9 Best Lenses for Car Photography in 2024

Choosing the right lenses for car photography can significantly improve the quality of your shots, capturing the sleek design and intricate details with clarity and precision. Whether you’re shooting a fast-paced race or a detailed portrait of a vintage car, using the best lens makes all the difference.

Our top choice is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, which we chose for its wide aperture and versatile focal length, making it ideal for car photography. It’s the best for capturing sharp, detailed images of cars of any kind.

But don’t worry if you’re not a Canon user. This article has all the best car photography lenses for Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Car Photography

Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L USM

Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L IS II USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

What Is the Best Lens for Car Photography?

When choosing the best lens for car photography, you need to consider key features like aperture, focal length, and image quality.

Brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm offer lenses that excel in capturing sharp, detailed car images, from wide scenes to intricate details. These lenses were chosen for their ability to make cars stand out, ensuring every shot showcases any vehicle in its best light.

Our Top Pick

Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L USM

Versatile 28-70mm zoom for diverse shots
Bright constant f/2 aperture in low light
Professional-grade build, weather-sealed durability
Exceptional sharpness, minimal aberrations
Fast, accurate autofocus with USM technology

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L IS II USM

Wide 24-105mm range for versatile shooting scenarios
Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure control
L-series build quality ensures durability, weather resistance
Effective image stabilization for sharp handheld shots
Fast, silent autofocus with manual override option

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

Constant f/2.8 aperture for superior low-light performance
Premium S-line optical quality for sharp images
Durable build with extensive weather sealing
Fast, precise autofocus with dual stepping motors
Ergonomic design with customizable control ring

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm F/4G IF-ED VR

5x zoom versatility from wide to telephoto
Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure
Vibration Reduction for sharp handheld shots
Robust build with weather-sealing protection
Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet autofocus

Best Sigma Art Lens

Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

Constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
Optical Stabilization for sharper handheld images
Art series quality ensures superior image clarity
Hyper Sonic Motor for fast, silent focusing
Durable construction with weather-sealing features

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Best Sony Full Frame Lens

Sony FE 24-105mm F/4 G OSS SEL24105G

Broad 24-105mm range for versatile shooting needs
Constant f/4 aperture for consistent light capture
Optical SteadyShot stabilizes for sharp handheld images
G series quality ensures premium optical performance
Fast, silent autofocus with Direct Drive SSM

Best Sony APS-C Lens

Sony E 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS SEL18135

Expansive 18-135mm range for versatile shooting options
Compact design ideal for travel and everyday use
Optical SteadyShot for blur-free handheld images
High-quality optics ensure sharp, clear results
Fast, quiet autofocus perfect for both photos and videos

Best Fujifilm Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 16-55mm F/2.8 R LM WR

Constant f/2.8 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
Weather-resistant design for reliable outdoor shooting
Fast, silent autofocus with Linear Motor technology
Superior optical quality across the entire zoom range
Robust build quality for professional use

Best Sigma Contemporary Lens

Sigma 56mm F/1.4 DC DN | C

Wide f/1.4 aperture for exceptional low-light shots
Compact and lightweight design enhances portability
High-resolution imagery with minimal aberrations
Smooth, pleasing bokeh for portrait photography
Fast, accurate autofocus system for crisp images

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Our Favorite Lenses for Car Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for car photography. From wide apertures to versatile zoom ranges, there’s a lens here to enhance every car photo shoot. Explore these options to find the perfect match for your photography style and requirements.

1. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1430 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 28-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is the best lens for car photography due to its wide aperture and versatile focal length. The standard-angle zoom range gives you excellent flexibility with composition, allowing you to shoot everything from broad scenic shots to detailed close-ups.

The f/2 aperture allows for fast shutter speeds to freeze motion in action shots. It also allows you to work in lower light, which is helpful if you’re working in a poorly lit garage or in the evening.

It also creates a shallow depth of field, making cars stand out against the blurred bokeh background.

Sharpness is another strength for this lens. Specialist elements reduce chromatic aberration and an Air Sphere Coating (ASC) prevents lens flare. This is helpful when you’re shooting shiny surfaces like a car’s body under bright lights.

