Are you a photography enthusiast who loves to capture stunning shots of cars? If yes, then you must know how important it is to have the right lens for car photography.
With the advancement of technology, there are countless options available in the market, making it difficult for you to choose the perfect one. But don’t worry, we have got you covered!
In this article, we will be discussing the 5 best lenses for car photography that will take your pictures from pixels to pavement.
From wide-angle to telephoto lenses, we will give you an in-depth analysis of each lens to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and get ready to take your car photography game to the next level!
Top Five Lens You Can Buy for Car Photography in 2023
1. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Super-Telephoto Lens
As an avid wildlife and aviation photographer, my experience with the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Super-Telephoto Lens has been nothing short of exceptional. This lens, paired with my Canon EOS R5, has delivered outstanding results. The images I’ve captured are remarkably crisp, even at the extended 500mm range. The lens’s versatile 100mm to 500mm range caters to my various photography needs, from distant wildlife shots to capturing planes in flight. The optical image stabilization system is a game-changer, ensuring my shots are sharp even at slower shutter speeds. The autofocus is quick and responsive, enhancing my ability to capture fast-moving subjects.
Price: $2,699.00
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Pros :
- The lens features high-quality glass, evident in the exceptional image quality.
- Autofocus is swift, essential for capturing dynamic subjects.
- The wide zoom range allows for versatile photography opportunities.
- Built-in image stabilization effectively counters camera shake.
- Compatible with Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras.
Cons:
- The lens is on the expensive side, which might deter budget-conscious photographers.
- Lack of a locking mechanism on the zoom could lead to accidental adjustments.
- Limited options for third-party alternatives due to Canon’s exclusivity.
Verdict:
The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is undeniably an investment in quality. Its superb optical performance, wide focal range, and fast autofocus make it an excellent choice for photographers seeking long-distance shots with remarkable detail. While the price tag might be daunting, the lens’s capabilities and image quality justify the expense for those committed to capturing high-quality wildlife, aviation, and distant subjects. It’s a valuable addition to any photographer’s arsenal, particularly when paired with Canon’s mirrorless cameras. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the lens’s performance and versatility make it a top contender in the super-telephoto zoom category.
2. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens
Having used the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for a while, it’s an outstanding choice for wildlife and distant subject photography. The lens’s impressive optical quality remains consistent throughout its extensive zoom range, resulting in sharp, corner-to-corner images. Including five ED glass elements and an aspherical element, chromatic aberration is remarkably reduced, leading to exceptional clarity. The lens’s internal zoom mechanism maintains a balanced feel and aids stability during shooting.
Price: $1,998.00
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Pros :
- Exceptional optical quality throughout the zoom range, thanks to advanced glass elements and aspherical design.
- Versatile 200-600mm zoom range, extending further with optional teleconverters.
- Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor (DDSSM) ensures fast, precise, and quiet autofocus.
- The internal zoom mechanism maintains balance and stability while shooting.
- High resistance to dust and moisture due to the internal zoom design.
Cons:
- The lens can be heavy, especially during extended shooting sessions.
- The price point might be steep for some photographers.
- Some users may find the busy bokeh produced by the lens a downside.
Verdict:
The Sony FE 200-600mm lens is excellent for wildlife and distant subjects. It delivers sharp and precise images, even at high zoom levels. Its performance and versatility compensate for its weight and price. It’s a reliable choice for impressive telephoto shots.
3. Venus Laowa Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon F (100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro)
Having experienced the Venus Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon F offers a unique macro photography perspective. This lens stands out with its remarkable 2:1 magnification capability, allowing for detailed close-ups of subjects.
The Apochromat (APO) design effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations, both in in-focus and out-of-focus areas, leading to impressive image quality. While lacking autofocus and image stabilization, the lens excels in manual focus scenarios, especially for stationary subjects. The build quality is sturdy, and the compact size is a plus.
Price: $499.00
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Pros :
- Lack of autofocus and image stabilization, requiring manual focus and steady shooting conditions.
- Limited depth of field at 2:1 magnification.
- It may not be suitable for fast-paced scenarios or portraiture due to manual focus.
Cons:
- Lack of autofocus and image stabilization, requiring manual focus and steady shooting conditions.
- Limited depth of field at 2:1 magnification.
- It may not be suitable for fast-paced scenarios or portraiture due to manual focus.
Verdict:
The Venus Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens offers exceptional 2:1 magnification for advanced macro photography enthusiasts. It’s manual focus and compact size make it ideal for controlled environments or tripod use. With minimal chromatic aberrations and exceptional sharpness, this lens captures stunning close-ups.
4. Samyang 85mm F1.4 Weather-Sealed High-Speed Telephoto Lens
Looking for a versatile lens for portrait and low-light photography? Consider the Samyang 85mm F1.4 Weather-Sealed High-Speed Telephoto Lens for Canon RF mount. While it’s fully manual, this lens still offers impressive image quality and is a cost-effective option for hobbyists.
With an F1.4 aperture, you can capture great shots in low-light conditions, with quick shutter speeds, and precise selective focus control.
The lens has nine elements in 7 groups, with Ultra Multi-Coated glass ensuring optimal clarity. Plus, its weather-sealed design protects against the elements, making it a durable choice. durability and usability.
Price: $482.21
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Pros :
- Impressive image quality, sharpness, and color reproduction.
- Fast F1.4 aperture for low-light shooting and creative depth of field control.
- Weather-sealed design enhances durability and protection.
- Compact and lightweight, making it suitable for on-the-go photography.
- Affordable option compared to native RF lenses.
