14 Best Product Photography Equipment Essentials for Beginners

You might think that the best product photography equipment is going to break the bank. And it’s true that you can pay a fortune for gear. But it’s also true that you can start at a reasonable price as well.

The most important piece of your product photography kit is your camera. That’s why the Canon EOS RP is our top recommendation in this review. It’s an entry-level full frame mirrorless camera offering excellent resolution, sophisticated AF, and a compact, lightweight body.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Product Photography Equipment

Canon EOS RP

Nikon D850

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM

What is the Best Product Photography Equipment?

Our review covers everything from cameras to reflectors. We guide you to the best beginner products, but also show you upgrade options. Wherever possible, it’s best to buy the right product the first time. But perhaps you’re not sure that product photography is your thing. In that case, a cheaper starter product might make sense.

Our Top Pick

Canon EOS RP

26 MP full frame CMOS sensor
4K video recording at 30 fps
4779-point AF system for fast focusing
Works well with EF lenses and adapter
Touchscreen controls

Best Entry-Level Nikon Full Frame Camera

Nikon D850

45.7 MP Sensor
4K video
Fast and accurate 153-point AF system
Tilting touchscreen LCD
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Best Canon Lens

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM

Constant f/4 maximum aperture
Useful zoom range
Weather-sealed construction
Very quiet autofocus
Sharp from edge to edge

Best Nikon Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR

Versatile zoom range
Fast and silent autofocus
High-quality ED glass elements
VR image stabilization
Lightweight and durable

Best Value Tripod

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod

Lightweight aluminum construction
Quick-release camera mount
Multi-angle leg locks
Adjustable center column
Maximum height of 63.4”

Best Premium Tripod

Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit

Lightweight aluminum construction
Versatile 3-section design
Quick-release leg locks
Built-in bubble level
Supports up to 17.6lbs

Best Single Flash

Complete Flash Kit for Canon Nikon Sony Pentax DSLR Camera

Includes essential accessories for DSLR photography
Compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax cameras
Remote trigger included
Stand for off-camera mounting
Includes mini softbox

best Multi-Flash

Godox 2X TT600 HSS 2.4G Wireless Master/Slaver Flash Speedlite & Receiver Godox X2T-C

High-performance flash with GN58
Built-in wireless receiver and LCD display
Supports multiple flash modes and functions
Includes flash, flash stand, and remote trigger
Fast recycle time and long service life

Best Light Stand

Neewer Tripod Stand: 17.6lb/8kg Capacity

Durable aluminum alloy construction
Lightweight and compact for easy transport
Non-slip rubber feet for stability
3-way pan head with tilt motion
17.6 lb/8 kg max load capacity

Best Flash Adapter

Godox S Type Bracket: Speedlite Flash Mount

Versatile design to fit most flashes
Durable metal construction
Quick and easy installation
Adjustable angle for precise lighting
Patented design

Best Softbox

Godox Softbox Lighting Kit

Large enough for bigger projects
Grid to prevent light spillage
Works with Bowens mounts
Internal and external diffusers
Also works for studio portraits

Best Budget Reflector

3-in-1 Photography Reflector for Food & Product Shots

Versatile 3-in-1 reflector for photography
Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
Durable high quality construction
Affordable cost-effective solution
Can be used for indoor and outdoor shoots

Best Multi-Reflector

Neewer 24×36″ 5-in-1 Photography Lighting Reflector

5-in-1 reflector offers versatility
24 x 36-inch size fits most standard reflectors
Lightweight and portable
Durable construction
Affordable price

Best Cleaning Kit

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster + Lens Cleaning Kit

Professional quality cleaning kit
Removes dust, dirt, and fingerprints
Includes air blower, lens cloth, and brush
Safe for all lenses and displays
Compact and easy to use

The Best Camera for Product Photography

1. Canon EOS RP

Brand	Brand Canon
Useful For	Useful For All levels of photography
Key Features	Key Features Superb AF with face and eye-tracking, in-camera video IS
Best For	Best For Anyone looking for an entry-level full frame mirrorless camera

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2. Nikon D850

Brand	Brand Nikon
Useful for	Useful for General photography for the enthusiast
Key Features	Key Features 4K video, full frame sensor
Best For	Best For Professional photographers and prosumers

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The camera is the best place to start when thinking about product photography. There’s no point in having the best lighting setup if you have a low-quality camera.

Photographers often use high-resolution cameras to create product photos for posters and billboards. In most cases, it requires using resolutions between 50 to 100 megapixels or more.

Thankfully, you don’t need to have an expensive camera for product photography in the beginning. Why? Because you’re most likely starting with photography for products online.

For online product photos, a 24 MP DSLR or mirrorless camera is more than enough to do the job. It provides you with adequate resolution without having to deal with huge files.

