Jewelry is an intricate product. It includes different tiny curves and designs. So, taking a jewelry shot is a sensitive task. Uneven lighting, poor focus or camera shake can ruin the photo.
You can’t stop those from happening, but you can handle them by having the best lens for jewelry photography.
On that note, this article covers- which camera lenses are best for macro shots, our top 12 lenses from Nikon, Canon & Sony, their compatibility, features, pros+cons, and things to consider, & more.
Let’s keep going.
What you’ll learn in this article
Why Does Choosing the Best Camera Lens for Jewelry Photography Matter?
The saying goes, an efficient camera lens attached to an average camera produces much better shots than a professional-grade camera with a standard lens. So, be picky with the lens when you are taking jewelry photographs for commercial purposes.
A lens is like the eye of the camera. Here’s why you should choose the best lens for jewelry photography-
- Lens quality affects the product’s look. A high-quality lens will allow you to take superb shots of jewelry.
- A lens offers diverse control over focus, contrast, details, background, etc.
- With the best lens in hand, you can capture artistic shots of jewelry even in low light.
- It gives you excellent sharpness, color contrast, thus improves creative perspective.
- A quality lens controls the recurrence of chromatic aberration, camera shake, distortion, etc.
Which Type of Lens Are Best for Jewelry Photography?
Jewelry is a considered small object translating to close shots in most cases. There are 4 types of the lens most suitable for taking jewelry shots those are- 1. Macro lens, 2. Prime Lens, 3. Zoom Lens and 4. Tilt/Shift Lens.
Let’s know how to do these lenses work and why you should use those for shooting jewelry.
1. Macro Lens
Macro lens is a distinctive lens used for taking shots of objects extremely close or shooting tiny objects.
Macro lens allows short close-focus shots, meaning you will get an image that covers every detail. So, choosing the best macro lens for jewelry photography is a necessity.
How does a macro lens work?
A macro lens has a high magnification ratio. While taking a shot, a macro lens enlarges the subject in lifelike size or greater in the sensor.
Benefits of a macro lens –
A perfect catch for shooting tiny objects with accurate sharpness.
Proximity to the subject allows better results as the details become perceptible.
Has a high reproduction ratio/magnification ratio, meaning shoots subjects life-like size (1:1) or larger.
Often has an extreme depth of field and wide aperture opening.
2. Prime Lens
The lens that has a fixed focal length is known as a prime lens. This lens doesn’t have a zooming option.
Every prime lens offers a single focal length shown with a number in millimeters or mm. A smaller number captures a wider area than that a smaller number.
How does a prime lens work?
To get the subject perfectly, prime lens users follow a rule, ‘zoom with feet’. The aperture of a prime lens opens much wider compared to a zoom lens. Thus it offers a clear and sharp image.
Benefits of a prime lens –
It’s portable, tiny in size, light-weighted, and inexpensive.
Offers high-quality shape images even in low light situations without adjusting the ISO or shutter speed.
Offers a faster aperture to capture professional-grade images as you shake less. It’s especially effective for hand-held photography.
Chromatic aberration occurs less due to one focal length.
Gives a shallow depth of field, meaning it sharpens the subject in focus and blurs the background.
3. Zoom Lens
Contrary to the prime lens, a zoom lens offers different ranges of focal lengths. As a result, with a single lens, you will get different viewpoints.
A zoom lens can be an SLR or a DSLR lens, even with different focal lengths. It allows fast reframing.
How does a zoom lens work?
A zoom lens’s functions are similar to any other optical lens. But, the only difference is that there’s a rotatable glass piece inside. With that, it offers different focal lengths that can show up with manual adjustment.
Benefits of a zoom lens –
Has versatile focal options; from close to distant, you can shoot any object of any size.
Crops out surroundings with pinpoint sharpness of the subject in focus.
Allows seamless shooting without requiring attaching/detaching the lens from the camera body.
Optical zoom lenses offer greater resolution images than that digital zoom lenses.
4. Tilt Shift Lens
Also known as perspective control lens. It’s capable of changing position with respect to the camera image sensor. These are separate functionalities.
Tilt – This occurs following the Scheimpflug principle. By tilting, you can sharply focus 2 subjects at a time even though the distances are different.
