In this article, I will share my personal recommendations for wedding photography lenses for your next wedding shoot. These are the lenses that I consider to be essential in wedding photography work.
Wedding Photography is very different from other types of photography because you are not just capturing a snapshot of the bride and groom. You are capturing a moment in their lives that would most likely otherwise be forgotten.
Wedding photography incorporates different photography genres like fashion, product, macro, food, portrait, architectural, and night.
One of the most challenging photography genres that a beginner or professional photographer can do is Wedding photography.
The Wedding Photographer’s job goes beyond just snapping photos. They need to make sure they capture every angle, every movement, and perfect moments without being intrusive to the occasion.
The 7 Must-have Lenses for Wedding Photography
Wedding Photography
The wedding photography industry is becoming more and more popular. With more couples opting for large elaborate affairs, the need for high-quality cameras and lenses is also on the rise so that everyone can enjoy these momentous occasions to their fullest.
As the number of professionals investing their time and resources into wedding photography increases, so too does the market for high-quality lenses.
It is very evident that you need more than just a basic camera to be a successful wedding photographer. You will need to have the right lenses on hand in order to capture the best moments of the occasion.
However, the sheer number of wedding lenses available out there can be staggering for amateur photographers who are just starting.
- The 7 Must-have Lenses for Wedding Photography
- Wedding Photography
- 1. 70- 200mm f/2.8 lens for wedding photography
- 2. 50mm lens for wedding photography
- 3. 85mm lens for wedding photography
- 4. 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for wedding photography
- 5. A Macro Lens 100mm for Nikon or 100mm for Canon for wedding photography
- 6. 35mm f/1.4 lens for wedding photography
- 7. 16-35mm f/2.8 Canon or f/4 Nikon lens for wedding photography
- Final Words on the 7 Must-have Lenses for Wedding Photography
1. 70- 200mm f/2.8 lens for wedding photography
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What is the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens?
The 70-200mm lens is an essential part of a professional wedding photographer’s kit. You can find this lens in the bag of almost every working pro out there. This lens is extremely versatile and has a variety of uses.
The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field shots that will allow you to separate your subject from the background while maintaining focus on both.
With the 70-200mm lens, you can capture candid moments at the wedding ceremony and laughs at the reception.
Features of the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
The 70-200mm is also ideal for shooting group shots at a wedding. Its long focal length lets you frame the shot and compose it from a distance. This ensures you will remain inconspicuous while doing so! The lens allows you to get close to the action without disrupting the moment.
This lens is also the best option if you plan on shooting from up high. You can take photos of the wedding venue from a top-of-the-heaven without getting too close to it. You do not want to miss that perfect moment while shooting from 10ft away!
The 70-200mm is extremely versatile, easily the best lens for weddings. If you are looking for something to cover a variety of different photography genres, this lens is one of the best choices out there.
Why do I recommend the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens?
This lens is ideal for every wedding photographer who wants to deliver professional results for their clients.
I always recommend this lens to beginners because it has a fast aperture and will allow them to get the shot in almost every lighting condition. The ability to shoot in low-light conditions is one of the reasons why I prefer this lens.
A fast f/2.8 aperture means you can shoot in low-light conditions without a flash and still get the shot. The fast aperture also allows for a shallow depth-of-field so that you can capture your subjects against a blurred background.
The 70-200mm focal length is excellent for wide group shots because it gives you enough distance to frame the photo and stay inconspicuous! You can get candid moments of the wedding party as they interact before, during, and after the ceremony.
2. 50mm lens for wedding photography
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What is the 50mm lens?
Nifty Fifty is the name coined for this fantastic lens. It is the preferred lens for portraits because of the great bokeh it produces.
The 50mm focal length also lends itself to shooting with a very shallow depth-of-field.
If you are looking for a lens that will allow you to get creative while making portraits, this is the one to get.
The 50mm (or slightly wider) prime lens is the bread and butter of any wedding photographer’s kit. This versatile lens is a favorite among beginner and professional wedding photographers alike.
This is one of the best choices out there if you want to cover a variety of different photography genres.
Features of the 50mm lens
With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, you can shoot in reduced lighting conditions without using a flash or overexposing the image by cranking up the ISO setting on your camera too high.
The 50mm focal length perfectly suits portraits, events, fashion, weddings, and even street photography. It is one of the most practical lenses you can have in your bag!
