8 Best Canon Lenses for Product Photography in 2024

Selecting the best Canon lenses for product photography is key to capturing high-quality images that showcase every detail. The right lens can make a significant difference in highlighting the features and appeal of a product. Our top choice, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, stands out for its exceptional detail and clarity.

This lens is praised for its edge-to-edge sharpness and versatility, making it ideal for close-up product shots. Alongside this top pick, we’ve also chosen seven other lenses that cater to a variety of product photography needs.

What Is the Best Canon Lens for Product Photography?

Selecting the best Canon lens for product photography hinges on sharpness, detail, and versatility. Our curated list prioritizes lenses that excel in capturing crisp images and true-to-life colors. After all, you want your product features to be accurately represented. From macro to zoom lenses, each option is tailored to make your product imagery pop!

Our Favorite Canon Lens for Product Photography

Let’s take a closer look at the Canon lenses we’ve selected. They all have their strengths, and all will serve you well in product photography. They range from macro to zoom, to allow for detail-oriented close-ups and broader compositions.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens is a prime choice for product photography, thanks to its exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness. This sharpness is critical for capturing the intricate details of products. It ensures that every texture and feature is visible and crisp, even at the corners. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, photographers can easily control the depth of field. This allows for a product to stand out against a smoothly blurred background. Or for more traditional online shop images, you can have the entire item in sharp focus against a soft backdrop when using smaller apertures like f/8 or f/16.

This lens also boasts a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, enabling photographers to get close to small products for detailed shots. The 1:1 magnification ratio is perfect for capturing small items at life-size, filling the frame with the subject for a detailed view. The lens’s optical construction minimizes chromatic aberration. This makes sure that product colors are rendered accurately, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the product’s appearance.

Compared to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM offers a higher magnification ratio, which is better for small product photography where capturing detail is key. The 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM provides versatility with its zoom range. Whereas the 100mm macro lens excels in delivering life-size magnification and superior detail rendition. Its focal length also allows enough distance from the object to light it effectively. However, the 24-70mm may be preferred for larger products or when a variety of framing options are needed without changing the camera’s position.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is a good option for product photography. The zoom range offers flexibility in framing and composition. The constant f/2.8 aperture aids in creating images with a shallow depth of field. This can help with producing artistic shots of products against a tastefully blurred background. Where it matters, though, this lens maintains sharpness across the frame, so the customers will see all the details they need.

With minimal distortion, the lens ensures products look true to their shape, an important aspect when accuracy is needed. The use of low-dispersion elements keeps chromatic aberration in check. This means you get to see the true colors of the product. This lens lacks the macro capabilities of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. But it compensates with its versatility and is particularly useful when shooting larger products or when space is limited.

In a studio setting, the absence of image stabilization is not a concern, as the camera is often mounted on a tripod. The lens’s build quality is robust. The Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L IS USM is one of Canon’s most enduring and loved lenses. Its usefulness goes far beyond product photography. It’s hard to imagine anyone regretting buying one.  Overall it is a versatile lens that delivers excellent image quality. It is a practical choice for product photographers who value flexibility and performance.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is the mirrorless camera version of a very popular EF lens. I have used my EF version for many product photography shoots. It’s perfect for the task. You have a broad focal range that can capture everything from wide-angle shots to close-ups. Its constant f/4 aperture allows for consistent exposure control and a moderate depth of field. Even with a maximum f/4, it is still capable of rather lovely bokeh. But stopped down, you can get sharpness for a much wider depth of field.

Chromatic aberration is minimal with this lens, thanks to its low dispersion elements. This makes sure that product colors are accurately depicted without distracting fringes. The built-in image stabilization lets you take handheld shots during a dynamic product shoot. The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM’s build quality is sturdy, suitable for the demands of a busy studio environment.

While it may not have the macro capabilities of a dedicated macro lens, its closest focusing distance is adequate for photographing smaller items. The lens’s zoom flexibility is particularly useful when shooting a range of products of different sizes, and when repositioning the camera is not practical. Overall, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a good option for product photographers looking for a reliable, all-purpose lens.

This Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is one of my absolute favorites. It is superb for product photography. It handles dreamy, arty shallow depth-of-field shots. And it delivers crisp, detailed images for online shops or catalogs. The image stabilization means you can shoot in natural light, without having to use really high ISO speeds.

