Hi Jorj, The real issue for foodies is not so much the focal length (Ill address that a little lower) but DOF. Distortion of the plated foods, the plates and such are always a problem and the shorter focal lengths give better DOF but also distort the shape & texture of the food. I do loads of food shots with 4x5 camera and some with 35 or MF and all formats have similar issues. With LF you have the ability to swing and tilt which really is a handy thing to have. However close ups w/ LF require quite a bit of set up and planning prior to plating the food and creating the image. If you can locate and rent a T/S lens for your 35mm it will help get the at least some of the distortion out. I use a 210mm lens in LF and 90mm T/S lens in 35mm (canon). I have also used 200 and 300mm 2.8 for food shots to get a unique look. Zooms will usually look like crap. Good luck. Les ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jorj" <jorj@groupmedia.com> To: "List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students" <photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu> Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 4:52 PM Subject: Ideal focal length for food photography > Any experienced food photographers have a preferred focal length (for 35mm) > for photographing food shots, plated settings? > > Jorj >