Canon’s fast USM AF drive is helps captures cars in motion. It’s reliable with moving subjects, helping you track cars as they speed past.

Its weight (3.1 lb (1.4 g), might be a downside for photographers who prefer a lighter setup. The lack of image stabilization means relying on a tripod or higher ISO in low light, which isn’t ideal for all shooting conditions.

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM stands out for its ability to capture stunning car portraits and action shots. Its strengths in aperture, focal length, and sharpness make it very useful for car photography.

2. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 795 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-105 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is a great choice for Canon DSLR users, offering a wide zoom range and consistent aperture. This flexibility is key for capturing both the entire car and detailed close-ups.

Its constant f/4 aperture allows for consistent exposure control and decent low-light performance. It’s constant, so you don’t lose any stops as you zoom in.

You also have the built-in image stabilization for extra support when shooting in low light, helping you capture sharp images without a tripod.

The lens delivers consistently sharp images throughout the zoom range. It isn’t as sharp as a prime lens as the extremes of the focal length, but you’re still getting pro-level quality in most cases.

Weighing 1.7 lb (795 g), it’s relatively light considering the zoom and build quality. The weather sealing makes it a reliable tool for outdoor shoots.

A highly versatile and reliable zoom lens, car photographers are guaranteed to love the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM. Whether it’s a product photoshoot for a new model or a high-energy track day, it delivers the goods.

3. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 805 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a great fit for car photography, thanks to its wide f/2.8 aperture and versatile zoom range. This combination allows photographers to quickly adapt to different shooting scenarios, from capturing the entire car in its environment to zooming in for detailed shots.

The fast f/2.8 aperture helps in low light, enabling faster shutter speeds for sharper action shots of cars in motion. It also gives you a shallow depth of field, with a lovely bokeh effect enhancing close-ups and product-style shots.

Sharpness is key in car photography, and this lens delivers edge-to-edge clarity that ensures every detail of the car is captured with precision.

The autofocus is quick and reliable, easily locking onto fast-moving cars, which is crucial for action shots.

It isn’t exactly a lightweight lens, but it’s still manageable for long periods if you’re shooting from hand. The weather sealing adds confidence when shooting outdoors, ensuring the lens can handle a bit of dust and moisture.

The performance and optical quality of the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S make it a fabulous lens for car photography.

4. Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 710 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-120 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR is a versatile zoom lens that’s well suited to car photography. It can shoot wide environmental scenes and tighter shots of car details without changing lenses.

Its f/4 maximum aperture is not the fastest, but still gives you good low light performance. It’s also a constant max aperture, so you get the same exposure control from 24mm to 120mm. It also allows for good control over depth of field, which is useful for creating a blurred background to make the car stand out.

Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system gives you additional low-light support, helping you capture sharp shots when the light is fading.

Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and three aspherical elements reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring image sharpness throughout the zoom range. You’re getting pro-level images at any focal length.

It’s relatively easy to handle during long photo shoots, a plus for car events that require mobility and ease of movement.

This lens’s broad focal range and solid build make it a good option for car photographers looking for a single, do-it-all lens. This makes the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR a great tool for any car photographer’s camera backpack.

5. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

Best Sigma Art Lens

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Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1200 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A is a standout choice for car photography, blending a wide aperture with a versatile zoom range. This lens excels in capturing both the broad scenes and intricate details of cars, thanks to its sharp optics and fast f/2.8 aperture.

The max aperture helps in low-light conditions and allows photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, making the car pop from its background.

Its Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus is quick and precise, which is essential for snapping crisp images of moving vehicles.

Weighing 2.2 lb (1 kg), it’s a bit heavy. Thankfully, the build is robust and has weather sealing for shooting outdoor shooting in any weather.

The optical performance is impressive, with minimal distortion and effective control of chromatic aberration, ensuring that car details are captured with clarity.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A is perfect for car photographers looking for flexibility and high-quality images. It’s also available for Canon EF-mount and Nikon F-mount cameras.

6. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Best Full Frame Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 663 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-105 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a versatile lens that’s a great fit for car photography. Its wide to short-telephoto zoom range is perfect for capturing everything from the full car show scenes to the intricate details of a car’s design.

