Best camera lenses / settings for gun photography?

[hmphargh]

I recommend a fast lens, like the Canon 50mm prime.

Natural light images tend to look better, and to require lower ISO settings, creating much less "noise".

Not to disagree with you, the nifty fifty is a cheap and fast lens, but what made the nifty fifty so popular is that on a 35mm body, it was a no-zoom lens- that is, what you saw with your eye is what you saw through your camera (roughly).

For that reason, it is my personal opinion (and it is just an opinion) that a 28mm prime is better for APS-C cameras (30D, 40D, 50D, XT, XTi, XSi, T1i, T2i), and that a 35mm prime is better for APS-H cameras (1D, 5D). The reason I say this is because they emulate what I consider one of the most important parts about a 50mm lens on a 35mm body. Nearly any prime can be made to be relatively fast, but there is a reason you don't see people running around with a 200mm f/1.8 lens for general purpose photography, the focal length doesn't make sense in nearly every situation.

 

[chains1240]

I take almost 100% of my photographs with a Pentax 50mm 1.8. I am not a professional by any stretch of the imagination but I have sold and displayed some of my photos.

 

[SolidChoice]

Thanks, everyone. With a 50mm lens and a few lampshades, I had some better luck.

 

[chains1240]

I like all of them but the last one is my favorite. Instead of using the gun case how about a colored cloth? Very nice. Keep shooting.

 

[SolidChoice]

Thanks. I tried that, but I found that any sort of wrinkles or tiny particles of dust/lint in fabric really show up in the close-ups. I think a piece of leather or a nice hardwood background would also be excellent.

 

[chains1240]

I would have to agree about the hardwood. I love the look of a nice piece of Oak, Curly or quilted maple, etc. There are plenty of plans on the internet for making a DIY lightbox if ever needed.