High-quality lenses used for real estate photography will let you capture an exterior or room in the best lighting to attract renters or buyers. Images of real estate listings have become essential. Many people search for properties online, sifting through the options. Some even purchase from the listings alone, but never stepping their feet on the property. The photos alone on the listing can make buyers want to take an in-depth look, or make them feel confident to buy right now and there.
The best real estate photographs could be considered an open-air walkthrough of the property’s layout as well as where crucial features are located relative to other parts of the home. It is the only method to showcase the property in this manner is by using wide-angle lenses. A wide-angle focal length can permit you to showcase nearly all of the space, even the smallest such as bathrooms. This will allow you to illustrate large areas with fewer photos. The most appropriate cameras for realtors will improve your photography, helping to increase your work and also make your customers happy.
- Ideal option for Nikon mirrorless lenses: Nikon NIRKOR Z14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens
- Ideal For Nikon DSLRs A-S Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G E
- The best web browser for Canon Mirrorless Lenses: Canon the RF15-35mm f/2.8 L IS Lens
- Ideal for Canon DSLRs: Canon EF 11-24mm F/4L USM
- Best for Sony: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
- Best for Fuji cameras: Fujifilm XF10-24mm F4 R OIS WR
How do we select the top cameras for Real Estate Photography
The editors and writers of Popular Photography have decades of photographic experience across every category and have reviewed and covered nearly every major camera available on the market. I’ve been taking photos of real estate for more than 10 years. I have also been able to help develop a photography program for a major vacation rental business, where I was instrumental in establishing the requirements for gear. In this time I was working with and evaluated a variety of lenses from various brands.
When deciding on the most suitable lenses to shoot real estate photos, I looked at a variety of characteristics. The focal length was the main aspect to consider, as photographs of real estate require a large lens. Full-frame lenses were preferred because it’s the format that’s most commonly used for real estate projects. The distortion was also a major element. Even though every ultra-wide angle will be subject to distortion, I chose lenses that were simple (barrel or pincushion) and simple to correct during editing. Also, I took a look at general quality in relation to sharpness, chromatic aberration and Vignetting.
The most effective cameras for real estate photos: reviews and suggestions
As per the National Association of Realtors the 95% of buyers looked for homes online. First impressions are important and quality photos can make a huge difference. They are also crucial for listing vacation rentals driving traffic, getting bookings secured, and verifying the price of a listing. Photographers can make an impact on a property or vacation rental property with the proper equipment.
Every major camera maker has excellent ultra-wide angle lens that are suitable to capture real-estate photos. If you already own a high-quality camera that is ideal for photos of homes then the best choice is to use the system and purchase an appropriate lens to fit with it. Here are a few of our top lenses for every camera maker.
Ideal to use with Nikon Mirrorless Lenses: Nikon the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens
What made it into this list of choices: Nikon’s wide angle offering for the Z mounts is clear and has little distortion. Its wide aperture allows it to be used for different types of photography.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Size of filter:112mm
- Max aperture f/2.8
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Superbly sharp
- Modest distortion
- Fast autofocus
Cons
- Front filters are big and costly.
- Costly
Nikon’s 14-24mm DLSR camera was the most effective ultra-wide in a long time. The new version of the camera, which is mirrorless, is a continuation of that tradition. It has incredible sharpness throughout the zoom range. There is a very little distortion that is easy to correct and very little aberration which results in stunning image quality across the board.
Its Z mount 14-24mm lens is smaller than the predecessor with a weight of 1.4 pounds. It’s not an insignificant zoom, however it’s more convenient than carrying around. The autofocus on the lens is extremely fast and precise, meaning you’ll be able to get the shot and then go towards the angle that is next to your house. It also comes with an unique OLED information panel that is located on the top of the lens, so that you can quickly check the settings.
The only issue with the lens is the cost. Real estate isn’t dependent on apertures that are wide which is why it’s not necessary to make use of the lens for anything other purposes or aren’t concerned about losing light this lens NIKKOR Z 14-30mm F/4 S Lens is a excellent budget-friendly option.
Ideal to use with Nikon DSLRs A-S Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G HD
What made it into it to the list: It’s the Nikkor 14-24mm can be described as the most effective real estate lens for Nikon DSLRs. It has a low distortion, great sharpness, as well as stunning contrast and colors.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Size of the filter:N/A
- Aperture maximum: f/2.8
- Lens mount: Nikon F
Pros
- Extraordinary clarity
- Minimal lens distortion
- Fast autofocus
- Large maximum aperture for great low-light performance
Cons
- Filters are not compatible with standard filters.
Even though it’s a dated lens (released in 2007) The Nikkor 14-24mm is one of the sharpest ultra-wide angle lenses available. This is why it remains one of the top lenses for photography of real estate. Since it is a rectilinear lens the distortion is very minimal and is easy to correct after post. The distortion and chromatic aberrations are not a problem because of the optical design. It has three aspherical elements and two elements with a low dispersion. Additionally it has an Nano Crystal Coat to cut the ghosting and flare which can be helpful when shooting towards windows that have direct sunlight or using certain kinds of ceiling lighting.
Nikon’s 14-24mm lens has an aperture fixed to f/2.8 which is stunningly sharp even it is wide open. Even though that large aperture isn’t used in real estate photography, you prefer an aperture that is smaller for this, it makes the lens more adaptable. The front element extends an adequate amount and you are unable to make use of traditional filters, and it’s more prone to strike objects, however the lens hood built into it does assist in protecting it.
