The quality of shooting a wedding, first of all, depends on the characteristics used by the operator of the lenses, and only then, on the technical capabilities of his camcorder.
Therefore, in preparation for filming the upcoming birthday of a new family, the videographer needs to decide on the choice of the required set of lenses. In the publication, we will consider which lenses are preferable to choose for wedding photography.
Which Canon optics is better for a wedding?
Videographers divide the wedding shooting into 4 blocks: a gathering of the newlyweds and the ceremony of redemption, painting in the registry office or nature, a walk for the newly made spouses, and a wedding banquet. Shooting each block has its characteristics and therefore the operator will need lenses with certain characteristics.
Let’s start with the fact that DSLRs come in full-frame and so-called cropped cameras. The crop factor determines the physical size of the camera matrix.
When it is equal to 1, then the camera is called full-frame, and if the value is 1.5 or more, then in professional slang the camera is called cropping.
Shooting with a camera with a larger sensor, the operator gets the following benefits:
- frames with more detail;
- better elaborated transitions from one color to another and displayed halftones;
- less noise in high ISO frames.
Therefore, when switching from cropped cameras to full-frame cameras, operators are truly delighted with the resulting quality. But, with the right choice of lenses, it will be possible to beautifully shoot a wedding using the available equipment.
There are zoom lenses and prime lenses. During wedding photography, operators prefer to use the first version, in which the reduction of the focal length is carried out only by turning the hand, and the focusing speed is higher than that of the fixes.
At a wedding ceremony, this characteristic is very important.
When filming a walk in nature, the operator can use prime lenses, allowing for more artistic shots. After all, no one is in a hurry and the newlyweds will enjoy each other’s company with pleasure while the operator changes the glasses.
Canon EF 16-35 / 2.8 L lens
This lens is a fairly well-known and popular model of full-frame ultra-wide-angle lenses in professional circles. It has several advantages:
- reliable construction;
- high speed autofocus;
- very easy zoom stroke;
- holds back light well in poor lighting conditions;
- Provides high sharpness in the frame even when the aperture is open.
Another indisputable advantage of the model is the possibility of installing a light filter provided by the manufacturer. After all, it is not present in all wide-angle lenses. When shooting the interior, there will be a slight geometric distortion, however, like all wide-angle zooms, but it is easily eliminated during the processing of the footage.
For owners of full-frame cameras, Canon EF 16-35 / 2.8 L allows you to maximize their potential, and for owners of cropped cameras, it will serve as a standard zoom and will come in handy when switching to full-frame.
By attaching the lens to a full-frame camera, you will get beautiful landscape photography while walking the newlyweds, due to the focal lengths ideal for this type of shooting.
The blocks of the wedding held in the interior will be filmed with the same success: the gathering of the bride and groom, the ransom of the bride, as well as the wedding ceremony held in the registry office.
The model is used when shooting a comic reportage when guests are asked some questions in front of the camera, and during editing they change questions to others, leaving answers. The specified lens is only not suitable for portraits and group photos. The frames show strong perspective distortions.
Canon EF 24-70 / 2.8 L lens
The Canon EF 24-70 / 2.8 L is one of the most popular lenses in the industry according to many professional wedding photographers. It unleashes all its capabilities in the best possible way on full-frame cameras. The lens is considered versatile when photographing a wedding.
It provides high-quality images for interior and landscape photography, including close-ups, group portraits, and half-length portraits of a couple or person. An additional advantage of the model is that it produces good quality frames in different lighting conditions. Its disadvantages include the lack of image stabilization.
Canon EF-S 17-55 / 2/8 IS lens
The Canon EF-S 17-55 / 2.8 IS is considered by professionals to be Canon’s highest quality and most versatile crop lens. It is not installed on full-frame cameras. The model is ideal for wedding photography.
The operator will be able to shoot at 17 mm in the interior. After all, this width is enough to cover the entire room. At 55mm at 2.8 aperture, beautiful portraits are produced. In case of insufficient lighting in the registry office, the image stabilizer helps, which several times increases the likelihood of obtaining a sharp picture.
Its disadvantages are considered: lack of protection from extreme weather conditions and low workmanship, requiring careful operation and careful transportation. But what kind of photo and video equipment does not require such an attitude.
Canon EF-S 70-200 / 2.8 L Lens
To date, the manufacturer produces the Canon EF-S 70-200 / 2.8 L lens in two versions: without an image stabilizer and with it. If you have the financial ability, it is better to opt for the second option.
Professionals mainly use this model for high-quality portraits and close-ups. Therefore, many write in their comments that for the sake of a couple of shots, it is not worth carrying an extra load on yourself all day. Everyone has their own opinion on this question.
Canon EF 24-105 / 4 IS L lens
The model is used on full-frame cameras. Since the aperture is 4, the flash is required. The lens allows you to shoot beautiful portraits and provides high-quality interior and landscape photography. It is used to capture a wedding dress, veil, wedding attributes, and jewelry. Such personnel is now quite in demand. Canon EF 24-105 / 4 IS L has an image stabilizer, which is important when shooting weddings.
Canon EF-S 10-22 / 3.5-4.5 L Lens
Canon EF-S 10-22 / 3.5-4.5 L is an ultra-wide-angle lens that has a much wider field of view than a human. It allows you to create a picture with an enhanced perspective. Such shots are unusual for the eye, but they look very interesting.
Wedding operators, using this lens, make a very beautiful photo of the temple, where the wedding of the newlyweds is held, both outside and inside.
But it is not used to get portraits. When planning to take panoramic shots, the lens will prove to be indispensable. It provides high sharpness in the center of the frame already at an open aperture, and at the edges, an aperture of two stops is required.
But this problem is easy to solve. By closing the aperture by two stops, you will get beautiful shots of city views and landscapes, along the route of the newlyweds’ walk.
Outcome
Each wedding operator forms his own optimal set of lenses that allow you to beautifully shoot all 4 blocks of a festive event. He focuses on his budget and shooting style.
We’ve looked at the pros and cons of Canon lenses, which are popular with professional wedding photographers. We hope our publication will help you decide on the choice of lens.
Eric Cameron is a passionate relationship coach and counselor with a focus on helping couples reconnect and build strong and lasting relationships. He has years of experience working with couples and helping them to understand the intricacies of healthy relationships. He also provides guidance on how to maintain a healthy relationship and deal with difficult topics. Eric’s approach is tailored specifically to the couple’s needs and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon.