13 Finest Lenses for Meals Images in 2021

Selecting the most effective lens for meals images will enable you create drool-worthy Instagram pictures of scrumptious dishes.

A very good digicam, satisfactory lighting, and creative styling are important for great food photography, however having the correct focal size and lens kind can be an essential consideration.

Usually, a 50mm lens on a full-frame digicam (or 35mm if you happen to use a crop sensor physique) is an effective place to begin – something wider than this could distort the meals at shut distances.

Tilt-shift and macro lenses are additionally in style, and sure zoom lenses may help when framing, so that you don’t have to maintain shifting your tripod for a number of views.

(We don’t focus on utilizing a tilt-shift lens on this information, since excessive costs and lack of versatility make them unsuitable for a lot of meals photographers.)

A large aperture lens can be advisable for meals images, serving to blur the background to attain that dreamy look. It’ll additionally assist if you happen to’re taking pictures in a restaurant with low mild.

On this information, we’ve uncovered the most effective bang to your buck lenses for meals images to cowl all budgets.

So get your fork out – it’s time to dive in!

Finest Lenses for Meals Images in 2021

Canon Lenses

1. Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM

The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is a superb lens that delivers optical sharpness and beautiful outcomes for meals images.

Designed for Canon EF-S vary of APS-C DSLR digicam our bodies (cropped sensor), the 35mm f/2.8 lens contains a true 1:1 macro ratio capturing distinctive element at a minimal distance to focus of simply 5.12″ (13cm).

The f/2.8 most aperture permits for stunning topic separation and background bokeh to assist make your meals images pop.

Together with picture stabilization, this quick aperture additionally permits the lens to carry out nicely in low-light taking pictures situations. In consequence, you possibly can confidently seize mouth-watering meals images even within the darkest laneway bar.

What’s most spectacular concerning the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is its pocketable dimension. It weighs simply 6.7oz (190g) and is a tiny 2.2″ x 2.7″ (56mm x 68mm), making it one of the compact 1:1 macros on supply.

2. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD is a 1:1 macro lens constructed for Canon EF-mount DSLRs.

As a sturdy prime lens to your full-frame digicam, it options in depth mud and moisture sealing to be used in any situation.

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 captures superb meals pictures because of its edge-to-edge picture sharpness and f/2.8 quick max aperture.

A 90mm focal vary and 11″ (28cm) minimal focal distance ends in compressed compositions the place the plate of meals is highlighted with out pointless background distraction.

Apart from the quick aperture, low mild efficiency is assured because of Tamron’s VC picture stabilization. This implies you possibly can shoot at slower shutter speeds with out digicam shake.

The Tamron weighs in at 1.34lb (610gm) and measures simply 4.61 x 2.87 (11.7cm x 7.3cm), making it an ideal pairing with a Canon full-frame sensor camera.

3. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

The lens vary for Canon’s full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras continues to develop and contains the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens. Lastly, a 35mm meals images lens for the Canon R sequence.

It’s tiny at 2.9 x 2.5 inches (7.3cm x 6.35cm) and weighs solely 10.4oz ( 290gm). What makes this pocketable macro lens a winner is its quick f/1.8 aperture and picture stabilization.

Not solely is low-light efficiency assured, however you’ll additionally obtain distinctive meals images pictures with a shallow depth of area – if you happen to get shut sufficient, you possibly can even mimic the look of a tilt-shift lens.

With a 6.7″ (17cm) minimal distance to focus, each scene can be captured in stark element.

The flip facet is that the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens delivers solely 50% magnification on account of its 2:1 macro ratio.

Regardless, these in search of the most effective lens for meals images that’s additionally budget-friendly have to look no additional than this Canon RF mount macro.

4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM

Primes typically make the most effective lenses for meals images as they ship stronger optical efficiency than cheaper zoom lenses – particularly some kit lenses.

Meals photographers taking pictures with a Canon full-frame DSLR ought to choose up the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens. Whereas it’s not a macro lens, the weather-sealed L sequence zoom has a minimal taking pictures distance of 14.9″ (38cm).

A 24-70mm zoom lens vary is efficient in any images genr, offering larger management and flexibility for compositions and framing.

The f/4 fixed max aperture is appropriate for the 70mm finish. On the wider 24mm finish, it’s not ideally suited for low mild situations – although it excels in pure mild.

Nevertheless, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM options Canon’s confirmed picture stabilization to optimize low-light efficiency.

Not many individuals think about using a wide-angle lens for meals images, however taking pictures at 24mm helps embrace extra of the scene, particularly if you happen to compose with the topic within the useless centre to keep away from distortion.

Constructed for Canon’s DSLR digicam vary, the 24-70mm is 3.66″ x 3.27″ (93mm x 83mm) and balanced at 1.32lb (598gm). Should you can solely afford one lens, it’s a fantastic lens to decide on.

Nikon Lenses

5. Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro

Probably the most fascinating close-up meals images captures mouth-watering particulars of the feel, distinction, and placement of elements. The easiest way to attain this impact is with a macro lens.

