The internet is still not too helpful in guiding photographers through the market. Finding the proper lens tailored to the specific needs and niches is still tricky, and many potential buyers are left to roam in the dark.

Since I like the product and macro photography in general, I have decided to make a complication of high-quality optics, intending to help fellow photographers pick the right lens for themselves.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 has an optical construction of 16 elements in 11 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 23.3 degrees, and a minimum focus distance is 1,02 feet, with a maximum magnification of 1x and a macro reproduction ratio of 1:1. It sports optical image stabilization in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture. As with most macro lenses, it is difficult to shoot at the widest opening at every distance (in this case, the “macro distance”).

I advise you to have a lot of light when shooting your jewelry; although the aperture is wide enough to capture good images under dim lighting, I like to have a lot of light for macro purposes.

The depth of field the lens can pull off is fantastic, and it is one of the reasons why it is the best lens for macro photography. The object of shooting stays entirely in focus, with excellent detail retention and strong contrast, while the background is completely melted away.

The autofocus system of this macro lens for jewelry photography is high-speed and responsive. However, focusing from the front to the back of the range can be problematic. An additional plus is silence so that it won’t irritate. The following vital thing is OIS, which is of tremendous help, especially under bad lighting, when you don’t want to use high ISO value. The image quality is excellent, with a beautiful color palette and nicely worked-out blacks.

Sony 90mm f/2.8-22 has an optical design of 15 elements in 11 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. It has an angle of view of 27 degrees, a minimum focus distance of 11,02 inches, a maximum magnification of 1x, and a 1:1 macro reproduction ratio.

The minimum focus distance is 0,92 feet, and the lens comes with optical image stabilization. The main reason why I put it on the best lens for jewelry photography is the incredible overall sharpness it can produce.

The level of detail:

I could preserve images superior to many more expensive competitors, and even at 2:1 crops, images were ready to be used professionally. Another critical thing is the bokeh effect. I tested it from an f/2.8 to an f/16 for macro (product purposes). At an f/2.8, it produces an amazingly circular bokeh effect, with the subject in tack focus and a significant amount of sharpness. At an f/16, bokeh is still quite good if you stay relatively close to the topic.

The color palette is also unique, with pleasant and vibrant tones that still look natural and a gorgeously balanced contrast. I also like the focus ON/OFF switches since it adds to the ergonomic experience, and the focus is accurate and fast to respond.

It is also possible to limit the focus to hunting in the macro range, although it comes at the price of a slower speed. Design-wise, the lens is incredible, with fine materials used in the manufacture and a great handheld feeling.

Canon 100mm f/2.8 is the best Canon lens for jewelry photography, offers an optical construction of 15 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded blades and an angle of view of 24 degrees. The minimum focus distance is 11,81 inches, with a maximum magnification of 1x and a 1:1 macro reproduction ratio.

The lens is equipped with optical image stabilization and a removal & removable tripod collar. Among many great features, I want to pinpoint the manual focus under the live view that allows one to have precise control when shooting macro.

It is one of the reasons why I put it on the best lens for macro photography list. Optical image stabilization is somewhat noisy, but regardless of it, its help in capturing beautiful images is extraordinary. The aperture is undoubtedly good, with quite a sharpness at the maximum opening, and it is even better stepped down. The depth of field is beautiful, and at f/2.8, it is possible to capture fantastic product shots.

The overall quality:

In terms of sharpness, color rendering, contrast, and distortion control, I deserve every praise since I have yet to find any flaws. I also didn’t have issues with flares and ghosting (although I mainly tested the lens indoors). From an ergonomic perspective, I like the AF/MF and OSS ON/OFF switches that improve the experience, and the focus ring is relatively smooth.

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 has an optical design of 14 elements in 12 groups, with nine rounded diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 23°20′, with a minimum focus distance of 1,03 feet, a maximum reproduction ratio of 1.0x, and a macro reproduction ratio of 1:1. It also has optical image stabilization and a fast aperture, and it delivers extraordinary low light performance.

The general sharpness is one of the reasons why I put it on the best lens for jewelry photography. These optics can produce beautiful macro product shots from a close-up distance without causing a focus hunt.

Thanks to the shallow depth of field, it defocuses backgrounds while remaining extremely sharp when focused on subjects. The focus system is incredibly responsive and delivers accurate results at a breakneck speed. I also tested it for shooting live issues, and the versatility is excellent.

It is possible:

To shoot great portraits with this lens. The image quality is gorgeous, with a natural color palette, beautiful tones, and deep contrast. The vibration reduction helps in low-light situations and achieves up to four stops of image stabilization. Design-wise, the lens is packed in a compact and solidly manufactured body with an acceptable weight for its class.

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 packs an optical construction of nine elements in eight groups with eight diaphragm blades. The angle of view is 24 degrees, with a minimum focus distance of 11,81 inches, 1x maximum magnification, and a macro reproduction ratio of 1:1.

Although it lacks optical image stabilization, it is equipped with a fast aperture that gives a rock-solid low-light performance. I like the manual and autofocus switch since it is pretty innovative and easy to grasp.

I would say:

It is one of the reasons why I put Tokina as the best lens for jewelry photography. When shooting macro shots, especially jewelry, I recommend using a manual mode, and the same advice goes for shooting portraits. It allows one to lock the focus and avoid autofocus hunting issues. The overall sharpness levels are exquisite. The lens shows excellent image quality, with little distortion and phenomenal vignetting control.

I am also yet to notice issues with chromatic aberrations and ghosting. The aperture of an f/2.8 is sufficient to produce stunningly bokeh results while being tack-sharp where it is needed, and it allows one to capture great shots under dim lighting. From a design point of view, I like the all-black finish and the robustness of the lens, especially since it feels good in my hands.

Verdict

Buying the lenses for jewelry photography can be daunting, but it can be a solid investment if you know the correct principles and are willing to follow basic guidelines.

No matter your shooting style, what type of jewelry you work with, or what manufacturer you like the most – if you pick any of the lenses from the article, your work will improve.

After reading this article and learning something new, it’s time to choose a lens that will boost your photography. If you’re still unsure which lens is best for you, we recommend trying this one.

You can check out some of our other guides, such as the lens guide for fashion photography and the five best lenses for vlogging.

More Specific Subjects Lenses Guides:

• Car Photography Lenses
• Sports Photography Lenses
• Jewelry Photography Lenses
• Food Photography Lenses
• Macro Photography Lenses
• Product Photography Lenses
• Underwater Photography Lenses