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Everybody loves to talk about lenses! I’ve been blogging about lenses for food photography for quite a few years now and I don’t think there is a question that I haven’t been asked.
In fact, I went through every question on the blog and Instagram to compile this Ultimate Guide For Food Photography Lenses.
Table of Contents
- Your first food photography lens
- Top Recommended Lenses
- Prime vs Zoom lenses
- Hint – rent before you buy!
- Lenses on a budget
- The best lens for overhead shots
- The best lens for 45-degree shots
- Best aperture for a lens
- Which macro lens is best? 60mm or 100/105mm?
- When to use a tilt-shift lens
Got a lens question? Drop me a comment. Let’s dive in…
Your First Food Photography Lens
Most photographers will start out with the 18-55mm kit lens. This assumes that you’re upgrading from this lens. The lens choice will change depending on your camera type, i.e cropped sensor vs full frame.
- A 35mm, 1.8 prime lens for cropped sensors
- A 60mm macro, 2.8 macro lens for cropped sensors
- A 50mm, prime lens for full-frame. Consider an f-stop of 1.4 or 1.8
- A 100-105mm macro, for full-frame. This is the best lens for food photographers.
If you own a cropped sensor camera and the 18-55mm kit lens, my recommendation is for you to consider the 60mm macro. This will help you get closer to food, capture details and 45-degree shots. Sharp apertures matter more the closer we get to the food.
If you own a full-frame camera and the 18-55mm kit lens, I recommend thinking about what type of images you like to capture. For wide food scenes, consider the 50mm. If you would rather capture sharp 45-degree shots consider the 100mm/105mm macro (or off-brand options like the Tamron 90mm macro).
Keep reading: Your first food photography lens!
Top Recommended lenses
Let’s now jump straight into the top lenses and focal lengths that I recommend for food photographers.
4 Ultimate Lenses For Food Photography
The top 4 food photography lenses every food photographer who has a full-frame camera should consider having in their kit are as follows:
You may not need to have both a 50mm and a 60mm, it really comes down to the other qualities of the lens that your camera brand makes. A tilt-shift lens is a special investment you’ll likely only make once you’ve built your collection and have an unlimited budget.
The Two Best Lenses For Cropped Sensors
A cropped sensor is essentially a smaller sensor (than a full-frame) and gets its name from what is known as the ‘crop factor’.
It means that if you are shooting the same scene as someone who has a full-frame, your image is going to be ‘cropped’. You’ll be able to fit less in the frame at the same distance.
The top two lenses recommend for cropped sensor shooters of food photography are:
- 35mm for flatlays and overhead shots
- 60mm macro for 45-degree shots
Cropped Sensor Lenses
Full Frame Lenses
The Two Best Lenses For Full Frame Cameras
A full-frame camera sensor is equivalent in size to 35mm film, which is considered full frame. It’s the largest sensor you will find in a consumer camera. They are typically found in professional or ‘high-end’ cameras.
The top 2 lenses for food photography and full-frame cameras are:
- 50mm for flatlays and overhead shots
- 100/105mm macro for 45-degree shots
These two lenses will give you the best combination of focal length for food scenes and portrait shots, a range of large apertures for low light as well as a macro and a generous minimum focusing distance for close up textured shots.
Lens Quiz
Which Lens Matches Your Food Photography Style?
Prime vs Zoom Lens
As each lens has its own unique qualities, it’s hard to make general statements. Proper due diligence should be done when comparing particular lenses.
The general consensus on prime vs zoom lenses are as follows:
Recommended Prime Lenses
Prime lenses tend to be sharper at the apertures you’ll likely shoot food photography. Generally, you’ll also be able to get lenses with larger apertures, which will assist in lower light situations. Prime lenses for food photography to consider are:
- 35mm and 60mm for cropped sensor cameras
- 50mm, 85mm or 100mm/105mm for full-frame cameras
Recommended Zoom Lenses
Zoom lenses are handy because you get access to multiple focal lengths at once. The drawbacks are that they tend to be less sharp than prime lenses. Gaining access to larger focal lengths prime lenses makes zoom lenses larger and more expensive. Zoom lenses for food photography to consider are:
- 24mm – 70mm f/2.8 or 24mm – 70mm f/4 mirrorless lens
- 18mm – 55mm kit lens for cropped-sensors or beginners
Hint – Rent Before You Buy!
A good lens is a great investment. Invest in the best lens you can afford should last you your entire photography journey. You’ll likely upgrade cameras, but you can have the same lenses for life.
This can make the choice of lens a little tougher as you want to make the right choice. If you can rent or borrow a lens before you purchase, it’s a great idea to see if you like it or help you decide between two lenses.
