7 Best Lens for Car Photography | Choose the best lens for that stunning photograph
Introduction to Car Photography
Car photography is a photography genre that focuses on capturing the beauty, design, and performance of cars. Whether you are a car enthusiast, a professional photographer, or just someone who likes to take pictures of cool machines, car photography can be a fun and rewarding hobby. However, car photography also comes with its own challenges and requires some specific skills and equipment to get the best results. In this article we provide you 7 Best Lens for Car Photography where you can choose the best one for yourself.
The Importance of the Right Lens in Car Photography
One of the most important factors in car photography is choosing the right lens for your camera. The lens is the part of your camera that determines how much light enters the sensor, how much of the scene you can capture, and how sharp and detailed your images are. The lens also affects the perspective, depth of field, and distortion of your car photos. Therefore, choosing the best lens for car photography can make a huge difference in the quality and style of your images.
Car Photography Essentials
Car photography celebrates the allure of automobiles, from their sleek designs to high-speed performance. Whether you’re an auto enthusiast, a pro, or a casual shutterbug, this genre offers endless fascination. Yet, it presents unique challenges, demanding specific skills and equipment for optimal results.
Here is a complete article on Car Photography Tips.
Lens Selection Matters
In car photography, choosing the right camera lens is pivotal. Lenses determine light intake, scene coverage, sharpness, and distortion in your shots. They shape perspective and depth, influencing the style and quality of your images. Picking the ideal lens can elevate your automotive photography game.
For the best lens for car photography:
- Prime Lenses: Prime lenses like 24mm or 35mm offer sharpness and detail.
- Telephoto Lenses: A 70-200mm lens captures distant car details with clarity.
- Wide-Angle Lenses: Opt for wide-angle lenses when shooting the entire car.
- Full-Frame Lens: Full-frame lenses frame your car and background artfully.
- Silky Bokeh: Seek lenses producing silky smooth bokeh for stunning depth.
- APS-C Lenses: Consider APS-C lenses for specific car parts’ close-ups.
The right lens enhances the entire car’s allure in any environment, from racetracks to showrooms.
Remember, selecting the perfect lens empowers you to frame your subject beautifully, capturing the essence of automotive wonder.
7 Best Lens for car photography to Shoot Stunning Car Photographs
1. Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is one of the best wide aperture lenses for car photography. It is a versatile zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. It has a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, which means you can use the same wide aperture at any focal length. It also has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake.
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in various situations and styles. You can use it to capture cars in landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, portraits, details, or full-body shots. You can also use it to create different perspectives and effects by changing the focal length and aperture. For example, you can use the 24mm focal length to create a dynamic and dramatic view of your car, or use the 70mm focal length to create a flattering and elegant view of your car. You can also use the f/2.8 aperture to create a shallow depth of field that blurs the background, or use a smaller aperture to create a deeper depth of field that shows the context.
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, or vignetting. It has a metal construction, weather-sealing, smooth zooming and focusing rings, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is one of the most popular and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a wide aperture.
- Versatile zoom lens suitable for various car photography styles.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance.
- Fast and accurate autofocus system for capturing sharp images.
- Image stabilization for reducing the impact of camera shake.
- High-quality build with weather-sealing for durability.
- Suitable for both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras.
- Can be relatively heavy compared to other lenses.
- The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it more expensive.
- May not provide extreme wide-angle or telephoto capabilities.
- Can be challenging to carry for extended periods.
- Not specifically designed for ultra-wide-angle or super-telephoto shots.
2. Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is one of the best 50mm lenses for car photography. It is a prime lens that has a fixed focal length of 50mm and a large maximum aperture of f/1.2. It has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an aspherical lens element that reduces spherical aberration.
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in portraits, details, or full-body shots. You can use it to capture the personality, features, or design of your car with clarity and detail. You can also use it to create different effects by changing the aperture. For example, you can use the f/1.2 aperture to create a very shallow depth of field that isolates your car from the background or creates a bokeh effect, or use a smaller aperture to create a deeper depth of field that shows more of the scene.
