Best Full Frame Lenses for Real Estate Photography

Covering the best full frame lenses for real estate photography. View details and key features on professional lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and more.

Finding the right lenses for real estate photography is difficult. You have to look for a number of specifications to make sure the lens is applicable to your projects. Below is a small checklist I put together to help you when searching for the perfect lens. Keep in mind this article focuses entirely on full frame lenses.

Real Estate Lens Checklist

  1. Wide Angle (within the 10mm – 24mm range is ideal)
  2. Prime vs. Zoom
  3. Interior vs. Exterior Setup
  4. Focal Length
  5. Manual vs. Auto Focusing

Going into a bit more detail on the checklist above. The 10mm – 24mm size isn’t strict, but this seems to cover the ideal range for most real estate lenses. Deciding between a prime lens and a zoom lens is entirely dependent on cost. If you can afford it, typically prime lenses offer sharper more high quality focusing. In terms of interior vs. exterior setup, you’ll need to consider the size of the properties you are documenting both indoors and outdoors. Then decide if you need specific lenses to capture the yard/property lines, external features of the house, etc.

Finally, you need to consider the focal length and focusing capabilities of the lens. Real estate agents like images that are clear, crisp, and in focus. They want you to accentuate the details and bring rooms to life.

real estate photo exterior

Photo: Moloney Creative Agency

With that in mind, here is a list featuring some of the best full frame lenses for real estate photography. This list includes lenses made for Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras.

Best Real Estate Lenses

1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED

Nikon 16-35mm f:4G ED lens

The NIKKOR 16-35mm lens is great for real estate photography because of it’s sharp, quick focus and range. You can handle the interior photos and tight spaces at 16mm and move up to 35mm for exterior views.

View the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED →

2. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 17-40mm f:4L USM lens

The EF 17-40mm is a fantastic ultra wide angle zoom lens from Canon that features ultrasonic focus and three Aspherical lens elements. Similar to the lens above, the 17-40mm range is an ideal focal length for covering both interior and exterior features of a home or property.

View the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM →

3. Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD (for Canon)

Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens for canon

The tight range on the Tamron 15-30mm lens makes it super sharp and flexible for a variety of real estate photography shoots. At 15mm you can get ultra wide shots and show the details in a space. Scaling up to 30mm you can showcase larger areas and exterior features.

View the Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD (for Canon) →

4. Tamron A012N SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD (for Nikon)

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD lens for nikon

This is identical to the lens above, just made for Nikon. It features the same great sharpness and ideal range for real estate and property photography.

View the Tamron A012N SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD (for Nikon) →

5. Sony SEL1224G 12-24mm f/4-22

Sony SEL1224G 12-24mm f/4-22 lens

Built for full frame Sony photographers, the SEL1224G 12-24mm is an excellent lens for your real estate photography business. Starting at 12mm allows you to capture incredibly wide angles for any type of large property, arena/stadium, and/or commercial space. This is the widest perspective Sony offers for their full-frame E-mount lens lineup.

View the Sony SEL1224G 12-24mm f/4-22 →

6. Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (for Canon)

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

The Sigma 12-24mm f/4 lens provides sharp and fast focusing. The range of 12-24mm combined with zero distortion makes this perfect for real estate photography. This lens is for Canon full frame photographers.

View the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (for Canon) →

7. Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (for Nikon)

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM lens for Nikon F

As stated above, the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 lens provides sharp and fast focusing with an ideal range for real estate photos. This is identical to the lens above, just for Nikon full frame photographers.

View the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (for Nikon) →

8. Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens

Compared to the other lenses, this is more expensive, but not without justification. The Canon EF 11-24mm features one of the widest perspectives for Canon photographers. The sharpness and unique perspectives make this lens one of the best available for full frame Canon DSLRs.

View the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM →

9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens

The NIKKOR 18-35mm is a great lens for real estate documentation. It is also one of the cheapest options for Nikon full-frame DSLRs without losing out on quality. It features fast and quiet focusing and is ideal for capturing wide angles of rooms.

