📸 5 Best Lenses for Fashion Photography In 2024 [Guide]

Jan 12, 2024 | Buying Guides

Have you ever considered what it would be like to own the best lens for fashion photography?

If you love fashion and style, there is a high chance that you have.

One of the reasons this niche is becoming more popular as the days go by is that people are putting more effort into looking better and showing it on the internet.

image for fashion photography lenses guide

However, despite the popularity of fashion photography, there are not many helpful buying guides that could ease the search for these specific optics. That leaves many camera people stumbling in the dark, not knowing what gear is worth investing in.

With that idea, I have decided to create a buying guide that aims at helping fellow photographers pick the best lens for their desired niche.

Editor's Choice
Best Runner Up
Best Budget

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Lens

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Unleash stunning details with this top-rated lens. Professional-grade quality that captures every moment with precision.

Versatility meets excellence. The go-to lens for capturing breathtaking shots in any situation. Unlock your creative potential.

Affordable brilliance. Experience the beauty of sharpness and depth in your photography without breaking the bank.

5.0
4.8
4.7
Editor's Choice

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Lens

Unleash stunning details with this top-rated lens. Professional-grade quality that captures every moment with precision.

5.0
Best Runner Up

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens

Versatility meets excellence. The go-to lens for capturing breathtaking shots in any situation. Unlock your creative potential.

4.8
Best Budget

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Affordable brilliance. Experience the beauty of sharpness and depth in your photography without breaking the bank.

4.7
Lasso Brag
Fujifilm 80mm f/2.8R Lens

The image quality is extraordinary, with sharpness across the frame, and very nice detail retention.

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Fujinon comes with 16 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades and an angle of view of 20.1 degrees. The minimum focus distance is 9,84 inches, with a maximum magnification of 1x and a reproduction ratio of 1:1.

The Fujifilm 80mm f/2.8 lens is also equipped with optical image stabilization that can achieve up to five stops of image stabilization. One of the key reasons why I included it as the best lens for fashion photography is its weather and dust resistance.

The lens can withhold a temperature range from -10 degrees Celsius. The aperture of an f/2.8, combined with optical image stabilization, ensures stable shooting conditions under dim light, and it performed pretty well during even hours.

I find it a vital feature of this lens since many fashion events are held during those hours, usually under artificial light. The image quality is extraordinary, with sharpness across the frame and lovely detail retention.

The depth of field is another excellent point, and I achieved portrait-like shots with solid subject isolation and creamy backgrounds. The usability of the optics is quite good since I can capture a lot with the given focal length. The objection I have regards the relatively slow autofocus system, which can occasionally miss the shot or be too slow to respond

Pros

  • Fast aperture
  • OIS
  • Weather-proof design
  • Overall sharpness

Cons

  • Slow autofocus

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a versatile prime lens has beautiful bokeh effect and it is amazing for any kind of weddings, portraits or general photography.

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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
  • Focal Length Range: 85 mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.80 m
  • Weight: 0.77 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches

The second candidate on the list is the best Nikon lens for fashion photography and has an optical design of nine elements in nine groups, with seven rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 28° 30′, with a minimum focus distance of 2.62 inches and a maximum magnification of 0,12x.

Although it lacks optical image stabilization, the fast aperture ensures solid lowlight performance. One of the main factors that made me put this Nikon 85mm f/1.8 on the fashion photography lenses list is the beautiful bokeh effect it creates. Also, this lens is perfect for outdoor fashion photography.

At 85mm and a maximum opening, it creates a shallow field depth that results in beautiful subject isolation and dreamy backgrounds. Furthermore, even at the top space, the sharpness is quite good, with many details preserved. It got even better when I stepped down a few notches, and the results were comparable to the more expensive competition. The focus is responsive and accurate, and I rarely miss a shot.

The prime capability of this lens is quite competitive. It eliminates the need for a high-speed lens while at the same time being good enough to create an amazingly shallow depth of field while being constantly sharp.

Color transmission is beautiful, with vibrant warm tones, without artificial saturation. The design is primarily plastic, and it doesn’t give an impression of a too-sturdy piece of glass, but for the price range, it is more than reasonably manufactured.

Pros

  • Fast aperture
  • Versatile focal length
  • Affordability
  • Affordability

Cons

  • Mostly plastic-based built

Pentax 70mm f/2.4 Lens

The image quality is superb, with sharpness across the frame and with great detail preservation.

