Best Lenses for the Canon Wedding Photographer
Canon Wedding Photography Lens Guide
Wedding photography is a crucial aspect of any couple's big day, capturing timeless memories for the newlyweds and their loved ones. As a wedding photographer, choosing the right lenses for your Canon camera is essential to delivering high-quality images that showcase your creative vision and technical prowess.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which lenses are best suited for wedding photography and the truth is, there is no right answer. There are so many choices and much will depend on style of photography, camera body and budget. Here’s a little bit of information that explores a few of the top Canon lenses for wedding photography.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a workhorse lens that many professional photographers swear by. This versatile zoom lens is ideal for capturing everything from wide-angle group shots to intimate portraits, making it an excellent all-in-one option for wedding photographers. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures sharp images in low-light situations, while the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides quick and accurate autofocus. The robust build quality and weather sealing make it a reliable choice for outdoor weddings.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a staple in any wedding photographer's arsenal. This popular telephoto zoom lens lets you capture close-up shots of the couple and guests from a distance, minimizing intrusion on intimate moments. The large f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a beautiful background blur (bokeh). Its built-in Image Stabilizer (IS) ensures sharp images even when shooting handheld, while the USM provides fast and silent autofocus.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a classic prime lens, perfect for capturing stunning portraits and detail shots. The wide f/1.2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and enables photographers to create beautiful, soft bokeh, making subjects stand out against the background. The USM offers fast, accurate, and silent autofocus. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent option for photographers who want to stay nimble during the wedding day.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, grand interiors, and large group shots. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for great low-light performance, while the USM provides quick and accurate autofocus. Its robust build quality and weather sealing make it a reliable choice for outdoor weddings.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is a prime lens favoured by many wedding photographers for its ability to create stunning portraits with beautiful background blur. The large f/1.4 aperture delivers outstanding low-light performance, while the built-in IS ensures sharp images when shooting handheld. The USM provides fast, accurate, and silent autofocus, making it perfect for capturing candid moments and emotional reactions during the wedding day.
Choosing the best Canon lenses for wedding photography depends on your shooting style, preferences, and the types of shots you want to capture. The lenses discussed in this article offer a range of options suitable for various situations, from wide-angle group shots to intimate portraits. By investing in these top Canon lenses, you will be well-equipped to deliver stunning images that your clients will cherish for a lifetime.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a versatile prime lens that offers a natural field of view, making it ideal for storytelling and capturing candid moments during the wedding day. The fast f/1.4 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and allows for beautiful bokeh, while the USM ensures quick and accurate autofocus. Its weather-sealed construction and durable build make it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor weddings.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is a fantastic lens for capturing the intricate details of a wedding, such as rings, flowers, and decorations. This macro lens offers a 1:1 magnification ratio, ensuring life-size reproduction of your subjects. The built-in IS helps achieve sharp images when shooting handheld, and the USM delivers fast and silent autofocus. Its f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and produces a pleasing background blur.
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM (for Canon mirrorless cameras)
For those using Canon's mirrorless camera system, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is an outstanding lens option for wedding photography. This versatile zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, and its f/2 aperture provides outstanding low light performance and beautiful bokeh. The USM ensures quick and accurate autofocus, while the lens's robust build quality and weather sealing make it a reliable choice for any wedding environment.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (for Canon mirrorless cameras)
Another excellent option for Canon mirrorless users, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, is a high-performance prime lens that delivers stunning portraits and detail shots. The wide f/1.2 aperture allows for excellent low light performance and creates a beautiful, soft bokeh. Its USM provides fast, accurate, and silent autofocus, and the lens's durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of a busy wedding day.
When selecting Canon lenses for wedding photography, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. By investing in a combination of versatile zoom lenses and fast prime lenses, you'll be prepared to capture a variety of shots and create a comprehensive and visually stunning wedding album. The lenses discussed in this article represent some of the best Canon has to offer, ensuring you deliver outstanding images that will leave a lasting impression on your clients.
Choosing the Perfect Canon Camera for Wedding Photography: Top Picks and Recommendations
Choosing the right camera to capture the most beautiful and memorable moments of a couple's special day is equally as important as lens choice. With an incredible selection of Canon cameras available, making a decision can be overwhelming. Here are a few of my personal insights into the best Canon cameras for wedding photographers, including some key features, advantages, and approximate prices in GBP and USD.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Price: £2,500 (GBP) / $3,200 (USD)
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has been my go-to camera for wedding photography for years, offering excellent image quality and performance in a robust, weather-sealed body. The 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers outstanding detail and dynamic range, while the 61-point autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focus in various lighting conditions. The 7 fps continuous shooting and Dual Pixel CMOS AF make it an excellent choice for capturing candid moments. Its ability to record 4K video adds versatility for those looking to offer video services.