Shift – Without changing the camera body, it sets the lens parallel to the image and allows you to capture any part instead of the center.
How does a tilt shift lens work?
This lens breaks the general norm of lens and sensor being parallel. It allows tilt or shift of the lens’ perspective while the camera body remains static.
Benefits of a tilt shift lens –
Creates astounding shots, such as mirror shots without reflection or subjects having several points of focus.
Shoots panoramic images without parallax error.
Ensures the same image quality to the edges without degrading it.
Allows controlling the perspective; the viewpoint doesn’t get crooked when a shot is taken up close.
Which Lenses are Best for Jewelry Photography? Top 12 Picks.
Choosing the best lens is always confusing- as a commercial photographer, you’ll have a couple of favorites on your list. And every single of them has its exclusive feature that differs from the rest.
The same goes for me. Among the vast options to choose from, I have listed down the best 12 lenses from 3 giant companies for jewelry photography. Let’s dive deeper.
4 Best Nikon Lens for Jewelry Photography
First comes the best Nikon lens for jewelry photography. For jewelry photography, sharpness is a great factor in making a good impression. And Nikon’s lenses have been performing really well on that note.
Here are our top 4 lenses from Nikon.
- Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
- Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
- Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR
- NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Before starting, let’s know some relevant terminology about Nikon’s Lenses.
AF-S: Autofocus with a silent-wave motor
DX: Lens is made for the APS-C sized sensor
Micro-NIKKOR: Nikon named their macro photography lenses
G: Lens doesn’t have any aperture ring
VR: Vibration reduction
IF: Internal focus
ED: Extra-low dispersion glass
1. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
Being widely popular for macro food photography & product photography, Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras is our 1st pick as the best macro lens for jewelry photography. It is also compatible with APS-C Nikon cameras, DX cameras, and any entry-level cameras.
The maximum aperture is effective, especially for handheld photography. By blurring the background, it takes close shots precisely. If you use a full-frame sensor, this lens will give you approximately 60mm equivalent field of view.
Both the autofocus and manual focus functionality is available. Autofocus works fast in the viewfinder mode. Also, you can adjust the manual focus even though the autofocus is turned on.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Standard
Dimension: 2.56 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches
Weight: 8.3 ounces
Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
Angle of view: 38°50′
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1.0x
| Pros | Cons |
| Small-sized & lightweight | Doesn’t have image stabilization. |
| High optical performance | Not zoomable. |
| Sharp image quality | |
| Quick & noiseless | |
| Dust & waterproof |
2. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens is considered the world’s first macro lens built together with VR and SWM (Silent Wave Motor). This lens is compatible with Nikon digital SLR cameras (full-frame and APS-C) and Nikon Z series cameras.
It is a full-frame prime lens and has a metallic solid build. This lens has speedy, precise & extremely quiet autofocusing and switches fast between autofocus and manual focus.
It is of the metal build. The inside Nano Crystal Coat reduces flare and internal reflection. There is one ED glass element that helps eliminate chromatic aberration. Also, the VR II technology minimizes camera shake by offering 4stops equivalent shutter speed.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Weight: 1.74 pounds
Construction: 14 elements in 12 groups
Angle of view: 23°20′
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1.0x
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick & quiet auto-focus | Fixed focal length, not zoomable. |
| Captures fine details sharply | Autofocus may malfunction in low light. |
| Takes high-quality distant shots | |
| Produces high resolution & high contrast images |
3. Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G
Nikon made the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens specifically for DX cameras. But it is compatible with any entry-level camera body having no focus motor.
Mounted with a DX-camera body, this 85mm offers equivalent to 128mm on a full-frame sensor. It allows pretty close shots with stunning sharpness obviously required for jewelry. It ensures smooth focus in both manual and auto-focus modes. The SWM inside ensures quiet autofocus.
Though there’s no claim of weather resistance, there is a rubber gasket to prevent dust from penetrating the camera. The ED glass ensures sharpness and resists chromatic aberration. The lens shows slight distortion in the corners that is corrigible with photography post-production.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 3.9 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches
Weight: 12.5 ounces
Construction: 14 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view: 18° 50’
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1.0x
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact and portable weight | User reported clarity issues |
| Has image stabilization system | |
| Offers sharpness at optimum apertures |
4. NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is supported by a full-frame mirrorless camera of the Nikon Z series and the APS-C sensor camera body. This is a perfect macro lens for shooting both indoors & outdoors.