The f/4 aperture offers consistent exposure control from 24mm to 105mm, giving you excellent creative control. You also have backup in low light in the form of the Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization, giving you extra stops of exposure compensation.

The lens’s sharpness is impressive, ensuring that every detail, from the gloss on the paint to the texture of the seats, is captured with clarity.

Though it may not offer the shallowest depth of field, its optical performance and flexibility make it a good option for car photography. This lens’s ability to produce high-quality images across a variety of focal lengths and conditions makes it very useful for capturing the beauty and speed of automobiles.

Autofocus is quick and reliable, a must for snapping sharp images of cars in motion. Weighing 1.46lb (663g), it’s manageable for all-day shoots even without a tripod or monopod.

When working with Sony’s high-resolution cameras, you need a lens of the same standard. The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is the perfect partner if you’re interested in car photography.

7. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Best APS-C Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 325 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 18-135 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is another versatile zoom lens for car photography, this time for APS-C Sony cameras. Offering a wide zoom range, it’s perfect for capturing everything from the full scene of a car show to the intricate details of a vehicle’s design.

Its variable aperture, while not the largest, still delivers decent low-light performance and allows for some background separation and blur.

The built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) helps keep images sharp at slower shutter speeds, which is a bonus when shooting in dim conditions.

Weighing just 0.7 lb (325 g), this lens is light and compact, making it easy to handle during long shooting sessions or when traveling between locations. Its autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring that fleeting moments are captured with clarity.

The versatility and performance in testing conditions make the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS a top choice for car enthusiasts.

8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

Best Fujifilm Lens

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 655 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 16-55 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is a robust choice for car photography, offering a versatile zoom range and excellent low-light performance.

It doesn’t have the telescopic reach of some of the other lenses, but you can’t question the sharpness. Images are sharp and clear, whether they’re shot at 16mm or 55mm. The 16mm focal length is also great for capturing many cars at once in car shows or track events.

Its f/2.8 max aperture helps you shoot in poor lighting conditions, allowing for faster shutter speeds when shooting moving cars.

It’s built to endure the demands of professional use, featuring weather sealing that protects against dust and rain when shooting from the side of the race track.

A linear motor delivers quick and quiet focusing, helping you snap sharp images of speeding vehicles.

A robust lens with sharp optics, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR more than meets the demands of car photography.

9. Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN | C

Best Sigma Contemporary Lens

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Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 280 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 56 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN | C is another excellent choice for car photography, particularly for capturing detailed portraits of cars and their intricate features. You don’t have the same flexibility as with the zoom lenses, but 56mm is versatile enough for a variety of shots.

Its wide f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, beautifully isolating the subject from any distracting background. This helps to emphasize the sleek lines and design details of your vehicles.

Despite lacking image stabilization, its fast aperture compensates by enabling quicker shutter speeds to freeze motion effectively.

This lens’s sharpness is remarkable, ensuring that every aspect of the car, from the texture of the paint to the shine on the chrome, is captured with clarity.

Weighing just 0.62lb (280g), it’s a lightweight addition to any photographer’s bag.

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is compact, lightweight, and affordable. It’s also available for Nikon Z-mount, Canon EF-M-mount, Leica L-mount, and Fujifilm X-mount cameras. It’s a great choice for beginners or car enthusiasts looking to snap some classy car images at their next motorshow.

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Car Photography

The article reviewed the best lenses for car photography, highlighting their key features. It covers a range of lenses suitable for various aspects of car photography, from detailed close-ups to wide shots of cars in action. Each lens is evaluated based on its aperture, focal length, weight, and additional features like image stabilization and weather sealing.

The top pick is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, which we praised for its wide aperture and versatility, making it ideal for capturing sharp, detailed images of cars. This lens stands out for its ability to produce high-quality car portraits and action shots. But as we’ve seen, there are great car photography lenses for all the top camera brands.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Car Photography

Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L USM

Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L IS II USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

What Is the Best Lens for Car Photography?

Our Favorite Lenses for Car Photography

1. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

2. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

3. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

4. Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR

5. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

6. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

7. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

8. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

9. Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN | C

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Car Photography

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