Newborn photography can be super fun and very rewarding! Let’s take a peek-a-boo (I know, I’m super corny) inside my bag for the best lenses for newborn photography.
This ultimate lens setup will also prepare you nicely for pregnancy portraits, family cuddle portraits, and pretty much anything related.
Having read lots of lists of best baby photography lenses, I know that many just focus on one brand. I put dozens of hours of research into finding the absolute best alternative lenses for different mounts.
Whether you shoot Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, or Leica, you’ll find the very best recommendations. I also found the best third party lenses (which I use a lot) to make sure you get the most lens for your buck.
Also Read: 4 Best Baby Car Cameras for Responsible Parents
1. Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 Prime Lens
Best All-Around Baby Photography Lens
I don’t mind being a fanboy for this lens because literally everyone is. Hands down, it’s the single-best lens for newborn photography.
While the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 does have a few drawbacks, the imperfections of this lens mostly don’t apply to the newborn niche.
At its release, it was a shining example of how we’ve entered an age where extremely impressive equipment has become affordable for the average photographer.
Generally speaking, you’ll want portraits, environmental shots, and detail shots for a newborn photoshoot. The Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 easily handles all three, so you could also consider it the best budget lens for baby photography.
Sample Photos
You may need to click on the photos to see the proper aspect ratio.
Pros
Unbeatable Value
When it comes to value, the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is head and shoulders above the crowd. It offers superior quality at a price point that is significantly lower than equivalent brand-name lenses.
This means you get professional-grade performance without breaking the bank, making it an excellent investment for both amateur and professional newborn photographers.
Superior Image Quality
The Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 consistently produces better quality images than many of its brand-name counterparts.
Its advanced optical design minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in images that are crisp, clear, and true to life. The color rendition and contrast are outstanding, ensuring that your newborn portraits have a natural and pleasing look.
Creamy, Dreamy Bokeh
One standout feature of the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is its ability to produce beautiful, smooth bokeh. The wide f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background and creating a dreamy, ethereal effect.
This is especially important in newborn photography, where you often want to emphasize the baby while keeping the background soft and unobtrusive.
Available for Nikon, Canon, Sony, Leica, and Panasonic
One of the key advantages of the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is its availability for multiple camera systems. Whether you shoot with Nikon, Canon, or Sony, you can enjoy the superb performance of this lens.
This flexibility makes it a go-to option for photographers who may use different camera bodies.
Exceptional Sharpness
From the center to the edges, this lens produces incredibly detailed images, capturing every delicate feature of a newborn’s face with precision. This sharpness is perfect for highlighting the tiny fingers, soft cheeks, and delicate eyelashes of your newborn subject.
Strong Versatility
The 35mm focal length is incredibly versatile, offering a natural perspective that is neither too wide nor too narrow.
It allows you to capture intimate close-ups as well as environmental portraits, making it perfect for a variety of newborn photography setups.
Whether you’re shooting in a cozy nursery or a spacious studio, this lens adapts beautifully to different environments.
Low Light Performance
Sometimes imperfect light can be an issue, especially if the client wants to choose a shooting location, like a nursery with only a small window.
The Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 excels in low light conditions, thanks to its wide aperture. This allows you to shoot at lower ISO settings, reducing noise and ensuring clean, high-quality images even in less-than-ideal lighting.
Great Build Quality
The build quality of the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is top-notch. It feels solid and well-constructed, with a durable design that can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Good for Small Working Spaces
The Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 lens is excellent for working in small spaces. It’s a strong choice for newborn photography sessions in cozy nurseries or compact studios.
Ideal All-Around Focal Length
The 35mm focal length offers a natural perspective that is neither too wide nor too narrow. This makes it perfect for capturing intimate shots without the distortion that can come from wider lenses.
It allows you to get close to your subject while still including enough of the surroundings to tell a story, which is particularly useful in small spaces where you might not have much room to maneuver.
