Nikon PC -E Micro 85mm f/2.8D (£1300, $1800)

What’s it for? This is my second-most-used lens for studio photography. I use it for most of my threequarter or front-on shots. It’s sharp, it focuses very close and it has a great focal length for food shots.

Plus points The tilt-and-shift mechanism enables me to precisely control the depth of field, which is absolutely crucial in food photography.

Minus marks It’s too long for overhead shots.