My Most Used Product Photography Gear: High Quality, Budget-Friendly Picks

I know that as a product photographer, finding the right gear that balances quality and cost is crucial (have you ever looked at camera prices?!). I also know that there are THOUSANDS of options out there for gear which can just be way too overwhelming. I remember googling "Best camera for product photography" and "Best lens for portrait photography" for hours on end. Over the last 8 years, I've curated a selection of equipment that delivers exceptional results without breaking the bank. Here's a look at my most frequently used product photography gear: *Reminder that equipment for any industry you're just starting out in will always be an investment... but you and your talents are worth it

#1: Canon EOS 6D

This was my first ever camera 8ish years ago and I still use it to this day. I can confidently say that this camera is a great option for both the beginner and the intermediate/advanced photographer. It features a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and an 11-point AF system that ensures precision in capturing details. One of its standout features is the built-in WiFi and GPS support, which makes it incredibly convenient for on-the-go shooting and geotagging your images. Plus, the quality is undeniable. I will say that it can get a bit heavy depending on your lens and how much moving around you're doing - so keep that in mind. There's a ton of cameras out there to choose from but this is a great option.

#2: Neewer Vision 4 300W Outdoor Studio Flash

I used to be a die-hard natural light girl (and I still am for portrait photography) but the Neewer Vision 4 really is amazing. It includes a wireless trigger and a built-in 2.4G receiver with 8 channels, offering flexibility and control over your lighting setup. The flash duration is impressively short, ranging from 1/1000 to 1/10000 seconds, allowing you to freeze motion with precision. The six steps of power adjustment (from 1/64 to 1/1) give you the versatility needed for different lighting scenarios too. Even better: it's cordless and you can take it on location very easily.

#3: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a must-have for capturing intricate details. With a true macro magnification ratio of 1:1, this lens reproduces life-sized images on your camera sensor, making it perfect for close-up product shots. It’s also highly versatile and capable of getting you those stunning results in portrait photography and handheld video. The built-in Hybrid Image Stabilization reduces camera shake, and its lightweight design makes it easy to handle (though I do still recommend a tripod). I used to use strictly a 50mm for product shots but I find myself reaching for this one almost everyday.

#4: KOTTO Helping Hands

You know those product photos where something is floating in mid air? Or a product is sitting on an angle that would impossible for it to balance on? THIS is what product photographers are using to do it easily. It was designed by engineers and is marketed as a "soldering tool" but it's four adjustable metal gooseneck arms and stainless steel precision alligator clamp tips that can rotate 360 degrees make it perfect for creative product photography shoots.

While equipment does not equal dedication, skill, or creativity, having the right gear can make a significant difference in the quality of your product photography work. The Canon EOS 6D, Neewer Vision 4, Canon EF 100mm, and KOTTO Helping Hands each offer unique features that enhance my ability to capture stunning images while being relatively budget-friendly. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your kit, these products provide excellent performance without compromising on quality.