The VR technology inside allows users handheld shooting even in light deficiency. The focusing limiter switch allows close focusing faster. Due to the dual motor multi-focus STM internal focusing, it is fitting for both still and moving shots.
This lens has a focus ring that allows precise manual adjustment. The manual focus offers exquisite shots. Also, autofocusing is quick to take command. The OLED info panel displays magnification ratio, aperture, focal distance, and DOF for 10 seconds.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Macro
Dimension: 5.6 x 3.4 x 5.6 inches
Weight: 1.39 pounds
Construction: 16 elements in 11 groups.
Angle of view: 23° 10’
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: Full 1:1
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight & well build | Autofocus might malfunction in low light condition |
| Resistant to dust, moisture etc. | |
| Offers image stabilization |
4 Best Canon Lens for Jewelry Photography
Our 2nd series of best lenses for jewelry photography is Canon. Canon is widely named for its exquisite type of lenses, and for jewelry, we have chosen these 4 best macro lenses-
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
- Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro
- Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
- Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Before that, here’s the terminology of Canon’s lenses.
EF: Electronic Focus
-S: Works only with new & small DSLRs
USM: Ultrasonic Motor, quiet sounding
STM: means Stepper (AF) Motor.
IF: Internal focus
1. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
The EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM fixed lens is Canon’s entry-level full-frame macro lens. It is compatible with APS-C and full-frame digital cameras. However, Mounted with APS-C, this 100mm field of view offers 160mm.
Due to the spectacular quality of images, great focal length, and narrow depth of field, this lens is popular. The quiet-sounding USM inside offers unmatched autofocusing speed from any distance. It offers sharpness at f/16, where diffraction has been limited.
This lens has a full-time manual focusing even in the autofocus mode, and this is extremely accurate. It offers sharp image quality with no chromatic aberration, and the bokeh around the subject is pretty smooth.
Key Specifications:
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 2.99 x 2.13 x 2.13 inches
Weight: 1.32 pounds
Construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
Angle of view: 24 degrees
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers excellent image quality | No image stabilization |
| Fast and quiet autofocusing | |
| Chromatic aberrations are in check |
2. Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is compatible with APS-C EOS DSLR cameras. When mounted on a 35mm camera, this 60mm lens offers a 96mm angle of view.
One of the specialties of this lens is the sharpness remains high in any aperture setting; on wide open, it’s a little soft. It allows full-time manual focusing, and while doing so, the length remains constant. Also, having an internal focus prevents the front element from rotating.
Amidst both autofocus and manual focus, it is best to shoot manually when the object is in a steady position. Then you’ll be able to capture distortion-free subject details- an absolutely good reason for capturing jewelry shots.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 2.76 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches
Weight: 11.8 ounces
Construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
Angle of view: 25 degrees
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
| Pros | Cons |
| Small, durable & light-weight | Low light hinders the autofocus from understanding the subject. |
| Low distortion and controlled chromatic aberration | |
| Speedy autofocus |
3. Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
The EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM AutoFocus Telephoto Lens is so far the longest macro lens Canon has produced. Like other L-series lenses, it is compatible with a full-frame or Canon APS-C camera. Used on an APS-C DSLR, it gives a 288mm equivalent field of view in full format.
Inside the lens, the floating system is used for better close focus. Also, due to the IF design, the length doesn’t change while focusing. The silent ring-type USM, known for fast AF (autofocus), works somewhat differently in this lens. Setting the autofocus on one shot, the full-time manual focus works.
This lens can produce maximum magnification from afar. As a result, there’s more depth of field with nice blurring in the background. It produces nice color contrasts and a bokeh effect.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 7.36 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Construction: 14 elements in 12 groups
Angle of view: 13 degrees
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
| Pros | Cons |
| Well build & sturdy | Long & heavy |
| Sharp & detail image | Autofocus isn’t very fast |
| Wonderful color contrast | Lacks image stabilization |
4. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is compatible with APS-C cameras. With the crop factor, this lens offers a 29-216mm equivalent angle of view.
