My Favourite Lenses for Restaurant & Food Photography
Choosing the right lens is one of the most critical decisions for a food and restaurant photographer. The glass you use determines everything from the scope of a grand dining room shot to the mouth-watering detail of a close-up texture. After years of shooting in various dining environments, I’ve settled on a core kit of Canon lenses that I rely on for nearly every professional assignment.
Here is a look at my favourite lenses for restaurant photography and how I use them:
1. Canon EF 16-35mm F/4 (The Space and Scale Expert)
To truly capture the essence of a dining experience, you need to set the scene. That’s where the 16-35mm F/4 comes in.
I use this wide-angle zoom for two primary applications: top-down table spreads and wide shots of the architecture and space. It allows me to fit an entire, beautifully arranged table into a single frame, or showcase the atmosphere and design of the restaurant itself. Both types of shots are absolutely crucial for telling a complete story in restaurant photography.
2. Canon RF 24-105mm F/4 (The Versatile Workhorse)
If I could only carry one lens, the RF 24-105mm F/4 would be a top contender. This lens provides incredible versatility, allowing me to move quickly from one setup to the next without changing lenses.
It handles wide shots for large table spreads and expansive views of large restaurants with ease. Critically, the long end of the zoom (up to 105mm) also gives me the ability to get detailed close-ups and textures without having to physically move my setup, making it the ultimate all-in-one lens for a dynamic shoot.
3. Canon RF 100mm Macro F/2.8 (The Detail Specialist)
When I need my food images to truly pop with life and detail, I reach for the RF 100mm Macro F/2.8. I love this prime lens because of how much it offers in terms of results.
The macro capability is a game-changer. It allows me to get incredibly close, ensuring the food looks life-like, and that key textures such as sauce, herbs, flakes, or even sugar, look sharp and crisp. If your goal is to make viewers feel like they can reach out and touch the dish, this is the lens you need.
4. Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 (The Trusty Backup)
I don’t use this lens often, but when I do, it’s a beast! The RF 50mm F/1.8 is an absolute necessity for any kit.
I carry this one around as my “just in case” lens. It’s remarkably lightweight and takes up little room in my case, making it perfect for cramped shoots or when I need to pack light. I use this lens specifically to achieve a “natural” perspective, closely mimicking what the human eye sees, which is fantastic for candid plating or quick detail shots that require a simple, classic look.
