Featured Image by John Matychuk
4 Best Lenses for Car Photography
Motorsport and car photography is not a complicated niche for lens buying. There may be exceptions for professional Formula 1 photography, which requires a super telephoto lens.
But for 99% of car photographers, the following setup will cover all your bases. They allow for the high degree of creativity and versatility required for booking commercial gigs.
- 24-70mm Zoom Lens
- 70-200mm Zoom Lens
- 35mm or 50mm Prime Lens
Many professional commercial car photographers don’t move beyond their 24-70mm zoom, preferring the fluidity of a single lens setup. Some even stick to a single prime 50mm lens without feeling very limited.
I find that a zoom lens with longer focal lengths often creates the wow images that make for wider eyes and bigger contracts.
I’ll teach you how to use each of these lenses for car photography after I recommend the best lenses for Sony, Canon, and Nikon. I also break down your options to the best performing and best value lens.
How to Photograph Cars at Different Focal Lengths
Avoid Shooting Wider than 24mm
Shooting with a focal length wider than 24mm can distort cars, making them appear warped and cartoonish. Use this focal length sparingly, such as when capturing a car within a broader scene where everything is in focus.
It’s also useful for tight spaces, but generally, it’s best to avoid it unless necessary. Some professional photographers use 24mm for environmental shots with bokeh.
That said, of course you can take wildly impressive photos with super wide focal lengths, like the artistic image below. It’s taken with a 10mm focal length, f/5.0, and 15 second time lapse. I’m just saying these represent 0.1% of car photography focal lengths.
35mm: A Balanced Wide-Angle Option
The 35mm focal length strikes a balance between wide-angle and minimal distortion. It’s versatile enough for various shots, including capturing cars in tight spaces like car shows where many vehicles are parked close together.
This focal length is also good for environmental shots where you want more of the scene around the car to be visible without introducing significant distortion.
35mm Sample Car Photos
50mm: A Versatile Option
The 50mm focal point is another reliable go-to option for car photography. It offers relatively minimal distortion and is ideal for car listings. This focal length is affordable, sharp, and works well for both interiors and parked exterior shots.
Using 50mm for car interiors helps avoid the warping effect wider focal lengths can introduce. While wider lenses can make interiors seem roomier, they can risk distorting the image.
50mm Sample Car Photos
70mm: Creating Heroic Effects
A 70mm focal length is excellent for isolating the car from the foreground and background, creating a strong, heroic-looking effect. This makes it perfect for storytelling and commercial purposes, as it resonates well with car enthusiasts.
The main drawback is the need for more space to work with, which is manageable when you control the photoshoot location.
24-70mm Sample Car Photos
105mm: Adding Depth and Layers
The 105mm focal length requires even more space, allowing you to build layers into your shots.
This adds visual interest and depth, helping you create highly professional photos with engaging foregrounds.
200mm: The Desktop Wallpaper
A 200mm lens is ideal for creating dramatic, poster-like images. It naturally forces you to shoot from a lower angle, enhancing the heroic effect. The increased compression creates a very dramatic impact.
This focal length produces images that look distinctly different from what the human eye sees. In that sense, it allows for enhanced creativity and artistry.
Additionally, 200mm is actually excellent for detailed shots, especially for cars with chrome. Your increased distance minimizes your reflection. Finally, a telephoto lens is necessary for racing car photography.
105-200mm Sample Car Photos
Best Sony Lenses for Car Photography
Sony 24-70mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II vs Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is one of the most impressive third-party lenses in existence. At less than half the price of the name-brand Sony equivalent, I don’t know why people still buy the Sony version.
There is also a newer version of the Sigma that’s equally excellent value. It’s a great middle ground between the original Sigma and the Sony, if your budget allows.
The differences between the Sony and the Sigma I are subtle considering the price difference. Some actually argue that the Sigma II is better than the Sony. Personally, I enjoy using the Sigma II more than the Sony.
Plus, it’s an incredibly useful lens beyond the niche of car photography. IMO, it also looks sleeker.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art vs Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
The toss up between these two great lenses is pretty simple. Especially for those looking for an all-around car photography lens, the extra 4mm on the Sigma’s wide angle is going to be way more useful than the extra 5mm zoom on the Tamron.
