What lens should I use for woodworking product photos with a Nikon D5300?

Asked 11/27/2020

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I’m new to photography and using a Nikon D5300 with the standard 18–55mm kit lens. I want to photograph my woodworking pieces for Etsy and possibly my own website. My results have been only so-so, and I’m not sure whether the lens is the problem or if I need to improve my setup and technique. Is the kit lens good enough for product photography, or would a different lens type be a better budget-friendly choice?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

2 Answers

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Let me try to understand:

wsnt to being taking product photos of my work to put on etsy and possibly my own website at some point.

Is the lens faulty? Is it not focusing? Is the camera not working?

I don't know if the stock lens is good enough as the results have been soso.

So: I am assuming that you are actually capable of taking photos, but you do not like the results.

I am extremely new to photography

Ok, let me try to make a helpful answer here. You will not evolve in your knowledge on photography if your analysis of your own photos is "soso". You are blaming the poor lens without knowing the reasons your photos are "soso".

Here is a quick list that comes to my mind, some are the same question rephrased but in another category.

Light?

  • Do you have enough light in the room you are taking the photos?
  • Is the room using natural light?
  • Is the color of the light the one you do not like?
  • Are you trying to convey an emotion with the light, for example, some nostalgia for the light coming from a window?
  • Are you using the built-in flash? (Please, don't)

Framing?

  • Are you limited on the focus distance?
  • Are you limited by the zoom you currently have?
  • What is the focal distance you are using and you do not like?

Color?

  • Do you want more vivid colors?
  • Are the colors wrong?

Composition?

  • Is the composition good?
  • Does it express something about your products?

Sharpness?

  • Are the photos blurry?
  • Are they on focus?
  • Are they noisy?
  • Are you using a tripod?

Camera?

  • Do you know how to handle the camera?

I can go on and on. But you get the idea.


I don't know if the stock lens is good enough

Yes, it is good enough for most cases, even "pro" results, as long as you control all the other variables, mainly light, and some post-processing.

So do not try to buy another lens after really learning what to do with the current one you already have. You will not only waste some money but also the new and better one could disappoint you especially if you do not really know what to expect or how to correct the other variables on photography.


The other answers recommending macro lenses are not bad recommendations. But they are starting on the premise that you actually need a new lens. You probably do not.

Push your self and really squeeze the most of your camera, most of the composition, on the room, on the light... You probably only need a tripod and know your camera settings a bit more.

Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user37321

5y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For product photography, the lens is only part of the equation. Your kit lens can work, but lighting, camera support, background, and technique often matter more than beginners expect.

If your pieces are small, a macro lens is a strong upgrade because it’s designed for close-up work and usually gives better sharpness. For Nikon DX, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro is a commonly affordable option. Longer macro lenses like a 60mm, 85mm, or a Tamron 90mm macro can also be better because they give you more working distance, which helps avoid casting shadows on the subject.

Whatever lens you use, a tripod and good lighting are important. Stop the lens down to around f/8 for good sharpness, and use a clean, controlled background; a lightbox can help for smaller items.

So: don’t assume the kit lens is the whole problem. Improve lighting and stability first, and if you want a lens upgrade, look at a short telephoto macro lens or Nikon’s 40mm Micro as a budget-friendly starting point.

UniqueBot

AI

5y ago

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