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Pentax offers an optical design of six elements in five groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 23 degrees, with a minimum focus distance of 2,3 feet and a maximum magnification of 0,12x. The Pentax 70mm f/2.4 lens doesn’t have optical image stabilization. Still, it sports a wide aperture of an f/2.4 and a quick-shift focus system that enables a fast transition between auto and manual focus.

I included Pentax on the list due to its perfect aluminum design with an SP coating that protects against dust, water, and grease. Moreover, it is pretty light and compact, making it an ideal portable lens.

Another key point relates to the focus system. I love using manual focus with the Pentax since it allows more control while producing excellent results. The image quality is superb, with sharpness across the frame and excellent detail preservation.

The contrast amount and the color transmission are among the finest I have encountered during the testing. Some photographers could argue that they are too saturated and highly contrasted with cool, bluish tones, but generally, they look gorgeous. It can perform well under low lighting and gives rock-solid results in fashion portraits. I also didn’t notice any flare and ghosting problems, so the overall impression is highly positive.

Pros

  • Pancake design
  • Sharpness
  • Fast aperture
  • Great focus

Cons

  • Lack of OIS

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Lens

Image quality from this lens is phenomenal. You will meet very sharp images with wonderfully creamy bokeh produced by its 15 elements.

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The best Canon lens for fashion photography has an optical construction of 15 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 23.4 degrees, with a maximum magnification of 1x and a macro reproduction ratio of 1:1.

The closest focusing distance is 9,84 inches, and the lens also sports optical image stabilization. One of the things that made me put it on the best lens for fashion photography is the incredibly silent autofocus that is suitable for both videography and stills.

Its accuracy and responsiveness also deserve praise since it has enabled me to capture shots easily. The focus ring is also relatively smooth and is a pleasure to use from an ergonomic perspective. Another awesome thing is the sharpness level that is identical whether I use the lens on a tripod or a handheld, with image stabilization on.

The main aim of this Canon 100mm f/2.8 lens is to deliver fantastic macro shots, but thanks to its fast aperture, it can produce beautiful portraits. The picture’s sharpness is another vital point worth mentioning. At the maximum opening, it renders an excellent edge, with solid contrast and vibrant colors, and the results are even sharper a few notches stepped down. The lens is weatherproof, so it is safe to use under challenging weather without worrying about damage.

Pros

  • Fast aperture
  • Weather-proof design
  • OIS
  • Sharpness

Cons

  • Price

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is a revolutionary lens from a Sigma company that has excellent build quality and produces stunning and sharp images

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Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8  is wide-angle fashion photography with an optical design of 17 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 76.5° to 44.2°, with a minimum focus distance of 11,02 inches and a maximum magnification of 0,23x. The macro reproduction ratio is 1:4.3, and the lens doesn’t have optical image stabilization.

However, it has a fast aperture that ensures excellent lowlight performance, especially when considering the ring and ultrasonic autofocus motor with a full-time manual option.

I included it on the best lens for fashion photography list due to its extraordinary bokeh quality and low light performance. The shallow depth of field ensures smooth backgrounds while the subject is constantly sharp and detailed.

Furthermore, I am pretty content with the focal length that covers many possibilities. The overall sharpness level is fantastic, and it produces sharp images at an f/1.8, and it gets stronger as you step down (until an f/8, where the difference is not visible).

Color rendering is excellent, with vibrant tones and good contrast. Since it is a fast lens with a zoom option, it has many possibilities. It can be both portrait and a general lens, so it is possible to shoot different fashion events. One thing to consider is the weight. Although the design is excellent, the importance of the lens is significant, so it is important to note that you should get a tripod if you plan on using it for extended periods.

Pros

  • Versatility
  • Fast aperture
  • Bokeh
  • Solid design

Cons

  • Lack of OIS
  • Weight

Verdict

Purchasing fashion photography camera lenses is quite essential if your goal is to be a great commercial photographer or if you want to get noticed on social media. As you can see in the article above, the market is saturated with various choices.

Luckily, it is possible to skim through all the options and get everything you need if you are willing to put in the effort. Your portfolio will instantly improve if you pick any lenses from the list.

Now is the time to make the right decision and choose the best lens for your needs. If you are unsure which lens is best for you, we recommend this lens.

You can check out some of our other guides: best lenses for surf photography and interior lens guide.

Disclaimer: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."

Stacy WItten

Stacy WItten

Owner, Writer & Photographer

Stacy Witten, owner and creative force behind LensesPro, delivers expertly crafted content with precision and professional insight. Her extensive background in writing and photography guarantees quality and trust in every review and tutorial.

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