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers bright and vivid images with excellent contrast and color rendition. It has a metal construction, weather-sealing, smooth focusing ring, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is one of the most classic and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a standard focal length.
- Exceptional low-light performance due to the wide f/1.2 aperture.
- Precise and fast autofocus for sharp car details and portraits.
- Versatile aperture settings for creative control.
- Outstanding image quality with vibrant colors.
- Durable build with weather-sealing for outdoor shoots.
- Compatible with various camera types.
- Premium price point.
- Heavier and bulkier compared to some other prime lenses.
- Wide aperture may result in soft edges when shooting wide open.
- Slight barrel distortion in certain situations, but correctable in post-processing.
3. Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is one of the best 35mm lenses for car photography. It is a prime lens that has a fixed focal length of 35mm and a large maximum aperture of f/1.4. It has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an optical design that incorporates two aspherical elements and one UD element that reduce distortion, chromatic aberration, and flare. It also has a fluorine coating that repels dust and water.
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is ideal for shooting cars in landscapes, cityscapes, or interiors. You can use it to capture more of the scene and the environment around the car. You can also use it to create a dynamic and dramatic perspective by exaggerating the size and distance of objects. However, you need to be careful not to get too close to the car or cause distortion or stretching.
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is also a high-quality lens that delivers sharp and detailed images with excellent contrast and color rendition. It has a metal construction, weather-sealing, smooth focusing ring, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is one of the most popular and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a wide-angle focal length.
- Exceptional low-light performance with a wide f/1.4 aperture.
- Precise and fast autofocus for sharp car details.
- Reduced distortion, chromatic aberration, and flare for superior image quality.
- Fluorine coating for added durability in challenging conditions.
- Versatile wide-angle focal length suitable for various car photography scenarios.
- Rugged construction with weather-sealing for outdoor shoots.
- Compatible with different camera types.
- Relatively higher price point.
- Larger and heavier compared to some other prime lenses.
- Wide-angle perspective may distort car shapes when too close.
- Slight barrel distortion at extreme angles, but correctable in post-processing.
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
A 85mm lens is a telephoto lens that allows you to capture less of the scene and isolate the car from the background. It is also known as a portrait lens or a short telephoto lens because it can create a flattering and elegant perspective that compresses the distance and depth of objects.
A 85mm lens is one of the best lenses for car photography because it can produce sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion or aberration. It can also create a shallow depth of field with a wide aperture or a deep depth of field with a small aperture.
One of the best 85mm lenses for car photography is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens. This lens is a prime lens that has a fixed focal length of 85mm and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8. It has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an internal focusing mechanism that does not change the length of the lens.
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in close-ups, details, or headshots. You can use it to capture the texture, color, or shape of your car with clarity and detail. You can also use it to create different effects by changing the aperture. For example, you can use the f/1.8 aperture to create a very shallow depth of field that isolates your car from the background or creates a bokeh effect, or use a smaller aperture to create a deeper depth of field that shows more of the scene.
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers bright and vivid images with excellent contrast and color rendition. It has a metal construction, smooth focusing ring, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens is one of the most specialized and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a telephoto focal length.
- Excellent for isolating cars from the background, making them stand out.
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for creative depth of field control and low-light performance.
- Fast and accurate autofocus for sharp car details.
- Internal focusing maintains lens length, ensuring stability.
- High-quality image output with vibrant colors and contrast.
- Sturdy metal construction for long-lasting use.
- Compatible with various camera types.
- No image stabilization, which can be challenging for handheld shooting in low light.
- Fixed focal length may require you to physically move for framing.
- Limited versatility compared to zoom lenses.
- Some barrel distortion at extreme angles, but correctable in post-processing.
5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is one of the best telephoto zoom lenses for car photography. It is a versatile zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths from medium telephoto to super telephoto. It has a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, which means you can use the same wide aperture at any focal length. It also has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake up to four stops.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in action, sports, or wildlife. You can use it to capture cars in motion, racing, or jumping with speed and precision. You can also use it to create different perspectives and effects by changing the focal length and aperture. For example, you can use the 70mm focal length to create a balanced and realistic view of your car, or use the 200mm focal length to create a compressed and dramatic view of your car. You can also use the f/2.8 aperture to create a shallow depth of field that blurs the background, or use a smaller aperture to create a deeper depth of field that shows the context.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, or vignetting. It has a metal construction, weather-sealing, smooth zooming and focusing rings, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is one of the most popular and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a telephoto zoom focal length.
