If you’ve finally decided to invest in the best macro lens for jewelry, the first thing you’ll do is search for it on Google. However, that may lead you nowhere due to having too many options. So, how to know which lens is the best jewelry photography lens?

This list gives you the 10 best lenses for jewelry photography with prices and features to help you make an informed decision.

In this article
    1. Pricing
    2. Image Stabilization Capabilities
    3. Zoom Ratio
    4. Focal Length
    5. Macro Photo Mode
    6. Camera Compatibility
    1. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G - Best macro lens for jewelry product photography
    2. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS – Good overall quality and magnification ratio
    3. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS – Best for image stabilization and focal length
    4. Nikon’s 105mm f2.8/2.8 VR S – Best for macro and close-up photography
    5. Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR – Best for close-up and general photography
    6. Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM – Best for Close-Up Wildlife and Jewelry Photography
    7. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 – Best for high-quality image stabilization performance
    8. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens – Best for affordable macro photography
    9. Sigma’s 105mm f/2.8 – Good magnification ratio and sharpness

Things to Consider When Choosing a Jewelry Photography Lens

best lens to shoot jewelry

The web is an abundant source of jewelry photography equipment and isn’t too helpful in guiding you through all the options. Finding the best lens to shoot jewelry leaves you with many factors to consider.

The lens should cater to your specific business niche and photography needs, which is why you might find yourself roaming in the dark. Here are the top six considerations when looking for top-class optics for jewelry photography.

  • Pricing

Since the camera model plays a critical role in your decision-making, include the budget you can afford to spend on a camera lens in your calculations. The camera model also helps you make the most out of the lens potential.

If your budget isn’t limited, go for a crop-sensor camera. These camera models typically come with a range of dedicated lenses. Remember that your jewelry photography efforts depend on the quality of your photos.

You need a top-grade camera with high-end lenses to ensure you use the lens to the maximum of its potential. Today, you can find top-class macro lenses on Amazon ranging between $200-$800.

  • Image Stabilization Capabilities

Jewelry photography requires you to shoot handheld photos. However, hand-holding the camera exposes your visuals to camera shakes and vibrations. While you can reduce this to a minimum with a tripod, you’ll probably work in conditions where using a tripod isn’t practical or possible.

So, your best option is to opt for a good DSLR camera with a macro lens with built-in image stabilization capabilities to ensure you capture the most impressive jewelry shots. Image stabilization can significantly improve your image sharpness and quality.

  • Zoom Ratio

The zoom ratio is an essential factor most first-time buyers miss when looking for a macro lens for jewelry photographs. Always check out the technical specifications of the lens model to see the zoom ratio because it determines the quality of your jewelry photos.

The better the zoom ratio, the more sophisticated your product photos will be. More importantly, a top-grade zoom ratio helps you capture high-quality close-up shots without losing fine detail, so look for a higher zoom ratio to get the best results.

  • Focal Length

In jewelry photography, you should stick with a focal length of between 50mm-105mm for crisp and engaging photos. Anything wider than this won’t give you enough perspective and cropping options to frame the pieces properly.

In addition, if you go above 50mm-105mm, you’ll have too much zoom and won’t be able to capture any background in your jewelry photos.

  • Macro Photo Mode

Macro photo mode is vital because it helps you focus on the object and capture sharp close-ups of your jewelry products. A macro lens sharpens your focus and helps you magnify the subject while shooting from a close distance to highlight fine detail like the intricate design, engravings, or the cut of a stone on your jewel piece.

  • Camera Compatibility

There are different types of cameras on the market, like mirrorless, micro four-thirds, full frame, and crop sensor cameras. Matching your camera with the correct lens is crucial to get the best results and avoid additional expenses. A lens for a full-frame camera won’t work so well on a crop sensor camera and vice versa.

Read more: best cameras for jewelry photography

10 Best Lenses for Jewelry Photography

Here’s a list of the top 10 jewelry photography lenses to consider buying in 2023.

1. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G - Best macro lens for jewelry product photography

best lens for jewelry photography nikon

Nikon AF-S 40mm is an excellent macro lens for jewelry photography. Since the lens gives you a 1:1 zoom ratio and a 40mm focal length, you can use it to blur the background entirely and make your jewelry pieces stand out.

The biggest advantages of using this macro lens include exceptional image sharpness and colorization. It’s stunningly sharp from wide open to f/2.8.

This lens allows you to capture the details of your jewelry in outstanding quality. In addition, it also provides a decent focal length for product photography. Since AF-S is a DX lens, you should only pair it with full-frame Nikon cameras.

