Using different lenses for restaurant photography is a great way to provide more image variety to your restaurant clients. This post shares my three favorite lenses that I bring with me on restaurant photo shoots and the third lens just might surprise you.

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Lenses for Restaurant Photography

Lenses and cameras go hand-in-hand and you’ll want to be sure that the lenses you buy are compatible with your camera’s make and model. I am going to share my three go-to lenses for restaurant photography in relation to the three different types of cameras including:

• Nikon
• FujiFilm
• iPhone

If you use a different camera/brand, you can compare the focal lengths online to find the right lens to match your camera’s make and model. Just type the focal length and your camera brand in the search bar and a list of lenses will come up that will be compatible with your camera. Also, feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I reply to all of my blog comments and emails. 😉

Zoom Lens (Best Lens for Food Photography)

If having multiple lenses for restaurant photography is not in the cards for you right now (lenses are not cheap), my first recommendation is to make sure you have a good zoom lens. A zoom lens is really helpful, because it allows you to capture different focal lengths with only one lens.

A zoom lens means that you can adjust the lens to different focal lengths without having to physically move the camera closer or further away from the subject. By shooting at different focal lengths, you’ll be able to capture one dish a few different ways quickly. It’s safe to say that having a good zoom lens is the best lens for restaurant photography because you can get so many different types of shots with it.

NIKON

My go-to zoom lens for my Nikon cameras is the Nikon 24-70mm 2.8.

FUJIFILM

My go-to zoom lens for my FujiFilm cameras is the Fuji 18-55mm 2.8 IOS.

IPHONE

If I’m using my iPhone 13 Pro, I don’t have a separate zoom lens. There are three lenses built into this iPhone model, which means I can zoom in and out between the three by touching the screen. I do, however, have separate lenses for the next two lens recommendations, so keep on reading.

Macro Lens (Best for Close Up Photography)

A macro lens is a very effective lens when shooting food photography for restaurants. This is because you can get up close and personal to the food to capture the delicious, appetizing details. It helps you provide a unique perspective of the food, because you’re able to get so close to it.

NIKON

My go-to macro lens for my Nikon cameras is the Nikon 105mm 2.8.

FUJIFILM

My go-to macro for my FujiFilm cameras is the Fuji 80mm 2.8.

IPHONE

If I’m using my iPhone 13 Pro, there is a macro lens built in, however, I also use a Macro 10x lens by Moment.

Moment lenses are separate lenses that you can get for your smartphone. In order to use these lenses with your smartphone, you’ll need one of their smartphone cases. This helps you easily twist the lens on and off of the case, which secures it in place.

Wide Angle Lens (Best for Interior Restaurant Photography)

A wide angle lens may come as a surprise in my lenses for restaurant photography lineup. But, it should absolutely be included in this list. Restaurants are all about their food, but have you also noticed how much thought and effort they put into their actual space? Believe it or not, interior restaurant photography is just as important as the food photography.

A wide angle lens will help you capture the interior of the restaurant with ease, not to mention beautiful sharpness. Images of food make people think, “I want to eat that!” But, images of the interior are just as effective, because they make people think, “I want to eat there!”

NIKON

My go-to macro lens for my Nikon cameras is the Nikon 14-24mm 2.8.

FUJIFILM

My go-to macro for my FujiFilm cameras is the Fuji 16mm 2.8.

IPHONE

If I’m using my iPhone 13 Pro, there is a wide angle built in, however, I also have a Moment Wide Lens.

Similar to any of the separate Moment lenses, you’ll need the smartphone case to easily attach your lens to your smartphone securely.

READ MORE ABOUT: RESTAURANT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Using a variety of lenses for restaurant photography can be pretty game-changing. You’ll be able to capture more image variety through different focal lengths. And, providing more image variety means providing more value to your clients. Focus on having a good zoom lens for different focal lengths, a macro lens for up close photography and a wide angle for interior photography. Reach out with questions anytime and be sure to follow me on Instagram! 😉

Happy Creating!

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All images ©Regan Baroni 2024.