- Versatile focal range from medium telephoto to super telephoto for various shooting scenarios.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture ensures consistent low-light performance and creative depth of field.
- Fast and precise autofocus system ideal for capturing moving subjects, including cars in action.
- Image stabilization system compensates for camera shake, allowing sharp shots in challenging conditions.
- High-quality image output with minimal distortion and aberration.
- Robust build quality with weather-sealing for durability.
- Compatible with a wide range of camera types.
- Larger and heavier compared to prime lenses, making it less convenient for handheld shooting.
- Higher price point, making it an investment for serious photographers.
- Limited use for close-ups or wide-angle shots compared to specialized lenses.
- Zoom operation can potentially attract dust and debris over time, requiring maintenance.
- May require additional support like a tripod for extended shooting sessions due to its weight.
6. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is one of the best super telephoto zoom lenses for car photography. It is a versatile zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths from long telephoto to ultra telephoto. It has a variable maximum aperture of f/4.5 at 100mm and f/5.6 at 400mm, which means the aperture changes as you zoom in or out. It also has a fast and accurate autofocus system driven by an ultrasonic motor (USM) and an image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake up to four stops.
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in action, sports, or wildlife. You can use it to capture cars in motion, racing, or jumping with speed and precision. You can also use it to create different perspectives and effects by changing the focal length and aperture. For example, you can use the 100mm focal length to create a balanced and realistic view of your car, or use the 400mm focal length to create a compressed and dramatic view of your car. You can also use the f/4.5 or f/5.6 aperture to create a shallow depth of field that blurs the background, or use a smaller aperture to create a deeper depth of field that shows the context.
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, or vignetting. It has a metal construction, weather-sealing, smooth zooming and focusing rings, and a solid mount. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras.
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is one of the most popular and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with a super telephoto zoom focal length.
- Wide focal range from long telephoto to ultra telephoto for capturing distant subjects.
- Image stabilization system compensates for camera shake, essential for handheld shooting.
- Fast and precise autofocus system ideal for capturing moving subjects, including cars in action.
- Variable aperture allows flexibility in controlling depth of field.
- High-quality image output with minimal distortion and aberration.
- Robust build quality with weather-sealing for durability.
- Compatible with a wide range of camera types.
- Variable aperture means less light gathering at longer focal lengths.
- Heavier and bulkier compared to shorter focal length lenses, requiring sturdy support.
- Higher price point due to its advanced features and telephoto reach.
- Not ideal for close-ups or wide-angle shots compared to specialized lenses.
- Zoom operation can potentially attract dust and debris over time, requiring maintenance.
7. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens | Best Lens for Car Photography
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is one of the best ultra wide-angle lenses for car photography. It is a zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths from ultra wide-angle to wide-angle. It has a variable maximum aperture of f/4.5 at 10mm and f/5.6 at 18mm, which means the aperture changes as you zoom in or out. It also has a fast and smooth autofocus system driven by a stepping motor (STM) and an image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake up to four stops.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is ideal for shooting cars in landscapes, cityscapes, or interiors. You can use it to capture more of the scene and the environment around the car. You can also use it to create a dynamic and dramatic perspective by exaggerating the size and distance of objects. However, you need to be careful not to get too close to the car or cause distortion or stretching.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is also a high-quality lens that delivers sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, or vignetting. It has a plastic construction, smooth zooming and focusing rings, and a solid mount. It is compatible with APS-C cameras only.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is one of the most affordable and versatile lenses for car photography. It is a great lens to have in your camera bag if you want to shoot cars in different situations and styles with an ultra wide-angle focal length.
- Affordable and budget-friendly ultra wide-angle lens.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting.
- Versatile focal range suitable for landscape and wide-angle photography.
