Our Top Favorite Lens For Wedding Photography In 2024

Finding the perfect lens for wedding photography can be quite a journey, but you’re not alone in that search. The 70-200 lens is often recommended for its versatility. We’ve grappled with this challenge too. One lens that stands out for me is the 100mm macro for capturing fine details. After thorough research and real-world shooting experience, we’ve found some incredible options.

In this article, we’ll share our favorite lenses tailored for each part of a wedding day—prep, ceremony, and reception. Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• Prime lenses like the 50mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.8 offer excellent clarity and detail for wedding prep and portraits, creating soft, elegant images—a must for any wedding photographer. The 100mm macro lens is also fantastic for capturing intricate details like wedding rings and invitations.
• The 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens is versatile for ceremonies, allowing photographers to capture both wide group shots and intimate close-ups without changing lenses. We absolutely love this lens.
• Telephoto zoom lenses such as the 70-200mm f/2.8 help capture candid moments during ceremonies from a distance while maintaining high image quality, which is a need for wedding photography.
• Wide-angle lenses like the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM are perfect for receptions, capturing large groups and dance floor scenes even in low light conditions.

Essential Lens for Wedding Prep and Portraits

For wedding prep and portraits, we need sharp lenses with clean detail. Using a prime lens is perfect for capturing those special moments clearly.

Prime Lens: Best for Clarity and Detail

We love using prime lenses for weddings because as a wedding photographer, they offer unparalleled quality. They offer the best clarity and detail in photos. Our favorite is the 50mm f/1.2 lens because it gives creamy bokeh and soft, elegant image quality.

It’s perfect for close-up shots of the bride and groom.

The 85mm f/1.8 lens also stands out for portraits, especially on the wedding day, functioning as an excellent portrait lens. Luke Collins Photography recommends it. It captures beautiful details, even in low light situations, a crucial feature in a lens for capturing wedding memories. This lens is great for capturing those special moments with families and friends during wedding prep…

We always get amazing results with these two lenses at every wedding we shoot, especially with the 24-70.

Top Lens for Wedding Ceremonies

### Top Lens for Wedding Ceremonies:

For wedding ceremonies, we use a zoom lens… it’s perfect for capturing moments from afar and up close. Nikon offers some great options, including versatile lenses that can adapt to various wedding scenes.

Zoom Lens: Versatility in Variable Distances

We love the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for weddings, and it’s a lens I use frequently for capturing the best wedding moments. This zoom lens lets us adjust focal lengths without changing lenses, which is crucial when we shoot a wedding. We always use this lens. It is versatile and great for capturing various scenes, from wide group shots to intimate portraits of the bridal party. We love this lens for its adaptability.

Another favorite for a wedding photographer is the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Luke Collins Photography considers it indispensable. Kelly uses this telephoto zoom during ceremonies and family portraits. The longer focal length allows us to stand back while still getting close-up shots, perfect for those beautiful candid moments at a wedding ceremony or reception, making it ideal for a wedding day.

Recommended Lens for Reception and Dance Photos

### Recommended Lens for Reception and Dance Photos:

We love using a wide-angle lens here. It captures the whole party, showing all guests dancing and having fun, which is essential when you photograph a wedding. A versatile lens for such moments is key. The 24-70mm lens is perfect for this.

Wide-Angle Lens: Capturing the Ambiance and Crowd

Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the ambiance and crowd at weddings, really emphasizing the wide focal range needed for such events. The 24mm lens is perfect for this purpose. We love using the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens for this reason, especially when we photograph a wedding. It lets us fit more in our photos without needing to step back, making it perfect for tight spaces.

It’s also ideal for dramatic landscape shots, adding artistry and creativity to our work as a wedding photographer.

This lens is wide enough to capture large groups of people—great for those fun dance floor moments! We can get close-ups that include everyone without missing out on details, thanks to the versatile 24-70mm lens. With its wide aperture, we can shoot in low light and still get clear images, which is indispensable for a wedding photographer. A 70-200 lens can also be a great choice for these dynamic scenes.

It’s essential in our camera bag…especially when shooting weddings with two camera bodies!

Conclusion

We know great lenses make a difference, and the 100mm macro is a unique addition for detailed wedding shots. For wedding photos, each lens has its magic. One lens can’t do it all, but combining a portrait lens and a macro lens often covers most needs. The 85mm f/1.8 offers stunning portraits, making it a favorite portrait lens among wedding photographers. With the 24-70mm f/2.8, many scenes get captured with ease and clarity, making it perfect for a wedding day.

FAQs

Q: What are the top favorite lenses for wedding photography in 2024?

A: The top favorite lenses for wedding photography in 2024 include the 50mm, 85mm, macro, 24mm, 70-200mm, 24-70mm, and 100mm macro.

Q: Why is the 50mm lens popular among wedding photographers?

A: The 50mm lens is popular among wedding photographers because it is versatile, great for capturing details, and provides a natural perspective similar to the human eye.

Q: Is the 85mm lens suitable for wedding photography?

A: Yes, the 85mm lens is highly suitable for wedding photography, especially for capturing portraits and creating beautiful bokeh effects.

Q: How does using a macro lens benefit wedding photographers?

A: Using a macro lens allows wedding photographers to capture intricate details like rings, flowers, and other small elements with stunning clarity and precision.

Q: Which lens is recommended for shooting larger groups during weddings?

A: The 24-70mm lens is recommended for shooting larger groups during weddings as it offers a versatile focal length range to accommodate varying group sizes.

Q: Can one lens be sufficient for wedding photography coverage?

A: Yes, using one versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or 70-200mm, can provide adequate coverage for an entire wedding day, from wide-angle shots to zoomed-in portraits.

Q: How does the 70-200mm lens enhance wedding photography?

A: The 70-200mm lens allows wedding photographers to capture candid moments discreetly from a distance, making it ideal for ceremonies and moments that require a more telephoto reach.

Q: What are the benefits of using a wide-angle lens for wedding photography?

A: Using a wide-angle lens can help wedding photographers capture expansive scenes, fit large groups into the frame, and add a creative perspective to their shots.

Q: How can lenses with different focal lengths impact wedding photography?

A: Lenses with different focal lengths offer varying perspectives and effects, allowing photographers to creatively compose shots, emphasize certain elements, and adapt to different shooting scenarios during weddings.