Best Lens For Fashion And Model Photography
As a photographer, you would carefully consider which lens you’re going to pick up depending on what you’re going to shoot. When it comes to fashion photography, there are almost a limitless number of choices out there on the market, so it can be hard to pick just one.
However, it’s important to recognize that what you end up choosing will depend largely on personal preference, because most prime or zoom lenses will offer you what you need.
So the best way to pick a great fashion lens is really to consider what best suits your style, but we’ll walk you through some of the best lenses out there so you can make an informed decision!
If you’re looking for the best lens for fashion photography then, look no further. Read on to know all there is to know about fashion lenses!
WHAT FOCAL LENGTH IS THE BEST FOR FASHION/MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY?
A 50mm prime lens, also called a nifty fifty, is an excellent standard lens that every model photographer should have. It is versatile and can be used in all lighting conditions, be it indoor or outdoor. They give you perfect subject focusing with absolute background blur, so they are great for getting a cinematic feel.
The best part about 50mm prime lenses is that they are pretty reasonably priced and can capture slightly wider angles while also performing well when it comes to tight full-body shots. Especially when taking pictures of "male models," the body structure is well portrayed by this lens.
So fashion photographers looking for a go-to lens for their busy schedule can try using this lens
This lens is a good pick if your fashion shots involve more of the background scene in the frame. The lens is fantastic for taking environmental portraits and full-body close-up shots. It is also called storytelling tells because the picture will speak more.
Also, if you travel more and need a portable lens for taking fashion vlogs, this 35mm is excellent. One downside of this focal length is that you will see more distortion with this lens, mainly if you're doing headshots.
If you're doing streetwear photography or take fashion photographs of 2-3 models in a single frame, then this lens will serve best.
If I should pick one lens for taking perfect headshots, then this is the one. I'm not restricting you to only headshots. You can also take full-body shots with the lens. Professional fashion bloggers mostly prefer an 85mm lens because it is the best focal length for taking portrait shots of human subjects with a good depth of field.
Also, as this is a short telephoto lens, it gives a long reach and also enables quick shutter speeds, thereby ensuring blur-free shots. Also, they have wider apertures so that you can use them in dim light fashion shoots also.
The intrinsic details of the subject say the model's hair, eye, clothing clearly; then, this lens will be perfect for you. Note that 85mm lenses are expensive, but they are worth the money because you can get really sharp results with beautiful bokeh.
Known as the ‘walk around lens,’ this is a versatile lens that’s great at tackling both portraits and wide shots. Major brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sigma offer a large number of 24-70mm lenses because of how popular and functional they are.
70mm photography allows you to get lots of good, sharp, zoomed-in shots, so these are perfect for capturing models. These lenses are also sturdy, and most of them have f2.8 apertures, so even if you’re a beginner to the world of fashion photography, you’ll learn fast with these.
The 70-200mm telephoto lens is considered a staple by many pros, particularly fashion photographers. It’s great for studio shoots but is also a good companion outdoors, as it has variable focal lengths. These lenses also tend to be light and not too expensive, and you get a nice shallow depth of field in your snaps.
Like an 85mm lense, this telephoto lens is great for getting flattering portraits and headshots. To get an idea of how the angle of view will be for this focal length, kindly see the image below.
LIST OF BEST LENSES FOR FASHION AND MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY
IMAGE | NAME | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST CANON LENS  | CANON RF 85MM F1.2 L USM | ||
BEST NIKON LENS  | NIKON NIKKOR Z 70-200MM F/2.8 S | ||
BEST SONY LENS  | SONY SEL2470GM FE 24-70 MM F2.8 G MASTER | ||
BEST SIGMA LENS  | SIGMA 50MM F1.4 ART DG HSM |
REVIEWS OF THE BEST LENSES FOR FASHION AND MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY
SELECT YOUR FAVORITE BRAND
BEST CANON LENSES FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
1. CANON RF 50MM F/1.2L USM - BEST LENS FOR HEADSHOTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
My first pick in this list of best lenses for model photography is this Canon RF 50mm lens. This is a full-frame lens designed for Canon's mirrorless cameras.
The lens has the latest technology features built-in and is also very sharp, so one of the best fashion lenses out there. You’ll get spot-on, sharp focus even when the depth of field is extremely shallow.
Generally 50mm lenses are every photographers favorite (any genre) because they tend to replicate the human eye quite well, and this is Canon 50mm f/1.2L one of the best in the game.
This lens also performs outstandingly in low light, so if you’re experimenting with lighting scenarios in the studio, you’ll be able to get some really good shots.
