This is a guide covering the best lenses for real estate photography.
If you haven’t bought a camera yet, then also check out our best cameras for real estate photography.
One of the things that can help realtors sell properties is to have stunning photos of the property.
In most cases, the realtor himself/herself will also act as the photographer for the properties he or she is selling.
So what are the best lenses for real estate photography? We’ve come up with lenses from different brands to give you an idea of which system you might want to use.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- 🏡 Best Nikon Lenses for Real Estate Photography
- 🏡 Best Sony Lenses for Real Estate Photography
- 🏡 Best Canon Lenses for Real Estate Photography
- 🏡 Best Fujifilm Lens for Real Estate Photography
How to Choose the Best Lens for Real Estate Photography?
Focal Length: Real estate photography typically requires a variety of focal lengths to capture different aspects of a property. A lens with a wide-angle focal length (e.g. 16-24mm) is useful for capturing large interiors and exteriors, while a lens with a standard focal length (e.g. 24-35mm) is useful for capturing a variety of shots, including interiors, exteriors, and architectural details. A lens with a telephoto focal length (e.g. 70-200mm) is useful for capturing more intimate details and for showcasing specific features of a property.
Aperture: The aperture of the lens is important for controlling the amount of light entering the camera, and for creating a shallow depth of field. A lens with a wide aperture (e.g. f/2.8 or lower) will be able to shoot in lower light conditions and create a shallow depth of field, which can be useful for emphasizing certain elements of the property.
Image Quality: Look for lenses that can produce sharp images with good color and contrast, as this is crucial for real estate photography.
Build Quality: Real estate photography can be challenging and requires a lot of moving around, so look for a lens that is well-built and durable.
Focusing: Look for lenses that have fast and accurate focusing, it will make it easier to capture sharp images
Table of Contents
10 Best Lenses for Real Estate Photography
1. NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 18–35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–4.5
- Minimum aperture: F22–29
- Weight: 385 g (0.85 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Length: 95 mm (3.74″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best overall lens for real estate photography is the NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G.
A lot of people don’t have the money to invest in multiple prime lenses. Plus, there are those individuals who are also looking for a lens that can take videos.
We consider the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 18-35mm f3.5-4.5G zoom lens to be the best bet for these scenarios. It can arguably be the best lens for real estate videos as well.
It comes with a silent-wave motor appropriate for taking videos. The same motor system is also responsible for its ultra-fast and accurate autofocus that meets the demands of both hobbyists and professional photographers alike.
As for the optics, expect superior sharpness and color.
The only thing that you might not like about this lens is that it tends to need light. However, if you are shooting the property from the outside or if the inside is well-lit, then you won’t have any issues with this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great quality optics
- Accurate and quiet autofocus
- Quiet motor for shooting videos
- A great range for different scenarios
My Cons With This Lens:
- You will need to make sure you have enough light
2. NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 210 g (0.46 lb)
- Diameter: 70 mm (2.76″)
- Length: 53 mm (2.07″)
The best budget lens for real estate photography is the NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G.
A lot of photographers prefer to use a 50mm prime lens whenever they are working on projects.
And for real estate photography, it’s still common to encounter photographers who love 50mm prime lenses. However, the problem with 50mm lenses is that it is sometimes not wide enough. A good solution to this is the 35mm prime lens.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G lens is a good option, has a wide aperture, wider focal length, and crisp images brought by its optics. It’s a good pick for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a good prime lens.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G lens is compatible with both fx and in dx crop modes. It comes with a maximum reproduction of 0.16x.
It also comes with a silent wave motor that allows users to even take videos using the lens. However, it tends to focus a bit slowly compared to other lenses that we have featured.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Crisp images
- Wider than your 50mm prime lens
- Silent wave motor suitable even for taking videos
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
3. Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 445 g (0.98 lb)
- Diameter: 75 mm (2.95″)
- Length: 92 mm (3.62″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Sony lens for real estate photography is the Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4.
Sony is slowly becoming popular among professional photographers.
Their full-frame mirrorless cameras are known to produce some of the best photos. For Sony users looking for a good lens for real estate photography, you will not get disappointed with the Sony E-mount FE 24mm 1.4GM lens.
It is something that can provide extraordinary sharpness, plus it has a wide aperture that works well even in low-light conditions.
On the outside, you can find a switch where you can work using either manual focus or autofocus. It comes with a direct-drive supersonic motor that is known for having fast, accurate, and quiet performance.
This motor also kept the motor light. And lastly, it can make the space look a lot bigger since it has a 24mm focal length.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Extraordinary sharpness
- Quiet, fast, and accurate focus
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
4. NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 600 g (1.32 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Length: 90 mm (3.52″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Nikon lens for real estate photography is the NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G.
The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 35mm F1.4G lens is the best Nikon lens on our list.
What makes it slightly better than the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G lens is the fact that it has a wider aperture. The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 35mm F1.4 G lens is perfect for portraits, landscapes (check out the best Nikon lenses for landscape photography), and for taking photos of properties whether it’s indoors or when you want to take a photo of the entire house from the outside.
You’d most likely have to be a serious photographer to consider buying this lens. The investment is worth it if you look at the quality of the photos.
One of its best qualities is its edge-to-edge sharpness thanks to its nanocrystal coat. It also comes with superior color consistency mainly because of the Nikon super-integrated coating that enhances light transmission.