Compact and Maneuverable
While the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is a solidly built lens, it’s still relatively compact compared to other prime lenses with similar capabilities.
Its manageable size makes it easier to handle and maneuver in small spaces, allowing you to quickly adjust your angle and framing to capture the perfect shot.
Great for Baby Safety
Beacause this lens is great for working within arm’s reach, you can keep a hand on your subject until you’re ready to snap.
This allows you to keep the baby perfectly safe while placing them in different scenarios, say for example, a bit above the ground.
Cons
Like I mentioned, there are a few drawbacks to this lens. But they mostly don’t matter for baby photography.
It doesn’t have weather sealing, but I hope you’re not taking images of babies in a rainstorm. 😂
I guess the price will put it out of reach of very budget photographers. But the value is exceptional, and you can do entire professional-quality shoots with this single lens well under $1000. So it feels wrong to put pricing as a con.
Autofocus Can Be Slower in Low Light
While this can be true, it’s an issue that applies more for, say, a wildlife photographer. They would be shooting in low light when wildlife is more active.
As a newborn photographer, you’ll mostly be outside or in the studio. I personally haven’t run into this con as much of an actual issue.
Occasional, Slight Chromatic Aberration
In certain high-contrast situations, the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 can exhibit some chromatic aberration (color fringing). While this is generally well-controlled and can be corrected in post-processing, it’s something to be aware of, especially in brightly lit scenarios.
Slightly Stiff Manual Focus Ring
Some users have reported that the manual focus ring can be a bit stiff. This might make fine adjustments slightly more challenging, particularly for those who rely heavily on manual focus for precision.
Expert Review
Count me among the Sigma converts! The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is a story-telling lens. The 35mm lens was the standard photojournalism lens for a long time for this very reason. It’s a great lens choice for street, wedding, event, birth, documentary, and newborn photographers.
– Cole, Professional Photography Coach
Where to Buy & Find Deals
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is the best newborn photography lens for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica, and Panasonic. Find the best pricing and deals here.
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Canon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Nikon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Sony) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (L mount for Panasonic and Leica) | Check Price | Check Deals |
Best Supplemental Lenses for Newborn Photography
So you have a 35mm prime as your all-around foundational lens, covering portraits, details, and environmental shots. Or maybe you have some other lens that covers most of your basics, like a nifty fifty.
The next step is to build out your lens set in ways that increase your versatility and upgrade your current abilities.
2. 85mm f/1.4 Prime Lens
Best for the Softest, Dreamiest Baby Photos
How It Works
The moderate telephoto focal length of an 85mm lens creates a super flattering compression effect. It brings the background closer and makes it more blurred.
A wide f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject against an extra creamy, out-of-focus background. When you add high-quality optics and rounded aperture blades, it enhances the smoothness of the bokeh.
Altogether, that’s the mechanics of how the lenses below create the absolute dreamiest baby photos.
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is an excellent third-party option that offers exceptional quality at a more affordable price. If you use Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, or Leica, that’s my highest recommendation.
Sample Photos
Pro Tip: Use a bunch of cheap fairy lights or flower crown to create a wow effect!
Expert Review
Master of mood.
– Giliane E. Mansfeldt, Professional Newborn Photographer
The emotional draw of the 85mm f/1.4.
Fast lenses, particularly the 85mm f/1.4 have become my trusted allies in creating portraits dense with mood and emotion. In a dimly lit room, where a new mother nursed her baby, the lens captured the hushed reverence of the scene, the soft interplay of shadows and light reflecting the quiet bond between them.
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Canon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Nikon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (Sony) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art (Panasonic & Leica) | Check Price | Check Deals |
Why not f/1.2 or f/1.8?
Plenty of professional newborn photographers opt for the f/1.4 lens over the f/1.2 without any qualms. You just don’t get a whole lot more lens, despite the big price jump. But you do get a lot more weight.