Design:
This isn’t a light lens, but it packs quite a punch. It has a 54mm diameter, and both autofocus and manual focus work seamlessly to produce great results.
The lens has Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to manage any ghosting or flare issues, and it’s weather-sealed, so if you’re thinking about getting into outdoor high fashion photography, this lens is your one-way ticket.
With a 10-blade diaphragm, bokeh is brilliant, and the lens has two control rings (focus and programmable). Also, this is a durable lens that will last you a while because it is mainly made of metal. With a solid, mostly metal build, this lens is going to last you a long time.
Performance:
Although 50mm fashion lenses can be more budget-friendly, this is one to consider because the low-light performance and weather-sealing can’t be overlooked. These are two major benefits when photographing models indoors and outdoors. This lens works perfectly for close crops and tight shots, and can also capture all kinds of different angles.
You can easily create some stunning shots that strike a good balance between subject and background.
Overall this is the best Canon lens for fashion photography if you’re in the market for a premium tech.
What I liked about this lens:
- Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting...
- Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58...
- An f 1.4 maximum aperture provides clear imaging in low light situations and...
2. CANON EF 85MM F/1.4L IS USM - BEST FULL BODY PORTRAIT LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
As said earlier, the 85mm focal length is the best focal length for full body portraits, and unlike most 85mm lenses, this one has image stabilization. Hence shooting handheld with this lens is a true delight.
As the lens has a bright aperture of f/1.4, it is suitable for low light shots and blurring backgrounds that might interfere too much with the subject.
Also, this lens that’s got edge-to-edge sharpness so no worries on that front either.
DESIGN:
Although this isn’t a small lens by any means, it’s got good ergonomics. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant as well and has a nice matte black finish. Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology is a bonus as it enhances image quality.
The lens comes with 9-blade aperture to give you some nice creamy bokeh. Moving on to the autofocus mechanism, the lens is equipped with a Ring-type USM to give a fast and speedy AF.
You can shoot fashion pictures comfortably as the focus ring and slide switches are easily accessible.
PERFORMANCE:
85mm lenses with good image stabilization are rare, and this lens rates up to 4 stops of improvement. Even if you’re shooting handheld in dim light, your images will be sharp and blur-free.
This is the best all purpose Canon lens, with a lightning-fast focus speed. It’s a winner whether you’re shooting indoors or out in natural light, and it’s great for experimenting with different moods, contrasts, and textures when shooting models.
What I liked about this lens:
3. CANON RF 85MM F1.2 L USM LENS - BEST LENS FOR MODELING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Another 85mm lens that’s ideal for fashion portraits! This lens is pretty heavy at 2.6lbs, but there’s a reason for that. It’s got a number of special glasses and brilliant optics inside. The autofocus is quick and silent, and the AF/MF switch makes it easy to switch to manual. The lens also features focus and control rings, and the focus limiter switch is great for shooting from a slight distance.
With amazing clarity and a nice, shallow depth of field there’s very little to complain about here. Even distortion is minimal, so if you shoot fashion portraits, this is definitely one to consider.
What I liked about this lens:
4. CANON EF 24-70MM F/2.8L II USM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is a lens that will go well with your full-frame Canon cameras, and it’s a great fashion lens to boot. It’s well-constructed and fairly compact, with well-placed rubber-ridged focus and zoom rings.
If you’re a fashion photographer who likes to stay in one place, then the focal range here will allow you enough space to stand rooted to the spot and take shots.
On top of it, this is also a pretty versatile lens; Because it works well for wide-angle fashion photography but can also be used for zoomed-in shots. It’s dust and water-sealed, so working with it outdoors is no big deal, and the USM gives you smooth and quick autofocus. The color rendition is great too.
What I liked about this lens:
- High image quality and bright f/2.8 aperture zoom RF L lens
- Optical image stabilization of up to 5 Stops of shake correction
- High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Nano USM
5. CANON RF 70-200MM F2.8 L IS USM - BEST ALL PURPOSE CANON LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is a pro-level telezoom lens, and it’s very compact and light. It’s also collapsible, which makes it quite travel-friendly if you’re going from one shoot to another.
This lens also has two NANO USM focus motors, so the focus is fast and accurate. Image stabilization is another major plus here, with several mode controls to play with.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST NIKON LENSES FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
6. NIKON AF-S FX NIKKOR 85MM F/1.4G LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for the best Nikon lens for fashion photography for your FX or DX cameras. You could also use the lens on a Nikon Z camera, provided you have an FT-Z adapter.