Cons:
- Fully manual focus requires practice and precision, which may not be suitable for fast-paced scenarios.
- Lack of electronic features like autofocus and image stabilization.
- Limited compatibility with Canon RF mount cameras due to being fully manual.
Verdict:
The Samyang 85mm F1.4 Weather-Sealed High-Speed Telephoto Lens delivers great image quality at an affordable price. It’s ideal for portrait and low-light photography but requires manual focus. Despite lacking electronic features, this lens provides an excellent option for hobbyists and creative photographers who prioritize image quality.
5. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko ED 17mm F1.2 PRO lens
The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO lens delivers exceptional performance and versatility for micro-four-thirds users. With its impressive F1.2 aperture, this lens is perfect for low-light situations and achieving stunning bokeh effects. The Z coating Nano ensures reduced reflections and enhanced image quality. The manual focus clutch and weatherproof construction add to its practicality and durability, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. The lens also features a custom function button for quick access to settings, and the High-Speed MSC focusing provides fast and quiet autofocus performance.
Price: $1,199.99
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Pros :
- Exceptional image quality with reduced reflections due to Z coating Nano.
- Wide F1.2 aperture for low-light shooting and artistic bokeh.
- Weatherproof construction protects against environmental elements.
- Manual focus clutch offers precise control and versatility.
- The custom function button adds convenience for accessing settings.
- High-Speed MSC focusing ensures quick and quiet autofocus.
Cons:
- Manual focus may require practice for users accustomed to autofocus.
- Premium price point compared to other micro four-thirds lenses.
Verdict:
The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO lens is perfect for micro four-thirds photographers who want exceptional image quality and creative control. Its wide F1.2 aperture offers excellent low-light performance and stunning background blur. The Z coating Nano minimizes reflections for clear images, while the weatherproof construction ensures versatility and reliability. The manual focus clutch and custom function button make it easy to use and customize. A must-have for those who value image quality and creative versatility.
7 Factors to Remember While Choosing a Lens for Car Photography Purpose
1. Focal Length and Zoom Range:
When selecting a lens for car photography, consider the focal length range that suits your style. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is ideal for capturing the entire car in its environment, making it great for showcasing the car’s setting or capturing it in motion. A standard zoom lens (24-70mm) is versatile and suitable for various compositions. Telephoto lenses (70-200mm) allow you to focus on specific car details from a distance, making them excellent for events or capturing action shots.
2. Aperture Size:
The aperture size directly affects the depth of field and how much light enters the camera. A wide aperture (low f-number) like f/1.8 or f/2.8 is perfect for isolating the car from the background, creating a pleasing blur while keeping the car sharp. This is particularly useful for portraits or close-up shots. For shots that require more of the car to be in focus, a narrower aperture (higher f-number) like f/8 or f/11 ensures that the entire car remains sharp.
3. Image Stabilization:
Image stabilization, also known as vibration reduction or optical stabilization, compensates for camera shake, which can occur when shooting handheld or in low light conditions. This feature becomes crucial when you’re shooting with slower shutter speeds, helping you achieve sharp images even without a tripod. Look for lenses with built-in image stabilization to enhance your shooting flexibility.
4. Lens Quality and Sharpness:
The quality of the lens glass and coatings directly impacts image sharpness and clarity. High-quality lenses use special coatings to minimize lens flares and ghosting, resulting in better contrast and color accuracy. Look for lenses that are made with aspherical and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements, as these help reduce optical distortions and chromatic aberrations, leading to sharper images.
5. Compatibility with Your Camera:
Not all lenses fit all cameras. Different camera brands have distinct lens mounts, so ensure the lens you’re interested in is compatible with your camera’s mount. Many brands offer adapters, but it’s generally best to choose lenses designed for your camera system for optimal performance and compatibility.
6. Macro Capabilities:
If you’re passionate about capturing intricate details of cars, such as logos, textures, or smaller components, consider a lens with macro capabilities. Macro lenses allow for extreme close-ups with high magnification ratios, revealing fine details that might be missed with standard lenses. Look for a lens with a 1:1 magnification ratio for true macro photography.
7. Build Quality and Weight:
Car photography often involves shooting in different environments, which might include outdoor locations or events. A well-built lens with weather sealing protects against dust and moisture, ensuring your gear remains functional. However, keep in mind that weather-sealed lenses might come at a higher cost. Additionally, consider the weight of the lens, as heavier lenses might become cumbersome during long shoots.
8. Bonus Tip: Budget Considerations
When choosing a lens for car photography, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. High-quality lenses can be quite expensive, but they often deliver exceptional optical performance. However, there are options available at various price points that can still yield impressive results. Consider your level of dedication to car photography and how frequently you’ll be using the lens. If you’re just starting out or want to explore car photography without a significant financial commitment, look into more affordable options or even consider renting lenses for specific shoots.
Remember that lens quality can greatly impact your final images, so finding the right balance between quality and cost is key. Research and read reviews to ensure that the lens you’re considering provides good value for its price, taking into account factors such as build quality, optical performance, and features.
Final Words
The world of car photography is incredibly diverse, and finding the right lens can make all the difference in capturing the perfect shot. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, the five lenses we’ve highlighted in this post can help you take your car photography to the next level.
From wide-angle lenses to telephoto lenses, each one brings a unique perspective and allows you to capture stunning images of your favorite cars. With these lenses, you’ll be able to showcase every detail and feature of your subject, from the sleek lines of a sports car to the rugged tires of an off-road vehicle. So don’t hesitate to invest in one of these lenses and take your car photography to new heights!
