Best Lens for Pet Photography: Top 7 Picks in 2023

Pet photography is a popular and rewarding hobby for many animal lovers. Whether you’re capturing candid moments of your furry friend or taking professional portraits, having the right gear is essential. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for pet photography is the lens. The lens you choose can make all the difference in the quality of your photos.

Best Prime Lens
Best Zoom Lens
Best Wide Angle Lens
Best Budget Lens
Best Nikon Lens
Best Canon Lens
Best Sigma Lens
Best Sony Lens
Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to pet photography, there are a few things to consider when selecting a lens. First, you’ll want to think about the type of pet you’ll be photographing. If you’re photographing a smaller animal, such as a cat or a small dog, you may want to choose a lens with a shorter focal length. This will allow you to get closer to your subject without having to stand too far away.

Another thing to consider is the lighting conditions in which you’ll be photographing your pet. If you’ll be shooting in low light conditions, you may want to choose a lens with a wider aperture. A wider aperture will allow more light into the lens, resulting in brighter, clearer photos.

Best Canon Lens for Pet Photography

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens – Top Canon Pick

If you’re looking for a versatile lens for pet photography, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens is a great option.

Pros

Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops* of Shake Correction.
One Fluorite Element and Two UD Elements for High Image Quality.
Highly Resistant to Dust and Water, and Improved Durability Even in Harsh Conditions.

Cons

Pricier than other lenses.
Heavier than other lenses.
May not be necessary for casual pet photography.

This lens offers great image quality with its Fluorite and UD elements, and its improved Image Stabilization system helps to correct any camera shake. It’s also highly resistant to dust and water, making it a great option for outdoor pet photography.

However, it is pricier than other lenses and may not be necessary for casual pet photography. It’s also heavier than other lenses, so it may not be the best option for longer photography sessions.

Overall, if you’re serious about pet photography and want a high-quality lens that can handle various conditions, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens is worth considering.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens – Best Prime Lens

If you’re looking for a versatile lens that can capture stunning portraits and natural images, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is worth considering.

Pros

The lens has a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, which is effective in low light and ideal for shallow depth of field focus control.
The ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) provides fast, smooth, and quiet AF action, making it perfect for capturing candid moments.
The lens is designed to produce beautiful background blur, which is perfect for portraits.

Cons

The lens is not zoomable, which may limit its versatility in some situations.
The lens is relatively heavy, weighing in at 15 ounces.
The lens does not come with a hood, which may be necessary to prevent lens flare in certain lighting conditions.

This lens is highly practical and ideal for a range of applications, including portraiture. Its natural angle of view and perspective make it perfect for capturing stunning portraits and natural images. The lens is also designed to produce beautiful background blur, which is perfect for creating stunning bokeh effects.

The lens has a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, which is effective in low light and ideal for shallow depth of field focus control. The ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) provides fast, smooth, and quiet AF action, making it perfect for capturing candid moments. Additionally, because the front lens group does not rotate during focusing, polarizing and special filter effects can be used effectively.

However, the lens is not zoomable, which may limit its versatility in some situations. The lens is also relatively heavy, weighing in at 15 ounces. Additionally, the lens does not come with a hood, which may be necessary to prevent lens flare in certain lighting conditions.

Overall, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile lens that can capture stunning portraits and natural images. If you’re looking for a lens that can produce beautiful bokeh effects and provide fast and smooth autofocus, this lens is definitely worth considering.

Tamron A025C SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Canon Digital SLR Camera Single – Best Zoom Lens

If you are looking for a lens that can capture stunning pet photography, the Tamron A025C SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a great option to consider.

Pros

Enhanced optical performance
Shortened minimum object distance
5-stop vibration compensation

Cons

Expensive
Heavy
Some chromatic aberration at the edges of the zoom range

This lens offers high image quality and beautiful bokeh throughout, thanks to its XLD and LD glass that eliminate chromatic aberrations. The eBAND coating provides superior anti-reflection properties, greatly minimizing flare and ghosting. With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.1, you can significantly broaden your range of expression.

The USD ring-type motor ensures excellent focusing speed and accuracy, and the full-time manual focus override allows you to make fine adjustments while using AF. The 5-stop vibration compensation provides sharp, jitter-free handheld shooting even in low light.

However, this lens is quite expensive and heavy, which may not be ideal for some photographers. Additionally, some chromatic aberration may be present at the edges of the zoom range.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality lens for pet photography and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Tamron A025C SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is definitely worth considering.

Best Sigma Lens for Pet Photography

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports DG OS HSM for Canon Mount – Top Sigma Pick

If you’re looking for a high-quality telephoto lens for pet photography, you should consider the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports DG OS HSM. This lens provides excellent image quality and is built to last.

Pros

Incorporates 9 FLD and 1 SLD low-dispersion glass element for superior image quality
Dust- and splash-proof structure for added durability
11-blade rounded diaphragm for ultra-smooth bokeh

Cons

Magnesium alloy barrel makes the lens a bit heavy
The tripod socket with 90 click stops and Arca Swiss type clamp might not be suitable for every photographer’s needs
Autofocus could be faster

This lens offers great image quality thanks to its low-dispersion glass elements. It’s also built to last, with a dust- and splash-proof structure. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm produces ultra-smooth bokeh, making it perfect for pet portraits.

