4 best lenses for wedding photography

Are you a photographer searching for the best lenses for wedding photography? Discover the essential lenses I carry in my camera bag as a Canon wedding photographer. If you don’t use Canon, seek out lenses with similar focal lengths and apertures from your camera’s brand. Read on to find out more about the top wedding photography lenses for capturing unforgettable moments.

My name is Hung, and I am a wedding photographer based in Southern California. I frequently capture beautiful moments at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Beach, and other stunning locations across California. I also cover destination weddings in Mexico, from Los Cabos to Cancun. With many years of experience, I’m here to guide you on what equipment to buy if you are entering the wedding photography industry.

Best Overall Lens for Wedding Photography

My 28-70mm F.2,

I use this versatile lens 90% of the time during weddings. Although it’s super expensive and quite heavy, its ability to maintain an f/2 aperture throughout the zoom range is truly remarkable. If you have to choose one lens for wedding photography that does it all, this is the perfect choice. It offers the stunning bokeh typically associated with an f/1.2 lens and the dynamic range of a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens (which is a close second choice).

This lens excels in low-light situations, allowing for incredible detail and clarity in every shot. Whether capturing intimate close-ups or wide-angle group photos, this lens delivers exceptional performance. Its durability and reliability make it an invaluable tool for any professional wedding photographer. If you want to elevate your wedding photography game, investing in this lens is a decision you won’t regret.

 

Best Portrait Lenses for Wedding Photography: 50mm 1.2 Prime Lens

I’m going to encourage you to buy is the Canon RF 50mm 1.2L lens.

When I first bought the Canon R5, this was my go-to camera lens. It’s one of the most beautiful lenses I’ve ever used and is incredibly versatile in various lighting conditions, thanks to its f/1.2 aperture. If you want to achieve a beautifully blurred background, this lens is perfect for wedding photography. Many photographers also prefer the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L lens over the 50mm for its stunning results.

This lens excels in creating dreamy, soft backgrounds that make subjects stand out, adding an artistic touch to wedding photos. Its fast aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance, making it ideal for capturing romantic moments even in dim settings. If you’re aiming to elevate your wedding photography with stunning bokeh and outstanding image quality, this lens is a must-have in your camera bag.

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Wedding Photography

The next in my best lenses for wedding photography lineup is the Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L.

This lens is my go-to for reception shots. It’s perfect for wide-angle room shots, capturing lively moments on the dance floor, and getting great images in tight spaces. Unlike older lenses, including the EF version, it minimizes distortion, so you don’t have to worry about stretching people and objects near the edge of the frame.

This lens is ideal for capturing the entire venue’s architecture and creating artistic shots that your clients will love. Its ability to handle low-light conditions ensures that every moment, from the first dance to the final toast, is captured beautifully. If you want to enhance your wedding photography portfolio with stunning, distortion-free images, this lens is a perfect addition to your kit.

Best Zoom Lens for Wedding Photography

The final must-have in the best lenses for wedding photography category is a long zoom lens. Canon’s 70-200mm lenses have been a staple in my photography kit for as long as I’ve been a photographer. This lens allows you to capture all the moments and people’s reactions from a distance without being intrusive.

Using a long zoom lens is particularly beneficial because it helps you photograph candid emotions, especially from those who are camera shy. By keeping your distance, you allow people to be more relaxed and natural, often forgetting that you’re even there. This results in more genuine and heartfelt images.

Whether you’re capturing the emotional exchange of vows, heartfelt speeches, or candid moments on the dance floor, a 70-200mm lens ensures you get beautiful, intimate shots without disrupting the moment. If you’re serious about wedding photography, this lens is an essential tool for your camera bag.