Wondering what the best focal length for product photography is?
As a professional product photographer, I often reach for my 24-70mm RF Canon lens and 100mm RF Macro lens.
Different focal lengths change how your product looks in pictures, and choosing the right focal length is key to capturing great product photos.
Do you want to show the whole product with some background, or do you need to focus on small details? The right lens makes all the difference.
In this article, I’ll share insights on how different lenses can affect your product images.
We’ll explore which focal lengths are best for various types of products. So let’s take a look into the world of lenses and find out how to pick the best one for your product photography.
Understanding Focal Length and Its Impact on Product Photography
1. Definition and Importance of Focal Length
Focal length is measured in millimeters.
They stand for the distance from the lens to the image sensor when the lens is focused.
This determines how much of the scene fits within the frame and affects the scale of objects in the image.
The focal length you choose can significantly influence the perspective, affecting how the product appears to potential customers.
2. The Role of Focal Length in Image Quality
Focal length also affects depth of field and distortion.
A shorter focal length can introduce more distortion, which might be unflattering for product images.
On the other hand, longer focal lengths offer a flatter perspective, which is often more flattering and less distorted.
Understanding these effects helps in choosing the right focal length for product photos that need to look their absolute best.
Next let’s explore why certain lenses are better suited for detailed close-ups or broader shots, ensuring your products look perfect in every click.
Best Focal Lengths for Product Photography
1. Short to Medium Focal Lengths (35mm to 70mm)
These focal lengths are versatile for shooting a range of product types.
At 35mm, you capture more of the environment, which can be useful for lifestyle shots where the product is shown in use.
Moving up to 70mm, you start to compress the scene slightly, which can help focus more on the product while still including some contextual elements.
This range is great for larger products or when you want to include a bit of the surrounding scene to tell a story.
2. Standard Focal Length (50mm)
Often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” this lens mimics the perspective of the human eye, providing a natural look that doesn’t distort the edges of your product.
It’s perfect for straightforward product shots where you need the item to look as it does in reality, without any enhancement or alteration.
This focal length is a staple for photographers who want their products to appear true to size and shape.
3. Medium Telephoto Focal Lengths (70mm to 100mm)
This range is where you start to see less distortion and more flattering perspectives for smaller products.
My 100mm RF Macro lens is a prime example, ideal for capturing sharp, detailed close-ups of small objects like jewelry.
The longer focal length allows for a tighter focus on the product, highlighting details such as texture and craftsmanship that might be lost with a wider lens.
4. Benefits of Using Macro Lenses
Macro lenses, like the 100mm, are not just for extreme close-ups.
They provide exceptional detail and clarity at closer distances, making them indispensable for product photography where fine details are crucial.
They excel in capturing the smallest features, from the texture of fabric to the intricacies of small tech gadgets.
5. Choosing Between Zoom and Prime Lenses
While I frequently use my 24-70mm zoom lens for its flexibility in framing and composition, prime lenses like the 50mm and 100mm offer sharper images with less chromatic aberration.
Chromatic aberration is also known as color fringing. It is a color distortion that creates an outline of unwanted color along the edges of objects in a photograph. Often, it happens where there’s a high contrast between light and dark objects.
It is the result of the failure of a camera lens to focus white light’s different wavelengths onto the same focal point. This can lead to blue-yellow, red-green, or magenta-purple fringing.
The choice between zoom and prime lenses often comes down to the specific requirements of the shoot and how much movement and adjustment you anticipate needing during the session.
Remember, selecting the right focal length and type of lens depends heavily on the product being photographed, the desired effect, the composition and how much of the surrounding environment you want to include in your shots.
Understanding these aspects will help you capture product photos that not only look professional but also truly represent the product to potential customers.
My Go-To Lenses for Product Photography
1. 24-70mm RF Canon Lens
This lens is my workhorse for most product photography shoots. Its versatility allows me to adjust from wide-angle (24mm) to medium telephoto (70mm) without changing lenses.
This range is perfect for quickly adapting to different product sizes and shooting environments, from capturing the entire product in its setting to focusing on smaller details.
The zoom capability lets me frame shots perfectly without needing to physically move back and forth, which is invaluable in a fast-paced studio setting.
2. 100mm RF Macro Lens
For products that require attention to fine detail, the 100mm macro lens is my tool of choice.
Its ability to focus closely on the subject allows for crystal-clear detail capture, essential for items like jewelry or intricately designed products. In fact, the 100 mm macro is one of my favorite lenses for jewelry photography.
This lens is particularly useful for highlighting textures and qualities that are crucial for high-end product listings.
Its use is not just about closeness but also about the quality and precision it brings to the final image.
3. When to Use Other Lenses (50mm and 85mm)
While I use the 50mm and 85mm lenses less frequently, they have their specific benefits:
50mm Lens:
Ideal for product shots that require a natural look without distortion. It’s perfect for straightforward product images where accuracy and simplicity are key.
85mm Lens:
This lens offers a slightly more compressed perspective, which is great for portrait-oriented product shots where you want to isolate the subject from a busy background.
The slight telephoto effect also helps in making the product ‘pop’ from the scene.
Each lens in my kit serves a purpose based on the shoot’s demands and the product’s characteristics.
Knowing which lens to use and when can significantly affect the quality and effectiveness of your product photography.
Choosing the right lens for product photography isn’t just about having the right equipment but knowing how to use it to its fullest potential.
Whether you’re shooting with a versatile zoom lens or a specialized macro, understanding the strengths and limitations of each can help you produce compelling product images that speak to your audience.
Experiment with different lenses and focal lengths to see what works best for your products.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions!
Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand
Get a Custom Quote Tailored to Your Specific Needs
Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.
You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com