Lens Profile | FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

For food photographer Pablo Gil, photographing his subject is much more than simply making the dish look appealing. “When I start a food photography project, the first thing I aim to capture is the product's core essence,” he explains. “I want to understand its identity - the "why" and the "what for" behind the image.”

His choice of lens for capturing these images is his trusted Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS. The lens was launched a decade ago, but its 1:1 magnification and superb image quality have made it a much-coveted lens to this day.

“For me, the 90mm macro is a true classic. It was one of my first Sony Alpha lenses, and I was blown away by its performance from the start. It continues to deliver cutting-edge results on modern camera bodies,” says Pablo.

Two of his most recent projects shot with the 90mm macro lens were for Skrei Cod “Seafood from Norway” and a Workshop Session with Cordon Bleu Madrid. Regardless of his client, Pablo wants to tell the story behind a meal, its ingredients and the work that goes into its creation. “I'm not just chasing the most spectacular texture or the most eye-catching shot. What matters to me is telling a visual story with clear intention - something the viewer can feel, connect with, and enjoy.”

All the shots were taken with a 90mm Macro lens paired with Sony’s Alpha 7R V camera and its 61-megapixel sensor. “The sensor is extremely demanding,” says Pablo, “so it's the perfect test of any lens, and the 90mm macro always passes the test beautifully. It pairs well with the latest high-resolution sensors.”

At the workshop session with Le Cordon Bleu, Madrid, the chef created two dishes, each with very contrasting presentations. “Both are Mediterranean and very traditional, but we worked on the presentation using two very different creative ideas: one minimalist and more avant-garde, and the other with traditional props and a natural, rural narrative, a concept based on ‘field to table’” Pablo explains. This exercise perfectly illustrates how different moods can be created through styling and lighting choices.

The recent social media campaign for Skrei Cod “Seafood from Norway” faced some technical challenges, which the 90mm lens helped to overcome. “The details of the cod in its white layers were especially difficult,” Pablo explains. The project concept was based on Nordic minimalism, with an emphasis on the subtle textures of premium seafood. For each of the four preparations, Pablo employed three distinct camera positions: an overhead shot, a subject view, and a close-up shot, showcasing the 90mm macro's versatility in capturing fine detail, colour, and contrast in a variety of different images.

And of course, there are time constraints when photographing freshly prepared plates. “Food deteriorates quickly under lights - it dehydrates, cools down, or loses texture. That means I have a very short window to capture it at its best,” Pablo explains. “The 90mm macro lens allows me to work close to the product while maintaining sharpness and natural proportions. It's light and well-balanced, which gives me more agility when shooting handheld, which helps me find the perfect frame quickly.”

At its launch, it would have been hard to predict some of the technical features of the Sony Alpha 7R V, particularly AI Subject Detection. However, the latest features allow the 90mm lens to thrive, particularly in more challenging scenarios. “Helpful features include the flip-out screen and wireless connectivity with tablets or phones. These tools are essential for use in tight spaces or for overhead shots. I can frame the shot without needing a ladder or complex rig.”

One perhaps unexpected feature that Pablo regularly relies upon is autofocus. “Autofocus tracking matters even in food photography. When I'm shooting handheld or from tricky angles, the camera locks onto the exact area I want, which is often the ‘topping’ or most detailed part of the dish, and stays there. That's especially important with a shallow depth of field shot.”

The FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS has been a brilliant partner for Pablo, giving him confidence when selecting lenses. “Sony clearly designs its lenses to work across generations, which gives me confidence that I'm not just buying a lens, I’m making a long-term investment.”