When possible, I recommend renting a lens before you buy. Especially if you’re using a cropped sensor.
Lenses On A Budget
While photography can be an expensive activity, investment in lenses are almost more important than your camera. Lenses should last you your entire photography journey, so saving up to make the best purchase you can is wise.
But when we’re starting out, we have limited budgets. Whilst you need to do your due diligence with a lens purchase, here are some two popular budget options.
- A nifty fifty 50mm
- Off-brand options like the Tamron 90mm macro
Best Lens For Overhead Shots
Depending on the brand of camera you have, there will be different specs for each specific lens, but here are the best focal lengths to look for.
On a cropped sensor camera, the lens that will capture wide overhead food scenes are:
On a full-frame camera, the lenses that will capture overhead flatlays in a flattering way are:
If you’re able to get some height with your tripod above your scene, you can opt for the 85mm to help you reduce some distortion at the edges of the frame.
Keep reading: Lenses For Overhead Shots
Best Lens for 45-degree Shots
Depending on the brand of camera you have, there will be different specs for each specific lens, but here are the best focal lengths to look for.
On a cropped sensor camera, the lenses that will capture 45-degree shots in a flattering way are:
The 50mm or the 60mm macro
On a full-frame camera, the lenses that will capture 45-degree shots in a flattering way are:
The 85mm or a 90mm/100mm/105mm macro
Best Aperture For a Lens
Focal length and aperture are large components of lens choice. There are also many other considerations that go into each lens, so due diligence is needed when reviewing all lens qualities.
There is a general consensus though that larger apertures are more useful because they will:
- Assist you in capturing more light in low light situations.
- Allow you more creative freedom and control.
- Can provide sharper apertures at apertures commonly used for food, (however this is very lens specific and hard to make generalisations).
A lens that has its maximum aperture at f/4 will generally cost less than its f/1.8-f/2.8 counterpart. Which is helpful for tight budgets.
Which Macro Lens? 60mm vs 100/105mm.
A macro lens is a staple for any food photographer, regardless of if you use a cropped sensor or full-frame camera.
Macro lenses will allow you to go beyond overhead food photography shots, capture up-close details of texture, and allow you to have more control with minimum focusing distance. If you’d like to read more check out this complete list of macro lenses.
Which focal lengths macro lens should you invest in? One major factor comes down to your sensor:
- Cropped sensor users should consider the 60m macro
- Full-frame users will want to consider the 100/105mm macro
To read more about why I recommend the 60mm vs 100/105mm for different users, read this post.
When to Use a Tilt-Shift Lens
Using a tilt-shift lens in food photography can allow you to precisely control the plane of focus like no other lens can. Tilt-shift is a lens that encompasses two unique movements, being a tilt movement and a shift movement.
TILT – the tilt function is used to change the orientation of the plane of focus.
SHIFT – the shift function is used to adjust the position of the subject within the image without moving the camera.
Mix of focus/blur control. Using a tilt-shift allows us to have control over the plane of focus to give the mix of focus and blur we see in this shot.
Angle/subject position control. You can shoot a dish in its most flattering angle, and control how much of the story/props around the frame are included without changing the camera angle, distance or the subject placement.
To learn more about tilt-shift lenses check out this post.
Two Loves Studio was not paid to write this post, however, it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, we do get a commission on the sale which helps us run this site. Only affiliates for products/services we believe in appear on this site.
Saima
Hi Rachel,
This guide is so helpful, thanks a lot! I had a question. I could be wrong but is there a noticeable difference in the quality of the same lens between different brands and even within the same brand? I have a 35mm 1.8 Nikkor lens for cropped frame cameras (DX). However, I find the colors on this lens are super saturated when compared to the pictures I see online from the 35 mm Sigma Art Lens for example. I know there’s a massive difference in price, but the cheaper lens that I have is such a disappointment! Even my Nikkor 50 mm takes better pictures!
Rachel Korinek
Hey Saima! Yes absolutely. When decided between lenses, there are a lot of factors that go into a lens besides focal length and aperture. They will pick up light differently and render colour differently. So when you are set on the focal length you want, then you can do some research into options within your camera brand and any off-brands. You’ve got to compare apples to apples. Images online can be edited differently from what you might edit (make sure to compare raw files), and you’d have to make sure it’s the same brand as you. When it comes to colour, I believe it’s more down to the camera than the lens, but photography isn’t always as simple as that right? I personally love the way the 60mm Nikkor macro picks up light and I prefer it to the Nikon 50mm nifty fifty I have. There will be an element of personal taste here. Let me know if that helps! x
Saima
It’s just what I suspected. I guess, I’m just not liking the 35 mm in the Nikon range. I had bought it to take overhead shots on my cropped frame Nikon, but I still find myself using the 50 mm and reaching unnatural heights in trying to capture a wide enough shot! Gah! But thanks for the prompt reply. I love your photography, follow your blog, and have learnt a ton from it:)
Rachel Korinek
That’s great you can identify that you need something else. I have a 50mm Sigma Art Series and the quality is really great. If you can, try to rent one before you buy so you compare for yourself. Thanks for stopping by – it was great to chat. x
Melissa
Hi Rachel,
I currently have a Nikon D3500 with the 18-55 kit lens as well as the 50mm F/1.8 lens. I actually don’t love the 50mm lens I have so I tend to use the kit lens the most. Anyways, I’m currently looking to upgrade camera and all. I’m looking at the Canon Mark 6D ii hopefully used. Thoughts here? Also, thoughts on my first lens if I go this route?
Thanks so much!!
Rachel Korinek
Hey Melissa! totally understand. The 50mm 1.8 is called the nifty fifty because of the quality for the price. It’s definitely not the best lens on the market in terms of 50mm, but it’s great for a starter lens and for budgets. You’ll find above the first lenses I recommend for food photography after the kit lens (both for full-frame and cropped sensor). You can also read more about that here. If you don’t like the quality of the 50mm 1.8, there are options to get the 50mm 1.4 which is better quality but more expensive OR the 50mm 1.4 Sigma Art Series for Nikon. I have that and it’s a stunningly sharp lens.
Melissa
Thank you! So so helpful!
Maria
Hi Rachel and thanks for this helpful guide. I just got a second hand Canon T4i body and had saved to buy a budget lens too. Recently, a close friend is selling me her 50mm f/1.8 canon lens at a great price but, as much as I love how the lens works, after reading this post Im double guessing about it.
I recently rebranded my cake design business and bought the camera to shoot better quality pictures. I will shoot mostly straight on my 2-3 tiered cakes with maybe a couple of party related items by the side or the background. Also, a bit of overhead and 45-angle to show cake slices. I have a very tiny room (9’ x 9’) with very wonderful light coming from a window. Im thinking maybe the 35mm will work better in my situation. Am I correct? However, I fear the 35mm on my crop camera wont give me the same effect or shallow DOF I love as a 50mm does on a full frame. I know aperture has to do with this in great part, I just fear the blur might not be as good or that if I need to get closer my images might look distorted. Would you please advise me on this! And thank you! Love your posts!!
Rachel Korinek
Hey Maria, that’s because most advice out there on lenses is for full-frame cameras. If you have cropped sensor, the two I recommend for you are listed above. Here’s the thing, you won’t find a lens that does absolutely everything we need. Hence why we have multiple lenses. One of the reasons the 50mm feels like it has great blur for you is due to the focal length of 75mm equivalent zoom feeling. Wider lenses can do this too, but it will show up differently in our photos mostly because of the distance between the subject and the camera. So you have to take that into account. If you have a kit lens (18-55mm), then maybe the 60mm macro is more for you? Then you use can the zoom lens for your wider shots. If you’re worried about blur and sharpness you could look at some reviews of the 35mm Sigma Art Lens. Thanks for stopping by! x
Maria
I do not have the kit lens. Just got offered the 50mm and wonder if it would work for me in a tight space of a 9’ x 9’ room. Im still not clear as which to purchase. The 35mm or my friends super cheap 50mm.
Rachel Korinek
Thanks for clarifying, which lenses do you have if not the kit lens? You’ll notice in my articles that I don’t recommend the 50mm for cropped sensors. So the main reason to consider this is that it’s cheap. They are under $200 generally, so unless your friend is giving you a crazy deal, I’d consider either the 35mm or 60mm. You can read more about these two lenses I recommend for cropped sensors here too. In cases where you can’t decide, I highly recommend renting the lenses to make a decision. Nothing beats seeing it in person, and we do all use lenses differently. Do you think you can try out a 35mm and 60mm before you take your friend up on their offer?
Maria
Unfortunately, no. Renting is difficult in my country and often will cost more than buying. As a small business and photography beginner, my budget is extremely tight, so buying a $400+ lens like the 35mm is next to impossible (even used one) leaving the 50mm as my only option for now. I read your post and lens recommendations thoroughly but as someone who is starting this journey would love it if you could explain the technical reasons for completely ruling out the 50mm on a crop sensor. What will be the challenges I will face given my particular product and space limitations. Thank you again in advance Rachel!
Rachel Korinek
I totally understand your constraints. I too started out with nothing and no budget. My advice is based on knowing which lenses best suit how we like to create, and trying to avoid spending money on something that won’t get you what you need. The 50mm is going to be narrow. You don’t be able to fit wide food scenes or flatlays. Especially if you’re in a small room as you say. With the 50mm, you’ll be contained to shooting with a small amount in your scene, and because the 50mm isn’t a macro lens, you won’t be able to use it to get up close macro shots. So it’s more limited in that respect. My advice is to ask your friend to let you borrow it for a week. See how you like it. It if works, great – go for it. If not, keep saving for the 35mm and buy a second-hand lens. Best of luck x
Ashley | Rise Shine Cook
What a FABULOUS post Rachel! Wish I read this 8 years ago LOL!
Soo much good info! Thanks for all your work.
Rachel Korinek
Hey Ashley! Awww, thank you for such kind words. I really put a lot of time into covering all of the common questions I get asked about lenses. I just took a peek at your blog – WOW it is looking good. Congrats on selling out your cookbook x
Mimi Katz
Rachel
You are so good at your Two Loves = photography and teaching (I am assuming those are your two loves).
I only use Nikon cameras and have a 60mm macro and 105 macro, plus Sigma art lenses and others Nikon lenses.
Your lens guide is helpful in so many ways.
Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your posts over the years, but only recently participated by watching free online workshop videos and purchasing your ebooks on drinks and light.
Look forward to more. Thanks
Rachel Korinek
Thanks for dropping by Mimi! I am so pleased that you found the post helpful. I love my 105mm and 60mm for sure. I hope you’re enjoying both of those guides. Funny you should say. It started out as ‘food and photography’ but I think you’re right. It is also teaching and photography xx
Anisha
Hi Rachel! This was such an informative post – I used one of your previous posts about lenses when I purchased my first lens and your blog was the only one that made me aware that the nifty fifty was actually a 35mm on a cropped sensor! Anyways, I was wondering if you had any advice about the right time to upgrade to a full frame camera. I currently have a Nikon D7000 and I’m not planning on upgrading any time soon, as I realize I’d probably benefit more from investing in a 60 mm next and maybe a course. Would love to hear your thoughts on when you felt like was the time to upgrade!
Kaare
Hi, Rachel!
Thank you for this post!
I also wish this post existed years ago! 🙂
I remember switching from crop sensor camera to full-frame. I had 50mm lens and I didn’t know that it will act totally different with full-frame. I felt so disappointed and it felt like I lost my sight. These just wasn’t my photos anymore! It took me long time to get used to this new situation.
How do you feel about using professional camera body with cheeper lenses? I haven’t had an opportunity to test pro series lenses, but I believe the difference is probably pretty noticeable.
Wish you all the best,
Kaare
Kimberly
Hi Rachel, I love all the information you provide. Thank you. I am new to photography and food photography (6mo) and currently have a Nikon D3200 crop sensor w/a 35mm/1.8. I am feeling a little pressure to go to a full frame set up but after reading your lens guide I wonder if I would find myself achieving more and becoming more satisfied with the 60mm macro. Would love your thoughts on this. Enjoy your day!
Rachel Korinek
Hey Kimberly! So glad you found it useful. A lot of advice out there assumes we don’t have budget constraints, which we all do. The thing is that if you have a brand new full-frame with a kit lens, you might not find the quality of your photos improves. Having a good lens on an entry-level camera can be better in some ways. If you buy good quality lenses, they can last you a lifetime. Meaning you can take them to full frame with you, or sell them. I highly recommend the 60mm and I love it so much I kept it and use it a lot with my full frame. As you’ve only been doing this for 6 months, I’d say get the 60mm macro if you don’t see yourself upgrading in the next 6-12 months.
Jennifer Arce
I am loving this series Rachael! Thank you so much! I have a Nikon Z6 and a old Nikon D3300. I recently bought the 60 mm macro lens and I’ve been using it on my Nikon Z6 with the adaptor. If I want to photograph a drink at an 45 angle, would be better to use the 60 mm lens on the D3300 than on the Z6? Thank you so much in advance!
Rachel Korinek
Hey Jennifer! It’s not that you can’t use the 60mm for 45-degree shots on a full-frame, but you will experience some distortion. I personally recommend the 105mm for 45-degree shots. Especially with beverages as you need sharp focus to get the glass and liquid in focus. So I would recommend the 60mm on a cropped sensor and the 105mm on a full frame.
