What Lenses Do I Need for Wedding Photography?

A wedding photographer uses a variety of lenses to cover all situations at a wedding.

The lenses present in the wedding photographer's bag should encompass most of the investment made in photographic equipment. Fast lenses that shoot in low light with the highest quality glass are a necessity for any wedding photographer. Ideally, the shooter should have two camera bodies in use throughout the entire ceremony with a wide angle mounted on one and a telephoto on the other camera. This allows you to capture all the moments without fumbling to change lenses as situations fluctuate.

Wide Angle Lens

The wide angle lens should be the work-horse in your camera bag and will be necessary in every element of documenting a wedding. The wide angle allows you to capture the bridal party during portrait sessions and the action of the dance floor during the reception. A focal length of 28 mm- 35 mm is ideal and the lens should have an aperture of f/1.8 to f/ 2.8 for low light situations. Depending on your shooting style, a zoom lens in a range of 16 mm- 40 mm will also cover most of your wide angle needs and provide more flexibility than a fixed wide angle lens.

Telephoto Lens

Another crucial lens for the wedding photographer is the telephoto lens. Close-up images of the intimate moments of the event, without the physical intrusion of the photographer, allows you to capture the emotional elements of a wedding. The telephoto will allow you to remain at a distance from the moment, yet still capture the essence of the interaction. This lens is also imperative for shooting in many churches as some pastors or priests will not allow you to photograph in close proximity to the alter. The lens should range from 70 mm- 200 mm and should have as fast of an aperture as you can afford, preferably f/2.8 or lower.

Macro Lens

The macro lens adds a touch of detail to your wedding coverage. Wedding details, such as flowers, rings, table settings and cakes, are a valuable element of the day to the couple. The macro lens allows you to shoot at a very close distance to an object and captures textures and details with greater ability than a regular lens. The focal distances range widely on a macro lens, but 100 mm is a good focal length for a wedding photographer.

Fish-eye or Special Effect

Add a creative touch to your coverage with a special effect lens; such as a fish-eye, tilt-shift or Lens Baby adapter. These lenses distort the image in a creative and unique manner and add a special layer of creativity and artistry to your images. Experiment with these lenses prior to shooting the wedding and use them once you are comfortable with your understanding of the distortion and how it will enhance the wedding moment you are capturing.

References

• Photo.net: A Community of Photographers: Macro Photography