- Smooth and silent autofocus, ideal for video recording.
- Minimal distortion and aberration for high-quality images.
- Compatible with a range of APS-C Canon cameras.
- Limited low-light performance due to variable aperture.
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal-bodied lenses.
- Not suitable for full-frame Canon cameras.
- May produce some distortion if used too close to subjects.
- Slower aperture may require longer exposures in low-light conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about BEST LENS FOR Car Photography
What Focal Length is Best for Car Photography?
There is no definitive answer to what focal length is best for car photography because it depends on what type of car photography you want to do and what effect you want to create. However, some general guidelines are:
- Wide-angle lenses (24mm or lower) are good for capturing cars in landscapes, cityscapes, or interiors. They can also create a dynamic and dramatic perspective by exaggerating the size and distance of objects.
- Standard lenses (35mm to 70mm) are good for capturing cars in portraits, details, or full-body shots. They can also create a balanced and pleasing perspective by maintaining the proportions and shapes of objects.
- Telephoto lenses (85mm or higher) are good for capturing cars in close-ups, details, or headshots. They can also create a flattering and elegant perspective by compressing the distance and depth of objects.
How Does Aperture Impact Car Images? Best Lens for Car Photography
Aperture impacts car images by controlling how much light passes through the lens and how much of the image is in focus. Aperture affects exposure by controlling how bright or dark your image is, depending on how much light reaches the sensor. Aperture also affects depth of field by controlling how much of your image is in focus from near to far.
A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter, which means you can use a faster shutter speed or a lower ISO to get a correct exposure. This is useful for low-light situations or when you want to freeze motion. A wider aperture also creates a shallow depth of field, which means that only a small part of your image is in focus while everything else is blurry. This is useful for isolating your subject from the background or creating a bokeh effect.
A narrower aperture (higher f-number) allows less light to enter, which means you need to use a slower shutter speed or a higher ISO to get a correct exposure. This is useful for bright situations or when you want to show motion blur. A narrower aperture also creates a deep depth of field, which means that most or all of your image is in focus from near to far. This is useful for showing details or context in your image.
What is car photography?
Car photography refers to the act of taking photographs of cars, whether it be for personal enjoyment or for professional purposes.
Why is it important to choose the right lens for car photography?
Choosing the right lens for car photography is important because it can greatly impact the quality and composition of your photographs. The right lens will allow you to capture all the details of the car and create stunning images.
What is the best lens for car photography?
The best lens for car photography depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, some popular choices among car photographers include the Canon EF 24-70mm lens, 35mm lens, and 50mm lens.
What type of lens should I use to shoot cars?
When shooting cars, it is recommended to use a lens with a focal length that allows you to capture the whole car while also allowing for some flexibility in composition. Wide-angle lenses are often preferred for car photography.
How does the focal length of a lens affect car photography?
The focal length of a lens affects the angle of view and perspective in your photographs. Shorter focal lengths, such as a 24mm or 35mm lens, can capture more of the car and its surroundings, while longer focal lengths, like an 85mm lens, can help isolate specific details of the car.
Can I use a Canon lens for car photography?
Yes, Canon lenses are widely used by car photographers. Canon EF lenses, in particular, are known for their quality and versatility.
What is a good aperture for car photography?
The ideal aperture for car photography depends on the desired effect and the lighting conditions. Wide apertures, such as f/2.8 or wider, can create a shallow depth of field, while smaller apertures, like f/8 or f/11, can provide a wider depth of field and ensure that the entire car is in focus.
What are the best lenses for shooting different parts of the car?
For capturing the overall look of the car, wide lenses like a 24mm or 35mm lens are often used. To focus on specific details of the car, a telephoto lens with a focal length of 85mm or longer is preferred.
What factors should I consider when buying a lens for car photography?
When buying a lens for car photography, it is important to consider factors such as focal length, aperture range, image stabilization, build quality, and compatibility with your camera.
Can prime lenses be good for car photography?
Yes, prime lenses can be good for car photography. Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, are known for their sharpness and wide apertures, allowing for greater control over depth of field.