View the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED →

10. Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Wide-Angle Fixed Lens

Getting into prime lenses, the EF 20mm is an affordable wide angle fixed lens from Canon. You may need flash for low light situations with this lens, but overall it is a great choice for Canon full frame photographers.

View the Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM →

11. Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS

Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS lens

The Sony Vario-Tessar 16-35mm is an excellent choice for a7 series photographers. Featuring a coating of Zeiss glass to reduce flare and ghosting, coupled with a nice range for various real estate scenarios make this a lens worth checking out for Sony full frame photographers.

View the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS →

12. Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM (for Canon)

Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM lens for canon

If you’re looking for a prime lens the Sigma 20mm is a great option. This lens features sharp auto-focus and a large frame of view for documenting open areas, rooms, and commercial spaces. This variation is made for full frame Canon photographers.

View the Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM (for Canon) →

13. Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM (for Nikon)

Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Nikon

Identical to the lens above, this is a great equivalent for full frame Nikon photographers. The 20mm wide angle helps you to cover interior and exterior details for any project.

View the Sigma 20mm F1.4 ART DG HSM (for Nikon) →

14. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED fixed lens

The NIKKOR 20mm offers a prime ultra-wide angle for Nikon full frame photographers. This lens is a bit cheaper than the other prime lenses and still offers incredible sharpness and ultrasonic focusing capabilities.

View the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED →

Tilt Shift Lenses

Thanks to our readers for pointing out some additional great tilt shift lenses used for real estate photography. While these are typically much more expensive, they can make a great addition to your kit and help with hard to see areas like bathrooms, closets, and smaller spaces.

15. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L UD

canon tilt shift lens for real estate photography

The Canon TS-E 17mm is a versatile and ultra wide tilt shift lens compatible with all Canon EOS cameras. Many reviews along with a few readers have mentioned that this lens works well on Sony cameras too. Using the tilt and shift capabilities, you can take some really unique shots of the real estate and architectural details of your project.

View the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L UD →

16. Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift lens for real estate

Another nice option for tilt and shift Canon/Sony users, the TS-E 24mm is ideal for larger spaces and exterior details.

View the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II →

Other Lenses for Real Estate Photography

While researching the various lenses suitable for real estate photography that are available on the market, I came across quite a few lenses. Here are some additional lenses worth checking out if you are looking for something else:

What is your favorite lens?

Leave a comment below to share your favorite lens! Do you shoot with Nikon, Canon, Sony, or a different camera?

30 Replies to “Best Full Frame Lenses for Real Estate Photography”

  1. Scott Webb says:

    I shoot more architecture than real estate. But I think Canon tilt-shift lenses should be of consideration for people. A lot of people will say that you don’t need a tilt-shift lens and just fix things in post-processing. I’ve got the 17mm and 24mm tilt-shifts and they were life-changing. I hardly ever use my 16-35mm Zeiss that was listed. I use the lenses on my sony camera without issue using the metabones V adapter. One cool thing? You can shift the lens to look into a bathroom and not worry about a reflection in the big mirror. haha. They are expensive lenses but worth it. Just seems like you work smarter with them.

    1. Mike says:

      Hi Scott, always great to hear from you! Totally agree, we’ve already had another person call this out on Facebook and it was an oversight on my part. Going to be adding some tilt shift lenses to the post in a bit (especially your recommendations), they are fantastic. I am still pretty new to real estate photography, so the bathroom trick sounds incredible considering how hard those photos are to get right! Thanks for sharing.

      1. Patrick E Biller says:

        Aren’t you limited to manual focus with metabones adaptor?

      2. Rojay Nazir says:

        All tiltshift lenses are manual focus anyway

  2. Anton Gorlin says:

    I vote for Tamron 15-30, that’s what I use all the time for real estate. A top lens!

    1. Mike says:

      Nice! What camera do you use it on? I have a Nikon D750 and have been considering Tamron for a while. Do you think it will work well?