One downside of this lens is its weight, due to the magnesium alloy barrel. Additionally, the tripod socket with 90 click stops and Arca Swiss type clamp might not be suitable for every photographer’s needs. Finally, autofocus could be faster.

Overall, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports DG OS HSM is a great choice for pet photography, providing excellent image quality and durability.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens – Best Wide Angle Lens

If you are looking for a high-quality lens for pet photography, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is definitely worth considering.

Pros

High speed with large aperture
HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system
Accessories include: Lens Hood (LH730-03), carrying case

Cons

Not zoomable
Focusing issue when switching objects
Vignetting at F1.4

This lens is perfect for capturing your pets in action with its fast speed and large aperture. The HSM and inner focusing system ensures that your pet is always in focus, even when they are moving quickly. The accessories included with the lens, such as the lens hood and carrying case, make it easy to take with you on the go.

One downside of this lens is that it is not zoomable, so you may need to physically move closer or further away from your pet to get the shot you want. Another issue is that it may have a slow focusing issue when switching objects. Additionally, there may be some vignetting at F1.4.

Overall, if you are looking for a lens that will deliver high-quality pet photos, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is definitely worth considering.

Best Nikon Lens for Pet Photography

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens – Best Budget Lens

If you’re looking for an affordable lens that can capture your furry friends in action, the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is a great option.

Pros

The 55-200mm zoom range is perfect for capturing pets from a distance.
The two extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements ensure clear and sharp images.
The Silent Wave Motor produces quick and quiet high-speed autofocusing.

Cons

The maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 may not be suitable for low-light conditions.
The lens is not weather-sealed, so it may not be suitable for outdoor shoots in harsh conditions.
The plastic build may not feel as sturdy as other lenses.

This lens is a great choice for pet photography enthusiasts who want to capture their furry friends in action. With a zoom range of 55-200mm, you can easily capture your pets from a distance without disturbing them. The two extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements ensure clear and sharp images, while the Silent Wave Motor produces quick and quiet high-speed autofocusing.

However, the maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 may not be suitable for low-light conditions, so you may need to use a flash or increase your ISO settings. Additionally, the lens is not weather-sealed, so it may not be suitable for outdoor shoots in harsh conditions. The plastic build may not feel as sturdy as other lenses, but it does make the lens lightweight and easy to carry around.

Overall, the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is a great option for pet photography enthusiasts on a budget who want to capture their furry friends in action.

Best Sony Lens for Pet Photography

Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Interchangeable Lens

If you’re looking for a high-quality lens for pet photography, the Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Interchangeable Lens is a great option.

Pros

Exceptional image quality
Versatile focal length range
Nano AR Coating technology for superior image clarity

Cons

Expensive compared to other lenses on the market
Heavy and bulky
Limited zoom range

The Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Interchangeable Lens is a state-of-the-art lens that delivers stunning image quality. With a versatile focal length range of 70-200mm, this lens is perfect for capturing a wide range of pet photography shots, from close-up portraits to action shots.

One of the standout features of this lens is its Nano AR Coating technology, which effectively suppresses reflections that can cause flare and ghosting. This technology allows for high-quality images with superior clarity, contrast, and overall image quality.

However, it’s important to note that this lens is expensive compared to other lenses on the market, and it’s also heavy and bulky. Additionally, its zoom range is somewhat limited, which may be a drawback for some pet photographers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line lens for pet photography and are willing to invest in quality equipment, the Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Interchangeable Lens is an excellent choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to pet photography, choosing the right lens is crucial to capturing the perfect shot. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key features to consider when selecting a lens for pet photography.

First and foremost, consider the focal length of the lens. A longer focal length, such as 70-200mm, will allow you to capture shots from a greater distance without disturbing your pet. This is especially useful for shy or skittish animals. On the other hand, a shorter focal length, such as 35mm, is great for capturing close-up shots with a wider angle of view.

Another important factor to consider is aperture. A wider aperture, such as f/1.8, will allow for a shallower depth of field, resulting in a blurred background and a sharper focus on your pet. This is ideal for portraits or shots where you want to emphasize your pet’s features. However, a narrower aperture, such as f/8, is better for capturing action shots or group photos where you want everything in focus.

Image stabilization is another feature to consider, especially if you plan on shooting in low light conditions or capturing action shots. This technology helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images. However, keep in mind that lenses with image stabilization tend to be more expensive.

Finally, consider the build quality and durability of the lens. Look for lenses with weather sealing and a sturdy construction, especially if you plan on using them outdoors or in challenging conditions.

Overall, when choosing a lens for pet photography, consider the focal length, aperture, image stabilization, and build quality. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a lens that will help you capture stunning shots of your furry friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lens for animal photography?

When it comes to pet photography, the best lens depends on the type of animal and the type of shot you want to capture. For portraits, a prime lens with a wide aperture, such as a 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8 lens, is a great choice. These lenses can create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and make your subject stand out. For action shots, a telephoto lens, such as a 70-200mm f/2.8 or 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens, can help you get close to the action while still maintaining a safe distance from your subject.

What are the top cameras for pet photography?

Ultimately, the best camera for pet photography depends on your needs and budget. However, some popular options include DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D850, mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha a7 III or the Fujifilm X-T3, and even high-end compact cameras like the Sony RX100 VII or the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. When choosing a camera, consider factors such as image quality, autofocus performance, and ease of use. Ultimately, the best camera is the one that helps you capture the shots you want.