Best Lens for Car Photography - B&C Camera

Car photography has a lot of emphasis on the details. Whether you are photographing a still car or one speeding through a track. You need to have a lens that can be versatile, just like car photography.

 

What is the Best Lens for Car Photography?

When it comes to car photography, the best lens depends on the photography style you're looking to achieve. If you're going for dramatic, wide-angle shots, a lens with a focal length of around 16-35mm is ideal. On the other hand, a zoom lens with a range of 70-200mm can be a great choice if you're after more detail-oriented photos.

The 24-70mm lens is also popular for car photography, especially for those who want to capture a range of shots without switching lenses frequently. This lens offers a versatile focal length range that can be used for both wide-angle and portrait-style shots. It's also known for its fast aperture, which allows for outstanding low-light performance and the ability to create shallow depth-of-field effects. However, the 24-70mm lens might not provide as wide of an angle of view as some photographers may desire for certain types of car photography.

 

Here are some of my favorite lenses from various brands to help you achieve the best photographs. 

 

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens

A 50mm prime lens is always a safe and reliable choice when taking most types of photos. Almost all subjects come out crisp and clear. The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens has a wide aperture of f/1.8 to get the entire car in the frame. The silky smooth bokeh will also help your subject stand out in the photo.

Specs:

  • For Nikon Z Cameras
  • Superior S-Line performance and resolution
  • Stepping Motor provides fast smooth and accurate autofocus
  • Aspherical lenses minimize coma and other types of lens aberrations
  • Internal Focusing mechanism keeps lens compact
  • Extra-Low Dispersion Glass for optimum correction of chromatic aberrations
  • Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections

Pros:

  • You'll get vibrant colors.
  • Wide aperture
  • Smooth bokeh

 

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II

If you're hitting the race track, the best lens to use is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. You can get excellent photographs even from a far distance. This Canon lens is nice and compact, and you can easily haul it around the track until you find your perfect spot. The best part about this lens is the rotation-type zoom ring. Getting those fast and furious cars will be easy with the zoom ring that helps you move around quickly. Its good construction makes this lens a definite front-runner. 

Specs:

  • Compact high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom
  • Great for sports and wildlife photography
  • One fluorite and one super UD element
  • Air Sphere Coating (ASC) significantly reduces backlit flaring and ghosting
  • Fluorine coatings on lens surfaces help lessen smears and fingerprints
  • 9-blade circular aperture renders soft and beautiful backgrounds
  • Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of image correction
  • Advanced dust and water sealing

Pros:

  • Constructed to last long
  • Great zoom clarity

  

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Another top contender is the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens. One of the remarkable features of this lens is its powerful clarity from the GM glass elements. This is a great lens when you need to switch up the type of photo you are taking. 

Specs:

  • Superb image quality throughout the entire zoom range at all focusing distances
  • Smallest and lightest F2.8 24-70mm zoom in its class 2 - 24.6 oz (695 g)
  • Beautiful F2.8 bokeh throughout the zoom range from advanced optics & 11-blade aperture
  • Four XD Linear Motors and floating focus achieve fast/precise/quiet AF and excellent response
  • Minimum focusing distance is just 8.3” at 24mm and 11.8” at 70 mm 0.32 max magnification
  • Nano AR coating II effectively suppresses reflections and ghosting
  • Advanced design reduces focus breathing
  • Aperture ring click/de-click switch and iris lock for professional aperture control
  • Two customizable focus hold buttons
  • Dust and moisture resistant
  • ED aspherical lens elements correct spherical and chromatic aberrations
  • Linear Response MF for repeatable manual focus control
  • Instant auto/manual focus selection via AF/MF switch
  • Front fluorine coating
  • Petal shaped bayonet mount lens hood with filter control window

Pros:

  • Crispy and clear images
  • Wide aperture
  • Heavy-duty

 

NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED

NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED

If you aren't in the best position to splurge on a lens - this is your guy. The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm has a decent range of focal lengths, so you can zoom in or have the whole car in the frame. Another great perk to this lens is the noise reduction feature to help eliminate shakes. 

Specs:

  • For crop-sensor Nikon Cameras
  • Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables extremely quiet high-speed autofocusing
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) helps keep your photos sharp and your videos steady
  • Extra-Low Dispersion Glass for optimum correction of chromatic aberrations
  • Aspherical lens elements eliminate certain types of lens aberration

Pros:

  • Extraordinarily sharp
  • Affordable

 

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens

The vibrant colors this lens produces make it a top choice for many photographers. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens can capture from a distance and even take great videos. Its ability to be used in low-light conditions makes it super versatile! It is equipped with ARNEO anti-reflective coat elements that reduces ghosting and flare. 

