The best lens for fashion photography will allow you to tell a story from your unique point of view. Therefore, the moments you capture through your lens are what make these narratives unique.

Fashion photography requires you to be at the right place, the right moment, with the suitable model, outfit, and lighting. Having the correct lens will make a huge difference.

Lenses are the components that one should invest heavily in. For instance, you might have an entry-level camera. However, you will get fantastic cover shot photos when you pair the camera with the best lens for fashion photography.

You will get a better return on investment if you invest in high-quality glass than if you invest in a quality camera body.

However, this is not to say that you should not invest in a quality camera.

There are affordable and lightweight cameras in the market. Check out our review of the best mirrorless camera for an array of the best camera for your needs.

The popular cameras and lenses used to take photos for magazines, advertisements, and commercials are designed with fashion photography in mind. In addition, they include high-quality optics that can create professional-looking images.

The 5 Best Lenses for Fashion Photography

The best lens for fashion photography is also one of the most affordable options. Therefore, making this type of photography less likely to break the bank while taking pictures.

There are many great lenses to choose from when it comes to fashion photography. By selecting a lens with a wide range of focal lengths, you can capture everything from close-ups of a model’s face to panoramic photos that stretch across the horizon.

With a wide range of focal lengths in your arsenal, you can produce various image sizes that replicate your favorite magazines and designers.

Overall Best Lens for Fashion Photography – Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G

What is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Lens?

It is the overall best lens for fashion photography.

This lens is ideal for various photographers, from those just starting in the business to the most experienced professionals in the industry.

The Nikon 85mm delivers tack-sharp images. It can separate the subject from the background.

Features of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Lens

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G lens, features a large aperture (f/1.4) that delivers sharp, clear images with stunning bokeh.

With this lens, you will be able to capture professional-quality portraits. Including those that feature subjects against a blurred background of out-of-focus backgrounds and foregrounds.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G lens also delivers outstanding image quality. Therefore, ensuring that your photographs look superb. Consequently, it has an effective image quality of approximately 1,411 lines per millimeter (lpm).

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G lens, features nine diaphragm blades responsible for creating the circular bokeh typically associated with this type of lens.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G lens has a rounded 9-blade diaphragm that helps to create attractive out-of-focus areas in the background. In addition, this lens will allow you to create artistic images that look like world-renowned photographers created them.

Why Do I Recommend the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Lens for Fashion Photography?

I recommend this lens because it has a fast autofocus speed. Moreover, it has a very large aperture allowing you to capture well-lit images in various environments.

It is one of the best lenses for fashion photography because it has exceptional image quality and excellent bokeh.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G lens, will allow you to create professional-looking images comparable to those that Simon Upton or Steven Meisel captured.

This lens makes it possible for you to capture images that will make your clients salivate.

In the past, only the most skilled photographers had access to this level of image quality. However, now anyone can take professional-looking images with this lens.

You won’t have trouble taking photographs that look like a top photographer shot them because this lens delivers outstanding image quality.

Budget Lens for Fashion Photography – Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

What is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens?

It is arguably the most versatile lens. The lens is an all-around workhorse due to its adaptability.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an all-time favorite for many photographers. Moreover, its focal length matches the perspective of the human eye. The 50mm lens offers a striking balance between the background and the subject.

This lens is ideal for fashion photography because it allows photographers to produce images with sharp, crisp-looking edges.

It is ideal for professional photographers who have a wide range of subject matter in their career, ranging from portraits to fashion photography.

Features of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

This lens has excellent optics that will allow you to produce professional-quality images.

This lens also delivers outstanding image quality that will build your confidence when you are not experiencing the best results when taking pictures.

The lens is ideal for photographers who are just getting into the business because it costs less than $200.

It offers exceptional value for the money. Therefore, making it an ideal choice for photographers who aren’t afraid to save a few bucks and purchase a budget lens.

Why Do I Recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for Fashion Photography?

I recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens because it will allow you to take sharp, well-lit images in various situations.

Everyone should have at least one lens with excellent optics for producing sharp, crisp images ideal for fashion photography.

