The internet doesn’t help too much since there is a constant lack of high-quality buying guides in this regard.

With those notions, I have put together a comprehensive buying guide to help fellow photographers search for a proper lens.

Best for Low-Light photography

Canon 90mm f/2.8 is one of the best Canon lenses for architectural photography. The lens has an optical construction of six elements in five groups, with eight rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 27°, with a tilt-shift of +/- 8° Tilt & +/- 11 mm Shift. The minimum focus distance is 1,64 feet, with a maximum magnification of 0,29x.

Although this Canon doesn’t have optical image stabilization, it is equipped with a powerful f/2.8 aperture that ensures top-notch quality. It is important to note that the given optics has a manual focus only, which means it will test photographic abilities.

The main reason:

The distinctive Gauss design is why I put it on the architecture photography lens list. I used the lens with filters and rings while retaining a maximum photographic quality, with nearly zero chromatic aberrations and a well-controlled distortion. The focus system is manual, so it tends to be slower, and if you intend to use it for portraits, perhaps it is better to try different optics.

However:

For architectural photos, the lens works wonders. Once you lock the focus, the result is always excellent, with sharpness from corner to corner and no jamming issues.

Handheld shooting is a pure joy with this lens, and even though it doesn’t support optical image stabilization, I didn’t face any issue of an unwanted blur, even at the maximum tilt. The color rendering is fine, with an eye-pleasing color palette and strong contrasts.

>> See the latest pricing for Canon 90mm f/2.8 on Amazon <<

Best for Macro photography

Nikon 16-35mm f/4G offers an optical design of 17 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 107° to 63°, with a maximum magnification of 0,25x. The minimum focus distance is 11,42 inches.

The best Nikon lens for architectural photography has optical image stabilization that offers up to four stops of vibration reduction. I put it on the best lens for architectural photography because of itss exceptional visual design. I first noticed a complete lack of ghosting and flare issues.

Although:

It is not on par with high-end primes, but it outperforms most of the competition in the given focal range. Another vital point is a significant vibration reduction (or OIS).

I didn’t have issues with shooting under low lighting, and with a reasonably common ISO value, despite the aperture of an f/4 since it can’t compete with fast primes. At the maximum opening, image sharpness is exquisite, with a beautiful color palette and strong contrast.

Regarding the focal length, I did spot vignetting and edged softness at 16mm, but it usually occurred if I was too close to the subject.

Furthermore, the 16-35mm allows one to capture awesome-looking shots of different buildings and angles while being compact and light enough to carry around with no more significant issues. Focusing is also quite responsive and accurate, and I didn’t have problems missing a shot due to jamming or hunting.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon 16-35mm f/4G on Amazon <<

Best for Sports Videography

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 has an optical construction of 13 elements in 11 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 104° to 82°, with a minimum focus distance of 11,82 inches and a maximum magnification of 0,09x. The lens doesn’t have optical image stabilization but a wide f/2.8 aperture for producing high-quality images.

The key reason:

It ended up on the best lens for architectural photography list because the phenomenal focal length enables photographers to capture wide-angle shots and get whole buildings in the frame. At 11mm, I did notice spots of vignetting, but I mainly tested it at 12-16mm and was pleased with the results. The distortion is negligible and easy to correct in post-production.

I didn’t spot chromatic aberration or flare issues, and despite the lack of OIS, I managed to pull off fantastic and well-exposed night shots, thanks to the wide aperture. The focus system works quite well, although the manual works better in this case since the auto tends to hunt.

However, for a lens this open, a manual focus is perfect. Overall, image quality is more than reasonable, with excellent color rendering and mid-tones. The use of fine materials crafts with the body of the lens and the finishing touch is impeccable.

>> See the latest pricing for Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 on Amazon <<

Best for Close-Up photography

The following line in Canon’s arsenal has an optical design of 16 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 108° 10′ to 63°, with a minimum focus distance of 11,02 inches and a maximum magnification of 0,23x.

Canon 16-35mm f/4 also has optical image stabilization and an option of a fully manual focus in the autofocus mode. Canon offers exceptional sharpness from edge to edge, which is one of the reasons it is on the best lens for architectural photography list.

The first feature I spotted was the phenomenal detail retention and edge sharpness at the maximum opening. I even stepped down on the aperture, and the results were sharper, but an f/4 works completely fine for general use. I was also happy to use the optical image stabilization feature during golden and evening hours. It is of tremendous help in capturing fantastic shots without using a tripod.

Although:

An f/2.8 is superior for moving subjects and event shooting, and an f/4 and OIS do a splendid job for architectural shots. The color transmission and contrast are on par with the most expensive lenses on the market, and they look without a flaw.

I am yet to spot chromatic aberrations, and the fluorine coating on the front element makes it easy to shoot even under harsh sunlight. Like any other “L” grade lens, this one is built of high-quality materials and has a perfectly balanced weight.

>> See the latest pricing for Canon 16-35mm f/4L on Amazon <<

Best for Interior photography

• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Mounting Type: Sony E
• Focal Length Range: 14-24mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.28 m
• Weight: 1.75 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.35 x 9.1 inches

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 offers an optical construction of 18 elements in 13 groups, with 11 rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 114.2° to 84.1°, with a minimum focus distance of 11 inches and a maximum magnification of 0,14x. The lens has a macro reproduction ratio of 1:7.3 and doesn’t have optical image stabilization.

The key reason:

The incredible focal length versatility is why it made the architectural photography lenses list. The 14mm end is superior for ultra-wide angled shots, while the 24mm gravitates to a “standard” focal length. At 14mm, I noticed slight vignetting and distortion, but they were gone above 14mm, while there were no issues at the other end. The distortion is well managed at both ends, while chromatic aberrations are negligible.

I also like the aperture. First, it allows one to shoot under low light, without a tripod, despite the lack of OIS, and still capture great shots. With a scarce streetlight, I tested in the dark alleys and got well-exposed images of different buildings.

Second, it produces sharp images at the maximum opening, and if the sharpness is your keystone, you would rarely have to stop a few notches below. Focusing is well-balanced, and the system is accurate and fast. Moreover, the zooming and focus ring is smooth but with a certain amount of resistance, which adds to the feeling of control.

>> See the latest pricing for Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 on Amazon <<

Verdict

Purchasing the best lens for architectural photography doesn’t have to be tedious if you have the proper knowledge of navigating through the market.

The article above outlines solutions to apply if you want to up your photo game, no matter your shooting style or which manufacturer you prefer. Rest assured that if you pick any of the lenses from the list, your architectural photography will never improve.

I hope this article has helped you search for the best lenses for family portraits. Check out this option if you’re still unsure which lens to buy.

If you want to improve your photography skills, I recommend checking out our guides, the five best lenses for low-light photography, and the five best lenses for group photography.