Nikon APS-C (cropped sensor) photographers are lucky to have the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro delivering a real 1:1 magnification ratio and excessive picture high quality.

The budget-friendly 40mm f/2.8 lens captures ultra-close-up pictures at a minimal distance of simply 6.3″ (16cm).

The quick f/2.8 aperture compensates for the shortage of picture stabilization whereas delivering topic separation and unforgettable background bokeh.

Sturdy and compact, the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro measures 2.56″ x 2.72″ (65mm x 69) and weighs in at a snug 8.3oz (235gm).

6. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD

The identical lens because the Canon EF-mount model, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD is a full-frame 1:1 lens constructed for Nikon’s F-mount DSLRs.

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 for Nikon renders true-to-life shade and excessive picture high quality in each meals images composition.

The quick f/2.8 most aperture and longer 90mm focal size permits tighter compression and beautiful topic separation. Get in tremendous shut for absolute element readability with the 11″ (28cm) minimal focus distance.

One other advantage of the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD is the VC picture stabilization system that pairs with the quick aperture to attain optical readability even in low-light conditions.

The lens is constructed powerful because of options akin to a climate and dust-sealed physique. It weighs 1.34lb (610gm) and has a comparatively compact dimension of 4.61″ x 2.87″ (11.7cm x 7.3cm), pairing nicely with any of the best Nikon cameras.

7. Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

Each Nikon full-frame meals photographer wants a nifty-fifty, quick aperture lens of their package – 50mm is kind of merely the most effective all-purpose prime.

Meals photographers will love the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G for Nikon’s FX format.

It contains a compact and tremendous light-weight physique at 2.09″ x 2.83″ (53mm x 72mm) and 6.5oz (184gm) in weight.

Apart from being an all-purpose and light-weight prime, it options quick autofocus, correct handbook focus, and ultra-wide max aperture at f/1.8. Get shut sufficient, and you may make a photograph appear like it’s taken with a tilt-shift lens.

Such a quick aperture greater than makes up for the shortage of picture stabilization whereas nonetheless delivering glorious background results and topic separation. 

Because it’s not a macro lens, the minimal focus distance is 17″ (45cm) – nevertheless, the 50mm focal size is good for increased compositions and top-down pictures.

Above all, what makes the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G so interesting is its optical efficiency and budget-friendly price ticket. 

8. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S

Nikon continues so as to add high-performance digital mirrorless cameras to its Z-mount vary. The lens lineup can be increasing, with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S probably the greatest selections for meals images.

A flexible 24-70mm full-frame zoom lens makes the best addition to any meals or portrait photographer’s package. The vast finish permits for broader scene-setting pictures, whereas the 70mm finish is good for increased compositions of plated meals.

The weather-sealed physique weighs 1.1lb and measures 3.5″ x 3.1″ (88.9mm x 78.7mm) – so it balances Nikon mirrorless cameras completely.

Whereas the 11″ (28cm) focal distance is nice for meals images, the f/4 most aperture is just not the most effective for low-light taking pictures – particularly because the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S doesn’t function picture stabilization for slower shutter speeds.

Should you maintain out of darkish corners, nevertheless, this zoom lens will serve you nicely.

The autofocus system is extremely quick; nevertheless, it’s price declaring that the 24-70mm f/4 suffers from lens respiratory when acquiring sharp focus.

Fujifilm Lenses

9. Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro

The Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro lens is the most effective meals images lens to your cropped sensor X-Professional or X-T sequence of Fuji cameras.

The 60mm focal distance is a 90mm FF equal on a cropped sensor digicam physique and offers crystal clear and tack sharp photographs with glorious compression.

The Fujifilm 60mm has a quick f/2.4 aperture to ship clear topic separation and lovely background bokeh.

Whereas it’s not weather-sealed, it’s constructed like a tank, weighing 7.6oz (215.5gm) and measuring 2.8″ x 2.52″ (71mm x 64mm).

The Fuji 60mm delivers a 2:1 magnification ratio whereas permitting ultra-close-up pictures at a minimal focus distance of 10.6″ (27cm).

Because it’s an older lens, the main focus is just not as quick because the newer Fujifilm macro lenses. Regardless, it captures mesmerizing meals images photographs each time.

Sony Lenses

10. Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro

Sony full-frame cameras and high quality lenses are the celebs of the Sony camera lineup. However that doesn’t imply that Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless digicam physique shooters have to miss out.

The Sony E 30mm f/3.5 is a implausible and inexpensive 1:1 macro lens that’s good for meals images. Its easy design, options, and efficiency make it ideally suited for anybody new to the meals images style.

To stability completely with Sony crop sensor cameras, this lens weighs 10.2oz (290gm) and measures a stocky 3.54″ x 4.72″(90mm x 120mm).

The Sony E 30mm f/3.5 1:1 lens contains a affordable f/3.5 most aperture. It’s not ideally suited for low mild situations, particularly because the lens doesn’t function picture stabilization.