This lens is extremely popular among portrait photographers, and it’s great for highlighting a subject against a smooth background, so it’s ideal for fashion photography. While it’s super sharp, it also gives you beautifully defocused backgrounds. You can get a really nice balance with this lens.
DESIGN:
This lens has an outer plastic layer but is well-constructed and tough. The gold accents on the lens barrel add a nice and professional look to it. Negative effects are minimal with this lens because the Nano Crystal Coating helps to improve clarity and contrast while reducing ghosting and flare issues.
You can grab the textured focus ring for instant manual focus override, which is handy. The lens also has a rubber gasket. It comes with a reversible hood and is compatible with 77mm filters.
Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures accurate and quick autofocus, and you’ll get especially good results shooting at f/1.4. As you can expect, bokeh is amazing with this lens, but the backgrounds won’t outshine your subject.
PERFORMANCE:
This is an outstanding fashion photography lens. It’s sharp at every aperture point, and aberrations are minimal. This lens really helps to make your models stand out in shots and also gives you a minimal vignette with the right amount of background blur.
It produces solid results in low light as well. Shooting at wide apertures gives you a great shallow depth of field. This lens will also render skin color particularly well, so
if you’re an aspiring fashion photographer, don’t miss out on this lens if it sounds like it suits your style.
What I liked about this lens:
- 85mm f/1.8 lens with nine blade diaphragm for soft rounded book
- Lens features 2 ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating for lifelike accuracy
- Dust and drip resistant, the lens is extensively sealed to keep out dust and...
7. NIKON NIKKOR Z 70-200MM F/2.8 S TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is one of the best fashion photography lenses on the market, and Nikon’s first telephoto zoom lens for its Z cameras. This is a pretty solid lens that really allows you to get a close focus with sharp results, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
If you're looking for a lens to take headshot pictures of your models this 70-200mm Nikon lens is perfect for you.
The autofocus speed is decent and accurate, and manual Focus is even faster. You also get a polished VR system that reports up to five stops of improvement. However its functionality will depend on what camera you pair this lens with.
All in all, this is a very popular lens with a great build, and it’s sure to tick all the boxes when it comes to sizing up a good fashion lens.
Design:
There’s no doubt that this is a large, long lens; as a telezoom, you can expect that. It has a metal barrel and is also weather-sealed so you can easily take it outdoors whether there’s rain or shine.
The lens also has fluorine and Nano Crystal coatings to enhance image quality and minimize ghosting issues. It has focus and zoom rings (rubberized and tactile), along with a programmable control ring and a focus limiter switch.
There are also five programmable Function buttons, which are a plus. The addition of an OLED display is also quite useful.
Performance:
This is a large, tough lens with excellent optics. Although it’ll be hard to shoot on this without a tripod, this lens is tack-sharp and produces shots with great color and contrast.
Bokeh is quite pleasing, particularly at f/4, which is great for portrait backgrounds. When you shoot with in-camera correction, you’ll hardly experience any distortion. The VR system is good too and sharpens up your images nicely.
What I liked about this lens:
- Type of lens: G-type AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR lens with built-in CPU and Nikon bayonet...
- Focal Length Range : 70 -200 mm, Minimum Focus Distance- 4.6 ft.(1.4 m)
- Dimensions: Approx. 87 mm dia. x 205.5 mm extension from the camera’s...
8. NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 35MM F/1.8G ED - BEST FOR WIDE ANGLE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If you’re on the hunt for a budget fashion lens, then you’ve hit the jackpot. This 35mm prime lens is particularly good for wide angle fashion photography, and despite being relatively budget-friendly, it’s also extremely sharp.
It’s also a great travel lens because it’s quite light and compact. Autofocus is pretty fast and spot-on, and you can grab the focus ring to switch to manual Focus instantly.
Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor means you won’t hear much swishing sound while the lens is focusing. This lens will fit comfortably in your hand, and it’s a dream to shoot with.
Try it out in dim light and you’ll be astonished by the results!
What I liked about this lens:
- Fast 35mm prime Lens for Z Mirrorless cameras
- Uncanny f/1.8 performance-extreme sharpness from the center of the frame to the...
- New ultra-quiet stepping motor for silent focusing
9. NIKON AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70MM F/2.8E ED VIBRATION REDUCTION ZOOM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This 24-70mm Nikon lens is very precise and a joy to use. It’s one of the best Nikon lenses for fashion photography because it has a wide variety of features that will help you excel in this field.
