras and Full Frame. Choose a focal length of 100 mm or more. The higher the focal length, the more you can keep the camera away from the subject and have a reduced field of view.

When it comes to jewelry photography, especially for e-commerce, it’s important to use the best lens for close up shots. While macro lenses are the most commonly used for this type of work, there are other options to consider. Tilt shift lenses, for example, allow for greater control over depth of field and perspective. Prime lenses are also a good choice as they offer higher image quality and faster aperture, which allows for more creative control over the shot. However, if versatility is what you’re after, zoom lenses are another option. They allow for greater flexibility in framing shots, but may not offer the same level of detail as prime or macro lenses. Ultimately, your choice of lens will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but it’s always best to test out different options to find the best fit for your style of photography.

• Read our article on what equipment to choose for jewelry photography and the accessories dedicated to product photography automation for upgrade your photo studio.

• One of Canon’s flagship models is the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. Equipped with a latest-generation hybrid stabilizer, this lens offers perfect control of chromatic aberrations.
• The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is adaptable to Canon. It is more affordable than the previous model, and is suitable for macro photography of jewelry. This lens is also more than sufficient for use with a packshot photo studio dedicated to macro jewelry photography.