That means you can start product photography even with an entry-level camera! Anything from the Nikon Z30 mirrorless camera or the Canon EOS M6 Mark II will work. Our top pick is the Canon EOS RP. If you want to know more about it, check out our Canon EOS RP review.

The Best Lens for Product Photography

3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0L IS USM Zoom Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Useful For	Useful For Aything from landscape to portrait photography as well as product shots
Key Features	Key Features Constant f/4, fast and silent AF
Best For	Best For General purpose professional photography

4. Nikon AF-S FX 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 ED VR Zoom Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Useful For	Useful For A wide range of photography projects as well as product photography
Key Features	Key Features Image stabilization, ED elements
Best For	Best For Intermediate-level general photography

Maybe you’re just starting to choose product photography equipment. If so, using the kit lens that came with your camera will do the job. It may not be the sharpest, but the quality is good enough for online use. It also allows you to zoom in and out. This lets you capture full shots as well as close-ups.

If you’re ready for an upgrade, we recommend that you buy a lens that is compatible with a full frame camera. That way you don’t have to get rid of optics that won’t work with a professional camera body.

The first lens you’ll want is one with a macro function. This allows you to easily photograph the minute details of any product.

There are different types of macro lenses. But we recommend getting either an 85mm or 100mm macro. These options are sharp and don’t cause image distortions. Some other focal lengths can cause distortions.

If you want more bang for your buck, consider buying a zoom lens with a macro function. It combines both a regular zoom lens and a macro lens. You get the best of both worlds.

Not every camera brand offers a zoom lens with macro. But if you’re a Canon user, you’re in luck because you have the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens. And if you’re a Nikon user, you have the Nikon AF-S FX 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom Lens.

The Best Tripod for Product Photography

5. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod

Brand	Brand VANGUARD
Useful For	Useful For Product and landscape photography
Key Features	Key Features Ball head, tiltable center column
Best For	Best For Product photography with cameras up to full frame DSLRs

6. Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit

Brand	Brand Manfrotto
Useful For	Useful For Product photography and landscapes
Key Features	Key Features Three-way adjustment, aluminum construction
Best For	Best For Demanding professional use

You’ll use your tripod a lot when you start doing product photography. It improves image quality and consistency. It ensures your camera angle and composition stay the same throughout the photo shoot.

Eye-level shots are common. But flat lays are also common in product photography. That means you need to get a tripod that allows you to do overhead shots.

Unfortunately, entry-level tripods don’t let you take pictures from above. But you can buy relatively affordable options, such as the Vanguard AltaPro. It has an adjustable central column. This allows you to swivel it horizontally to take overhead shots.

If you have a bigger budget, we recommend the Manfrotto 055 3-section tripod. Apart from the horizontal column, you also get a 3-way head. This allows you to make precise adjustments.

Use a Speedlite for Great Lighting on a Small Budget

7. Complete Flash Kit for Canon Nikon Sony Pentax DSLR Camera

Brand	Brand Neewer
Useful for	Useful for Simple lighting setups
Key Features	Key Features Complete with stand, softbox, and remote control
Best For	Best For General purpose flash work

8. Godox 2X TT600 HSS 2.4G Wireless Master/Slaver Flash

Brand	Brand Godox
Useful for	Useful for Studio work without strobes
Key Features	Key Features Two units with separate hotshoe trigger
Best For	Best For Getting studio-quality results in a small space

Perhaps you want to get the best product photography equipment. But you don’t want to break the bank. Speedlites are your best option for flash. They don’t cost as much as studio strobes. And they are brighter than LED lights.

There are tons of choices when it comes to Speedlites as well. Major brands such as Nikon, Canon, and Sony have their line of Speedlites. But they tend to be expensive.

If you want a low-cost option, you can go with the Neewer Speedlite. It comes with a remote trigger so you can set it off wirelessly. If you have the budget, consider buying the Godox Twin Flash Kit.

It not only comes with a trigger, but it also has two Speedlites. This lets you use the three-light setups that are typical in product photography.

Remember that your Speedlite doesn’t need to be a Canon or a Nikon. You can use any brand as long as it fits your camera’s hot shoe.

Add Some Lighting Stands to Improve Your Product Photography

9. Neewer Tripod Stand: 17.6lb/8kg Capacity

Brand	Brand Neewer
Useful for	Useful for Holding Speedlites, backgrounds, and reflectors
Key Features	Key Features Easily adjustable, compact when folded
Best For	Best For Adding versatility to your studio setup

The light stand is one of the most crucial pieces of product photography equipment on this list.

People use light stands for supporting lighting kits. But did you know that you can also use them to hold all sorts of rigs and reflectors?

Light stands differ in price, mostly depending on the brand and build quality. You can get one for as cheap as 20 dollars. But we recommend that you consider investing in high-quality options. You’ll be using them to hold expensive equipment. You need to make sure they won’t break easily.

