What Lenses to Use When Shooting a Wedding
I get a lot of questions about what lenses to use when shooting a wedding. Last week I blogged about my photography toolbox and explained what gear I have. So what better follow up to that post then with what lenses to use when shooting a wedding!
As a refresher, here’s my gear:
- (2) Canon Mark iii
- 70-200 2.8L II IS USM
- 100 2.8L MACRO
- 85 1.2L II USM
- 50 1.2L USM
- 35 1.4L
Let’s start from the very being of the day and what lenses to use when shooting a wedding!
Prep/Details
When I show up for weddings, I always start with the details: rings, dress, shoes, wedding invitations. It’s my warm up. I’m getting ready to rock an eight hour day, and there’s no better way to prep for what is bound to be an amazing day. When shooting details, I use my 100 2.8L Macro lens. There are some shots with invitations, that I just can’t get enough distance between the lens and the object that i’ll use the 50 1.2L USM.
The photo above was taken with the 35, the rest with the 100 MACRO
For Groom and Bride prep, depending on the room size, I’ll use the 35, 50, or 85. If the room is small, then this when i’ll bust out the 35. The problem with the 35 is there’s always a lot of distortion and there’s little to no compression to the photo. Which is why I LOVE the 85. But i’ll get to that later.
First Looks
Goodness how I love first looks! It’s really the way to go, and I know i’m biased because it all stems from the fact that my first look was perfect! I’ll use my 50 or 85 for first looks. Many times, i’ve used both for the same first look since i’m carrying both cameras with my spider dual holster.
Portraits (Bride and Groom, Bridal Party, Family)
Bride and Groom – 90% of the time, I’m rocking my 85 on my main body. It’s my go to lens, gives me the look I crave with the gorgeous bokeh and compression. On my secondary body, I’ll have my 35 because it allows me to get more of the story of the background. But again, that’s only about 10% of the time.
The top three photos were taken with the 85, while the bottom was taken with the 35
Bridal Party – I’ll use my 50 or 35 depending on how large the party is. If it’s a smaller party and I can frame the group the way I like, I’ll grab my 50 over the 35 any day. However, If I have a HUGE party, 12+ people, I’ll use my 35. With the wide angle on that lens, it get’s more of the photo.
This bridal party photo from Jana and Brants photo was taken with the 50, where as the others from Mike and Danielle and Nick and Sarah‘s Weddings was taken with the 35
Family – Because I really don’t care for the 35 and the distortion, I really try to shoot family formals with the 50. I can count on one hand how many times I had to use my 35.
Ceremony
I love shooting a ceremony with the 70-200 because of the versatility I have. It allows me to be in the back of the church, but make it look like i’m in the first two rows. While this lens is HEAVY, it’s worth the weight for the ceremony. It has beautiful compression, and with the IS turned on, the photos are super sharp. I will shoot with the 35 for a few photos so I can capture what the front of the church looks like with my Bride and Groom at the front. When my couples hire a second photographer, I love having my second get a shot of the first kiss with the 35, while I’m shooting with the 70-200.
The photo on the top from this Stan Hywet wedding was taken with the 35, the photo on the bottom was taken with a 70-200
Photo on the top was taken with the 70-200, photo on the bottom taken with the 35
Reception
Most receptions provide ample space and i’ve been known to use each of my lenses during the reception. So let’s break it down:
Entrance – I’ll use the 50 here because I can still be fairly close to the door, but have less cropping to do in post production. Whereas, the 35 I would have a lot of unnecessary distractions on the side while the Bridal Party comes in.
Toasts – I like using the 70-200 here because I can zoom in and out of the Maid of Honor and Best Man, but the lens allows me to get the laughs from the parents when stories are being told without having to be right in their face.
Cake Cutting – Because I’m typically fighting for the picture with guests wanting their own shots, I’ll shoot with my 35. This allows me to get close and frame my couple beautifully.
First Dance – I LOVE using the 85 here if I have enough space on the dance floor. The compression is just breathtaking. It allows my couples to just pop off the photo from the background, and it eliminates the background distractions, making sure that the newlyweds are the focal point.
The photo above was taken with the 85
Parent Dances, Bouquet/Garter Toss, Anniversary Dance – I like to use the 50 for these formal dances. It’s a nice versatile lens for these back to back to back events at the reception.
Open Dance – At this point in the evening the drinks have kicked in and the guests are out on the dance floor busting a move. I like to jump in the middle of the mosh pit and get people having the time of their life. The lens that allows me to do this the best is the 35.
I hope this post on what lenses to use when shooting a wedding has been helpful for you! If you have any questions that you would liked answered, feel free to shoot me an email and your question could be the next post!
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