Best lens for product photography?

I shoot with a dx nikon (d300s) and am looking for a new lens for product photography. Most of my product is table top/studio. I have read that the 70-180mm macro is a great lens(ken rocwell/ moose peterson). My product can sometimes be bright and flashy.

Learning about lenses will help you make the right decision for what you want to do. A 70mm macro may be way too long for some products and the only thing you use on others. We can't make a decision for you. Flashy and color have nothing to do with the lens.

This video may begin to help you in your studies.

Product photography requires good light and a sharp lens. I would recommend the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens. It is very sharp and quite inexpensive. Invest in good lighting.

A macro lens will be best, as they have zero distortion and are well-known for their sharpness. If the object you shoot is really tiny, then a longer macro lens will be more suitable as you do not need to get so close that you'll block the lighting. The 70-180 will work great, but it's not the only choice out there. Nikon and many other third-party companies also make 100mm macro lens that will work great and is cheaper as well.

If the object isn't really tiny, then a macro lens closer to the focal length of 60mm will work better as it gives you more freedom in a small studio space. Nikkor makes a great 60mm f/2.8G macro lens.