Buying Lenses for Wedding Photography: What You Need to Know

Buying Lenses for Wedding Photography: What You Need to Know

So, you’ve decided to dive into wedding photography. That’s awesome! Weddings are full of magic, emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. But, before you start snapping away at couples in love, there’s one thing you need to get right—your lenses. Trust me, as a wedding photographer, choosing the right lens makes all the difference. It can turn a “good” shot into a “wow!” shot, or a “meh” moment into a lasting memory.

Now, I know lenses can feel a little overwhelming at first. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is perfect for those magical wedding moments? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Grab a coffee (or whatever gets you in the zone), and let’s talk lenses for wedding photography. By the end of this article, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the perfect lens for your big day shots.

Why Lenses Matter for Wedding Photography

Okay, so let’s start with the basics. Why does your lens matter so much in wedding photography? Well, your lens will affect how much of the scene you capture, how close or far you can be from your subject, and how the light is handled in your shots. It’s kind of like choosing the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t try to cook a meal with the wrong kitchen gadget, right? The same goes for photography. Each lens has its own “personality” that makes it better for specific moments.

For weddings, you need versatility, speed, and the ability to get creative with your shots. The right lens will help you capture the couple’s big moments—whether it’s the soft, romantic shots during their first dance, or the candid moments when they’re laughing with guests. And trust me, when you nail it, the couple will treasure those photos forever.

The Must-Have Lenses for Wedding Photography

Okay, enough talk. Let’s get into the good stuff: which lenses should you buy for wedding photography? I’m going to break it down based on the key shots you’ll want to get.

1. 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 – The Portrait King

If I had to pick one lens to start with, it would be the 50mm f/1.8. Seriously, this lens is a wedding photographer’s best friend. Why? Because it’s perfect for portraits. Whether you're capturing the bride and groom together, a candid shot of the bridesmaids, or a quiet moment between the couple, this lens will give you that beautiful, creamy background blur (aka bokeh) that makes your subject stand out. Plus, the f/1.8 aperture is wide enough to shoot in low light, which is super important when you’re at a reception or inside a church.

Let me tell you a little story. The first wedding I shot, I had my trusty 50mm lens on me. I was positioned at the back of the church during the ceremony, and as the bride walked down the aisle, I got this amazing shot of her with the church’s stained glass windows behind her. The light coming through those windows was soft, and the 50mm lens gave me just the right amount of depth of field. The result? A stunning shot of the bride in all her glory, with the background just softly blending away.

This lens is also a budget-friendly option if you’re just getting started. It’s sharp, affordable, and easy to carry around.

2. 24-70mm f/2.8 – The Versatile Workhorse

Next up, let’s talk about the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. This is the lens you’ll use most often during the wedding day, and for good reason. It’s super versatile, allowing you to shoot both wide and tight shots without having to change lenses constantly. This means you can go from capturing the entire ceremony space at 24mm to zooming in on a bride’s veil or a ring exchange at 70mm. No lens changes required.

I can’t even count the times the 24-70mm has saved me during weddings. There’s always that moment when you can’t get as close as you’d like, or the action is moving fast, and you need to zoom in. This lens is your go-to for such situations. Whether you're capturing the vows, the reactions of guests, or even the cake cutting, the f/2.8 aperture allows you to create that dreamy background blur while still keeping your subject sharp.

Plus, the build quality on these lenses is usually tough, so it’ll survive the hustle of moving around wedding venues, squeezing through crowds, and possibly even rain. I remember once shooting an outdoor ceremony where it started to drizzle. I didn’t have time to run for cover, but my 24-70mm lens kept going strong and delivered fantastic shots despite the weather.

3. 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 – The Bokeh Master

Alright, this one is for those portrait lovers out there. If you want to capture jaw-droppingly beautiful portraits of the bride and groom, then the 85mm f/1.4 is the lens you need. This lens is known for producing that buttery-smooth background blur that makes your subject pop. The shallow depth of field it offers can create some of the most stunning wedding photos—think bride and groom standing in a garden, surrounded by blurred flowers and greenery.

Here’s a fun memory from a wedding I shot. The couple had decided to take their portraits just before sunset, and the light was soft and golden. I positioned them in front of some trees and used my 85mm lens to capture a romantic shot of the two of them with that beautiful blur in the background. The moment was so intimate and emotional, and the lens just made everything come alive. It was one of those “wow” shots that I’ll always remember.

The 85mm f/1.4 is excellent for close-up shots and capturing emotions in a way that makes the subject feel personal, while still providing that elegant and dreamy effect. It’s a bit pricier than the 50mm, but if you want to elevate your portraits, this is a solid investment.

4. 70-200mm f/2.8 – The Telephoto Savior

If you plan on capturing candid moments or want to stay out of the way during key moments like the ceremony, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is your hero lens. With this telephoto zoom lens, you can stay far away from the action and still get sharp, stunning shots of the couple and guests. The f/2.8 aperture means you can still get good background blur even at longer focal lengths.

I’ve used my 70-200mm at several weddings, especially during the ceremony. There’s always that one moment when the bride and groom are exchanging vows, and I don’t want to interrupt the moment by being in their faces with a camera. The telephoto lens lets me stand in the back of the room and zoom in on those quiet, intimate expressions without anyone noticing. Plus, it’s perfect for getting shots of guests’ reactions from a distance.

Final Thoughts: Your Wedding Lens Kit

Weddings are filled with so many different moments that you’ll need a variety of lenses to handle everything. Here’s a quick rundown of my wedding lens kit:

50mm f/1.8 – Portraits and low-light shots
24-70mm f/2.8 – Ceremony, speeches, group shots, and more
85mm f/1.4 – Beautiful, dreamy portraits
70-200mm f/2.8 – Candid moments, ceremony, speeches

Of course, everyone has their preferences, and you might find that certain lenses work better for your style. But these are the lenses that I reach for most during a wedding.

Now, don’t get too caught up in the gear—wedding photography is about telling a story, capturing emotions, and being in the moment. Your lens is just a tool to help you do that. So, experiment, try out different focal lengths, and most importantly—have fun! Trust me, when you start capturing those candid smiles, happy tears, and epic first dance shots, you’ll be so glad you invested in the right lenses. Happy shooting!