Sometimes seemingly minor differences in tech specs make a big difference, and this is one of those cases. The Sigma is also sharper and more robust.
Sony 70-200mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II vs The Original
If you’re deep in the weeds, you might not notice there are two versions of this Sony telephoto zoom lens. The I and the II, which come at the end of the lens names.
The II is 30% lighter, can focus at 1.4 feet instead of 3+ feet, and has a quieter autofocus that misses about half as often (think 5% instead of 10%). It also has an added aperture ring and a Full-Time DMF switch. Plus, you’ll notice more sharpness to the edges of the frame.
If those changes aren’t worth an additional $1000 to you, then check out the original or a refurbished original.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS (The Original) vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
First, the Tamron is about half the weight and half the price. It doesn’t have image stabilization, which is super nice (and pricey).
If you want the value of a third party lens, but with image stabilization, go for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS. Its price point is right between the Tamron and original Sony.
Sony 35mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 and Sony 35mm f/1.8
The 35mm prime lens is a common pickup for beginners, so this question comes up a lot. Which aperture should I get?
You may have noticed there are big differences in pricing for the f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8. This is due to the size of the glass in the lens. The f/1.2 is very expensive, and even professional photographers don’t often find the expense worthwhile.
The Sony f/1.8 is more expensive than the Sigma f/1.4, and the Sigma is superior. So that should be an easy call for anyone.
In general, the 35mm and 50mm prime lenses are insanely useful and relatively cheap, so I recommend going with the f/1.4 even for beginners.
It’s nice to snag a new lens for a few tanks of gas. But it sucks to bump up against the limitations of a lens you bought for specific purposes. So, f/1.4 for the win.
The same argument goes for the 50mm below.
Sony 50mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Sony | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM vs Sigma 50mm F/1.4 ART DG HSM
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM offers an ultra-wide aperture of f/1.2, providing excellent low-light performance and smooth bokeh, with a robust weather-sealed build and advanced autofocus using XD Linear Motors.
In contrast, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART DG HSM lens features a slightly narrower aperture at f/1.4 but is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and value, though it lacks the advanced weather sealing and autofocus motor technology of the Sony lens.
The name brand Sony option is over $1000 more for these limited additional features. In my opinion, that makes the Sigma the far better lens option for car photography.
Best Nikon Lenses for Car Photography
Best Nikon DSLR Lenses
Nikon DLSR 24-70mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 vs Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 offers excellent image stabilization with its 5-stop Vibration Compensation (VC) system .
It also features moisture-resistant construction, making it a versatile choice for various shooting conditions. Although, that’s typically less important for a car photography lens.
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens, on the other hand, is known for its superior sharpness and high-quality optics, with a more robust build quality. It’s also heavier and bulkier than the Tamron .
In summary, the Tamron is lighter and offers stronger image stabilization, while the Sigma excels slightly in optical performance and build quality. Both are very close in quality, value, and price. Both are fantastic lenses for car photography.
If I were you in a toss up between the two, I’d base my decision on what other kinds of photography you do.
Do you like taking photos of animals? Tamron. Do you love travel photography? Tamron. Do you have a food photography side hustle? Sigma. Obsessed with autumnal landscape photography? Sigma. A total clutz? Also Sigma.
Failing that, just go with whichever option has the better deal. Because, again, the difference in performance is barely noticeable.
Nikon DSLR 70-200mm DSLR Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 vs Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sport
For car photography on Nikon cameras, both telephoto zoom lenses offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilization.
The Tamron is praised for its superior vibration compensation and weather-sealed build, while the Sigma excels in sharpness and build quality, making either lens a strong choice for capturing dynamic car shots.
The Sigma is typically a couple hundred dollars more, making the Tamron a very slightly better value.
Personally, I’d say the Tamron is better for car photography since it will be your go-to lens for capturing vehicles in motion at a distance. Given that usage, the improved image stabilization becomes more helpful than the Sigma’s slight increase in sharpness.
Nikon DSLR 35mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
For car photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G offers superb image quality and a rugged build, but at a higher price point of around $1,700.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, priced at about $900, provides comparable sharpness and performance, making it a more budget-friendly yet highly effective lens choice for capturing detailed car shots.
