1Photo by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
Ah, weddings—the epitome of joy, love, and celebration. As a wedding photographer, your job is to capture these magical moments in all their glory, and the right lens can make all the difference. With a variety of lenses available on the market to choose from, determining the best ones for wedding photography can be daunting. But fear ye not! We’re here to break it down for you, looking at the applications of each lens choice to help you determine your go-to options.
So, grab your camera bag and let’s dive into the world of wedding lenses that will make you go “wooow” with every click of the shutter.
- The Versatile Zoom: 24-70mm f/2.8
Application: All-around flexibility
The 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is often considered the workhorse of wedding photography. Its versatile focal range allows you to capture everything from wide-angle shots of the ceremony and group photos to close-ups of the couple exchanging vows. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions, like dimly lit churches or evening receptions, and provides beautiful bokeh for those dreamy portraits.
Why You’ll Love It: This lens is perfect for photographers who move quickly between shots without changing lenses. The 24-70mm f/2.8 offers the perfect balance of wide-angle and telephoto capabilities, making it an indispensable tool in your wedding photography arsenal. The above wedding photo was taken at Safari Park Hotel with a Canon 5D Mk4 with a 20-70mm f2.8 lens.
- The Classic Prime: 50mm f/1.4
Application: Portraits and low-light situations
The nifty-fifty, or 50mm f/1.4 lens, is a classic choice for wedding photographers. Its wide aperture allows for stunning low-light performance and creates a shallow depth of field that beautifully isolates your subject. This lens is perfect for capturing intimate portraits of the bride and groom, candid moments, and detailed shots of rings and flowers.
Why You’ll Love It: The 50mm f/1.4 is lightweight, discreet, and sharp. It’s ideal for capturing those candid moments without being intrusive, and its ability to perform in low light makes it a lifesaver during evening receptions and indoor ceremonies. An example of a photo taken with a 50mm f1.4:
2Photo taken by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
- The Portrait Pro: 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8
Application: Portraits
The 85mm lens is often hailed as the ultimate portrait lens. Its longer focal length provides flattering compression that enhances the subject’s features, while the wide aperture creates a creamy, dreamy bokeh that makes the subject pop. This lens captures emotional moments, tender interactions, and stunning bridal portraits.
Why You’ll Love It: The 85mm lens excels at isolating the subject from the background, resulting in images with a professional and polished look. Whether a stolen kiss or a tearful glance, this lens captures the day’s emotions in exquisite detail. This is an example of a photo taken with an 85mm f2.8
3Photo taken by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
- The Wide-Angle Wonder: 16-35mm f/2.8
Application: Wide shots and environmental portraits
For capturing the venue’s grandeur, the dance floor’s energy, or the ceremony’s splendour, the 16-35mm f/2.8 lens is a must-have. This wide-angle lens allows you to include more of the scene in your frame, making it ideal for expansive shots of the wedding venue, large group photos, and dynamic dance floor shots.
Why You’ll Love It: The 16-35mm f/2.8 lens adds drama and scale to your photos. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to capture the entire scene, from the decorated altar to the bustling reception hall, all in one shot. This is an example of a photo taken with a 16-35mm f2.8
4photo taken by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
- The Telephoto Titan: 70-200mm f/2.8
Application: Ceremonies and candid shots from a distance
The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is a powerhouse for wedding photography, offering a versatile telephoto range perfect for capturing moments from a distance. Whether photographing the ceremony from the back of the church or snapping candid shots of guests without being noticed, this lens delivers sharp, high-quality images with beautiful background blur.
Why You’ll Love It: The 70-200mm f/2.8 lets you stay unobtrusive while capturing intimate moments. Its image stabilization and fast aperture make it perfect for shooting in low-light situations, ensuring you never miss a moment, no matter where you are. An example of a photo taken with a 70-200mm f2.8
5Photo taken by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
- The Detail Diva: 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Application: Close-up details
For those intricate details that make each wedding unique, the 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens is unbeatable. This lens allows you to capture extreme close-ups with stunning clarity and detail, making it perfect for photographing rings, invitations, flowers, and other small details that add to the day’s story.
Why You’ll Love It: The 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens captures the fine details that are often overlooked. Its ability to focus closely and produce razor-sharp images ensures that every element of the wedding, no matter how small, is captured beautifully. An example of a photo taken with a 100mm f2.8
6photo taken by MJ Media Group – Thika Road Studio
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Lens
Choosing the right lenses for wedding photography is crucial to capturing the essence of the day. Each lens offers unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your style and the specific moments you aim to capture. The 24-70mm f/2.8 provides unparalleled versatility, while the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 excel in portraiture. The 16-35mm f/2.8 brings dynamic wide-angle shots, the 70-200mm f/2.8 easily captures distant moments, and the 100mm f/2.8 Macro highlights intricate details.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that complements your shooting style and allows you to tell the story of the wedding day in the most beautiful way possible. Happy shooting, and may your photos be filled with love, joy, and those unforgettable “wooow” moments!
Would you like to learn photography in Nairobi? MJ Media Group is a leading media company that offers 3 months of intensive training to both amateur and intermediate photographers who want to take their photography portfolio to the next level. Enroll with us today! Call/Whatsapp: 0717303826 or info@mjmediagroup.co.ke