This lens will allow you to take sharp, well-lit photographs that are ideal for fashion photography. It is affordable and lightweight. Therefore, making it ideal for many photographers to get started in the business.

The lens is ideal for professionals who want to take sharp, well-lit photographs in various situations.

Best Zoom Lens for Fashion Photography – Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

What is the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens?

The lens is designed for professionals looking for an all-around zoom lens they can use in a wide range of situations.

This lens has excellent optics that will allow you to produce razor-sharp images with stunning background blur, ideal for fashion photography.

It is also Canon, Sony, and Nikon mount compatible. In other words, it can work with the majority of the cameras on the market.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens offers outstanding image quality. It is an ideal lens for fashion photographers who want to create sharp, crisp images.

Features of the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

This lens has a fluorine coating, which helps reduce the amount of flare and ghosting that can occur in images during certain lighting conditions.

In addition, the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is also dust and moisture resistant, which will help you produce sharp, well-lit images that don’t contain any residue.

This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 and an image stabilizer unit that can reduce the effects of camera shake. The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens has excellent optics that will allow you to produce images with razor-sharp edges.

This lens has excellent optical stabilization, which will reduce blur in low-light settings. This feature is vital when you are shooting at night or in low-light settings.

Why Do I Recommend the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens for Fashion Photography?

It is an all-around zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of situations.

Its excellent optics can help you create razor-sharp images with excellent background blur, ideal for fashion photography.

It has fantastic image quality and is built to last for several years of use.

This lens is ideal for beginners and professionals. Used to take sharp, well-lit images in a wide range of situations.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is a solid investment for beginners who want a zoom lens that will allow them to take images in a wide range of situations.

Best Premium Fashion Photography Lens – Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

What is the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens?

It is designed for beginners and professionals ideal for fashion photography.

Its fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows you to take clear images of your subject even when the lighting conditions are sub-par. Moreover, you can use it to create a stunning background blur behind your subject.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens has excellent lightweight optics that will allow you to produce images with razor-sharp edges that are ideal for fashion photography.

Features of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

This lens has excellent optical stabilization. Therefore, it will reduce blur in low-light settings. It is also known for its ability to deliver outstanding image quality in almost any situation because it features excellent bokeh.

This lens is also known for its ability to deliver outstanding image quality in almost any situation because it has excellent bokeh.

This lens is available with Canon, Sony, and Nikon mount compatibility. In other words, it is compatible with most cameras on the market.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens offers outstanding image quality. It is an ideal lens for fashion photographers who want to create sharp, crisp images.

It is also known for producing images with sharp or blurred backgrounds depending on the shooting conditions.

Why Do I Recommend the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Fashion Photography?

It is ideal for beginners who are looking for a compact, high-end lens that can be used in a wide range of situations.

This lens is ideal for professionals who want to take photos with excellent optical quality and razor-sharp edges.

It has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4. That is to say, even in low-light situations, you can capture clear images without blurriness.

It is highly adaptable to all types of shooting styles due to its compatibility with most cameras on the market. Therefore, making it one of the best lenses for fashion photographers.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is a solid investment for beginners who want a premium lens that will allow them to take photos in a wide range of situations.

Worthy Mention Fashion Photography Lens – Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens

What is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens?

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens is designed for professionals and beginners who want to take razor-sharp images with outstanding background blur. These are ideal for fashion photography.

This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing you to take clear images of your subject. Moreover, even when the lighting conditions are sub-par, you can use it to create stunning background blur behind your subject.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens produces images with sharp or blurred backgrounds depending on the shooting conditions.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens is one of our overall best lenses for baby photography.

Features of the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens

This lens has excellent lightweight optics that will allow you to produce images with razor-sharp edges that are ideal for fashion photography.

This lens produces images with sharp or blurred backgrounds depending on the shooting conditions.

This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8. Therefore, allowing you to capture clear images of your subject in low-light settings.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens features excellent optical stabilization, which will reduce blur in low-light settings. In addition, it delivers outstanding image quality in almost any situation because it features excellent bokeh.

This lens is lightweight, which means it can be used when you are on location or traveling.

Made with durable materials to ensure that it can be used for several years of professional usage.

Why Do I Recommend the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens for Fashion Photography?