Key features:

  • Manual focus;
  • Autofocus (64 inches);
  • 1x sharpness (from infinity to life-size);
  • Close-range correction system (CRC);
  • Silent wave motor (SWM);
  • Focus distance indicator;
  • 1.0x maximum reproduction ratio;
  • 38 degree-50 feet angle of view;
  • 0.53 feet minimum focus distance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Affordable lens;
  • Compact and lightweight;
  • Extremely sharp.
Cons
  • No image stabilization;
  • Lens is not zoomable.
Key Specifications
Brand Nikon
Focal length/maximum aperture 40 mm/F2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Normal/APS-C/DX
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Nikon F (DX)/F2.8
Item dimensions 2.56 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches
Price $198
Where to buy Amazon

2. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS – Good overall quality and magnification ratio

best lens for jewelry photography sony

If you’re looking for exceptional image quality and visual consistency, Sony FE 90 mm is the right macro lens. Thanks to its brilliant optics, you can capture outstandingly sharp photos consistently. In addition, the lens offers a wide range of advanced macro features for shooting jewelry products.

For example, you can use the 90mm telephoto focal length for multipurpose jewelry photo shoots, including close-crop portraits and close-ups. Sony FE 90mm gives you a 1:1 zoom ratio to capture the fine detail of your jewelry pieces, regardless of the angle or the frame.

Key features:

  • Optical steady-shot image stabilization;
  • F/2.8 large maximum aperture;
  • Background separation;
  • Low-light adjustment;
  • Bokeh effect;
  • Maximum distortion;
  • ED glass;
  • Nano AR reflection suppressor;
  • Manual/autofocus;
  • Advanced spherical elements;
  • Ghosting and flare reduction;
  • Direct Drive SSM.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fast aperture
  • Sleek design
  • Top sharpness
  • OIS
  • Top-grade 1:1 zoom ratio
  • Durable lens mount
Cons
  • Quite expensive
  • Slow autofocus
Key Specifications
Brand Sony
Focal length/maximum aperture 90 mm/F2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/35mm FF
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Sony E (NEX)/F2.8
Item dimensions 5.16 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
Price $998
Where to buy Amazon

3. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS – Best for image stabilization and focal length

best macro lens for jewelry photography sony

Sony 18-135mm lens is an ideal choice for product and jewelry photography due to its incredibly high level of versatility. Since it uses a 135mm focal length, this lens is the best option for shooting jewelry of any size and shape. Sony 18-135mm will give you crisp, sharp, and clear jewelry images across various settings.

Whether you shoot indoors in a small space or carry out outdoor jewelry photography, this lens perfectly captures advertising, studio, and lifestyle photos without requiring you to switch lenses. The switch for seamlessly switching between auto and manual focus is a nice touch.

Key features:

  • Manual and autofocus;
  • High magnification zoom;
  • 1x aspherical sharpness;
  • 2x ED glass elements;
  • Circular bokeh;
  • Optical steady-shot image stabilization;
  • Ultra-fast AF.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Top-class zoom lens
  • Highly versatile
  • Top focal length for jewelry photography
  • Perfect for photographing in small spaces
Cons
  • Not a macro lens
  • Somewhat slower lens performance
Key Specifications
Brand Sony
Focal length/maximum aperture 18-135 mm/f/3.5
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/Normal/Wide Angle/APS-C
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Sony E/f/3.5-f/5.6
Item dimensions 2.75 x 3.5 x 0.03 inches
Price $419.98
Where to buy Amazon

4. Nikon’s 105mm f2.8/2.8 VR S – Best for macro and close-up photography

best lens to shoot jewelry

If you’re searching for a versatile, lightweight, compact, and cost-effective lens for jewelry photography, Nikon 105mm VR is an excellent choice. Thanks to its advanced features, you can capture both video and still images in top quality.

The 105mm focal length is an ideal setting for shooting all sorts of photos, from wildlife and landscape to lifestyle and jewelry. Since the VR S 105mm is a VR lens, it allows you to create crisp photos at any focal length.