The 50mm is a prime lens with excellent low-light performance due to its wide maximum aperture of f/1.2. This makes it ideal for dimly lit situations at a wedding reception or ceremony and allows you to get the shot without using a flash.
The ability to shoot with a shallow depth-of-field gives you more creative control.
This lens is less ideal for macro shots, but you can still get the shot with the right kit. It’s ideal for any shooting styles you choose to experiment with!
Why do I recommend the 50mm lens for wedding photography?
This lens is ideal for every wedding photographer who wants to deliver professional results for their clients.
I always recommend this lens to beginners because it has a fast aperture of f/1.2, which allows you to shoot in low-light conditions without using a flash or cranking up the ISO setting on your camera too high. The ability to shoot in low-light conditions is one of the reasons I prefer this lens.
A fast f/1.2 aperture means you can shoot in low-light conditions without a flash and still get the shot. The fast aperture also allows for shallow depth-of-field so that you can capture your subjects against a blurred background.
The 50mm focal length is ideal for portraits and events because it is not too wide or narrow. It is not too wide, which is what you want when shooting such events. It’s not too narrow either, which means the shots will be well-framed and give you plenty of room to play around with different shots.
The 50mm prime lens allows you to get close enough to the subject without causing a distraction during a wedding. Many pro photographers at weddings use the 50mm focal length for this reason.
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3. 85mm lens for wedding photography
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What is the 85mm lens?
The 85mm lens is a very popular choice for Wedding Photographers because it allows them to get some really lovely shots without being too obtrusive.
I would recommend this lens to photographers who are just starting and are on a budget. It is affordable, making it a good investment if you don’t know what kind of gear you will need for weddings.
It is also a good choice for photographers looking to try something new or improve their skills without a significant investment. You can start with this lens and then upgrade when you feel like it.
This is the next step for photographers who want to move up from the 50mm lens that I listed above to a longer focal length. It is pretty affordable but still delivers professional results that will make your clients happy with their pictures from the wedding.
Features of the 85mm f/1.2 Lens
This lens is a fantastic choice for photographers who want to try out a longer focal length than the 50mm lens. It offers excellent results in low-light conditions.
The 85mm f/1.2 lens has very fast autofocus, which is excellent if you are shooting a wedding when you need to quickly adjust and change your point of focus at short notice.
The 85mm focal length is also great for portraits because it will allow you to get close enough to the subject without causing a distraction during your session yet still get the shot. It is also wide enough for you to play around with backgrounds and even crop the image without issues.
It is not a true macro lens, but you can still get the shot when needed if you purchase the right equipment for it.
Why do I recommend the 85mm lens for wedding photography?
The 85mm lens is a very popular choice for Wedding Photographers because of its versatility. It is suitable for portraits, events, fashion, weddings, and even street photography.
It is an excellent lens to get started with, and it’s a safe choice if you don’t know what kind of gear you’ll need as a wedding photographer. If it’s your first lens, it will serve you well until you know how much you’ll need. Once you start shooting weddings, then you may know what kind of gear or lenses you might need in the future.
For photographers who are just starting out their career and are on a budget, this is also an excellent lens to get started with. The lens is affordable and delivers the necessary results to make your clients happy with their pictures from the wedding.
It’s also an excellent lens to try out if you want to move up from the 50mm lens that I listed above to a longer focal length. This lens is pretty affordable but still delivers professional results that will make your clients happy with their pictures from the wedding.
4. 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for wedding photography
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What is the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens?
The 24-70mm lens is ideal for every wedding photographer who wants to capture images of their clients without being too obtrusive. It is a decent lens that will allow you to shoot at a distance without causing a disturbance to your clients.
You can use this lens in low-light conditions without a flash and still get clear shots of the subject without making them look caked in light.
The 24-70mm range is great because it covers the range that most wedding photographers will need. You will get some really nice shots without having to change your lens.
Features of the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens
For Nikon shooters, this lens is ideal for working in low-light conditions without using a flash. Photographers have said that it’s excellent for shooting at events such as weddings without causing too much of a distraction.
It also has really fast autofocus due to its fast aperture and advanced silent wave motor. This means that you can focus on your subject quickly in order to capture the moment right.
The 24-70 is a very sharp lens with beautiful bokeh. It’s great for portraits and weddings, and ideal for commercial, fashion, product, and event photography. It is also sturdily built with a metal mount and weather sealings to protect it against dust and water splashes.
