Architectural and interior design photography is a specialized niche that blends technical expertise and experience. While gear plays a minor role compared to skill, the right equipment can significantly enhance the quality of your work. Here’s an updated breakdown of the cameras and lenses I use.
Architectural Photography Cameras
Personal note: Before we jump into “high-end” mid-range cameras and other impressive-sounding names that photographers and camera manufacturers love, know that any professional or semi-professional cameras made after 2020 will give you excellent results. Bottom line: I sometimes use my old Canon 5DS, which is a professional camera manufactured about 8 years ago, and the final results are amazing. So, don’t go crazy with the gear (your clients don’t care).
Higher-end Cameras
For upscale commercial photography, high-resolution cameras are essential. I primarily use the Canon R5 Mark II, with the Canon R5 as a backup. Previously, I relied on the Canon 5Ds for eight years, If you are a Canon brand owner/lover, the R5 Mark II would be the best camera on the market.
If you’re not exclusively working with Canon ECO system, than the alternatives to consider are cameras like the Sony A1 II, Fuji GFX 100S, and Nikon Z8 are excellent choices for architectural photography. each of them would serve you for the next half a century.
Mid-Range Cameras
Other great, more cost-efficient alternatives are cameras like the Nikon Z6 III, Sony A7R V, Sony A7CR, and Canon R6 Mark III or even older models like Canon R5 and the previous models from the high-end range of Sony and Nikon would not be noticed at image review.
Should You Buy Second-Hand Gear?
100% yes. If you aim to be a professional photographer in architecture and design, traveling as a hotel photographer or even a retail store photographer, then you must have a backup camera. If you have two cameras in your bag, there is no reason why not to have second-hand gear.
Dual Cards for Photography Backup
Using dual cards for backup is crucial, especially for high-end clients. I set both cards to store RAW files simultaneously, keeping the SD card in the camera and using the CF Express card for downloads. This ensures a backup is always available on the camera. It’s also advisable to replace cards every 2-3 years to minimize the risk of failure.
Tilt-Shift (TS) Lenses for Architecture Photography
Tilt-Shift lenses allow you to shift the lens left, right, up, or down, minimizing distortion and avoiding skewing in post-production. The Canon 17 TSE is great for small spaces and high-rise buildings, while the Canon 24 TSE II is my main lens for interiors and large spaces.
The Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is a budget-friendly option worth considering. Additionally, Canon is rumored to release a new 17 Tilt-Shift lens for RF in 2026.
Lenses for Architecture and Interior Photography
- Canon 17 TSE: Ideal for photographing small spaces and high-rise buildings.
- Canon 24 TSE II: My go-to lens for interiors and large spaces.
- Canon 24-70 II RF: A versatile lens for commercial and lifestyle shots, doubling as a backup for my Tilt-Shift lenses.
- Canon 16-35, 14-35, and 17-40: Ultra-wide lenses with distortion; use them carefully.
Rule of Thumb: Use whatever lens you want, ideally not wider than 24mm (unless you use Tilt-Shift), to avoid distortion. While you can fix distortion in post-production (Photoshop), we try to get everything right from the beginning.
Architectural Lenses for Nikon, Fuji, and Sony
Canon holds the most common and used lenses in the industry, so you would need to find a lens adapter from EF to your manufacturer mount. Each manufacturer has their equivalent lenses for Canon’s legacy 16-35, 13-35, 17-40, and prime lenses. Third-party lenses like the Laowa offer different mounting options, saving you from needing a lens adapter.
Camera Remote and Client Review
I use the Cam Ranger II and iPad Pro 11″ for capturing images and presenting them to clients. The Cam Ranger allows me to photograph from my mobile phone, iPad, or computer, and the iPad Pro lets clients review the shoots in real-time from a secure location, fostering a collaborative environment.
So…
While having the latest gear is nice, being a good photographer means mastering light, composition, and post-production. The right equipment enhances your work, but it’s your skills that truly make the difference. If you’re curious about the accessories I use, including tripods, light stands, and more, continue reading here.