Key features:

  • FX angle of view;
  • VR II vibration reduction;
  • Nano-crystal coat;
  • ED glass elements;
  • Image quality enhancement;
  • Flare reduction;
  • Internal focus;
  • 1.0x reproduction ratio.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Versatile
  • Ease of use
  • 5-year warranty
  • 4 shutter speeds
  • Perfect for any photographic scenario
Cons
  • Lens not zoomable
  • A bit heavy
  • Low build quality
Key Specifications
Brand Nikon
Focal length/maximum aperture 105 mm/F2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/35mm full frame
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Nikon F (FX)/F2.8
Item dimensions 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Price $549.99
Where to buy Amazon

5. Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR – Best for close-up and general photography

jewelry photography lens nikon 85 mm

If you prefer taking jewelry shots with a Nikon DSLR camera, the brand’s VR-powered 85mm zoom lens is the perfect addition to your photography kit. The lens comes with high-end, advanced features that ensure the highest levels of image accuracy and stabilization when shooting stills or video.

The vibration reduction and 3D tracking features allow you to capture the subject in motion while staying in focus at all times. Thanks to an immensely capable image stabilization system, this zoom lens successfully eliminates camera shakes. It also empowers you to create clear, sharp, immersive videos and photos, even in low-light conditions.

Key features:

  • Close focusing;
  • VR II image stabilization;
  • Extra-low dispersion;
  • Nikon super-integrated coating;
  • Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM);
  • 1:1 reproduction ratio.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Top image quality, definition, and sharpness
  • No image distortion
  • Compact design
  • Easy to carry
Cons
  • A bit pricey
  • No button to shift from manual to autofocus
Key Specifications
Brand Nikon
Focal length/maximum aperture 85 mm/3.5
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/APS-C/DX
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Nikon F (DX)/F3.5
Item dimensions 3.9 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches
Price $429
Where to buy Amazon

6. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro – Best prime lens for low distortion, sharp focus, and magnification ratio

best canon lens for jewelry photography

Coming from the world’s largest, most renowned camera brand, the EF 100mm Macro lens is a fully optimized optic for close-up jewelry shots. The lens combines a short snapping distance with a convenient short telephoto focal length to give you exceptional photo quality.

The EF 100mm lens works perfectly for close-up photos due to its immense color accuracy, enhanced image clarity, advanced macro shooting, and minimal ghosting.

Key features:

  • EF mount lens
  • Super Spectra coating
  • Ultra-low dispersion
  • Ultrasonic motor AF system
  • Focus range limiter
  • Internal focusing
  • 1:1 magnification ratio

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Top-grade color accuracy
  • Budget-friendly lens
  • Improved image contrast
  • Full manual focus control
Cons
  • No image stabilization
Key Specifications
Brand Canon
Focal length/maximum aperture 100 mm/2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/APS-C/full frame
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Canon EF/F2.8
Item dimensions 3.11 x 4.69" / 79 x 119 mm
Price $399.95
Where to buy B&H

7. Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM – Best for Close-Up Wildlife and Jewelry Photography

best canon lens for jewelry photography ef

If you prefer sticking Canon photography equipment, the Canon 180 macro is the best macro lens you can get your hands on. Aside from being an impressively well-built macro lens, the 180 macro is ideal for close-ups on small jewelry items like rings and earrings.

Thanks to a great focal length, you can capture multiple close-up shots of various jewelry items almost seamlessly. Though it may be a bit pricier, this lens gives you undisputed optical quality with on-level sharpness and ultra-fast focusing.

Key features:

  • 3 UD glass elements;
  • Internal floating system;
  • Advanced USM;
  • Ultra-fast autofocusing;
  • EF Extender (1.4x-2x);
  • Enhanced focusing distance range.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Top build quality
  • Excellent optics
  • Low falloff
  • Low CA
  • Acceptable distortion
Cons
  • A bit slow in performance
  • Could be cheaper
Key Specifications
Brand Canon
Focal length/maximum aperture 180 mm/3.5
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/35mm full frame
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Canon EF/F3.5
Item dimensions 7.36 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Price $655
Where to buy Amazon

8. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 – Best for high-quality image stabilization performance

best lens to shoot jewelry sony

The Sony FE 70-200mm lens is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a cutting-edge, lightweight, and fast zoom lens for product photos, portraits, wildlife, events, and sports. Though it comes with a high price, this lens provides exceptional results, especially for close-up jewelry shots.

If you want a top-of-the-class zoom lens with exceptional autofocus performance and image quality, the FE 70-200 mm provides all the sharpness, clarity, colors, and contrast your money can buy.

