Best Lens for Real Estate Photography

0 comments

If you are a real estate photographer or looking at diving into that genre, you may wonder what lens is best for you. Real estate photography, similar to product photography, relies heavily on your ability to meet the client's needs so they can sell something. Because of this, you might need to have a few lenses in your arsenal since each property is different.

So, how do you figure out which lenses to invest in? The top priority should be finding a lens to cover large and small spaces. Think about how large some kitchens can be, some can be very spacious, and you will want to convey that in your photographs. Many buyers won't give the property a chance if the photos are bad. At the end of the day, this results in an unhappy client.

Here are two things to consider before making the big purchase:

Zoom Lenses

If amateurs can only have one lens to choose from, a zoom lens is a safe option. A zoom lens will allow you to get different photographs without needing to change your lens throughout the shoot. You can zoom in to smaller spaces or zoom out for larger ones. However, if you are stepping up your game or can invest in more lenses, this shouldn't be your end all be all.

Wide-Angle lenses

The wide-angle lens is most likely the first one that popped into your head, and there is a good reason for that. When showing off those spacious rooms, especially in higher-end homes, a good wide-angle lens will help you capture those spaces. The small focal length helps cover large scenes. Many newbie photographers think that fish-eye lenses are a creative take on real estate photography, but, please, stay away. The only thing this will do is distort your photo and make it look like a false advertisement. Also, stay away from the wide-angle lens with strong barrel distortion - this will create a similar look.

Best Lenses for Full-Frame Cameras

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

This great wide-angle lens by Canon is constructed well with high-quality glass. Its 16-35mm range makes for perfect real estate photographs, and this lens also works well when trying to get tighter composition photos. This Canon lens has a built-in optical image stabilizer that will work in your favor when you are in small spaces.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

This Nikon gives you a fantastic range to snap real estate photography photos like the Canon lens above. One of the main differences is the weight, and the Nikon is definitely the heavier of the two. This lens's benefit is the ARNEO anti-reflective coat further reduces ghosting and flare.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art

You can use this Sigma lens on a Nikon and a Canon (with the appropriate lens mount). And even better, it has a budget-friendly price. This wide-angle lens is one of my favorites, with a wide focal length range. Even with the lower price, you still get a lens coating to prevent flare. And, for those quick shoots, the Hypersonic Motor gives super-quick autofocus.

The downside to this lens is that it is heavier than the two lenses above. However, if you don't mind a little extra weight, the image quality on this lens makes up for the weight.

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G

Don't worry. I didn't forget the Sony users out there. This Sony lens works with the E-mount full-frame Sonys, and you will also get an excellent wide focal length range with the 12-24mm. It is comparable to all of the lenses above and also is cost-effective.

Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm f/4

The Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F4 wide-angle zoom lens is the perfect choice for photographers who want top-level resolution and a compact, lightweight design. As a member of the LUMIX S PRO series, the LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 meets all stringent LEICA standards. Its resolution is outstanding throughout the zoom range, making it ideal for capturing amazing real estate images in any situation.

Best Lenses for Crop Sensor Cameras

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

This is a superb wide-angle for those crop sensor cameras. Although the zoom range is a little on the low side, the built-in optical image stabilization makes up for any negatives. The autofocus on this lens is also impressive. This is definitely a reasonably priced lens within the Canon brand.

Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens for Sony E

Compatible with Sony E-mount crop sensor cameras, this Tamron lens will give you one of the more affordable options. Not only is it affordable, but it also delivers impeccable image quality to capture all the right details for real estate photography.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

This is one of the most popular Sigma lenses on the market for a cropped sensor Canon and Nikon cameras. The image quality and lens features will speak for themselves, and it is outstanding and worth every penny for a crop sensor camera. And, to top it off, the chromatic aberration and distortion are relatively low with the glass elements.

Turn your real estate photographs into a fruitful career or side hustle with the right lens. Make your photos stand out, so realtors recommend you to their peers! For more tips on real estate photography, check out these related articles: