In this article, I’ll review the 5 compatible best lenses for car photography (for 2021) in 4 different settings and situations.
I’ll breakdown which lens works best for particular situations and environments and what effect they could have on your work.
I’ll also provide an actionable Buyers Guide to inform which of these compatible lenses will be your best choice for car photography.
After the time you’ve spent reading this, you’ll be able to make an intelligent buying decision that will best fit your artistic goals.
So, let’s get this party started!
Absolute BEST Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
This is highly regarded as a staple in car photography!
The third installment of Canon’s IS series, this super telephoto zoom lens is by far the best yet.
Adding this monster to your kit will take you from an amateur to a respected pro with good taste in an instant!
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Outdoor Low-Light Lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
This lens is a must-have in a car photographer’s kit for any DX or DSLR shooter!
This is a budget, compact yet effective prime lens. It is versatile and great for beginners!
But with its unique features, of all the standard 35mm lenses, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is easily the best Nikon lens when shooting automobiles.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Outdoor High-Light Lens for Car Photography
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
This is perfect when controlling intense sun stars. It is light-weight and has great image stabilization and sharpness.
It has been critically regarded as the world’s best mid-range zoom lens.
Its build and features makes it the ideal lens for shooting in those bright and sunshiny days.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Indoor Natural-Light Lens
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
This fast prime lens controls vignetting and shadows exceptionally well. It’s sturdy, light, and has a quiet autofocus feature.
With over 50 years of experience, Sigma has brought forth a new standard for 24mm lenses.
This easily compatible wide-angle prime lens can and will bring Sigma right at the staring line of car photography with all of the other well established racers.
It is compatibles with Canon EF and Nikon F cameras.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Indoor Artificial-Light Lens
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Macro lenses add a particularly creative element to the details in car photography.
With an indoor controlled light source, this Canon prime lens is perfect for those details. It has an exceptional fast autofocus system.
Read the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Lens for Capturing Cars in Motion
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
This Canon lens is very well built. It has tremendous bokeh and blurs moving backgrounds very well.
This robust super telephoto zoom lens with fast aperture and auto focus system is perfect for photographing moving vehicles.
Adding this monster to your kit will take you from an amateur to a respected pro with good taste in an instant!
Read the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Car Photography is one of the most enchanting forms of visual art in our world today.
On the surface, sure, see a car, snap a picture, and Bing Bang Boom you’re an incredible artist.
But when you’ve taken the time to understand every nuance of the art while using the best lenses available for car photography, your photo becomes so much more aesthetically pleasing.
The perfect lens in an ideal setting can take what seems like just a gorgeous vehicle and turn it into a work of art that tells a rich story.
Today, I’ll be reviewing the best lenses for car photography available in 2020.
There are seemingly a million things to consider when choosing the best lenses for car photography.
With the rapidly growing photography market, fast glass has become available in many shapes and sizes.
Each lens offers so many different ways it can positively or negatively affect your work of art.
Maybe you’re shooting in a closed garage with no natural light.
Perhaps you’re shooting outside in the blistering sunshine.
What if you’re trying to shoot an Aston Martin that’s moving at 60 MPH at dusk?
Or maybe you’re trying to capture the robust nature of that forest green 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s overlooking a mountain range during golden hour.
Wherever and however, you choose to capture lightning in a bottle; there is a lens for you, and finding the best lenses for car photography may be easier than you would think.
Today, I’ll be listing camera lenses based on set, lighting, and subject.
I’ll include their essential qualities, what cameras they fit, and their unique features.
I’ll include the technical aspects of each lens, as well as what I personally like and dislike about them.
So consider the following questions.
Are you shooting indoors or outdoors?
Do you prefer to shoot at dawn or high noon?
Do you want to take still life’s or do you want to capture the speed of the cars?
Consider all these questions and by the time you’re done reading this, choosing the best lenses for car photography will be a snap. (See what I did there?)
BTW, chances are high if you also need to know about the best cameras for car photography in 2020. So, read our recent article then!
And you may also want to read our recent articles on the best lenses for Sports, Wildlife, and Real Estate Photography as well…
What are the Best Lenses for Car Photography in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens | Absolute BEST Option (My Favorite!)
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens | Best for Outdoor Low-Light Situations
- Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens | Best for Indoor Natural-Light Situations
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens | Best for Indoor Artificial-Light Situations
- Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens | Best for Outdoor High-Light Situations
Comparison Table for the Best Lenses for Car Photography
| Camera Lens | View on Amazon | Our Rating | Compatibility | BEST for (Setting / Subject) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM |
 
|
4.9/5 | Canon EOS mount series | Outdoor (any light) / Moving |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G |
 
|
4.8/5 | Nikon DX series DSLRs | Outdoor (low light) / Still |
| Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens |
 
|
4.6/5 | Canon EOS, Sony E, and Nikon F series mounts (prices may vary) | Inside (natural light) / Still |
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM |
 
|
4.5/5 | Canon EF series | Inside (artificial light) / Still |
| Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens |
 
|
4.7/5 | Sony E-mount | Outdoor (high light) / Still |
Best Lenses for Car Photography in 2021
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Super Telephoto Zoom Lens | Absolute BEST Car Photography Lens
Canon is among the elite in the world of photography. It would be no surprise to know that they have the consensus best lens for shooting automobiles.
This super telephoto zoom lens is highly regarded as a staple in car photography.
The third installment of Canon’s IS series, this lens is by far the best yet.
This robust telephoto zoom lens with fast aperture is perfect for photographing moving vehicles.
It is widely considered one of the best lenses in photography period. Adding this monster to your kit will take you from an amateur to a respected pro with good taste in an instant.
Features
Its sturdy design and new air sphere coating significantly improve any difficulty one may have with flares and ghosting.
It also has a new weather-proofing coating that makes this lens great in potentially equipment threatening situations like shooting moving items either outside or from another vehicle.
It’s quick autofocus and image stabilization produces a professional-grade glass tailor-made for capturing cars at high rates of speed.
When shooting moving cars professionally, it’s imperative to want to keep the integrity of the background while not losing sharpness on the main subject.
This series has had issues in the past with maintaining picture quality when at the full 200mm focal length.
The III has silenced those doubts in a big way. It’s ability to maintain picture sharpness even at those hard to maintain corners is truly a sight to behold.
The IS III’s design, glass, fixed aperture, and features allow it to execute outstanding bokeh.
Backgrounds that are shot by the III blur and melt away perfectly while still maintaining their integrity like a water-color painting.
Much like other members of the EF series, the III has incredible color rendition.
Its ability to retain balanced and sharp color even through its wide open aperture and beautiful bokeh is truly something to behold.
Set: Outdoor (any Light)
Subject: Moving
Focal Length: 70-200mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Construction: 23 Elements 19 Groups
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.5 X 7.8” (88.8 X 199mm)
Weight: 52.6 Ounces (1,490 grams)
Pitfalls
There are little to no flaws with this lens, but if I had to nitpick a few, they would be that it can be quite large and cumbersome to use, especially for beginner photographers.
Also, given its quality, this is a pricey lens.
Pros
- Image stabilization
- Sturdy weather-resistant design
- Image sharpness
- Excellent bokeh
Cons
- Large/cumbersome
- Expensive
Expert Opinion:
2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G prime Lens | Best Car Photography Lens for Outdoor Low-Light situations
Nikon has been on the top of the photography game for seemingly longer than anyone else.
Their standards, even down to the most basic of lenses, are a testament to why they are considered among the best suppliers in the world.
This tradition has been solidified in a big way with their Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35MM f/1.8G glass.
This lens is a must-have in a car photographer’s kit for any DX or DSLR shooter.
It’s compactness and versatility lens is perfect for any beginner.
But with its unique features, of all the standard 35mm lenses, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35MM f/1.8G is easily the best when shooting automobiles.
Features
With moving rear elements, the Nikkor 35MM is the only Nikon 35 or 50 mm lens that doesn’t physically extend while it zooms.
Keeping the lens nice and compact without the extension helps this scope maintain a long lasting and durable build.
It has to have the most upside when it comes to cost. Anyone who may be just starting in photography and is moving away from kit lenses should look into this affordable powerhouse.
It’s a wide aperture and a quick viewfinder that make this lens ideal when shooting in a dim outdoor setting.
The shooter is afforded an insane amount of control when using this lens.
It features a unique focusing mode that allows the artist to switch from auto to manual focus with little to no lag time.
When shooting in a big lot or at a show with a lot of vehicles, this type of control and speed allows the photographer to rifle through shots with tremendous efficiency.
The Nikkor offers impressive image sharpness with optimal blur for unwanted busy backgrounds.
In a low light outdoor setting, it will likely be the intense detail of the car (beads of water on the paint, reflections, etc., etc.) that you as a photographer will want to center your attention.
The Nikon AF-S DX 35MM f/1.8G is the perfect lens for getting all of those details just right.
When shot at a wide open f/1.8 aperture, this lens does not sacrifice picture quality or sharpness when snapping forefront subjects.
Your car will be the star of the show while not sacrificing any of the background.
With it’s wide lens, the Nikkor will beautifully soften your background and keep that car shining bright.
Set: Outdoor (Low Light)
Subject: Still
Focal Length: 35 mm
Aperture: 1.8G
Construction: 8 Elements, 6 Groups
Filter Size: 52 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 2.8 x 2.1” (70 x 52.5mm)
Weight: 70 ounces (1,984.5 grams)
Pitfalls
The only issue one may run into with this lens is stabilization.
There is no optical stabilization, so any new photographers who may not have a tripod readily available may struggle to take clear photos free-handed.
It also has mediocre bokeh; thus, shots that feature-rich background will lose impact compared to other lenses.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Cost-effective
- Compact and great for fast moving shoots with several photos
Cons
- Lacks image stability
- Mediocre bokeh
Expert Opinion:
3. Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Prime Lens | Best Car Photography Lens for Indoor Natural-Light Situations
The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is a refreshing update on quality outside the big company realm.
Canon and Nikon have a new competitor that has been making high-quality lenses for a discounted price.
This prime lens is also compatibles with Canon EF and Nikon F cameras.
Sigma has kicked down the proverbial door of competition and announced their arrival into 2020.
Car photographers around the world should rejoice in their bold step into the spotlight because they are churning out some ideal glass for shooting hot rods.
With over fifty years of experience, Sigma has brought forth a new standard for 24 mm lenses.
This easily compatible wide fixed lens can and will bring Sigma right at the staring line of car photography with all of the other well established racers.
Features
This cheeky glass has unique and exciting features that make it exceptionally strong in a garage setting.
It has the ability for strong vignetting to make it perfect for an indoor environment with an open and bountiful natural light source.
It also has FLD and SLD glass elements that reduce distortion and chromatic aberration caused by natural light.
Its metal design makes it particularly sturdy for such a smaller lens.
The autofocus is not only fast; it’s also fixed with a Hypersonic motor.
This motor speeds up the autofocus process while keeping it uniquely quiet and smooth, giving this lens a lengthy and durable shelf life.
Although sold separately, Sigma offers a mount conversion service. This allows your glass to be formatted so that it fits an extended list of competing mounts.
Set: Indoor (Natural light/Open garage)
Subject: Still
Focal Length: 24 mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Construction: 15 Elements, 11 Groups
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.3 x 3.6” (85 x 90.2 mm)
Weight: 23.5 Ounces (665 grams)
Pitfalls
The only issues I’ve found with the lens is some field curvature issues.
Because of its robust features and build, your photos can suffer from some sharpness inconsistencies and dullness.
Pros
- Sharpness
- Vignetting / Shadow control
- Cost-Effective
- Can be formatted to fit different mounts
Cons
- Field Curvature
Expert Opinion:
4. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Prime Lens | Best Car Photography Lens for Indoor Artificial-Light Situations
I know, I know! Macro photography seems somewhat odd to consider when shooting cars.
On the surface, this may seem correct, but when you have limited space inside and a controlled light source, macro photography for a vehicle can be magical.
The story one can tell in such a small detail of a beautiful car makes this lens a must-have for those who want to explore more creative directions.
When it comes to shooting Macro, the Canon EF 100mm is a surefire winner.
It is critically acclaimed and well regarded as the king/queen of the mountain among all macro lenses.
Features
Its exceptionally accurate autofocus makes this lens perfect for automobile photography.
The speed in which the lens moves from detail to detail – from grill to windshield – is truly break-neck.
It’s ability to efficiently unearth rich detail that viewers often take for granted is unmatched.
This glass also offers an inner focusing system, which allows car photographers to keep a unique amount of distance from their subject when shooting macro.
With cars having such large and boysterous features (fenders, spoilers, wheels, etc.), having that wiggle room to maintain some distance and perspective makes this lens uniquely capable of handling automotive photography.
The EF 100mm takes outrageously sharp photos.
Its sharpness doesn’t take a step back with corner details, which is an astounding feature for most macro lenses.
Since macro lenses are so subject heavy, there is little to no background or bokeh quality in most lenses.
The EF 100 mm lens turns that notion on its head as it maintains an excellent mix of blur and detail with it’s shots.