Elizabeth Holliday
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for such an informative post – I have a question if I may!? I have a Nikon Z6 with the z mount 24-70mm F4 and 50mm F1.8…I don’t have the FTZ mount adapter though, so am not sure where to go next. I feel the need to have something longer, but am stuck without an adapter awaiting the launch of the new z mount macro lenses! Should I just get an 85mm, wait for a z mount 105mm macro or get the the adapter and…? I’d welcome any recommendations. Thank you!
Rachel Korinek
So happy to hear you’re enjoying the Z6 Elizabeth. I love mine too. Thank you for that information. In a perfect world I would get the 105mm first and before the 85mm. If you have a budget for both, then it’s an easy decision. The 70mm is so close to the 85mm and you’re fine to create with an f-stop of f/4 at that focal length. It’s nice to have more room to be creative with aperture though. If you have a tight budget, I’d wait until the 105mm is out if you can hold on that long. Another option might be to rent the 105mm F mount and adaptor now and again to hold you over. Mirrorless is the way of the future, so investing is in the Z lenses if you can hold off I think will benefit you.
Elizabeth Holliday
That’s so helpful, thank you Rachel! At least if I hold off for the 105mm, I’ll have more chance to save! 🙂
Denise
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for this helpful guide! I’ll definitely invest in a second lens now, maybe you can help me to choose one. I have a full-frame camera body CANON EOS 6D Mark || and a CANON 50mm 1.8 macro lens. I’d love to invest in a 90, 100 or 110 mm macro lens, but here I need advice. Is there a big diffrence between these 3? I take my photos in the living room, I don’t have a big studio – so maybe I’d struggle with the 110 mm lens offered from Sigma? I’ve heard that for macro lenses you need a lot of space. So 90 mm from Tamron or 100 mm from Canon – PLEASE HELP ?
Thanks in advance ✨
Denise
Rachel Korinek
You’re so welcome Denise! Glad you enjoyed the article. Here are some clarifications for you.
The main difference between 90mm, 100mm and 105mm is the focal length. The second point of difference is that different camera brands offer different focal lengths for these macros. Tamron is 90mm, Canon is 100mm and Nikon (and Sigma) are 105mm. Ideally, you buy one in the brand of your choice.
In terms of distance, it’s not that you need a lot of distance with macro lenses. Macro lenses are designed for up-close shots. What you DO need space with is narror focal lengths. 90mm and 100mm aren’t really that much different. As you shoot Canon, I would recommend getting the 100mm macro. It’s such a staple lens for food photographers. You don’t use it for wide shots. That’s what your 50mm is for. You use it to complement with closer shots of texture and to focus on 45-degree shots.
Does that help? x
Denise
That helped a lot 🙂 I already felt like the 100 mm 2.8 from Canon is a good choice, but it helps so much to hear an expert. One last question – do you know if there are several 100 mm 2.8 lenses from Canon available? I’m not familiar with the full names and abbreviations like “IS USM” etc. ?
Rachel Korinek
They definitely might have the latest version of the lens. There won’t be too many versions however. You’ll need to make sure you get one for your camera, (full-frame vs cropped sensor. DSLR vs mirrorless).
Denise
Thanks so much! Now I’m ready to order my new lens 🙂
Rachel Korinek
I am so excited for you! <3
Martin Belmont Photography
Great blog post. I love the 50mm. You can also use a lens adapter in stead of macro lens. Works just as fine and is cheap.
Martin Belmont photography
Rachel Korinek
You sure can! I personally haven’t used one as I have macro lenses but I know others have had success with it!
Megren Naidoo
Great Article. The examples of photos with different lenses and sensor types are excellent, and this helps with understanding the lens for all kinds of photography.
It helped me; I have a mix of cameras and lenses—Nikon D200, Canon M50, and Canon EOS R and a Mix of lens.
Great Article!
Rachel Korinek
So glad you found it useful! It is good to see the comparison right. That’s quite a collection you have. Thanks for stopping by.
Felix de Vega
Thank you, that was a very informative article. I started last year doing food photography and the lens I use most of the time is my 50mm on full frame, and just for a few shots I can use a wider 35mm
Rachel Korinek
The 50mm is great if you’re starting out and into flatlays. I do also recommend a narrow macro as it’s such a staple in a food photographers bag!
syeda
Hello Rachel!I’m a beginner in photography and I’m interested in learning about food photography. I have no knowledge about cameras, lenses, and lighting. Can you please guide me on where to begin, including purchasing the right camera and equipment?
Juliana Wilfong
Thank you so much for sharing all these amazing tips. I am starting to get into food photography and I have been finding your articles super helpful. Thank you!