Food photography has always provided some of the most enticing imagery. It resonates with us so strongly because it appeals to one of our most primal needs; the need to feed. Today, with such a wide array of outlets for your photography, you may find yourself in need of a few different perspectives to display the next culinary masterpiece plated on the other side of your lens. If that’s you, Food Photographer Skyler Burt, from WeEatTogether.com has some suggestions for you.

Note: The lenses listed below are all for full frame cameras. Additionally, the prices listed are current as of May 10, 2018.

New video up on YouTube this morning! video link in my profile sharing 6 food photography tips in under 2 minutes like how to do the perfect pour shot featuring this lovely stack of pancakes. It’s easier than you think! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #beautifulcuisines #realfood #eatlocal #onthetable #canon #comfortfood #healthyfood #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #huffposttaste #foodandwine #fwhealthy #soulfood #f52grams #food52 #feedfeed #lifeandthyme #vscofood #vsco_food #bonappetit #foodphotographer #foodstyling #foodphotography #soularty #eattheworld #eeeeeats #pancakes #maplesyrup

A post shared by Skyler Burt (@we.eat.together_) on Feb 17, 2018 at 7:32pm PST

 

Mid-Telephoto Macro Lenses

You could have guessed this lens would make the list. Macro lenses are famed for their sharpness and close focusing ability in stills and video. Some of the options below include image stabilization, making it well suited to produce smooth video should you need to shoot handheld.

• Canon 100mm Macro f2.8L – $749
• Nikon 105mm f2.8 – $896.95
• Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS – $998
• Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f2.8 – $797.99
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens – $399

3rd-Party Alternatives

• Tamron 90mm Macro f2.8 – $649
• Sigma 70mm f2.8 – Coming Soon

24-70mm f2.8 Zooms

Versatility is the name of the game with the 24-70mm. And if you can only get one lens to do the job for video and stills, this will cover your food photography and then some.

• Canon 24-70mm 2.8L II – $1,699
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 – $1,796.95
• Sony 24-70mm 2.8 GM – $2,198
• Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 – $897.99
• Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 – $849

3rd-Party Alternatives

• Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 G2 – $1,199
• Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art – $1,199

50mm Fast Primes

The standard prime allows you to create separation from your background and give you option of shooting top down images. However, when choosing a lens, the wider your aperture opens the wider your wallet will as well.  If that’s not in the budget for you, check out the finance-friendly alternatives below.

• canon 50mm f1.2l – $1,299
• Nikon 58mm f1.4 – $1,596.95
• Sony/Zeiss 50mm 1.4 – $1,398

3rd-Party Alternatives

• Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art – $849
• Tamron 45mm f1.8 SP – $399

f1.8 Alternatives – “Nifty”

• Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM – $125
• Nikon 50mm f1.8 – $216.95
• Sony 50mm f1.8 – $198

24mm Wide Angle Primes

If you want to shoot food recipes and prep demos you’ll need to show your hands and all the necessary ingredients. A wide prime will give you the perspective you need for your next cooking tutorial, time lapse, or recipe demo.

• Canon 24mm f1.4L – $1,549
• Nikon 24mm f1.4G ED – $1,996.95
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2 – $799
• Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 – $997.99

Third Party Alternative

• Sigma 24mm f1.4 Art – $1,199

Want to learn more about Food Photography?

Photography Tips | The Best Lens For Food Photography

Shooting Tips | Cheap Artificial Lighting For Food Photography

10 Pieces Of Gear You Need For Food Photography At Any Price Level

How We Turned Our Breakfast Nook Into A Food Photography Studio