Set: Indoor (Artificial light)
Subject: Still
Focal Length: 100 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Construction: 12 Elements, 8 Groups
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.1 x 4.7” (79 x 119 mm)
Weight: 21.1 Ounces (600 grams)
Pitfalls
A problem with this lens is that it is somewhat expensive, and it is a massive lens with no photo stabilization features.
It’s fast autofocus with little stability when shooting macro can make it difficult to really nail the perfect shot.
Pros
- Accurate and fast autofocus
- Great for fine detail
Cons
- Slightly difficult to handle
- Macro photography is specific and thus it lacks versatility
Expert Opinion:
5. Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens | Best Car Photography Lens for Outdoor High-Light Situation
Sony continues to up its game in the world of elite lenses.
The Tech juggernaut has expanded beyond their comfort zones and into the top tier of photography.
Even in such a short amount of time, it’s no surprise that they have reached new heights with this outstanding glass.
The Sony- FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS has been critically regarded as the world’s best mid-range zoom lens.
Its build and features make it the ideal lens for shooting in those bright and sunshine-y days.
Features
For shooting outdoor car photography, it’s no secret that reflections and light sources play a massive role.
The rounded diaphragm blades in the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS allow its lens to have impeccable control over sun stars.
For those who may not know what sun stars are, they are the long stream of beams coming of the sun.
In some photography these sun stars can be a great asset.
However, when shooting cars outside, softening the streams of those sun stars will go a long way to keeping the focus on your main subject.
Though the build feels somewhat plastic, this lens’s glass coatings allow it to be quite weather-resistant.
Because of its light build and smooth zoom qualities, this lens is decisively one of the most ergonomically efficient lenses on the market.
With a quick and silent autofocus, at full zoom the picture and quality and sharpness doesn’t miss a beat when using this lens.
If you’re struggling to maintain focus on a specific detail, the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS offers a single focus lock button.
This lens is truly a photographer’s dream.
The magic word of the day of course is bokeh and once again this lens has extraordinary bokeh.
The sharpness that the subject maintains while blurring and upholding the background is simply astonishing.
With such intense sets and light, it’s easy for lenses to see some color aberration, but the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS maintains it’s consistency leaving cars looking perfect.
Set: Outdoor (High Light)
Subject: Still
Focal Length: 24-105 mm
Aperture: F4 (maximum aperture)
Construction: 17 Elements, 14 Groups
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.375 x 4.5” (83.4 x 113.3mm)
Weight: 23.4 ounces (664 grams)
Pitfalls
If there was one complaint I’d have, it’d be the shock resistance of this lens.
I’m a well-known clutz and thus need a lens that could take a good shot.
Pros
- Picture and sharpness and quality
- Lightweight with stabilization for fast-moving shoots
- Sun star control
Cons
- Slightly Fragile build
Expert Opinion:
Best Lenses for Car Photography in 2021 — Buyers Guide
There are plenty of variables at play when choosing the best lenses for car photography.
The list I’ve provided will help narrow down the way you will utilize your lenses.
But here I can give you a few more things to contemplate when considering the perfect choice of glass for you to be successful.
After all, taking an excellent shot doesn’t begin and end at finding the ideal lens.
VISUALIZE BEFORE YOU SHOOT
Any serious photographer will take a great deal of consideration before they even attempt to shoot anything.
It is imperative that the photographer visualizes what it is they’re looking to accomplish before they move forward.
Anyone can go outside and snap a photo with their shiny new lens.
If you take the time to consider your style, tone, and message as an artist, your choice for the best lens to shoot car photography will become so much more informed.
Do you think the lighting at dusk informs the viewer of who you are as a photographer?
Maybe a beautiful and bright noon light will say how vibrant you are.
Perhaps you want to mix it up and have a versatile portfolio.
However, you’d like to accomplish your goals; if you never set them, you can never know what tools you’ll need to achieve them.
CONSIDER WHAT IS IN YOUR KIT
Being an artist isn’t just attributed to finding the best lenses for car photography.
There are several tools any aspiring photographer should include in their kit.
Having the ability to control one’s environment will drastically improve your chance of shooting something magazine-worthy.
When shooting automobiles, I would recommend adding a sturdy tripod.
Having that stability will make your life way more comfortable.
When shooting indoors, having a great light source can make the sharpness of your photos punch through.
Having a good set of flashes, reflectors, and defusers will transform any old garage into a professional setting.
DO NOT FORGET DETAILING
Something easy to downplay when shooting automobiles is the small details.
These details are essential in both subject and setting.