  3. Dayve Ward says:

    I’d recommend both the Zeiss Batis 18mm and the Sigma 14mm rt. Both are amazingly sharp and show little distortion. The Batis is quite light-weight while the Sigma is a bit of a beast in terms of weight! Both used on a Sony a7riii

    1. Mike says:

      Hi Dayve, thank you so much for chiming in on this. I have not tried 14mm for the Sigma yet, but that looks like an incredible lens. As for Zeiss, we’ll I’ve never heard a bad thing about those lenses. ;)

  4. jimmy lee says:

    surprised the 14-24MM Nikon is absent

    1. Kit says:

      agreed! I also found that weird.

    2. John says:

      I agree. It’s my go to lens for real estate interiors.

  5. Eashak samir says:

    Really great tips. but Tamron A012N SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD (for Nikon) is not suitable for me.

    1. Do you care to elaborate? not good for real estate?

      1. Mike says:

        Thanks for the comments Eashak and Isaac. I agree with Isaac, can you elaborate Eashak?

        I’ve heard mixed opinions on the Tamron lenses, but have not tried any yet. Are they worth picking up for Nikon? I shoot with a D750.

  6. Laowa makes one heck of a lens that works so so well. We park it in front of a Sony A7r111 for a shooting iron now.

    1. Mike says:

      Very interesting! Truthfully have not come across Laowa lenses before, but I am going to do some research now. These look great, thanks for the comment Andrew!

  7. samir says:

    Hi… Im a beginner in photography, and i want a budget dslr camera..
    Can you select any one from my short list?
    Nikon d 3200
    Canon 550d
    Nikon d5100
    Canon 600d

    Can you suggest any other budget dslrs?

    1. Mike says:

      Hey Samir, I personally started with the Nikon D3300, similar to the 3200, and it was a fantastic starter DSLR. Cost like $300 USD for a full kit with lenses and helped me learn all the basics to get to the next level. I also have heard great things about the Canon 550d and Canon T5i.

  8. Norman Williams says:

    Some of u stated that u use tilt shift lenses. I have the Sony a7R3 with the 16-24 GM (gold master) series lens and it exceeds my expectations on all real estate needs every time.

  9. Shelly says:

    Trying right now to decide what to pair with my canon R to use for real estate for under $800ish and since the lenses available on RF aren’t ideal, a few of these sound alright, any input is appreciated

  10. Elmira says:

    I want to start a job as real estate photographer. Wonder if Canon 600D is useful or not if yes which lens do u recommend? Tnx

    1. Mike says:

      Hi Elmira, thanks for your comment. The 600D could definitely be used for real estate photography with a good wide angle lens, but I think a more recent model from Canon would provide better results for you. The Rebel SL3 and EOS 77D are not bad options with slightly higher prices. This kit from Canon would probably be good for real estate photography with the 18-135mm lens included: https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-77d-ef-s-18-135-is-usm-kit-digital-slr

  11. Sam Watts says:

    Fantastic list, thanks. I’ve been needing to upgrade my kit for real estate photography for a few years now.

  12. Rick says:

    Haven’t seen much mentioned on Fujifilm lenses or Cameras. Anybody have experience with in regards to interiors. I have read a lot about them and they seemed to be very solid(metal) cameras and good less expensive lenses. In particular the
    FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS Lens Mount X, APS C es, Zoom, Wide, Focus Autofocus, Constant Aperture Zooms Image Stabilized, f/4.0, 72mm 15 36mm, 3.1,
    FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS Lens Mount X, A

  13. Rick says:

    My bad I just noticed that this sight is focused on full frame lenses so that might be why I didn’t see anything about the Fujifilm lenses and camera. Sorry!

    1. Mike says:

      It’s ok Rick, even though this article focuses on full frame, we still welcome helpful discussions here in the comments. Your comment is ok and hopefully someone with some more knowledge on Fujifilm can answer for you! I unfortunately don’t have much experiences with Fuji sorry

  14. You made a good point that there should be a difference between the interior and the exterior setup when it comes to hiring a real estate photography service. I’ve been thinking about getting into house flipping for some profit so I have to get used to finding buyers for a house I’m looking to sell. Having pretty photos of the houses will surely aid in that.

  15. Suzan says:

    Having pretty photos of the houses will surely aid in that.

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