The best to use with Canon mirrorless lenses: Canon the RF15-35mm f/2.8 L IS Lens
The reason it made it to the list: Canon’s RF mount ultrawide is extremely sharp as well as a weatherproofed body with five levels of shaking reduction.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.85 pounds
- Size of filter:82mm
- Aperture maximum: f/2.8
- Lens mount: Canon RF
Pros
- Extremely sharp
- Fast autofocus
- Quality of the build is robust and durable.
- Five stops of stabilization of images
Cons
- Expensive
Users using Canon RF mount cameras don’t have a lot of options for Ultra-wide-angle lenses. The company’s 15-35mm f/2.8 is an outstanding lens. It creates clear, sharp images with very little distortion, aberration and ghosting. This can all be rectified in editing, or automatically by the camera.
Like the majority Canon’s mirrorless lenses it comes with fast and accurate autofocus. The lens also comes with the ability to stabilize images by five stops which is extremely useful in the absence of the most sturdy tripod. The RF 15-35mm lens is weather-proofed, so you don’t need to be concerned when you’re caught on the water while photographing outside.
Similar to the Nikon 14-24mm lens, the Canon lens is expensive. There are those who want smaller size than 15mm. If you do, and do not mind losing an aperture stop and a stopper, the 14-35mm f/4 RF IS USM Lens is an ideal lens for real-estate photography. It is a great lens in real estate photography, and will save you money.
Ideal for Canon DSLRs Canon EF 11-24mm F/4L USM
The reason it made this list Canon’s 11-24mm lens is by far the most wide full-frame camera on the market today, and also is one of the most sharp ultra-wide angles too.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Size of filter: Rear insert-type
- Aperture maximum: f/4
- Lens mount: Canon EF
Pros
- Extraordinary clarity
- Minimal distortion
- The longest focal length available for full-frame cameras.
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
This Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM is a wide-angle ultra lens designed to work with Canon full frame DSLR cameras. It will be wide enough on a crop sensor to be suitable for real estate photography because of its extremely broad focal length. It’s a rectilinear one and the layout of 16 optical elements does an excellent job at reduction of the distortion as well as chromatic aberration. The lens also has exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, which isn’t easy to achieve on an lens that has this large of the focal length. It is claimed to be the most sharp wide-angle lens on the market. Even though the maximum aperture may not be as broad as Nikon’s ultra-wide angle offering, f/4 is adequate for real estate.
The body of the lens 11-24mm is protected from humidity and dust, meaning you won’t be worried when you’re trapped in a storm while photographing the exterior of a home. It’s a big lens with a weight of 2.6 pounds, however real estate photography is typically performed on a tripod, therefore the weight won’t be so much of an issue. The front part of this lens is also a bit bulbous, however Canon has made it compatible with filters that insert into the rear. If you don’t need something that’s as wide or perhaps for high-end architectural photography The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens is an excellent choice.
Best for Sony: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
What made it into the list:Sony’s 12-24mm f/4 is the tiniest, lightest alternative on the list. It weighs just 1.24 pounds. This is ideal for photographers who frequently travel to shoot real estate.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.86 pounds
- Filter size: Rear gel filters
- Max aperturef/2.8
- Lens mounting:Sony E
Pros
- Compact and light weight
- Fast, quiet focus
- Good edge-toedge sharpness
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Not compatible with standard filters.
- Very expensive
Sony’s ultra-wide lens is a powerful lens. It’s weatherproofed and has rubberized control rings to provide better handling in cold weather. Although real estate photographers don’t normally shoot wide-open but the speedy f/2.8 aperture and the rounded nine-blade diaphragm produce stunning bokeh. This makes it an ideal lens for a variety of applications.
This Sony lens has 2mm of additional focal length at the wide side when compared to Nikon or Canon lenses, which can be ideal for photography of real estate. There is a little distortion, but it is easily fixed by using a lens profile in the majority of editing software. Most importantly the lens is very sharp and has excellent image quality across every focal length.
As an G Master lens, the Sony FE 12-24mm is pricey. If you’re okay with the f/4 aperture as well as the slight loss in clarity this Sony F 12-24mm, f/4 can make a huge difference in the amount of cost. If f/2.8 matters more than a 12mm reach and you’re looking for a wide-angle lens, you should consider the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN is a great and reasonably priced lens.
Best for Fuji cameras: Fujifilm XF10-24mm F4 R OIS WR
The reason it made this list of lenses: This compact lens packs quite a bit of image power in a small package.
Specifications
- Weight: 13.6 oz
- Size of the filter:72mm
- Aperture maximum:f/4
- Lens mount: FUJIFILM X
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Weatherproofing that is robust and durable
- Autofocus is great for stills and videos.
Cons
- There are no hard stops on the focus Ring
The Fujifilm XF10-24mm lens is one of two ultra-wide angle zoom lenses that are available from Fuji. Fuji also has an 8-16mm XF f/2.8 R LM W If you require something that is a little wider or has an extra stop of aperture, but it’s more expensive. We selected the 10-24mm version for this list because it’s a good size for the majority of real estate needs and is also more affordable.
The XF10-24mm features advanced optics like four extra-low dispersion elements and four aspherical elements in order to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, and increase sharpness and accuracy of color. Additionally, Fuji uses a Super Electron Beam Coating (EBC) that is multi-layered anti-reflective coating designed to reduce ghosting and flare. This is essential in real estate lens. The lens also comes with an affixed filter thread, which makes it much easier to apply filters as opposed to other ultra-wide-angle lenses. It is also the lightest option on the list, weighing just 13.6 grams which means that when you are traveling for real estate work or engage in photography of landscapes this lens is an excellent option.