As far as focus is concerned, the silent wave motor gives users a quiet and accurate autofocus experience. And on the side, you can switch between manual focus and autofocus.
Also, check out the full list of the best Nikon lenses for real estate photography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide aperture
- Edge-to-edge sharpness
- Nano-crystal coating
- Superior color consistency
- Enhanced light transmission
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
5. Fujinon XF16mmF1.4
The best Fuji lens for real estate photography is the Fujinon XF16mmF1.4.
Fuji is an underrated brand in real estate photography. If you happened to be a Fuji camera user, the Fujinon XF16mm F1.4 R WR lens should be on top of your list.
Landscape photographers love the Fujinon XF16mm F1.4 R WR lens because of its focal length that allows them to capture beautiful sceneries.
Next, it is also well-built with weather-resistant features. So what makes it a good pick compared to the other best lenses for real estate photography?
When used in real estate photography, it is easier to capture the entire property. Small rooms may seem bigger considering their focal length.
The minimum working distance is just 15cm. And also, its optics can reduce ghosting and flare. The autofocus is also fast at 0.11 seconds.
Though it is one of the best lenses for real estate photography, you still need to weigh the disadvantages. For starters, the investment is a bit high for some users.
Also, the colors don’t exactly look natural. If you prefer photos that look good on Instagram, then you’d love this lens. However, this isn’t exactly for everyone.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast autofocus
- Minimum working distance of 15cm
- Reduced ghosting and flaring
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- Colors can be a bit exaggerated
6. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 805 g (1.77 lb)
- Diameter: 89 mm (3.48″)
- Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Canon lens for real estate photography is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.
Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a practical option for shooting real estate photography.
With its 24-70mm range, it means that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on different prime lenses. This range is also suited for shooting photos of properties.
It stands out from the rest of the best lenses for real estate photography for many reasons.
For starters, it consistently produces vivid colors and sharpness. And thanks to its ultrasonic motor, you can let the lens focus on the subject accurately.
You can also confidently shoot even without a tripod since it comes with superb image stabilization.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Produces vivid colors
- Produces sharp results
- Superb image stabilization
- Quiet and accurate autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
7. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 16–35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 635 g (1.40 lb)
- Diameter: 89 mm (3.48″)
- Length: 112 mm (4.39″)
- Sealing: Yes
We decided to include another wide-angle zoom lens in our list of best lenses for real estate photography given its practicality.
The Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L II USM Zoom Lens prevents photographers from carrying multiple wide-angle lenses. It is a robust lens that is known for fast and accurate autofocusing, plus designed with a weather-resistant design.
However, before you decide to purchase the Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L II USM zoom lens, its investment can be higher. The results are also not that sharp compared to the other Canon lenses we’ve featured.
Though it’s a bit soft, the quality is still standard. The aperture is also wide enough for most situations when shooting real estate properties.
Also, be sure to check out the full list of the best Nikon wide-angle lenses.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Weather-resistant design
- A good range for shooting properties
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- The results are a bit soft
8. Sony – FE 16-35mm F2.8
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 16–35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Maximum aperture: F2.8–22
- Minimum aperture: F2.8–22
- Weight: 680 g (1.50 lb)
- Diameter: 89 mm (3.5″)
- Length: 122 mm (4.8″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Wide Angle Zoom Lens comes in handy for many situations when shooting real estate properties.
Instead of switching lenses, you can have an all-in-one wide-angle zoom lens suited for shooting small rooms or shooting the entire property. It produces high-resolution and sharp images capturing great detail in your subjects.
Another reason why it is a practical pick is the fact that it performs well even in low-light conditions given its F2.8 wide aperture.
And in some situations, its bokeh comes in handy if you need to blur the background. It is also lightweight making sure that it is comfortable to use.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide range
- Performs well in low-light
- Great bokeh
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
9. Sigma 35mm F1.4
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 665 g (1.47 lb)
- Diameter: 77 mm (3.03″)
- Length: 94 mm (3.7″)
- Sealing: No
There are instances when third-party brands produce better results than first-party lenses.
The Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is something that you should consider if you are in the market for the best lenses for real estate photography.
Wide aperture, great optics, and solid construction are some of the reasons why it stands out from other lenses.
Compared with 35mm prime lenses from Nikon, Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is a more practical choice. But as far as performance is concerned, you can’t say that Sigma is a lesser-quality lens compared to prime Nikon lenses.
It produces superior-quality images with vivid colors. It also has an F1.4 aperture making it a good choice for shooting in low light or if you need to produce bokeh.
The autofocus motor also has an ultrasonic-type AF motor. It runs quietly making it a good choice even for shooting videos.
However, if you will compare its autofocus to a Nikon 35mm lens, we’d say that it is a bit slower and less accurate.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Vivid colors and sharp images
- Wide aperture
- Quiet autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- Autofocus is a bit slow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 24mm Lens Good for Real Estate Photography?
A 24mm lens can be a good option for real estate photography as it provides a wide-angle view, which is useful for capturing large interiors and exteriors.
What Size Lens do you Need for Real Estate Photography?
The size of the lens needed for real estate photography depends on the specific needs of the shoot and the property being photographed. But Lenses sizes between 16-70mm are generally used.
Concluding Remarks
There are instances in real estate wherein buyers decide based on what they see.
Real estate photography can be a great way to sell your property and even maximize its price.
These lenses can make your property shine when posted online. Just weigh your options and see which of these lenses works best for you.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