This lens is a lens of versatility and way better than Canon’s other low-budget zoom lenses. It has a compact construction. The plastic quality is upgraded. Metal is used on the mounting. When you zoom for a long focal length, the lens lengthens.
The IS system is silent, and so is the autofocusing sound. The autofocusing speed of this lens is fast compared to that of the USM. It allows super zoom and works smoothly for any shots, handheld shots included. The STM inside ensures seamless video shooting for users.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 4.09 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Weight: 1.16 pounds
Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
Angle of view: 11 Degree 30 feet
Magnification Ratio: 0.28×
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight & small | Can’t give the maximum aperture |
| Offers image stabilization | |
| Smoothly works both for images & videos |
4 Best Sony Lens for Jewelry Photography
The next 4 lenses that occupied our list are Sony. Here are those-
- Sony 90mm Macro f/2.8
- Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8
- Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM
Having the precise functionality that is required for taking macro shots, these aforementioned camera lenses are quite efficient for jewelry photography.
Before the description starts, let’s take a look at the Sony camera lens terminology.
SEL: Sony AF lenses for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
FE: For full-frame Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras.
G: Gold. Implies Sony’s highest-quality & pricey professional-grade lenses.
OSS: Sony’s optical image stabilization is known as OSS (Optical steady-shot).
GM: G-Master. Sony’s high-end camera lenses for full-frame cameras.
1. Sony 90mm Macro f/2.8
The SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime from Sony is a great choice to capture some brilliant shots with fine details. It is compatible with full-frame mirrorless cameras.
This 90mm lens offers 135mm equivalent when mounted on an APS-C camera. It is capable of focusing fast when toggled between manual focus and autofocus. The nano AR coating subdues reflection, ghosting & flare.
This lens has fast autofocusing. To save time, you can set a limit on the focusing range. The filter threat resides firmly in the front section of the lens. So, the lens doesn’t rotate, which is advantageous for polarizing filters.
Key Specifications:
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 5.16 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
Weight: 1.33 pounds
Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups
Angle of view: 27 degrees (35 mm) and 17 degrees (APS-C)
Magnification Ratio: 1.0x
| Pros | Cons |
| Quiet and sharp focus | Aperture limitation |
| Allows image stabilization | |
| Ghosting & flare reduction | |
| Resistant to dust & moisture |
2. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
The SEL50M28 FE 50mm F2.8 Full Frame E-mount Lens is compatible with Sony FE format full-frame sensor cameras and APS-C cameras. When mounted on the later one, the 35mm offers a 75mm equivalent.
This lens is easily portable; hence it’s good gear for taking macro shots in any environment. It doesn’t include an aperture ring; rather, it has a turnable electronic focus ring. It offers to tack sharp images even at full aperture.
Like Sony’s other camera lens, this lens also includes in-camera chromatic aberration correction for JPEG and raw files. Though it does not have a lens hood, the lens offers a well-controlled flare. Image shots come with dynamic & natural colors.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Macro
Dimension: 4.09 x 3.43 x 4.69 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups
Angle of view: 47 degree
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact & lightweight | Slow & noisy autofocusing |
| Performs in low light | |
| Dust & moisture sealed |
3. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is a full-frame camera lens. It is compatible with any Sony E-mount camera, crop-sensor, and full-frame camera.
The macro capability of this lens allows for taking close and sharp images. At the close focusing distance, it makes the subject’s texture completely exposed with the highest magnification.
This lens has a fast zooming and focusing capability. The ultrasonic ring-type motor and the dual linear stepping motor ensure precise and fast AF. The manual focus performs fantastically as well. It is connected with optics and responds to commands instantly.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Telephoto
Dimension: 11.93 x 5.47 x 5.67 inches
Weight: 4.91 pounds
Construction: 23 elements in 18 groups
Angle of view: 34-12.5 degrees
Magnification Ratio: 1:4
| Pros | Cons |
| Delivers sharp images | 2-stop optical stabilization |
| Noiseless autofocusing | |
| Protection from fingerprints | |
| Resistant to dust & moisture |
4. Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM
The E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM Full Frame Wide-angle Prime Lens complies well with the Alpha series of full-frame mirrorless cameras, Sony’s E-mount cameras, and Full-frame and APS-C crop sensor cameras.
