Wedding photography is the most important moment in the life of a couple. It is uniquely different in every aspect and you must not take it like other specific types of photography. For this purpose, you need the Best Canon Lens for Portraits and Wedding Photography.
Being a professional wedding photographer, you have to be a multi talented. As it is a combination of different photography like indoor, outdoor, portrait, and event photography, etc.
That’s why you need the best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography.
This article will discuss the best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography. Also, before starting wedding photography, you need the following techniques and gears:
- Ample experience in photography
- A short checklist
- A professional level DSLR
- A perfect lens to capture the moments
Best Canon Lens for Portraits and Wedding Photography
There are a large number of canon lenses available in the market. While choosing the best lens for wedding photography, you have to be extra careful. You need an all in one lens to capture in all conditions.
Zoom and wide angle lens will help you in capturing the group photos and portrait photos without any extra effort. Micro and prime lenses can help you in capturing the cinematic shots of bride and ring ceremony.
Canon is manufacturing the best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography. We will discuss each Canon wedding photography lens in detail.
It will help you out in choosing the best camera lens for the next wedding event. Each lens will provide you with a superb and eye catching image resolution. These lenses should join the list of your wedding photography kit.
7 Best Canon Lens for Portraits and Wedding Photography
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 70-200mm is one of the best ever lenses ever made. This zoom lens has a high quality feature that helps in capturing the eye catching images with amazing bokeh effect.
I am personally using this lens for wedding photography and the background blur feature of this lens is just amazing. This zoom lens will help you in capturing the wedding ceremony without getting close to objects. As most of the wedding events occur indoor, the wide aperture of f/2.8 will let more light to enter the lens.
It will help in creating the high resolution bright photos even at large distance. Although it’s a little bit difficult to carry around the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, however, it must be the part of your wedding photography kit. Also, check out our guide on Best Lens for videos.
SpecificationsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame Angle of View: 34° to 12° Max Magnification: 0.161x Min Focus Distance: 4.92′ / 1.5 m Focal Length: 70 to 200mm Max Aperture: f/2.8 Min Aperture: f/32 Optical Design: 18 Elements in 15 Groups Diaphragm Blades: Eight, Rounded Focus: Auto Image Stabilization: None Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating Filter Size: 77 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.33 x 7.62″/84.6 x 193.6 mm Weight: 2.9 lb/1310 g
Features
- Four ultra-low dispersion glass elements minimize color fringing
- Focal Length: 70–200mm
- Aperture Range: f / 2.8 – f / 32
- Can work in an inclement environment
- Optical Image Stabilization in Two Modes
- Ultrasonic focus motor
- Manual focus replacement
- Also, it works with optional EF 1.4X and EF 2X teleconverters
2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens
Covering a wedding event is not an easy job, especially when you have to carry heavy lenses. This is why Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 is the best Zoom Lens for wedding photography. It is a lightweight lens, hence easy to carry around.
This is an all in one camera lens. It is very useful for group photos and close-up shots. So you don’t need to change the lens again and again during wedding photography. The 24 mm wide angel help in shooting images within a small space.
The spherical elements help in minimizing the distortion and spherical aberrations to improve sharpness. This lens can work in different light conditions, thanks to its constant maximum aperture of f/2.8.
SpecificationsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame The angle of View: 84° to 34° Max Magnification: 0.21x Min Focus Distance: 1.25′ / 38 cm Focal Length: 24 to 70mm Max Aperture: f/2.8 Min Aperture: f/22 Optical Design: 18 Elements in 13 Groups Diaphragm Blades: Nine, Rounded Focus Type: Auto Image Stabilization: None Filter Size: 82 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.48 x 4.45″ / 88.5 x 113 mm Weight: 1.8 lb / 805 g
Features
- The rounded nine-blade diaphragm provides a pleasing out of focus quality
- Focal Size: 24-70mm
- Aperture Range: f / 2.8 – f / 22
- Ultrasonic focus motor
- Aspherical, UD and Super UD Glass Elements
- Manual focus replacement
- Zoom lock lever
3. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
Canon EF 16-35 mm lens will help you in capturing the high resolution to keep your wedding memories fresh. A good wedding album is not about capturing a small space.
The 16-35 mm is another Best Canon Lens for Portraits and Wedding Photography. It uses a trio of aspherical elements along with two ultra low dispersion glass elements. This helps to manage the aberrations for highly clear and sharp images. Make sure to follow proper Camera Settings For Portrait Photography before shooting the object.