The f/1.8 is also significantly cheaper than the f/1.4. Many professionals shoot mostly at f/1.8 even on their f/1.4 lenses, so it can be a great budget option. But…
Lenses don’t make you a better photographer. They make you a more versatile photographer. So…
I personally don’t like buying a new lens to expand my versatility in a specific direction, and then bumping up against the limited features of that cheaper lens. I should’ve just waited until I could afford the better lens. That’s why I highly recommend an f/1.4 over f/1.8.
What about 85mm lenses for mirrorless?
I got you! Here’s the best options for 85mm on mirrorless setups.
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 AF (Canon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 AF (Nikon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 AF (Sony) | Check Price | Check Deals |
What about mirrorless f/1.4 options for Canon and Nikon 85mm?
They don’t exist, whether name brand or third party. The only exception is the Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 AF for Canon. At under $500, it’s a fifth of the price of the Canon f/1.2 equivalent .
Canon somehow forced Samyang to discontinue production. The Samyang lens is quite decent, and you can still find it. The simple fact that Canon was so threatened they went to war over it is a great indication it’s worth the money.
I’ve never even seen one, but it seems like fantastic value. Just don’t expect mind-blowing performance, and you’ve got a great Canon mirrorless alternative for 85mm.
However, you’ll probably want a larger camera body, otherwise this bulky (fat) lens may not mount on your camera well.
3. 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Best for Capturing Tiny Details
Macro lenses like these are fantastic for capturing the tiniest details, such as a baby’s eyelashes, tiny fingers, and toes.
Their close focusing capabilities and high sharpness make them ideal for creating detailed, intimate images that highlight the delicate features of newborns.
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is very comparable to the name brand alternatives, but often about half the price.
That said, you can get renewed/refurbished Nikon or Canon lenses in excellent condition for about the same price as a new Sigma. It’s a great section of the market for renewed products.
Sample Photo
Expert Review
Having owned the 100mm EF version, I can tell you that it’s an excellent lens for babies with the only drawback is that it’s AF is good, but slow. Slow AF is typically fine for a macro lens.
– DP Review
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro (Canon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro (Nikon) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art (Sony) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art (Leica & Panasonic) | Check Price | Check Deals |
What about mirrorless options for Nikon and Canon?
The only options are from Nikon and Canon at the f/2.8 aperture. A bit pricey of course, but super quality.
| Model | Price Range | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | High | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | High | Check Price | Check Deals |
4. 24-70mm f/2.8 Zoom Lenses
Best for Wide Environmental Shots
These 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are versatile zoom options that allow you to capture a range of shots from wide environmental portraits to tighter frames.
They are perfect for including more of the surroundings, such as a beautifully decorated nursery or the interaction between the baby and parents.
The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is the best third-party lens that offers great image quality at a more affordable price point and covers all major brands.
Sample Photos
Expert Review
The Canon 24-70mm is excellent for newborn shoots for a couple of reasons: good range of focal lengths and it focuses really really close for detail shots. This lens has saved me a couple of times while on shoots when I forgot my Macro lens.
J. Rob, Professional Newborn Photographer
Though, I’d 120% agree that the Sigma version is outstanding for the money. I used to own it, the quality difference between it and the Canon L is not worth the price difference for sure.
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Canon EF) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Nikon F) | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD (Sony E) | Check Price | Check Deals |
Tamron 24-70mm vs Sigma 24-70mm?
Like the Tamron, it’s a great lens, especially for the price. The Sigma is almost identical to its rival in every single aspect. Only it’s slightly heavier and a tiny bit less sharp.
You’re perfectly fine with either option no matter which mount you use. Both are also great all-around lenses for newborn photography.
What about mirrorless setups for Nikon and Canon?
No problem, coming right up.
| Model | Check Price | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Check Price | Check Deals |
| Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Check Price | Check Deals |
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By clicking my links before making a purchase, a little money goes to a fellow photographer. I’m not making loads of money by giving advice, so I’d really appreciate the gesture!
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