Understanding Camera Lenses and When to Use Them on a Wedding Day

Wedding photography is a special type of photography that requires a great deal of skill, creativity, and attention to detail. One of the most important aspects of wedding photography is having the right equipment, including a variety of lenses to capture different types of shots. Let's explore the different types of camera lenses and when to use them during a wedding day shoot.

Types of Camera Lenses:

1. Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing large scenes or group shots during a wedding ceremony or reception. These lenses typically have a focal length of 35mm or less and can provide a wide field of view, making them perfect for capturing images of large groups of people or capturing the overall setting of the wedding venue.

2. Standard Lenses

Standard lenses are also known as normal lenses and have a focal length of 50mm. These lenses are ideal for capturing candid shots and portraits during a wedding day. They are also great for low light situations as they typically have a wide aperture that allows more light into the camera, which is essential for capturing high-quality images in dimly lit venues.

3. Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses are perfect for capturing intimate moments during the wedding ceremony or reception without being too intrusive. These lenses have a longer focal length of 85mm or more and are great for capturing close-up shots of the bride and groom, as well as the guests. They are also useful for capturing images of the wedding couple exchanging their vows from a distance.

4. Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are versatile lenses that can be adjusted to different focal lengths. They are ideal for capturing a range of shots during a wedding day and are perfect for photographers who want to be able to switch between different focal lengths without having to change lenses. They can range from wide-angle to telephoto lenses.

Prime Lenses and Their Benefits:

Prime lenses are lenses that have a fixed focal length and do not zoom. These lenses are typically sharper and faster than zoom lenses and are ideal for capturing high-quality images during a wedding day. The benefits of using prime lenses include:

Image Quality:

Prime lenses are known for their superior image quality and sharpness. This is because they do not have the added weight of zoom mechanics and have fewer glass elements inside the lens, which can sometimes reduce image quality.

Aperture:

Prime lenses typically have a larger maximum aperture than zoom lenses, which allows for more light to enter the camera. This is particularly useful during a wedding day when light can be limited, especially during indoor ceremonies or receptions.

Size and Weight:

Prime lenses are often smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry around during a wedding day shoot. This is particularly important for wedding photographers who need to move quickly and discretely around the venue.

Some of the sharpest wedding photography Lens’ of All Time:

There have been many great lenses throughout the history of photography, but some of the sharpest lenses of all time for wedding photographers include:

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 This lens is known for its incredible sharpness and has been dubbed the “world’s best 85mm lens” by many photographers. It is a prime lens that is ideal for portraits and has a large maximum aperture of f/1.4.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM This lens is another great prime lens that is perfect for capturing candid shots during a wedding day. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.2, which makes it perfect for low light situations.

Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED: This lens is a telephoto lens that is perfect for capturing intimate portraits with beautiful bokeh. It has a large maximum aperture of f/1.4, which makes it ideal for low light situations.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art: This is a zoom lens that is known for its sharpness throughout its zoom range. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which is relatively large for a zoom lens.

Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: This is a telephoto lens that is perfect for portraits and low light situations. It has a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 and produces sharp, detailed images. Sony has become a really popular brand for wedding photographers over the last few years with the introduction of mirrorless cameras that are able to shoot both wedding photography and videography on one camera body

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM: This is a zoom lens that is known for its sharpness and versatility. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and produces sharp images throughout its zoom range.

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: This is a wide-angle zoom lens that is known for its sharpness and image stabilization. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and produces sharp images throughout its zoom range.

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED: This is a wide-angle zoom lens that is known for its sharpness and distortion control. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and produces sharp images throughout its zoom range. This is not only an amazing landscape photography lens that I have used a lot for shooting landscapes in Swansea but also an amazing wide angle for wedding photography in South Wales

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM: This is a wide-angle zoom lens that is known for its sharpness and versatility. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and produces sharp images throughout its zoom range.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM: This is a prime lens that is known for its sharpness and versatility. It has a large maximum aperture of f/1.4 and produces sharp images even in low light situations.

Below:  Bride on her wedding day in South Wales shot with a Nikon 105 1.4 ED prime lens