Why do I recommend the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for wedding photography?
The 24-70mm lens is an excellent lens for weddings and other types of photography such as fashion, portrait, and even landscape.
It’s an excellent all-around lens that many kinds of photographers can use for different styles of photography. It’s very sharp with beautiful bokeh to make those portraits stand out.
The lens is ideal for wedding photographers who want to capture the moment without being too obtrusive or distracting to the bride and groom on their big day. It’s also an excellent lens to try out if you want to move up from the 50mm lens that I listed above to a longer focal length.
I would recommend this lens to photographers who are just starting in the field of wedding photography. It is ideal for those who want to try something new, those who do not know what kind of gear they might need in the future, or those on a budget.
For more experienced photographers looking into getting an affordable, professional lens that will perform well during weddings, this is also a good choice.
5. A Macro Lens 100mm for Nikon or 100mm for Canon for wedding photography
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What is a macro lens?
A macro lens is a must-have lens for wedding photographers. It is a great lens that will allow you to get closer to your subject while still producing sharp images. For wedding photography, macro lenses allow you to get close to the rings, jewelry, and other accessories.
A macro lens would be perfect for capturing the details of the bride’s dress. For shooting portraits, it would make the person look more realistic.
This lens is ideal for those who love close-up shots and portraits. It is great for wedding photographers who want to capture the bride and groom in an intimate setting.
Features of a macro lens
Even with a macro lens, you will not be able to get very close to your subject, but with wedding photography, it is nice to get this close without disturbing them or making them feel uncomfortable.
This is what makes the macro lens such an excellent lens for wedding photographers. It allows you to get closer to your subject without causing too much of a distraction. Many of the lenses I have listed so far are great, but with weddings, it’s good to capture smaller details of the wedding as well.
If you can get close enough with one of the other lenses, then that is fine. A macro lens is designed just for getting up close and personal to take some great shots.
Macro lenses are also perfect when photographing people. For example, the bride and groom can stand in front of you while you photograph them from a distance.
The bride and groom will be slightly out of focus due to being so far away, but they will be very clear in the background.
Why do I recommend a macro lens for wedding photography?
A macro lens is great for wedding photography because it allows you to capture details from up close without being too obtrusive.
It’s ideal for shooting rings, jewelry, and other accessories such as bracelets and necklaces. It’s also great for shooting the groom and bride in an intimate setting other than just a big group photo.
I would recommend a macro lens to photographers looking for something more specific, like shooting smaller details of the wedding or photographing people in an intimate setting.
For example, if you are photographing the rings on the bride’s fingers and want to capture the detail of each ring and its setting, this would be ideal. If you are photographing a small detail such as a bead or even a piece of jewelry, then this lens would also be perfect.
Since the lens can be adjusted to focus on a specific detail without adjusting your distance from the subject. It is an excellent tool for capturing these tiny details. However, it is also great for photographing someone who is far away.
The nice thing about macro lenses is they are specifically designed to shoot from a closer distance while still producing high-quality images.
Getting close to your subject using a macro lens allows you to blur out the background perfectly. So with wedding photography, this lens is a must-have. It’s also great for other types of photography, such as portraits or even landscape photography. It allows you to get close up without causing too much of a distraction from your main subject.
6. 35mm f/1.4 lens for wedding photography
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What is the 35mm f/1.4 lens?
A wide-angle lens is not my first suggestion for wedding photography since they have some limitations. It is still a good lens, especially if you do not mind getting up close and personal with your subjects.
A 35mm lens is a great starting point for photographers. They help bridge the gap to getting into wider angle lenses and some specialty lenses such as macro.
It is an excellent lens for those on a budget, looking for something more budget-friendly, or not knowing what kind of photography they want to pursue.
Features of the 35mm f/1.4 lens
The main objective of this lens is to have wide angles and cover more distance without having to zoom in too much.
This lens can help you get close to the event without causing too much of a disturbance when taking wedding photographs. It even makes it easier to photograph people since it extends out further than other lenses.
This lens will be handy during the bride preparation stage as it enables you to capture all the details and events. Remember, you might be working in a cramped space or a small hotel room.
It is super fast and allows you to shoot in lower light conditions, critical for wedding photography. It is also very sharp, and it has a faster maximum aperture, which allows you to reduce the amount of noise and grain in your shots.