The quality of the construction, which we expect from an L-Series lens, means it’s a joy to use. Even though the maximum aperture of f/4 is quite modest, the resulting bokeh, especially at 105mm, is smooth. It’s perfect for removing distractions from the product you’re photographing.

This is one of those lenses that might seem to live permanently on your camera. There are so few reasons to take it off. So even if you buy it for product photos, you’ll get so much other use out of it too.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a great choice for product photography on a budget. It is great value for money, with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, and enviable sharpness. The 50mm focal length offers a natural perspective with minimal distortion. So products appear as they do in reality, a real bonus for accurate representation in product images.

If you need a wider depth of field, to get the whole of your product in focus, this lens is ideal. Stopped down to f/8 or so will give you maximum sharpness. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM’s construction includes a metal mount for durability, and its lightweight design makes it a convenient lens for long shooting sessions. While it lacks image stabilization, this is not a drawback with a fast lens and 50mm focal length.

In summary, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a valuable lens for product photographers looking for high-quality images without a significant investment. Its simplicity and performance make it a popular option for both beginners and seasoned professionals. And you’ll find yourself using it much more often than you might have guessed to begin with.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is a stellar choice for product photography. It offers a versatile zoom range and a wide f/2.8 aperture. This lens delivers sharp, detailed images across its zoom range. That will help you to capture the fine details of products. The wide aperture allows for flexibility in depth of field. So you can either isolate the product with a soft background or keep the entire item in sharp focus.

Distortion is minimal, ensuring products are represented accurately. The lens’s coatings effectively reduce flare and ghosting, preserving the quality of the image even under challenging lighting conditions. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM also features image stabilization. This can be very useful for taking atmospheric product photos by available light.

In a studio environment, the weight and autofocus speed are less important. But the reliable build and consistent performance of this lens make it a valuable tool for product photographers. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a good option for those seeking top-notch image quality and versatility in their product photography work.

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is a prime lens that excels in product photography. This is particularly so when shooting small items that require fine detail. Its 85mm focal length offers a natural perspective with minimal distortion, crucial for accurate product representation. The f/2 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, creating pleasing blur that can make a product stand out against a soft background. This lens also boasts a 1:2 magnification ratio, enabling close-up shots that capture the textures and intricacies of a product.

Chromatic aberration is kept to a minimum, thanks to the lens’s low dispersion elements. This makes sure that product colors are vivid and true to life. The lens’s image stabilization is useful for handheld shots, providing flexibility in a fast-paced shooting environment. The RF 85mm f/2’s build quality is solid, and its image stabilization is a helpful feature for shooting in various conditions.

Overall, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a good option for product photographers who need the clarity and detail that a prime lens can provide, along with the added capability of macro photography. 85mm is also a traditional favorite for portraits, and this lens will serve you well in that field as well. It’s a real all-rounder!

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens is a prime lens well-suited for product photography. This is particularly the case when capturing items that benefit from a natural perspective and a shallow depth of field. Its wide f/1.8 aperture allows for considerable light intake. This lets you use lower ISO settings and achieve a clean, noise-free image. The lens’s ability to produce a pleasing bokeh helps to draw attention to the product while softly blurring the background.

Sharpness is a standout feature of this lens. Images remain crisp even when shooting wide open. The minimal distortion ensures that product lines and shapes are accurately portrayed, which is essential for high-quality product images. While the lens does not offer image stabilization, this is typically not an issue with such a fast lens.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a good option for product photographers who require a lens that delivers reliable sharpness. Especially if they need, a wide aperture for low-light situations, and a flattering compression effect. Its straightforward design and reliable performance make it a popular choice for capturing high-quality product photos.

Conclusion: The Best Best Canon Lenses for Product Photography

Selecting the best Canon lenses for product photography is key to achieving sharp, detailed images that showcase products in their best light. These lenses offer a range of focal lengths, apertures, and features to suit different product sizes and styles. From macro lenses that capture minute details to versatile zooms that provide framing flexibility, each lens has its strengths for specific product photography needs.

Our top choice, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, stands out for its life-size magnification and edge-to-edge sharpness. It’s perfect for detailed close-ups. There are seven other lenses to consider, each with unique qualities that cater to various aspects of product photography.