A car photographer should always have detailing kits handy.
Armorall sprays for tires, and upholstery is a must.
Bring the tools necessary to control the set.
If you’re shooting outside, it’s a huge pain to keep tires and paint jobs reflective and pretty if you don’t bring a heavy-duty broom.
I would not recommend using a leaf blower.
Though they can blast through a setting quicker, they make it harder to control the elements.
They have a much higher potential of kicking dust airborne, which will dull the paint of your vehicle.
TECHNIQUE IS KING
All of the equipment in the world means nothing if you don’t have a sound understanding of photography techniques and lighting.
Before you go out and buy anything, you should do your homework.
Even the best lenses for car photography won’t give you the result you’re looking for if you don’t understand the basic rule of thirds.
Having a polarizing lens and diffusers will be meaningless if you shoot your subjects stiff-legged from a standing perspective.
If you have to bump up your ISO because you don’t know how to control light, your image quality will plummet.
When you learn as much as you can before you even attempt to snap a photo, then you’ll know what the best lenses for car photography will be for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a polarizing lens a must-have for car photography?
Polarizing lenses are an add on that one can keep in their kit.
They eliminate most glares and reflections that happen when light plays off of a freshly cleaned car.
Although polarizing lenses are an excellent asset for one’s kit, I don’t think they are imperative.
Yes, they do help manage glares and reflections.
Still, those types of things offer unique opportunities not only to learn how to deal with them but also how to use them to your advantage.
Things like background shining through the window or characters that inform the setting can take your photos over the top and in a creatively enriching direction.
What is the best way to start in car photography?
The best way to get started is to just shoot.
Shoot as many photos as you can so that you can constantly learn through trial and error.
Don’t even just stick with cars!
If you want to be as successful as possible, then you need diverse experiences.
Learning how to shoot multiple different mediums will ultimately inform your end goal.
Picking a great lens to start with is also essential.
When choosing the best lens for car photography, it’s difficult to decipher what’s best for beginners.
Something versatile with a lot of utility is always the best way to go.
A 50 mm lens is inexpensive and great for shooting many different subjects and settings.
What is the best way to shoot moving cars?
When a subject is moving, your shutter speed and aperture are key!
Slowing your shutter speed will adjust the blur of vehicles when they’re in motion.
With that said, if your aperture is opened very wide then you’ll let way too much light in and overexpose your image.
Closing the aperture much more will keep the sharpness and contrast of your photo intact while your shutter speed works its magic in capturing the moving subject.
Is the rule of thirds applicable for car photography?
The rule of thirds is essentially two horizontal lines and two vertical lines that overlay your photo like a grid.
You use where the lines meet as a map to put the most important elements of your subject and background.
The rule of thirds will push your photography to a technically sound position.
When executed correctly, it really expresses a level of understanding and technique that will make your work shine.
It’s also aesthetically pleasing so yes, I would say it is essential.
Best Lenses for Car Photography in 2021 — Conclusions
After reviewing all the research available and testing these lenses, it is easy to see that photography is in a beautiful place.
The ability to focus and achieve sharpness is the best it’s ever been, ultimately making life much easier for those snapping pictures out there.
Knowing which lens is best for you is quite a challenge, but it’s worth the research.
When you find one that you’ll use effectively and repeatedly, the pay off is rewarding.
There are a lot of different series and makes out there, and that doesn’t mean that the most expensive one is necessarily the best.
Consider your skill level in your settings and how often you can shoot.
My suggestion for anyone new to the game would be to start with a 50 mm prime lens (Canon or Nikon), something inexpensive and versatile.
You should use that lens until you feel comfortable and ready to expand your horizons.
Once you’ve saved money and expanded your skill set, you should definitely move up to a 70-200mm super telephoto zoom lens (Canon or Nikon).
Most importantly always remember to expand your craft and learn angles, lighting, and proper technique.
Once you’re ready, consider your settings and purchase based on this.
My Suggestions:
- The overall best lens for car photography is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III.
Additionally, if you’re shooting moving vehicles, this is a must have lens. - If you’re shooting outdoor with intense light, the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is the best lens to control the intense light source.
- If you’re shooting inside with artificial light, the Canon EF 100mm presents a unique opportunity to expand your creative portfolio and should be considered.
- The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM art prime lens is ideal for shooting indoors with natural light. So a garage with an open concept and sunlight pouring in is perfect for this glass.
- When shooting at sunset or other dusky situations, the budget Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35MM f/1.8G will work exceedingly well.