Moreover, this lens is water and dust-resistant. Also, the fluorine coatings have been applied to the front and rear parts to protect against fingerprints and smudges from affecting picture quality.
ProsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame Angle of View: 108° 10′ to 63° Max Magnification: 0.222x Min Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm Focal Length: 16 to 35mm Max Aperture: f/2.8 Min Aperture: f/22 Optical Design: 16 Elements in 11 Groups Diaphragm Blades: Nine, Rounded Focus Type: Auto Image Stabilization: None Filter Size: 82 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.48 x 5.02″ / 88.5 x 127.5 mm Weight: 27.9 oz / 790 g
Features
- This lens can work in inclement environmental conditions.
- It has a Focal Length of 16-35mm
- Maximum aperture f/2.8 offers consistent performance and excellent light transmission
- Aperture Range is f/2.8L – f/22
- 3 Aspherical Glass Elements and 2 UD
- Ultrasonic Focus Motor Ring Type
- Full-Time Manual Focus Override
4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Ultra Fast Multip Purpose Canon Lens
Canon EF 50mm is one of the best canon lenses for portraits and wedding photography. I often use this lens for wedding photography. It delivers the sharpest and high resolution image with eye catching background bokeh.
Ring type USM in this portrait lens helps in getting the quiet and quick autofocus. It also helps in control over manual focus.
This lens also has super spectra coating which helps in getting greater color accuracy in different light conditions.
ProsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame The Angle of View: 46° Max Magnification: 0.152x Min Focus Distance: 1.48′ / 45 cm Focal Length: 50mm Max Aperture: f/1.2 Min Aperture: f/16 Optical Design: Eight Elements in Six Groups Diaphragm Blades: Eight, Rounded Focus: Auto Image Stabilization: None Filter Size: 72 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.38 x 2.58″ / 85.8 x 65.5 mm Weight: 1.3 lb / 580 g
Features
- Works in low-light situations
- You can manually override the focus
- Colour neutrality feature in strong lighting condition
- This Canon lens is protected against dust and moisture for working in an inclement environment
- It comes with a fixed focal length of 50mm
- Aperture Range is f / 1.2 – f / 16
- Faster UltraSonic AF Engine
- Aspherical lens element
- Depth of Field Scale
5. Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
This 35mm best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography is another the best choice of wedding photographers. Most of the photographers use this lens for sharp couple photos with background bokeh effect. It provides a natural look to images.
One of my friends uses this lens to capture wedding ceremonies and other indoor events. I also have practically used this lens a couple of times. And to be honest, I love the background blur feature of this lens. I also captured some portrait with this lens and the result was incredible.
The f/1.4 maximum aperture is best suitable for low light conditions. The ring type USM helps in getting quiet and fast autofocus. The lens is protected from dust and moisture which make it suitable for any condition. The fluorine coating helps in protecting the lens against smudging and fingerprints.
ProsFocal Length: 35mm Format Compatibility: Full-Frame Angle of View: 63° Max Magnification: 0.21x Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm Max Aperture: f/1.4 Min Aperture: f/22 Lens Mount: Canon EF Optical Design: Fourteen Elements in Eleven Groups Diaphragm Blades: Nine, Rounded Focus Type: Auto Image Stabilization: None Filter Size: 72 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.17 x 4.15″ / 80.4 x 105.5 mm Weight: 1.7 lb / 760 g
Features
- This lens has a fix focal length of 35 mm.
- Aperture Range is between f/1.4 – 16
- Ultrasonic AF Motor
- 2 UD Glass Elements and 2 Aspherical
- It also comes with Full-time Manual Focus Override
- Protected from different Weather Conditions
6. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM AF (Best Canon Lens)
This also one of the best canon lenses for event photography. In addition, it is another best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography. The background bokeh and better contrast effects have made this lens a top priority of wedding photographers.
It is like Canon 50 mm f/1.2L but you can also shoot from long distance with Canon EF 85 mm Lens, thanks to its telephoto range. Canon EF 85mm is the best alternative to wide range heavy weight lens due to its lightweight.
You can make stunning portraits with the help of this DSLR camera lens. SWC and ASC coatings help in reducing lens flare and ghosting. This helps to increase contrast and color accuracy.
The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor provides fast and smooth autofocus. The lens is water and dust-resistant. A fluorine coating on the front and rear elements help in protecting the lens against fingerprints as well.
ProsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame Angle of View: 108° 10′ to 63° Max Magnification: 0.222x Min Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm Focal Length: 16 to 35mm Max Aperture: f/2.8 Min Aperture: f/22 Optical Design: Sixteen Elements in Eleven Groups Diaphragm Blades: Nine, Rounded Focus Type: Auto Image Stabilization: None Filter Size: 82 mm (Front) Dimensions (ø x L): 3.48 x 5.02″ / 88.5 x 127.5 mm Weight: 27.9 oz / 790 g
Features
- This lens has a fixed focal length of 85mm
- Aperture Range is between f / 1.2 – f / 16
- Is also has Ultrasonic AF motor
- Canon EF 85mm is High precision aspherical lens element
- You can overwrite Manual focus
- Dust and moisture protection
7. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
Without Canon EF 100mm lens, a wedding coverage is incomplete. It can capture the wedding dress and Jewellery by providing them an extra layer of beauty. This is the best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography due to its focus (focal?) length.
You can take a stable picture with this lens as it has image stabilizer. The ring type USM help in quick and perfect autofocus. Also, the ultra low dispersion element allows to control color fringing and chromatic aberrations.
A super spectra coating helps in achieving the perfect contrast and color fidelity. Additionally, the Canon 100mm f/2.8 camera lens is protected against changing weather conditions.
ProsLens Mount: Canon EF Format Compatibility: Full-Frame Angle of View: 24° Focal Length: 100mm Max Aperture: f/2.8 Min Aperture: f/32 Max Magnification: 1x Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:1 Min Focus Distance: 11.81″ / 30 cm Optical Design: Fifteen Elements in Twelve Groups Diaphragm Blades: Nine, Rounded Focus Type: Auto Image Stability: Yes Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating Filter Size: 67 mm (Front) Dimensions: (ø x L) 3.06 x 4.84″ / 77.7 x 123 mm Weight: 1.4 lb / 625 g
Features
- This canon lens is Ideal for macro photography
- Works better in low light condition
- Image stability feature
- The focal length is fixed i.e. 100mm
- The aperture range is between f/2.8 – f/32
- It offers Hybrid Optical Image Stability
- Comes with Ultrasonic Focus Motor
- It has 1:1 Macro Magnification
- It’s an Ultra-Low Dispersion Lens Elements
- Protected against dust & moisture
Best Canon Lens Buyers Guide
Before buying any camera lens, you need to keep certain things in mind. When I bought a camera for the first time back in 2016, I did many mistakes while selecting the proper lens. I want you people to avoid such mistakes.
Wedding event often happened indoor and outdoor. You need to select a lens that fulfills your requirements in all condition. There are different types of lens available in the market. Each lens has a specific functionality.
Before buying the best canon lenses for portraits and wedding photography, you need to understand the following perspectives.
How Many Wedding Lenses Do You Really Need?
Wedding photographer often covers the entire event. Sometimes, the event is a combination of an outdoor and indoor environment. The number of the lens required is different for every photographer.
Different photographers require different focal lengths. Choosing a lens need technical knowledge of photography. It will be better for you to take some expert opinion regarding buying the lens in your area. Yes, each part of the world has its own traditions of a wedding. You need to choose a lens according to your locality.
Plus, you need to find lenses according to your camera body, shooting style, and budget. That way you can cover both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is a wide variety of lenses available in the market for wedding photography. The best canon lenses for portraits and wedding photography are the 24-70mm and 70-200mm bright zooms. For primes, you can go for 85mm, 50mm 35mm, and a macro lens.
Here are some of the best canon lenses for portraits and wedding photography:
Canon 24-70mm
Canon 70-200mm
85mm, 50mm 35mm
For bridal head and shoulders portrait, use an aperture of f/2 unless you are very familiar with your tools. At f/2 the complete face will not be in focus. If you want to make sure you nail focus on the whole face, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 is best suitable.
Here is the list of best canon lenses for wedding photography:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Ultra Fast Lens.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Auto Focus lens.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens.
Images captured with the 85mm lens tend to have more bokeh blur effect than images shot with the 50mm lens with the same aperture. I favor the more uniform bokeh of the 85mm lens in most cases.
I’ll recommend Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lenses for family portraits.
In most cases the 50mm lenses have f/1.8 and f/1.4 versions, however, there are some expensive f/1.2 lenses that are best suitable for very low light. On an Advanced Photo System camera, the 50mm is equal to a 75mm, which is an ideal focal length for portraits.