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What Lenses Do I Need to Photograph a Wedding?

Well, let’s ask AI!

Photographing a wedding requires a versatile set of lenses to capture a wide range of scenes, from intimate portraits to expansive venues and dynamic receptions. Here’s a recommended set of lenses that would cover nearly all aspects of wedding photography:

  1. 24-70mm f/2.8: This is a quintessential zoom lens for wedding photographers. It offers a versatile range from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it perfect for capturing everything from group shots and landscapes to individual portraits and details. The f/2.8 aperture ensures good performance in low light and the ability to create a shallow depth of field.
  2. 70-200mm f/2.8: This telephoto zoom lens is ideal for capturing candid moments from a distance, such as during the ceremony or reception, without intruding on the guests or the couple. The f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range allows for consistent exposure settings and shallow depth of field, even at longer focal lengths.
  3. 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: This prime lens is excellent for portrait work, providing a flattering perspective and beautiful background blur (bokeh), which is perfect for portraits of the bride and groom or individual guests.
  4. 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: Often referred to as a “nifty fifty,” this lens is known for its versatility in various lighting conditions and its ability to produce images that closely resemble the perspective of the human eye. It’s great for portraits, detail shots, and general use.
  5. Wide-angle lens (like 16-35mm f/2.8 or 14-24mm f/2.8): A wide-angle lens is crucial for capturing the full scope of venues, large group photos, and dramatic perspectives, especially in tight spaces.
  6. Macro lens (such as 100mm f/2.8): A macro lens is very useful for capturing detailed shots, such as rings, flowers, and intricate fabric details of the wedding dress.

Each of these lenses serves a specific purpose and helps in capturing the wedding from multiple perspectives and styles. It’s also wise to have multiple camera bodies if possible, to avoid frequent lens changes and to be prepared with backups in case of equipment failure. The combination of these lenses will ensure you’re well-equipped to handle the variety of shooting conditions and requests that come with wedding photography.


So basically it would take every lens you have to photograph a wedding! Which makes perfect sense when you think about it. There’s a heck of a lot going on and people want pictures of every single thing!

Another good answer from AI!

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