Specs:

  • For Nikon Z Cameras
  • Superior S-Line performance and resolution
  • Short-Wavelength Refractive Lens achieves precise chromatic aberration correction
  • Stepping Motor provides fast smooth and accurate autofocus
  • Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections 
  • Extra-Low Dispersion Glass for optimum correction of chromatic aberrations
  • Internal Focusing mechanism keeps lens compact
  • ARNEO anti-reflective coat further reduces ghosting and flare
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) helps keep your photos sharp and your videos steady

Pros:

  • Dynamic images
  • AF lock
  • Works well in low-light conditions

 

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS Lens

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS Lens

This is another excellent lens option for those wanting to also take videos. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens has an image stabilization feature that makes taking videos a breeze. You can also get a super steady shot from a distance. It has a versatility that just can't be beaten. You can really use this lens for all types of car photography. It produces extremely clear photos - just be wary of using it indoors. 

Specs:

  • Highly Portable Telephoto Zoom
  • 1.1m minimum focusing distance
  • 62mm Filter Diameter
  • 14 elements in 10 Groups
  • 1 Aspherical Element
  • 2 Extra Low Dispersion Elements

Pros:

  • On-point AF
  • Clear photographs
  • A broad range of focal lengths

 

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Although some of the lenses on this list perform poorly in low light, this one doesn't! The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM medium telephoto lens is almost too good to be true. Its dreamy bokeh allows you to keep small details as focal points but can still capture a photo from about 15 feet in the distance. Its only downside is the fixed lens which doesn't offer much versatility. 

Specs:

  • High Image Quality and Bright f/1.2 Aperture L Lens for EOS R System Cameras.
  • Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) Reduces Chromatic Aberration.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance of 2.79 ft./0.85m.
  • Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes.
  • One Aspherical Element and One UD Lens.
  • 12 pin Communication System allows High-speed Communication with the Camera

Pros:

  • Smooth bokeh
  • Rich images
  • Works extremely well in low-light conditions with its wide aperture

 

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. Lens

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. Lens

For the micro four-thirds camera users, look no further! The quality is undeniable on this Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. lens. This lens can match up to a 600mm lens on a typical full-frame and is ideal for shooting from a distance. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around on the race track without weighing you down. 

Specs:

  • Updated Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm zoom lens replaces H-FS100300.
  • 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 (1 ED)
  • Upgraded support for harsh weather conditions (Splashproof / Dustproof).
  • Panasonic POWER O.I.S. compatible with LUMIX Dual I.S. 2.0 LUMIX Mirrorless cameras.
  • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) lenses correct chromatic aberration

Pros:

  • Wide range
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Dynamic colors

 

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is perfect if you're looking for a cost-friendly option. This lens can still work well indoors and give you outstanding results. Even for the price, you will get warm colors with life-like photographs. One of the biggest perks is its ridiculously fast AF that helps you snap pictures in a pinch! 

Specs:

  • Flagship of the ART line
  • Exceptional optical performance ideal for ultra-high megapixel cameras
  • Handcrafted in Japan
  • Constant f/2.8 Aperture throughout zoom range
  • 19 elements in 15 groups
  • Filter Size 82mm
  • 11-blade rounded diaphragm
  • High-precision rugged brass bayonet mount

Pros:

  • Well-built
  • Warm colors
  • AF capable
  • Works well indoors

 

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

This lens has a great range and is super easy for beginner photographers. The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is almost untouchable. Shoot in the daylight or at night, and you will have great results. It is also lightweight and shoots excellent videos!

Specs:

  • High resolution meets beautiful bokeh
  • USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type motor ensures excellent focusing speed and accuracy
  • Keep it steady with VC equal to 5 stops
  • Moisture-proof and dust-resistant construction
  • Constant f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
  • Filter Diameter 82mm
  • 17 Elements in 12 Groups

Pros:

  • Wide focal length range
  • Silent focus
  • Rich colors

 

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

This lens is perfect if you want to capture the whole car and the background in the frame. The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM wide angle lens will give you a comprehensive perspective that some of the other lenses can't. You will also achieve rich and crisp photos with minimal blur. The downside to this lens is the noisy motor when autofocusing. 

Specs:

  • Fixed focal length wide-angle 28mm lens
  • Lens Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
  • Focus Adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
  • 7-Bladed Circular Aperture diaphragm for soft backgrounds

Pros:

  • Crisp and rich images
  • Built-in image stabilizer

 

All of these lenses will do the trick and produce impeccable results. Just remember, each lens works differently, and you will want to pick the lens that matches your photography style and goal. For more of my product recommendations, check out these other articles:

 

Related article: Best Camera Settings for Car Photography

Related article: Night Car Photography

Related article: Best Lenses for Filming Professional Interviews

Related article: Best Lens for Real Estate Photography

 

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