This has a compact structure and metal lens mount. There is a rubberized focus ring. It features an aperture ring. It controls chromatic aberration and prevents distortion.
This lens has fast, quiet, and accurate autofocusing. Though it isn’t a macro lens, due to the minimum focusing distance, it can get close to the subject and capture pretty impressive shots.
Key Specifications:-
Lens type: Wide Angle
Dimension: 3 x 3.75 x 0.1 inches
Weight: 15.7 ounces
Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups.
Angle of view: 84 degrees (in full-frame), 64 degrees on APS-C
Magnification Ratio: 1:5.9
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact & portable | Lacks optical image stabilization |
| No distortion or coma | |
| Resistant to moisture & dust |
Things to Consider While Buying a Camera Lens for Jewelry Photography
So, are you going to purchase a camera lens for jewelry shots? If you are looking for something else from our list, you have to consider some factors to shoot this tiny and intricate product.
To help you find the most compatible camera lens to shoot jewelry products, here we have narrowed down the factors that you need to consider.
- Compatibility
Every lens is built reckoning with one or few cameras. So obviously, all lenses won’t suit well with all cameras. Using an adapter may save you in some cases. But to get the best camera settings for product photography, you must choose a compatible lens. Check out the lens manufacturer’s guidelines for this.
- Macro Mode
The macro mode is a distinguishing feature for jewelry products. If you are shooting from a close distance, the macro mode allows you to enlarge the image into life-size. This is mostly useful to shoot tiny designs or gems, as those become clear and sharp for viewers to see.
- Focal Length
A small focal length covers a better view. Either you can choose a prime lens having a fixed focal length or a zoom lens with an adjustable focal length. The majority of commercial photographers prefer camera lenses of high focal length as those tend to take jewelry shots as they look real with magnification.
- Magnification Ratio
This is another vital factor, also known as the reproduction ratio. It is said that a true macro lens has a 1:1 or 1x magnification ratio. But nowadays, many lenses have ratios that go beyond that by offering 5:1.
- Image Stabilization
This technology ensures still & sharp shots by reducing camera shake or motion blur. Apart from handheld shots, shooting in low light at a slow shutter speed, a camera shake occurs. Image stabilization will prevent these shakes in images from appearing.
- Additional Features
I want to put emphasis on situations like fast focusing, chromatic aberration, and working in low light or weather resistance. If you are taking shots of jewelry on a program/occasion, you may face an uncertain situation. Your camera lens should back you up to deal with that.
- Measurement
Of course, lens measurement matters. Commercial jewelry is shot inside a studio. You’ll have a tripod to shoot the product, so the size or weight might not be a fact. But when you are shooting handheld, if it’s not portable for you, this will hinder you from getting picture-perfect shots.
- Price
Camera lens price impacts the type of lens you’ll buy. Many pro-grade product photographers tend to purchase pricey lenses due to efficiency, compatibility & longevity. Getting a pre-owned one can be a better option if you aim for such a one. Other than that, there are alternatives as well.
FAQs
Which lens is good for jewelry photography?
Macro, Prime, Zoom, and Tilt/shift are good for taking jewelry product photography.
Do jewelry photographers need macro lenses?
A macro lens isn’t a must for jewelry photography. But this lens is good for capturing shots of tiny size jewels or showing jewelry details.
How do you avoid reflections in jewelry photography?
There are 2 ways to avoid reflection in jewelry photoshoots. Those are-
- Place opaque papers or pieces of cloth at the bottom, as the background, of jewelry.
- Take shots, and get the reflection removed through photo retouching later on.
Is a 50mm lens good for jewelry photography?
50mm is a prime lens and is obviously a good lens for jewelry product photo shoots thanks to its low light adaptability and super sharp & high-quality images.
Conclusion
So, that’s all about our best lens for jewelry photography. Hopefully, from these elaborate lens options, you will be able to choose the best lens that suits your purposes.
One thing to mention, you can get the best out of any gear, as long as you are handy with it. Hence, while choosing the lens, make sure you are comfortable carrying it.
