MY 4 FAVOURITE LENSES FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
When I started out as a wedding photographer I would spend hours researching, trying to figure out which lenses the photographers I admire were using to achieve those beautiful light-filled images. Yip, it’s completely normal to slightly stalk your favourite wedding tog’s website ; )
I had a long list of ‘must have’ lenses but quickly realized that I didn’t have thousands of Rands to invest in all of them at once like most of us do when starting out. So, I’ve decided to compile a list of what’s in my bag and the one I would recommend getting first if you like my photography style.
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and L series Canon lenses. I mainly use prime lenses because I love to shoot wide open, that’s how I get beautiful Bokeh in my images (the effect of a soft out-of-focus background).
HERE’S MY LIST:
1. CANON EF 50MM F1.2L USM
This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE lens, I use it about 80% of the day during a wedding! It’s sharp, creamy and creates beautiful Bokeh! I photograph everything from bridal details, table settings, getting ready photos, ceremony, family formals, couple portraits and the reception with it.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
If you are looking to invest in just one lens for now I would highly recommend this one. It’s the first lens I invested in when I started photographing weddings and it made an incredible difference in the quality of my work. However, it’s a bit pricey! If you can’t afford the 1.2, start with the 1.4 or even the 1.8 (you would be surprised at what this nifty lens for under R 2000 could do!)
2. CANON EF 35MM F1.4L USM
This lens is my go-to lens if I need a wider angle! I usually photograph the reception hall with it and also take wide shots of the outside of a venue or the scenery. It’s very effective in a small bridal suite when you would still like to get full portraits of your bride. I always try to get a wide shot of the ceremony from the back with the couple and their guests with this lens. It’s also my go to lens for confetti photos and large family portraits.
Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM Lens
Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM Lens
Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM Lens
Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM Lens
I alternate between my 50mm and 35mm during the couple shoot to ensure my couples have a variety of close up portraits as well as wider shots showing the beautiful landscape. While I mostly have my 50mm on during the reception I usually end the night with my 35mm for dancing photos of the guests.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
Above shows the difference between the 50mm 1.2 (first) & the 35mm 1.4 (second) during a couple shoot.
3. CANON EF 100MM F2.8L MACRO IS USM
I love photographing bridal details, especially rings! That’s why I decided to also invest in a macro lens (the cheaper alternative would be macro filters). I mostly shoot jewellery, flowers and other intricate details with this lens but I’ve also used it during a ceremony. Because I don’t really shoot with a zoom lens I’ve had to use my 100mm Macro during a few ceremonies where I wanted to get a closer shot of the couple or their guests but my movement was restricted. It’s also a great lens for your second shooter in that regard.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens
4. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM Lens
This lens I don’t use a lot during a wedding day but it’s definitely worth the mention. I got this lens as part of a kit when I bought my 6d years ago. It’s not a prime lens but I’ve found that it can be very helpful if I want to get a wider angle then what my 35mm can provide of a reception hall or a beautiful landscape photo.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM Lens
It’s important for me to tell you that you don’t immediately have to go out and buy all of these lenses to photograph a wedding! I would suggest to rather borrow or rent the lens you are interested in (I’ve regularly used Outdoorphoto) before investing in one. You also don’t need to buy a brand new one, my 35mm was preloved by my dear friend and mentor, Rensche Mari! If you are going this route, just make sure that the lens is still in near perfect condition and you are buying it from a trusted source.
Above image taken with my preloved Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
I cover more details on the use of these lenses and the rest of my gear during my mentor sessions, if you are interested to learn more click below to enquire about these one-on-one online sessions.
***Disclaimer*** Everyone has different preferences for how they photograph weddings. These are just the lenses that I use and love! This is not a paid partnership with any of the brands/ businesses mentioned above but purely ones I know, trust and can recommend.)
The photographs from this blogpost are from Duncan & Xyza’s wedding day, see the full wedding gallery here.
Have any questions? Comment below or email me at hello@alicialandman.co.za.
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