The extra-wide angle allows you to capture more of the scene, making it easy to get everyone into the frame when shooting small groups of people.
Why do I recommend the 35mm f/1.4 lens for wedding photography?
It’s great for both intimate as well as large group shots. It’s ideal for those who don’t want to spend too much and are looking to get into the lens world.
The good thing about this lens is that it has good quality, which will allow you to produce high-quality images without too much noise or grain.
The most important feature is a very sharp lens and wide angle. This will give you a significant advantage when working out in the field.
Unfortunately, it can be pretty expensive but remember that you will get a high-end quality lens.
The focal length is great for shooting down the aisle during the ceremony or further away during portrait sessions. It’s also ideal for shooting larger groups of people since it allows you to get big groups into the frame without zooming in too much.
Since it is a versatile lens and has a fast maximum aperture, it is great for shooting in low light conditions.
As you can see, you do not have to worry about buying more than one lens. That alone is a huge advantage!
Properly placed lighting can do wonders for shooting with a wide-angle lens. For example, if you are shooting in an indoor venue and want to capture a large group of people, this lens will come in handy. You can easily blur your background and get everyone into the frame while keeping them well-lit in focus.
7. 16-35mm f/2.8 Canon or f/4 Nikon lens for wedding photography
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What is the 16-35mm lens?
The 16-35mm focal length is another focal length that’s perfect for a wedding photographer. It gives you a great starting point for wide-angle lenses.
Being in the wide-angle range gives you enough flexibility to capture a variety of photos without needing to zoom in too much. The ultra-wide-angle will help you capture the environment.
Do not forget to check out our review of the 5 Best lenses for landscape photography.
Being able to capture the venue and landscape shots will be vital for the couple. The venue photos set the scene for the day and are great memories for the couple to have.
Wide-angle lenses are also great for large group shots since they allow you to position yourself quickly and get a group of people in the frame without having to move back too much.
Often, you might not even have to use the flash during your day, instead use natural lighting to capture beautiful photos. I prefer to use natural lighting as it tends to be more unforced, and you can capture much natural light.
Features of the 16-35mm lens
The lens is wide, which will allow you to capture more of the scene and create a more natural look for your photo. The widest angle lens is great for getting everyone into the frame without needing to zoom in too much.
It also has a fast maximum aperture, which allows you to reduce noise in your images and get much light into the scene. So if you are photographing long exposures or night portraits, this is a must-have lens for shooting them.
The 16-35mm focal length is really great for taking photos that are not straight on. You will see more of the background and surrounding environment in these shots. This lens will help you get that far distance without having to zoom in too much.
Why do I recommend the 16-35mm lens for wedding photography?
This lens is excellent for various features and will allow you to cover more of the scene with ease. With this lens, you will be able to capture the environment and get into tight spaces without having to move back too much.
It’s also great for capturing various photos, including portraits and landscapes, without having to zoom in too much.
You can use it for indoor or outdoor photography since it will not be too heavy to carry around all day.
This lens works great for shooting both in low light as well as in bright, sunny surroundings.
The best thing about this lens is that you get a high-end quality without spending too much. This is a high-quality lens with an affordable price tag and will allow you to capture images in various situations.
Even though it is not the fastest maximum aperture, it is still one of my favorite lenses and works great when photographing weddings. The 16-35mm focal length is also great for photographing large groups of people.
The fast maximum aperture will help you capture those beautiful portraits with a shallow depth of field and blur the background.
Final Words on the 7 Must-have Lenses for Wedding Photography
Now that you know the lenses I recommend for wedding photography, you have a better idea of what equipment to buy for your own wedding photography business.
For the most part, I use these lenses for my wedding photography and enjoy using them. Each one has its advantages and can be used in a variety of situations. So when you are choosing your lenses for your bride and groom, make sure they do not cost too much because there could be more than one that they need.
Whatever happens, you do not need to spend much money on lenses. The quality of the lens is not as important as your experience and skill.
These lenses can be helpful for wedding photography, and I have included them because they are some of my favorites. I use a variety of lenses for various occasions, so I’m sure that you can adapt and find ways to make these lenses work for you.
You may not need every one of these lenses for your wedding photography business, but that’s okay.
They are all high-quality lenses and give you a better general idea of what types of lenses you should be purchasing.
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