Key features:

  • Dual focus floating system;
  • G Master-supported sharpness and exposure;
  • ED/Super ED elements;
  • Nano AR coating;
  • Direct coupled mechanical focus system;
  • Steady-shot image stabilization;
  • XA element;
  • Exceptional surface precision;
  • Aspherical elements;
  • Par focal design.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • G-master resolution
  • Natural defocusing
  • Top close-up performance
  • Moisture and dust resistant
  • Minimal focus breathing
  • Ideal for video
  • Professional convenience and control
Cons
  • Expensive
Key Specifications
Brand Sony
Focal length/maximum aperture 70-200 mm/f/2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/APS-C
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Canon FE/f/2.8-22
Item dimensions 7.36 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Price $1,898
Where to buy Amazon

9. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens – Best for affordable macro photography

best lens for jewelry photography sony fe

The Sony FE 50mm macro lens is an excellent optic solution for jewelry photography. Aside from being lightweight and highly portable, this lens comes with every jewelry photography feature you can imagine.

It includes a large f/2.8 maximum aperture, a 1:1 magnification ratio, flexible lighting options, and a small minimum focusing distance (6.3”/0.52 ft.). You can capture photorealistic images and create a more genuine and natural focal view to highlight essential details of your jewelry pieces.

Key features:

  • Macro design;
  • Extra-low dispersion;
  • E-mount lens;
  • Full-frame format;
  • F/2.8-f/16 aperture range;
  • ED element;
  • Aspherical element;
  • Rounded 7-blade diaphragm;
  • Focus hold button;
  • Focus range limiter.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Acceptable minimum focusing distance
  • ED elements
  • Top-quality lens optics
  • Great for portability
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • A bit pricey
Key Specifications
Brand Sony
Focal length/maximum aperture 50 mm/f/2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/APS-C
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Sony E/f/2.8 full frame
Item dimensions 2.79 x 2.8" / 70.8 x 71 mm
Price $548
Where to buy B&H

10. Sigma’s 105mm f/2.8 – Good magnification ratio and sharpness

sigma 105 mm jewelry photography lens

If sharpness, magnification, focal length, and super aperture play a critical role in your jewelry photography efforts, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 is the perfect macro lens for you. The lens packs quite a punch for its price and provides an impressive depth of field.

It allows you to keep the object in focus at all times, with fantastic attention to detail, impressive contrast, and an outstandingly responsive autofocus system. The lens also supports advanced optical image stabilization with an ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture.

Key features:

  • Full frame digital SLR;
  • 1:1 magnification ratio;
  • Fast aperture;
  • Top focal length;
  • 1:1 macro reproduction ratio;
  • Optical image stabilization;
  • Autofocus system;
  • OIS support;
  • Versatile colorization.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Ultra-fast aperture
  • Responsive focus system
  • Exceptional image sharpness
  • OIS support
Cons
  • Quite expensive
  • No weather resistance
Key Specifications
Brand Sigma
Focal length/maximum aperture 105 mm/2.8
Lens type/maximum format size Telephoto/35mm full frame
Compatible mountings/maximum aperture range Canon EF/F2.8
Item dimensions 5 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches
Price $669
Where to buy Amazon

FAQ

  • Is it possible to use a standard camera lens for jewelry photography
    Standard cameras come with 18-135 mm lenses which can do the job if high-quality visuals aren’t that important to you. These camera lenses can work for low-definition web images.
    However, jewelry photography requires complex, ultra-quality visuals to display your products correctly, and such photos require specialized macro lenses.
  • Which lens is best for jewelry photography
    Macro lenses are the best jewelry photography lenses because they allow you to capture the fine detail you want to present to your target audience, including the complexity of your pieces, the materials, ornaments, intricate patterns, etc.
  • Is a macro lens good for jewelry photography
    A macro lens is an excellent optic solution for capturing jewelry photography of exceptional quality. When it comes to e-commerce jewelry photography, you’ll need to take a lot of close-up shots.
    Macro lenses work the best for this type of photography because other options don’t offer the same level of versatility or detail.
  • What is the best focal length for jewelry photography
    The higher the focal length, the better your jewelry photos will be. While the best focal length depends on the type of shots you want to take, a focal length of 60-100 mm or more is a golden standard in jewelry photography.

Final Words

Though buying the best lens for jewelry photography can be tedious, time-consuming, and confusing, it can also be a lucrative investment in taking your jewelry business to the next level.

This guide should help you weigh your options and choose the best macro lens for shooting jewelry.

Regardless of your photography style or the type of jewelry you sell, any of the lenses from the list will help you improve your visual appeal and attract more customers to your website.

Jeff Johnson
Jeff Johnson Jul 27, 23
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