Canon EOS R6
Price: £2,300 (GBP) / $2,900 (USD)
The Canon EOS R6 is a fantastic mirrorless option for wedding photographers, providing great image quality and performance in a compact body. The 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor offers excellent low-light performance, and the 12 fps continuous shooting ensures you won't miss any important moments. The advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and 5-axis in-body image stabilization ensure sharp images even when shooting handheld. The EOS R6 is also capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60 fps, adding extra value to your wedding package.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Price: £1,300 (GBP) / $1,700 (USD)
For wedding photographers on a budget, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers impressive features at an affordable price. The 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor provides excellent image quality and low-light performance, while the 45-point autofocus system and 6.5 fps continuous shooting ensure you can capture every important moment. The vari-angle touchscreen LCD and built-in Wi-Fi make it easy to review and share your images. The EOS 6D Mark II is a great choice for photographers looking for a cost-effective full-frame option.
Canon EOS R
Price: £1,500 (GBP) / $1,900 (USD)
The Canon EOS R is another excellent mirrorless option for wedding photographers, offering a 30.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8 fps continuous shooting, and Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. The vari-angle touchscreen LCD makes it easy to shoot from various angles, and the customizable control ring on RF lenses allows for quick adjustments. The EOS R is a great option for photographers who want a balance between performance and affordability in a mirrorless system.
Canon EOS 90D
Price: £1,100 (GBP) / $1,400 (USD)
For wedding photographers who prefer a crop sensor camera, the Canon EOS 90D is a solid choice. The 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor provides excellent image quality, and the 45-point autofocus system and 10 fps continuous shooting ensure you can capture every moment. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF and vari-angle touchscreen LCD make it easy to shoot both stills and video. With 4K video capabilities and a lower price point, the EOS 90D is an excellent option for those starting in the wedding photography industry.
Here are a pros and cons list for each of the Canon cameras mentioned above, providing a quick comparison to help you decide which camera best suits your needs as a wedding photographer.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Pros:
Excellent image quality with a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor
Robust, weather-sealed body
Fast and accurate 61-point autofocus system
7 fps continuous shooting
4K video capability
Cons:
Higher price compared to some other options
Lacks in-body image stabilisation
Canon EOS R6
Pros:
Compact mirrorless body
Great low-light performance with a 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor
Fast 12 fps continuous shooting
Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
5-axis in-body image stabilization
4K video at up to 60 fps
Cons:
Lower resolution sensor compared to other options
Expensive, especially for those new to the industry
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Pros:
Affordable full-frame option
Good image quality with a 26.2-megapixel sensor
45-point autofocus system
6.5 fps continuous shooting
Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
Cons:
Lacks 4K video capabilities
Autofocus system not as advanced as more expensive options
Canon EOS R
Pros:
30.3-megapixel full-frame sensor
Compact mirrorless body
8 fps continuous shooting
Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
Cons:
Lower fps compared to other options
Lacks in-body image stabilization
Canon EOS 90D
Pros:
Lower price point
High-resolution 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor
45-point autofocus system
10 fps continuous shooting
4K video capability
Cons:
Crop sensor, not full-frame
Lacks in-body image stabilization
Lower dynamic range compared to full-frame options
Each of the Canon cameras listed above has its own set of pros and cons. As a wedding photographer, it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing the right camera. Factors such as image quality, autofocus performance, low-light capability, and budget will all play a role in your decision-making process.
Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS R6 are both excellent choices for professionals looking for high-performance cameras, offering outstanding image quality and advanced autofocus systems. However, they come with higher price tags. For those on a tighter budget, the EOS 6D Mark II and EOS R provide more affordable full-frame options, while the EOS 90D is a cost-effective crop sensor alternative.
Ultimate Canon Kit Guide for all Budgets
I get asked a lot about what kit people need to get started with wedding photography and this will very much depend on budget and personal preferences but I have put together a rough guide on what could work for a variety of budgets
Canon wedding kit guide with a budget of £5000
To put together a comprehensive wedding photography kit for under £5000, it's important to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Here's a suggested kit list that should cover your needs which can be added to and expanded as your business grows
Main camera body: Canon EOS R6 (Approx. £2300) – A versatile and high-performing full-frame mirrorless camera, perfect for capturing a wedding's fast-paced environment.
Backup camera body: Canon EOS RP (Approx. £900) – A compact and budget-friendly full-frame mirrorless camera that provides excellent image quality.
Lenses:
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Approx. £1000) – A versatile and sharp zoom lens that's ideal for capturing a wide range of scenes, from group shots to close-up portraits.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (Approx. £450) – A fast prime lens with macro capabilities, perfect for capturing details and low light situations.