If you’re new to the world of fashion photography and you’re looking for a mid-range zoom lens, this should go on your ‘to-buy list as soon as possible. Autofocus is pretty good, and the focus and zoom rings turn easily and quickly.
The VR system promises up to four stops of improvement (and has two modes), so shooting handheld becomes much simpler, and you don’t have to worry about blurred shots. Even when you’re taking a macro shot, everything remains tack-sharp at every aperture.
Overall this is definitely one of Nikon’s best mid-range zoom lenses and is a great choice for fashion photography newbies and pros alike.
What I liked about this lens:
- NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/ 2.8 is a compact mid-range zoom that is indispensable for a...
- With an f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, exposure is consistent across the...
- Lens incorporates an all-new Multi-Focusing System, consisting of 2 AF drive...
BEST SONY LENSES FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
10. SONY FE 85MM F/1.4 GM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is a great mid-range fashion lens, and it’s part of Sony’s G Master lens series. Sony claims that it strikes a great balance between resolution and bokeh, so fashion photographers will love this lens.
It’s a great classic portrait lens since 85mm is the best mm for portraits. With Sony’s SSM combined with the internal focus system, you get quick, quiet, and accurate autofocusing.
You’ll get sharp images at all apertures, and bokeh is excellent, particularly when you’re shooting wide open. The lens also works brilliantly in low light!
Design:
This is a large lens, with conveniently ridged and rubberized aperture and focus rings (focusing itself is electronic). The lens has a polycarbonate barrel and internal sealing to protect from dust and water.
Along with an AF/MF switch, there’s also a Focus Hold button to pause autofocus. A reversible lens hood is also included, and the lens is compatible with 77mm filters. Although the outer layer of the lens is plastic, it’s well-built and has a premium feel.
Performance:
This is a great performer if you’re interested in fashion photography, or in shooting weddings and interviews. The focal range is particularly suited to mid shots and close-ups of models, and with an f/1.4 aperture, this lens will provide a stunning low-light performance.
The AF system has a dual sensor to give you precise focusing and quick speeds.
What I liked about this lens:
11. SONY FE 50MM F1.2 G MASTER LENS - BEST FOR OUTDOOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
You can get some lovely blurred backgrounds out of this Sony lens. And even in low light, the shutter speed can remain pretty high. The lens is fairly compact and has a great capability for capturing a pleasing shallow depth of field.
You can also expect out-of-the-world sharpness when shooting with this lens, especially when shooting at f/2.8. AF speed is fast and always on point, as the lens has two internal focusing groups with dual motors.
DESIGN:
The lens barrel is polycarbonate, and the overall build quality is top-notch. The lens has Sony's Nano AR Coating II as well as fluorine coating to prevent ghosting, flare, and smudges.
The lens comes with a weather sealing gasket at its backside, so it is well-protected and great for outdoor work.
Swapping focus modes is easy with the lens as it has got an AF/MF switch and two Function buttons. The manual focus and aperture rings are easy to grab and tactile, making it a well-finished lens.
PERFORMANCE:
Fashion and model photographers will be bowled over by this lens. It's sharp all around, with great resolution. When you're shooting wide open, the blurred backgrounds are supreme.
So, if you're into fashion photography and you'd like to experiment a bit with your shooting styles, this lens is for you.
What I liked about this lens:
12. SONY SEL35F18 35MM F/1.8 PRIME FIXED LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is a light and compact lens with a largely plastic interior with a metal finish on the outside. It’s a great budget option if you need a fashion photography lens but don’t want to break the bank.
It’s easy to shoot handheld with this, and you can take some really good macro shots as well. Shooting wide open gives you a great shallow depth of field.
The addition of a good image stabilization system (Sony’s SteadyShot) is another major plus, with up to four stops of improvement. Autofocus speed is amazing as well.
Overall this is a great lens at an affordable cost! Don’t miss out on this one if you’re on a budget.
What I liked about this lens:
13. SONY SEL2470GM FE 24-70 MM F2.8 G MASTER LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is one of Sony’s most popular lenses, with fast and quiet autofocus. It has an electronically coupled manual focus ring that is enhanced by Sony’s Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM).
This is a large lens, with a well-placed zoom ring and stunning macro performance. It’s super-sharp at every setting, so you won’t be disappointed. It also works great as a full body portrait lens, and the 24-70mm range gives you a lot of room to experiment with both wide and narrow angles.
