What Lens for Food Photography? A Complete (and Delicious) Guide by Spinthiras Media

Ibrahim Doodhwala
May 5
3 min read

Introduction: Why Your Lens Choice is as Important as the Dish Itself

Let’s be real—food photography isn’t just about pointing your camera at a plate and hoping for the best. If that were the case, we’d all be Instagram-famous by now. No, my friend, capturing drool-worthy food shots requires the right gear, especially the right lens.

Whether you're an aspiring food photographer, a restaurant owner looking for the best food photographers in Dubai, or just someone who wants their homemade avocado toast to look like a Michelin-starred masterpiece, this guide is for you.

(And yes, we’ll keep it fun. No dry, technical jargon here—just tasty advice from Ibrahim and the Spinthiras Media team.)

Why Your Lens Matters More Than Your Filter Game

Think of your lens as the salt of food photography—it enhances everything. The wrong lens can make even the most decadent chocolate cake look like a sad pancake. The right one? It turns a simple salad into a textural masterpiece.

Here’s why lens choice is a big deal:

✔ Sharpness & Detail – You want to see every sprinkle, drizzle, and crumb.✔ Bokeh (Fancy Blur) – That dreamy background blur makes your dish pop.✔ Color & Light Handling – Because no one likes washed-out hummus.

(Pro tip from Ibrahim at Spinthiras Media: If you're looking for a professional food photographer in Dubai, check their lens kit first. The good ones don’t skimp!)

Prime Lenses: The Secret Weapon of Food Photographers

Prime lenses (fixed focal length) are like the VIPs of food photography. They’re sharp, fast, and give you that creamy background blur that makes food look irresistible.

1. The “Nifty Fifty” – 50mm f/1.8

Best for: Overhead flat lays, 45-degree shots.
Why we love it: Affordable, lightweight, and perfect for beginners.
Dubai foodie bonus: Great for capturing those luxurious brunch spreads in all their glory.

2. The Flattering 85mm f/1.8

Best for: Close-ups with dreamy bokeh.
Why we love it: Makes even a simple shawarma look like a work of art.
Pro move from Spinthiras Media: Ideal for restaurant menu photography—because no one resists a well-shot biryani.

3. The Macro Master – 100mm f/2.8

Best for: Extreme close-ups (think honey dripping off baklava).
Why we love it: Captures every sesame seed on your burger bun.
Dubai photographer tip: If you’re a product photographer in Dubai, this lens is gold for food packaging shots.

(Fun fact: Some of the best food photographers in Dubai, including our team at Spinthiras Media, swear by prime lenses for their crisp, magazine-worthy shots.)

Zoom Lenses: For When You Need to Move Fast

Not all heroes wear capes—some carry zoom lenses. These are perfect for dynamic shoots where you can’t keep switching lenses (like when you’re dodging waiters in a busy Dubai café).

1. The Versatile 24-70mm f/2.8

Best for: Everything from wide restaurant shots to detailed plating.
Why we love it: One lens to rule them all (or at least most food shoots).

2. The Long-Range 70-200mm f/2.8

Best for: Shooting from a distance (great for candid kitchen shots).
Ibrahim’s tip: If you’re a food photographer in Dubai working in tight spaces, this might be overkill—but it’s amazing for outdoor setups.

Macro Lenses: Because Details Sell

Ever wondered how professional food photography makes every grain of saffron look like gold? Macro lenses.

Perfect for:
- Melting cheese pulls
- Glossy chocolate drips
- Dubai’s intricate desserts (looking at you, kunafa)

If you’re serious about food professional photography, a macro lens is a must. At Spinthiras Media, we use it to make every dish look irresistible.

How to Choose the Best Lens for Your Food Photography

Before you max out your credit card, ask yourself:

What’s my shooting style?
- Overhead? 50mm.
- Close-ups? 100mm Macro.
- Restaurant scenes? 24-70mm zoom.
What’s my budget?
- Start with a 50mm f/1.8 (it’s cheap and brilliant).
- Upgrade later to a macro or fast zoom.
Where am I shooting?
- Tiny Dubai café? Prime lens.
- Spacious studio? Zoom or macro.

(Bonus tip from Spinthiras Media: If you’re hiring a photographer for food in Dubai, ask what lenses they use. The right gear = better photos.)

Final Bite: Lens Recommendations for Every Level

Skill Level	Best Lens Choice	Perfect For
Beginner	50mm f/1.8	Instagram foodies, bloggers
Intermediate	85mm f/1.8 or 24-70mm f/2.8	Restaurant menus, pro shoots
Advanced	100mm Macro or 70-200mm f/2.8	Commercial food photography

Hungry for More? Let Spinthiras Media Handle It!

If all this lens talk has you dizzy (or just hungry), maybe it’s time to call in the experts. At Spinthiras Media, led by Ibrahim, we’re some of the top food photographers in Dubai, and we know our lenses like chefs know their knives.