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (Approx. £600) – A mid-telephoto prime lens with macro capabilities that's great for portrait shots and creating a beautiful bokeh effect.
Flash: Godox V1-C (Approx. £230) – A powerful and flexible flash that works seamlessly with the Canon camera system.
Memory cards: 2 x SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB SDXC Memory Card (Approx. £60) – High-speed memory cards with good reliability. In truth you would need at least 8 cards to shoot weddings on your own but 2-4 cards should be good for a second shooter getting started.
Spare batteries: 2 x Canon LP-E6NH (Approx. £100) – Extra batteries to ensure you have enough power throughout the day. I would highly recommended adding a few more as soon as you can
Camera bag: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II (Approx. £180) – A sturdy, spacious, and comfortable camera bag that can hold your gear securely.
Tripod (optional): Manfrotto Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod (Approx. £170) – A compact and lightweight tripod that's easy to carry around, useful for group shots and long exposure photography.
Total cost: Approx. £4990
This kit should provide you with a solid foundation for wedding photography. You may need to adjust the specific items based on your personal preferences and shooting style, but this list should give you a good starting point.
Canon kit guide with a budget of £10,000
With a budget of £10,000, you can invest in higher-end equipment and additional accessories. Here's an upgraded starter kit list for a Canon wedding photographer:
Main camera body: Canon EOS R5 (Approx. £3800) – A high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent performance and features, ideal for capturing the important moments at a wedding.
Backup camera body: Canon EOS R6 (Approx. £2300) – A versatile and high-performing full-frame mirrorless camera that serves as a reliable backup.
Lenses:
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM (Approx. £2400) – A fast, professional-grade zoom lens that's perfect for capturing various wedding scenes with exceptional sharpness.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (Approx. £450) – A fast prime lens with macro capabilities, great for capturing details and low light situations.
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (Approx. £600) – A mid-telephoto prime lens with macro capabilities that's great for portrait shots and creating a beautiful bokeh effect.
Flash: 2 x Godox V1-C (Approx. £460) – Powerful and flexible flashes that work seamlessly with the Canon camera system, allowing for more creative lighting options.
Memory cards: 2 x SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SDXC Memory Card (Approx. £100) – High-speed memory cards with double the storage capacity for a full day's shooting.
Batteries: 4 x Canon LP-E6NH (Approx. £200) – Extra batteries to ensure you have enough power throughout the day.
Tripod: Manfrotto Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod (Approx. £170) – A compact and lightweight tripod that's easy to carry around, useful for group shots and long exposure photography.
Accessories:
Godox X2T-C TTL Wireless Flash Trigger (Approx. £60) – Allows you to wirelessly control and trigger your Godox V1-C flashes for more creative lighting setups.
Total cost: Approx. £10,040
Canon wedding kit guide with a budget of £5000
With a budget of £1500 you can secure 2 great bodies as well as a number of great lenses. Personally I would leave out the 24-70 and swap this for a couple of fast prime lenses such as a 35mm and 85mm but zoom lenses are a great starting point until you get more confidence and experience in knowing which lenses you need for difference situations.
Main camera body: Canon EOS R5 (Approx. £3800) – A high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent performance and features, ideal for capturing the important moments at a wedding.
Backup camera body: Canon EOS R5 (Approx. £3800) – A second high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera to ensure consistent quality and performance throughout the day.
Lenses:
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM (Approx. £2200) – A wide-angle zoom lens that's great for group shots, environmental portraits, and capturing the venue.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM (Approx. £2400) – A fast, professional-grade zoom lens that's perfect for capturing various wedding scenes with exceptional sharpness.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM (Approx. £2600) – A versatile telephoto zoom lens that excels at capturing distant subjects, candid moments, and close-up portraits.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (Approx. £2100) – A fast, high-quality prime lens that's perfect for low light situations, portraits, and creating beautiful bokeh effects.
Flash: 2 x Godox V1-C (Approx. £460) – Powerful and flexible flashes that work seamlessly with the Canon camera system, allowing for more creative lighting options.
Memory cards: 2 x SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SDXC Memory Card (Approx. £100) – High-speed memory cards with double the storage capacity for a full day's shooting.
Batteries: 4 x Canon LP-E6NH (Approx. £200) – Extra batteries to ensure you have enough power throughout the day.
Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod (Approx. £200) – A compact and lightweight tripod that's easy to carry around, useful for group shots, long exposure and a makeshift flash stand.
Accessories:
Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap (Approx. £50)
Godox X2T-C TTL Wireless Flash Trigger for Canon (Approx. £60)
MagMod Starter Flash Kit (Approx. £100) – For modifying and controlling the light from your flashes.
Total cost: Approx. £14,000
