The best Nikon lenses for product photography help you capture images with precision and delicacy. These Nikon lenses are renowned for their ability to shoot sharp, detailed images. So whether you’re shooting bottles of wine, digital gadgets, or bicycles, you can show them in their best light.
Our top picks are the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G. Both have fast max apertures for full control over depth of field. And both demonstrate the stunning sharpness of Nikon lenses. With seven more Z and F-mount lenses in this article, any photographer can find the best product lens for them.
What Is the Best Nikon Z Lens for Product Photography?
To select the best Nikon Z lens for product photography you need to consider sharpness, distortion control, and color accuracy. Our curated list includes the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S and Sigma 56mm f/1.4, both chosen for their ability to capture products with precision and clarity. A fast aperture is also beneficial for product photography.
- Unmatched low-light performance with f/1.2 aperture
- Superior sharpness, edge-to-edge clarity
- Beautiful bokeh with 11-blade diaphragm
- Robust, weather-sealed construction
- Fast, precise dual-motor STM autofocus
- Ideal for portrait and street photography
- Compact design, easy to carry around
- Wide f/1.4 aperture for beautiful bokeh
- Swift, near-silent autofocus mechanism
- Solid build with weather-sealed mount
- True macro with 1:1 magnification ratio
- VR image stabilization for sharp handheld shots
- S-line optics ensure professional image quality
- Weather-sealed for challenging outdoor conditions
- Optimized for Nikon Z full-frame cameras
- Natural perspective for portrait photography
- Exceptional sharpness, even wide open
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light
- Dual stepping motors for silent autofocus
- Durable build with professional S-line quality
- Versatile 70-180mm zoom range for multiple genres
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across zoom range
- Lightweight design enhances portability and handling
- Stepping motor autofocus, quick and silent
- Minimal distortion, exceptional image clarity
Our Favorite Nikon Z Lenses for Product Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon Z lenses. From prime lenses with wide apertures to versatile zooms, these options ensure every photographer finds the perfect fit for their product photography work.
1. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1160 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
Thanks to its exceptional sharpness and distortion-free image rendering, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is our top choice as the best product lens from Nikon.
Its super-wide f/1.2 aperture allows for precise depth of field control, allowing you to achieve a creamy background bokeh. This isolates the subject, helping it stand out against the wider scene. This is ideal for product photography when shooting single items.
The lens’s optical construction, which includes two aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element, ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and accurate color rendition. This makes sure you’re always showing the product at its best.
Lens coatings on the Z 85mm f/1.2 S effectively reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring that unwanted light artifacts don’t compromise image quality. This is particularly important in a studio environment where lighting is carefully controlled to highlight the product’s features.
The lens’s closest focusing distance of 0.85m may limit its use for very small items. In contrast, the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, with its 1:1 magnification and shorter minimum focusing distance, might be a better option for macro product shots.
The Z 85mm f/1.2 S’s focal length offers a natural perspective and compression that can be very flattering for large and medium-sized products.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S stands out as a top choice for product photography. It provides the sharpness, aperture range, and optical quality needed to produce professional-grade product images.
2. Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN | C for Nikon Z
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
295 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 a prime lens that excels in product photography. That’s due to its sharpness, fast max aperture, and ability to handle distortion.
Its wide aperture of f/1.4 allows for an incredibly shallow depth of field, which can be used to make a product stand out against a smoothly blurred background. It also means you can work with lower ISOs in low-light settings, helping you maintain the highest image quality.
The lens’s optical design includes a Special Low Dispersion element and two aspherical elements, which ensure minimal chromatic aberration. This means the colors of any product will be accurately captured without distracting fringes. And you also have special lens coatings that effectively reduce flare and ghosting.
With a minimum focusing distance of 50 cm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is suitable for capturing smaller products in great detail. However, for items requiring higher magnification, a lens with a closer minimum focusing distance might be more appropriate.
Lightweight and compact, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is easy to work with in a studio setting. It’s a good option for photographers who need a high-quality lens with sharp optics and excellent low-light performance.
3. Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
630 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
105 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a brilliant macro lens for product photography, especially if you’re shooting small, intricate items.
It has a 1:1 magnification ratio, making it a true macro lens. And its 29.2cm minimum focusing distance allows photographers to get close to tiny subjects, filling the frame with crisp, life-size detail.
The lens’s f/2.8 aperture provides flexibility in depth of field management, enabling a sharp focus on the product with a beautifully blurred background. The fast aperture also improves low-light performance, allowing you to work with lower ISO settings.
The lens incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration. This is key for ensuring colors are rendered accurately and without distracting fringing. The lens’s sharpness is impressive, maintaining detail from the center to the edges.
With built-in image stabilization, the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is useful for handheld shots. And its robust build and weather sealing make it a reliable choice when shooting inside or out. It’s a superb macro lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras. And it’s a lens product photographers will love.
4. Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
995 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
135 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a specialist, pro-level lens that’s ideal for product photography.
Its f/1.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, making it possible to highlight the product against a soft backdrop. And a bokeh background is this lens’s secret weapon, giving you rich blurring with clearly defined bokeh shapes.
This lens is particularly adept at minimizing distortion, ensuring that the straight lines and shapes of products are true to life. Chromatic aberration is hardly an issue, thanks to the lens’s extra-low dispersion elements that keep colors accurate and free from fringing. Sharpness is another strong suit, with the lens delivering edge-to-edge crispness.
While the lens lacks built-in stabilization, this is less important when shooting products on a stable tripod. Most Nikon mirrorless cameras also have built-in image stabilization, so you will have some exposure compensation.
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena‘s minimum focusing distance of 0.82 meters and 0.2x magnification ratio may not be ideal for very small products. But it excels when shooting larger items, with the telephoto focal length allowing for beautiful close-ups.
Its optical performance and build quality make it a solid choice for product photographers. But the way this lens produces bokeh takes it to another level. Pro product shooters are going to be scrambling to get their hands on this Nikon Z lens.
5. Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
795 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-180 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 offers a versatile zoom range for product photography, allowing for quick framing adjustments without changing lenses.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is beneficial for maintaining consistent exposure and achieving a shallow depth of field when needed. This feature is particularly useful for isolating products against a blurred background. The max aperture is also constant, so you don’t lose any stops when you zoom in or out.
The lens is equipped with elements that reduce chromatic aberration and ensure sharp, true-to-life color rendition. The sharpness is commendable throughout the zoom range, essential for capturing the fine details in close-ups. The minimum focus distance varies with focal length, providing flexibility for shooting both small and large items.
It lacks built-in image stabilization, but this is less of a concern when using a tripod in a controlled studio environment.
The Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a good option for product photographers who value versatility. Perhaps not as sharp as the prime lenses. But it’s a great option if you need flexibility from your Nikon lens.
What is the Best Nikon F Lens for Product Photography?
Now we delve into the best Nikon F lenses for product photography. Chosen for their sharpness, minimal distortion, and wide apertures, these lenses excel at highlighting product details with precision and artistic blur.
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Ideal for natural perspective
- Superb sharpness and bokeh
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Quick, silent autofocus system
- Art series lens with superior optics
- Versatile 40mm for intimate landscapes
- Robust build, weather-sealed durability
- Exceptional sharpness, minimal distortion
- Fast, precise Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus
- Flattering portraits with 85mm focal length
- Large f/1.4 aperture for low light
- Creamy bokeh for subject isolation
- Durable build with weather sealing
- Fast, silent autofocus with SWM technology
- Unique 105mm for flattering portraits
- Wide f/1.4 aperture, exceptional in low-light
- Minimal distortion, pristine image quality
- Elegant bokeh with 9-blade diaphragm
- Robust build, weather-sealed reliability
Our Favorite Nikon F Lenses for Product Photography
Let’s take a closer look at these Nikon Z lenses. From the classic 50mm to the portrait-friendly 85mm, there’s a lens for every product photography scenario. With options for sharpness, bokeh, and low light performance, these lenses help capture products with precision and panache.
1. Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
280 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is a prime lens that excels in product photography due to its exceptional sharpness and super-fast aperture.
Its f/1.4 maximum aperture gives you exceptional depth of field control. That makes it easy to contrast a sharply-focus product against a smooth bokeh background. An aperture range like that also gives you excellent low-light capabilities.
The lens does show some vignetting at its widest aperture, which is common among fast primes. But generally, the picture quality is razor-sharp and crystal clear, which crucial for showcasing product details.
The minimum focusing distance of 0.45 meters is adequate for most product shots. But for smaller items, the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED might be preferable for its short minimum focus distance. The 105mm lens allows for tighter framing without the need to be as close to the subject.
In contrast to the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is lighter, making it easier to handle during long shoots. While the Sigma has a slightly shorter focal length, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G provides a classic, natural look that is often sought after in product photography.
2. Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A for Nikon F
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1200 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
40 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A is a beautiful standard prime product photographers can use for pro-level shots.
The 40 cm minimum focus distance and 40mm focal length make it suitable for capturing larger products. Some product photographers might find 40mm too wide. But it’s a great focal length for capturing larger products or small products within a wider scene.
Its wide aperture of f/1.4 is a major plus, allowing for a shallow depth of field that can make a product pop. The added exposure control is another plus, allowing you to work with lower ISO levels.
This lens captures crisp details with minimal distortion, making products look fabulous in any situation. The optical construction includes FLD and SLD elements, which ensure there’s minimal chromatic aberration. This means colors stay true at all points in the image.
Heavier than some alternatives, the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 might be less convenient for handheld use over long periods. The lens’s build quality is reassuringly robust, ready for the demands of a busy environment.
3. Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
595 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is a beautiful prime lens with a versatile focal length. You can play with composition, shooting tight shots of the product or wider shots of the product in a scene.
You get excellent depth of field control, with the f/1.4 max aperture helping you achieve a lovely background blur. It also gives you more flexibility with lighting, allowing you to shoot in scenes with a warmer atmosphere.
This lens captures fine details with minimal distortion, ensuring products appear as they should. Chromatic aberration is well-managed, so colors in product shots are rendered faithfully.
This lens’s minimum focusing distance of 0.85 meters may limit its use for smaller products. And the lack of image stabilization is only a concern if you’re shooting from hand in low light.
With its robust build and weather sealing, the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is durable enough for studio and location work. It’s a reliable tool for photographers who need the finest image quality, excellent low-light performance, and a reliable build.
4. Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
985 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
105 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED is a brilliant telephoto prime lens for product photography. With a focal length like this, it’s easy to capture detailed close-ups with precision. A 1 m minimum focus distance does mean you have to stand back. But the magnification and image quality give you exceptional detail.
This lens is particularly good at minimizing distortion, which is essential for accurately representing the product’s shape and design. The quality of coatings on the lens elements ensures that flare and ghosting are well-controlled. And three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements keep chromatic aberration at bay.
Its f/1.4 aperture offers flexibility in depth of field. Opening the aperture gives you an ultra-slim focus depth, meaning everything in the fore and background is out of focus. It’s the perfect way to artistically frame your product.
The Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED‘s robust build and weather sealing make it a durable option. Its optical performance, including the management of chromatic aberration and the creation of pleasing bokeh, makes it a valuable tool for product photographers with a Nikon DSLR camera.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Lenses for Product Photography
The best Nikon lens for product photography has to produce sharp, detailed images that highlight a product’s best features. The lenses we selected offer a range of focal lengths and apertures to suit different product sizes and studio setups.
Each lens brings unique strengths, from wide apertures for shallow depth of field to minimal distortion for accurate representation. That means product photographers of all kinds can find the best Nikon lens that suits them.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G are our top picks for their exceptional sharpness and creative potential. The Z 85mm f/1.2 S gives you edge-to-edge clarity and a natural perspective. And the AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is noted for its classic rendering and versatility.