Nikon DSLR 50mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Nikon | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G | Best Budget Lens | Check Price | Check Deals |
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G features a maximum aperture of f/1.4, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus, 9 elements in 7 groups, and weighs 280g. It’s priced around $450.
In comparison, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM offers a maximum aperture of f/1.4, Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and accurate autofocus, 13 elements in 8 groups, and weighs 815g.
Priced at approximately $750, it provides superior sharpness and optical performance, making it the preferred choice for high-quality car photography.
Despite the somewhat significant price bump, the Sigma is absolutely more lens for your money. Plus it looks way more sleek.
Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses
Nikon Mirrorless 24-70mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art and FTZ Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Nikon Mirrorless 70-200mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Nikon Mirrorless 35mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with Mount Adapter | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Nikon Mirrorless 50mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Best Canon Lenses for Car Photography
Best Canon DSLR Lenses
Canon DSLR 24-70mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon DSLR 70-200mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon DSLR 35mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon DSLR 50mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses
Canon Mirrorless 24-70mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon Mirrorless 70-200mm Zoom
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon Mirrorless 35mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM | Only Option Without Mount Adapter | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
Canon Mirrorless 50mm Prime
| Lens | Type | Best Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM | Best Performing | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens with Mount Adapter | Best Value | Check Price | Check Deals |
11 Expert Car Photography Tips
1. Allow Breathing Space
Give the car some room to breathe instead of getting it real tight in the frame. Think of your shot as a scene, not just a picture of a car. Space around the car helps to set the context and makes the image more visually appealing.
Some amateurs do this to make the car seem big and bold. The professional way to create that effect is using low angles. You should also follow the tips above for different focal lengths.
In the example below, the photographer was literally in a tight spot. But the image demonstrates how more breathing room would produce a more pleasing photo.
2. Eliminate Background Distractions
Be mindful of distracting objects in the background. Before you capture, let your eye zip around the outline of the car, scanning for distractions.
Reposition the car or yourself to eliminate these distractions and keep your frame clean.
Of the five distractions below (the silver car, the blue car, the tree, and the two people), at least two could have been avoided.
3. Avoid Eye-Level Shots
Photos taken from eye level tend to be boring. It’s how everyone views cars in real life all the time. Crouch down for a lower angle or use a step stool for a higher vantage point to make your photos stand out.
Some of the more vertically-challenged might argue the photo below is not eye level 😉. But I think we can agree an angle change would produce a less mundane image.
4. Skip Midday Sun
Shooting in the harsh midday sun can result in unflattering shadows and highlights. Schedule your shoots for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
Below you can tell from the shadow that the sun is almost directly overhead. The resulting glare is problematic.
5. Mind Sun Position
Avoid having the sun directly behind you during golden hour, as it can cast unwanted shadows or highlights on the car. Reposition yourself or the car to make the most of natural light.
6. Avoid Overexposure
It’s better to underexpose slightly, as you can usually recover details in post-processing. Overexposed images often have blown-out highlights that are more difficult to fix.
7. Skip HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) looks unnatural. It also screams amateur, in case you’re trying to be a commercial motorsport photographer. Stick to natural lighting and exposure techniques for a more realistic and professional look.
Here’s an example of HDR photography.
8.Use Shade for Interior Shots
Direct sunlight creates harsh hot spots inside the car. Find some shade to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.
Thoough the photo below has professional elements, the shadows across the dashboard, passenger seta, and elsewhere make for an imperfect capture. In this case, they might juuust get away with it. But you see my point.
9. Move the Car
Remember that your subject is moveable. Sometimes photographers forget they can ask (or drive) the car to a different position. Often car-sized subjects aren’t moveable. Utilize this flexibility to find the best setting and lighting.
Below, the photographer obviously wants to showcase the sportiness of the Ferrari with the angled front wheels. However, it would have been better to rotate the car enough to eliminate the buildings from the background.
10. Window Shots
Shooting through windows can add interesting reflections and depth to your interior shots.
11. Headlights On
Even in daylight, turning on the headlights can add a dynamic element to your exterior shots.
In the photo below, you can imagine how white headlights would have added a dimension of speed and shine.
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