The lens can be used for a variety of other photography genres. We have reviewed it for the best wedding photography lenses and baby photography lenses.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens is ideal for beginners who want to create razor-sharp images with outstanding background blur.

It also has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows you to take clear images of your subject even when the lighting conditions are sub-par. Therefore, you can use it to create a stunning background blur behind your subject.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens produces images with sharp or blurred backgrounds depending on the shooting conditions.

This lens has excellent optical stabilization, which will reduce blur in low-light settings. Known for its ability to deliver outstanding image quality in almost any situation because it features excellent bokeh.

This lens is lightweight. That is to say, it can be used when you are on location or traveling. It is also made with durable materials to ensure that it can be used for several years of professional usage.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Lens for Fashion Photography

What is Fashion Photography?

Fashion photography is the art of taking pictures of clothing and jewelry. Therefore, this genre has grown in popularity because people like to see how models wear different fashions.

This genre can be used for other subjects, including portraits, architecture, events, and real estate. Consequently, fashion photography can make you more money because it displays your knowledge and creativity.

Wedding photography is another form of fashion photography. This genre has grown in popularity because people like to see how couples wear different wedding dresses and suits.

What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Lens?

The most important factors to consider when purchasing a lens are its maximum aperture, focal length, weight, size/diameter, and material.

You will want to look for lenses with the widest aperture, usually referred to as f/1.0 or f/1.2.

The best lens for fashion photography will weigh the least possible because the more weight you have, the more it will affect your shot when you are in a moving vehicle or a fast-paced environment.

A lens that weighs less means it is easier to carry with you when traveling, including vacation settings.

What lens do fashion photographers use?

Fashion photographers prefer telephoto lenses because they allow them to be farther away from the subject while still getting an image of the subject in focus.

However, they will always have a 35mm lens within reach.

A fashion photographer will also want to have their basic 50mm lens on them at all times because they may need it for portrait shots, indoor setting shots, and outdoor setting shots.

Fashion photographers use these lenses because they are known for creating sharp images that are in focus.

Is 35mm or 50mm better for portraits?

35mm is better for portraits because it allows you to get closer to the subject without raising the camera higher.

50mm is better for portraits because it allows you to get an image in focus while still being far away from the subject.

The choice depends on your personal preference and how far away you are from your subject when taking the shot.

On average, 35mm lenses are easier to carry when traveling or in situations where you are running around.

A 50mm lens can be used in any setting.

What F stop is best for fashion photography?

The best F stop for fashion photography is f/1.2 because it allows you to get an image in focus while using the shallow depth of field setting.

The maximum aperture on most lenses ranges from f/1.0 to f/1.4, but it will depend on the camera that you are using and which lens you are using with it.

If you are looking for the best lens for fashion photography, you will want to purchase a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.2 or higher.

The lower the maximum aperture, the greater the distance you will have to stand from your subject to get an image in focus.

A lens that can switch between different maximum apertures should be considered because it can be used for indoor shots, outdoor shots, etc.

Final Thoughts for the Best Lens for Fashion Photography

These lenses feature excellent optics and build quality that will allow you to take pictures for many years to come.

Many photographers are using prime lenses for fashion photography because they are lighter in weight and can be used to create a shallow depth of field.

However, this genre benefits from zooms because you can still get quality images even when the subject is too far away to take a picture with a prime lens.

The best lens for fashion photography is going to depend on your budget and your personal preference. Therefore, you can spend a lot of money on a prime wide-angle lens, or you can purchase a lens that offers multiple maximum apertures.

If you are just beginning your career, choosing a lens with the highest maximum aperture may be best. This will allow you to get an image in focus while using the shallow depth of field setting.

You can use the shallow depth of field to create interest in your photos and draw your audience’s eyes to the main subject.

Fashion photography is a popular genre because it can be used in many different ways, including portrait photography, real estate photography, and wedding photography.

It teaches you to be creative and think outside of the box to get different kinds of images using a single lens.

You may want to purchase a lens from a reputable company such as Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, Tokina, or Rokinon. These companies have been in business for many years, and they have earned a reputation for producing high-quality lenses at affordable prices.