We recommend the Neewer heavy-duty light stand. It’s affordable and can hold up to 8 kgs worth of equipment. That’s more than enough to support your flashgun and a light modifier.

Use a Speedlite Bracket to Hold Lighting Modifiers in Place

10. Godox S Type Bracket: Speedlite Flash Mount

Brand	Brand GODOX
Useful for	Useful for Vastly increasing your Speedlite's versatility
Key Features	Key Features Easily mounted and dismounted, flexible options
Best For	Best For Getting the most out of your Speedlites

This essential accessory allows you to install your Speedlite on a light stand. It also has a mount that lets you put on all sorts of lighting modifiers such as umbrellas and softboxes. It’s one of the most useful bits of product photography equipment you can get.

There are different types of Speedlite brackets. We recommend getting one that has a Bowens mount. That way, you can install a wide variety of Bowens-compatible lighting modifiers.

The most dependable Speedlite bracket in our experience is the Godox S-Type bracket. It’s well-made and it securely holds your flash unit in place. Apart from that, it has a mount for both Bowens modifiers as well as studio umbrellas.

11. Godox 80 x 120 softbox

Brand	Brand GODOX
Useful for	Useful for Softening and controlling flash
Key Features	Key Features Variable diffusion with removable elements
Best For	Best For Professional flash results in the studio

Types of softboxes vary a lot. They all have specific functions depending on the type of product photography you do.

For instance, strip boxes are often better for photographing bottles. Meanwhile, rectangular ones are suitable for general product photography.

We suggest you get the Godox 80 x 120 softbox as you start your product photography business. At 120 centimeters, it’s large enough to let you photograph a larger product. And it has a grid that allows you to stop light from spilling out everywhere.

Of course, there are also other options out there. Some are either smaller or larger than the Godox model we recommend. You can use them as long as they have a Bowens mount.

Achieve Perfect Lighting With Reflectors

12. Meking 3-in-1 Photography Reflector

Brand	Brand Meking
Useful for	Useful for Adding gentle reflected light in shadowed areas
Key Features	Key Features Simple and effective, folds, stands on its own
Best For	Best For Simple tabletop reflection work

13. Neewer 24x36

Brand	Brand Neewer
Useful for	Useful for Removing shadows to reduce contrast
Key Features	Key Features Five different surfaces
Best For	Best For Weddings and other outdoor photographic sessions

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in product photography. To achieve the perfect lighting setup, you’ll need to use a V-flat. It works in conjunction with your light source.

Its primary function is to reflect light on your subject to create even illumination.

A V-flat is essentially foldable cardboard with two to three surfaces. The first one is white, which you can use to bounce back light and kill the shadows on your product. The second is black, which absorbs light and increases the shadows. Sometimes, there’s a surface made of silver material. You can choose this when you need to reflect more light.

The Meking cardboard reflector is an excellent option for product photography. You can quickly prop it up next to your product without needing support. It’s also compact, so you can carry it around for location shoots. The downside is that it’s too small for oversized objects.

If you want a larger option, you can opt for a 5-in-1 reflector instead. It has five sides that give you different lighting effects.

Apart from the traditional white reflector, you also get gold and silver. Then you have a black surface that you can use as a “flag.” This helps prevent reflections and increases shadows on your subject. In the middle, you have a scrim that softens the light that hits your product.

We recommend the Neewer 5-in-1 reflector. It’s large and it folds down into a small carrying case.

Use an Air Blaster to Remove Specks of Dust From Your Shot

14. Giottos Lens Cleaning Kit AA1900/VCC113

Brand	Brand Giottos
Useful for	Useful for Keeping your product and your lenses dust-free
Key Features	Key Features Air blaster and brush included
Best For	Best For Preventing dust spots from ruining your shots

The air blaster is probably one of the most overlooked photography products. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most crucial, in our opinion.

So what is an air blaster? It’s essentially a rubber bulb that blows out a jet of air. You can use it to clean a product without having to touch it at all.

The air blaster is perfect for cleaning products since it doesn’t leave any residue, unlike using microfiber cloths. These can sometimes leave some lint or even smudges on the surface.

There are plenty of options for air blasters and they all work the same. But we recommend the Giottos Air Blaster the most for its durability.

Conclusion: The Best Product Photography Equipment

Collecting the best product photography equipment can be a gradual process. Start with what you have. If your camera is good enough, then a tripod is probably your next best investment. Then think about lighting and reflectors.

Having somewhere with a permanent setup is a real bonus if you have the space. As you get more clients, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire even more tools.

That’s why the Canon EOS RP is our top recommendation in this review. It’s an entry-level full frame mirrorless camera, but it offers superb lens options as your hobby or business develops.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Product Photography Equipment

Canon EOS RP

Nikon D850

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM

What is the Best Product Photography Equipment?