When it comes to lens choices and focal lengths for product photography, many people often find themselves lost in the ocean of information that is available to them. The focal length of a lens is actually one of the first choices you’ll have to make when choosing a camera, and many times photographers don’t know the answer to this important question. The optical focal length refers to the distance between the center of the lens and the focal point of the image. If you want a camera with the ability to focus on the object without having to shift the camera itself then you’ll need to find a lens that has a longer optical focal length.
For years digital cameras and even camcorders have been offered by the manufacturer with different focal lengths, some much longer than others. Most of the time the shortest focal length is the shortest amount of time that you can take a photo without having to turn your camera around. This can be a problem because if you’re using the shorter focal length, while you might be able to get more subject, you might also have to move your camera farther away from your subject which makes it difficult to compose the photo once it’s taken. Choosing the best focal length for product photography means focusing less on the distance between the lens and the focal point, and more on the width.
The optical zoom on a camera is actually only necessary when you’re using a wide angle lens. If you’re using a lens with a short optical zoom then the camera will be able to get an image with a greater amount of dimension because it can cover a larger area without having to turn your arm or click the shutter release button too quickly. So although the optical zoom is a handy feature to have, it’s not a requirement.
So how should you approach what’s the best focal length for product photography? You need to make sure the distance between your subject and the background is consistent. If it’s out of sync, the entire frame of your shot won’t be in focus no matter how much space is involved. If you need to change the distance of a foreground subject to fit into a wider space, then you’ll need to use a wide lens.
What’S The Best Focal Length For Product Photography
The rule-of-thumb is to avoid the focal length being too long or too short. Of course this also depends on the subject that you’re using. For example, a long distant tree with a foreground character may require a longer lens so it’s in focus. A bright flash in the center of the frame will require a smaller lens to keep the image in focus. And so forth. Don’t let your focal length be a problem because it will affect everything else.
Remember that it’s not just the focal length that matters but also the distance between the two objects in focus. Distances can either be wide or narrow. When you’re choosing the focal length, always remember that a wider focal length will make the picture look bigger and a narrower focal length will make the picture appear more natural. So don’t make the mistake of thinking that the shorter the focal length, the better it is.
Of course, there’s more to it than what’s the best focal length for product photography. You need to remember that the subject of your shots needs to be in focus. And of course you need to be comfortable shooting your subject.
A lot goes into product photos, but those few basic tips should help you get started. Keep practicing. See some examples of other work by other artists. If you find that you are struggling, have someone else take a look at your work. Focus on what’s wrong and work on those areas until you improve your skills.
Leah Thorpe is the founder and chief editor of OEM Imaging, a blog dedicated to simplifying complex topics related to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) imaging for a broad audience. With a passion for making technical information accessible, Leah and her team provide readers with insightful and easy-to-understand content on various aspects of OEM imaging, from product photography tips to understanding the differences between OEM and aftermarket products.