Regardless, with a super-close 3.74″ (9.5cm) minimal focus distance and Sony’s famend optical high quality, it’s an ideal meals images lens for APS-C cameras.

11. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Fanatic {and professional} Sony meals photographers can’t ignore all that the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS has to supply.

A 90mm focal vary and quick most f/2.8 aperture mix to ship distinctive picture compression, topic separation, and background bokeh.

As one of many extra neglected Sony lenses within the lineup, outcomes from the 90mm f/2.8 are spectacular, to say the least.

It has a minimal focusing distance of 11″ (28cm) and a 0.92x magnification. Whereas it’s not fairly a real 1:1 macro ratio meals lens, it’s fairly shut.

The Sony 90mm delivers distinctive efficiency in all lighting situations – particularly because of its Optical Regular Shot picture stabilization.

If we have been to level out a single fault, it will be the price of the lens. Nevertheless, this can be a premium product that received’t disappoint you in your quest to seek out the greatest lens for meals images.

Olympus and Panasonic Lenses

12. Panasonic LUMIX G Macro 30mm f/2.8 Asph Mega OIS

Micro 4 Thirds photographers needn’t be ignored because of the Panasonic LUMIX G Macro 30mm f/2.8 Asph Mega OIS.

With a 60mm FF equal and quick f/2.8 aperture, tight compositions with a stunning depth of area are assured.

As one of many best Micro Four Thirds lenses, it boasts a 12″ (30cm) minimal distance to focus for very good close-ups of a plated dish, even in a darkish setting.

The Panasonic LUMIX G Macro 30mm f/2.8 Asph Mega OIS is light-weight at 9.6oz (272gm) and really compact at 3.23″ x 4.41″ (8.2cm x 11.2cm).

Whereas it doesn’t function climate sealing, this strong little lens is a winner because of its quick autofocus, correct handbook focus, optical picture stabilization, and mesmerizing picture high quality in each shot.

13. Olympus M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 Professional

Meals images typically calls for close-ups to seize the textures and particulars in a dish. It’s laborious to get any nearer than the 1.77″ (4.5cm) minimal focusing distance of the micro four-thirds Olympus M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 Professional lens.

The 12-45mm (24-90mm equal crop issue) zoom vary is good for meals images to seize vast desk pictures or tighter close-ups.

The flip facet of this flexibility is the fixed and low max aperture of f/4 and the two:1 macro ratio.

Regardless, newcomers taking pictures with a micro four-thirds digital camera will make nice use of this helpful little macro zoom.

It’s light-weight at 14.8oz (419gm) and measures a pocketable 2.8″ x 2.5″ (71mm x 63.5mm).

Meals Images Lenses FAQs

What Canon lens is greatest for meals images?

The perfect Canon lens for meals images is dependent upon your digicam mount and preferences. Many meals photographers choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras. DSLR meals photographers in search of a zoom ought to contemplate the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM.

What focal size is sweet for meals images? 

The perfect focal size for beautiful meals images is one within the vary of 50-90mm (full-frame equal).

50-90mm delivers glorious composition values akin to a compressed area of view and minimal background parts. Coincidentally, 50-90mm is the most effective focal size vary for portrait images too.

Is 35mm good for meals images?

The 35mm focal size is an effective one for journalistic meals images. At 35mm, you obtain an appropriate quantity of compression to have the meals as a foreground topic with out an excessive amount of background distraction.

Which Nikon lens is greatest for meals images?

For sharp photographs, meals photographers taking pictures with a cropped sensor Nikon DX digicam ought to use the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro lens.

For a full-frame digicam, probably the greatest lenses for meals images is the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD. It delivers very good picture high quality in low-light situations.

Is an 18-55mm lens good for meals images?

These simply getting began in meals images want a fantastic lens and will contemplate the 18-55mm package lens that got here with their digicam. Equipment lenses are sometimes underrated.

For newcomers, it’s the most effective lens for meals images because the 18mm wide-angle works nicely with close-ups, whereas the 55mm lengthy finish is good for overhead pictures with minimal background parts.

Last Phrases

Meals images has confirmed to be a well-liked and rising style. In consequence, the record of greatest lenses for meals images retains on rising.

Social media, vloggers, bloggers, and influencers have pushed the standard of overhead pictures to new heights. What’s extra, the demand for high quality photographs from eating places, bars, and meals supply companies has boomed.

Fairly than taking the lazy strategy of photographing meals together with your smartphone, take it up a notch.

With the most effective lens – both for full-frame cameras or cropped sensor cameras – you’ll seize compelling pictures even of on a regular basis meals.

What digicam our bodies and lenses do you utilize for meals images? Have you ever shot meals images professionally, and in that case, what are your ideas for the style?

Share your experiences, questions, and feedback under to affix the dialog. Completely happy taking pictures.

Disclaimer: All suggestions are neutral and based mostly on consumer expertise, with no bias to the merchandise or the model. The merchandise on this submit could include affiliate hyperlinks.