Lastly, the wide aperture with great low light performance is a huge bonus as well.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST SIGMA LENS FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
14. SIGMA 50MM F1.4 ART DG HSM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
Sigma’s 50mm lens is one of the sharpest out there, and beats many pricier lenses in that department. It’s large for a prime lens but has brilliant optics. It’s sharp across all apertures. Both autofocus and manual focus are spot-on (thanks to Sigma’s Ultrasonic autofocus motor), with instant manual override via the manual focus ring.
The distortion levels are almost negligible with the lens. Not only that you can even get quite close with macro shots, much closer than you normally would with a 50mm lens. You’ll get the best results when shooting with a tripod since the lens is quite big.
Design:
The lens has a metal barrel and is built to last. It’ll definitely stick around for a long time. The rings are rubberized and provide a good grip. The petal-like reversible lens hood provides a good amount of protection and also manages any ghosting or flare issues. However, the lens itself has hardly any flare issues.
The closest focusing distance of this lens is 15.7 inches, which is pretty good for a 50mm lens.
Performance:
There’s no denying how sharp this lens is, and you’ll hardly experience any distortion when shooting on it. You need to pair it with a decent camera, so make sure you’ve got one that’s compatible.
Bokeh is amazing on this lens while color and contrast are solid and very uniform across the board. The lens is also quite well-built and well-finished, so you’re looking at a major investment here, even though it’s less than $1k.
Overall, you won’t be disappointed by this offering from Sigma; it might give you some of your sharper lenses a run for their money!
What I liked about this lens:
BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST LENS FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
The most confusing aspects about lenses aren’t their physical operation but the terminology used to describe their characteristics. Understanding the basic of camera lens terminologies and functions will not only make you a better photographer but also more competent when it comes to acquiring the camera gears you need.
Here is the breakdown of a couple of features you need to look at before buying your new lens for fashion photography. Let’s look at some of the most relevant factors.
This is quite possibly the most important thing to consider when buying a new lens specifically for fashion shoots. Aperture determines both the depth of field effect you can obtain and how much light the lens can let in. It’s necessary to get a wide aperture lens so that you can see good results in both those areas.
When shooting at wide apertures, a lot more light is let into the sensor. This means you can shoot at very high shutter speeds, which is particularly useful if you’re looking for the best lenses for model photography. Runway models tend to move fast, and you don’t want all your photos to be a blurry mess.
Shooting at narrower apertures won’t be as effective in this case. Using a wider aperture also means your lens will do much better in low light, so in case you’re setting up for a night shoot or you’re in a dimly lit studio with ring lights, you should still be able to get some great shots.
When it comes to depth of field, a shallow depth of field is very popular in fashion photography. You need a nice balance between the subject and the background. This effect is easily obtained with wider apertures, and you also get very pleasing bokeh when shooting wide open, which might be appealing to you if you like to experiment with your modeling photography.
This might seem like an odd factor, but lens glass is majorly important when it comes to getting a good, clean shot. You need to be working with a lens that has high-quality glass components.
Premium glass elements will make your photos look rich and lifelike, as quality glass is clearer. But if you’re working with a lens with an inferior glass quality, your pictures might turn out rather dull and unappealing.
This might be problematic when dealing with models, where you should ideally capture what’s true-to-life, and not a washed-out version of the subject.
If you mainly work in the studio, buying a lens that doesn’t have adequate weather-sealing isn’t a big deal. But if you spend a lot of time shooting outdoors, then a weather-sealed lens, which will protect your lens from dust and water, is a must.
A good lens is an investment and can cost upwards of several hundred dollars, so you don’t want it to be ruined by an unlucky storm or a glaring-hot day. Don’t venture outdoors without a lens that’s well-sealed and protected against the elements.
Again, this depends on what kind of fashion photography you’re involved in. If you largely photograph still models, or if you’re working with a camera that has an optical image stabilizer, you should be fine.
But suppose you’re aiming to shoot runway models or document fashion shows. In that case, you’ll have better luck buying a lens that has a decent image stabilizing system with enough stops of correction so your photos remain blur-free and crisp.
If you’re accustomed to shooting handheld, image stabilization is a big plus because you can click away without worrying about how you’ll end up with slightly smudged photos. It’s also great for low-light shooting scenarios and will give you clearer photos.
So if possible, always aim for a lens that has a good IS or VR system.
CONCLUSION
So now you know all about fashion photography lenses and what you should be buying! Whether you’re a hobbyist or a full-time photographer, you can’t get by in a fashion shoot without a solid, dependable lens.
I've provided you some great options from the best photo equipment brands out there. Assess your needs when it comes to a good fashion lens and think about your personal and professional projects. Then go ahead and pick out one of the best lenses for fashion photography from this list. Get shopping!
