Lesson 1.2

Essential Lens Guide

Lenses are where you invest for the long term. A quality lens purchased today can serve you for a decade or more. Understanding focal lengths, apertures, and building a versatile kit will make you prepared for any wedding scenario.

15 min read 🎯 Beginner

The Wedding Lens Philosophy

Ask ten wedding photographers about their favorite lens and you'll get ten different answers—but certain truths are universal:

  • Speed matters: Fast apertures (f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) let in more light and create pleasing background blur
  • Quality trumps quantity: Three excellent lenses beat six mediocre ones
  • Focal length diversity: You need coverage from wide (24mm) to telephoto (200mm)
  • Reliability is paramount: Your lenses must focus accurately and consistently
💡 The Golden Rule

Invest in one high-quality lens rather than spreading your budget across several mediocre ones. A versatile lens like a 24-70mm f/2.8 can cover a wide range of scenarios while delivering professional results.

Prime Lenses vs. Zoom Lenses

Prime Lenses (Fixed Focal Length)

Prime lenses have a single, fixed focal length. To change your framing, you move your feet.

Advantages:

  • Wider maximum apertures (f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8) for low light and shallow depth of field
  • Generally sharper than zooms at equivalent focal lengths
  • Smaller and lighter than equivalent-aperture zooms
  • Often more affordable for fast apertures
  • Force you to think more intentionally about composition

Disadvantages:

  • Require lens changes or multiple camera bodies for different framings
  • Less versatile in fast-moving situations
  • Missing a moment while changing lenses can be costly

Zoom Lenses (Variable Focal Length)

Zoom lenses cover a range of focal lengths, letting you adjust framing without changing lenses.

Advantages:

  • Incredible versatility—one lens covers many situations
  • Faster to adapt to changing moments
  • Fewer lens changes means less risk of dust on sensors
  • The "holy trinity" of zooms can cover 95% of wedding needs

Disadvantages:

  • Maximum apertures typically f/2.8 (vs f/1.4 for primes)
  • Larger and heavier than individual primes
  • More expensive for equivalent quality and aperture

Focal Length Guide for Weddings

Each focal length has specific strengths for wedding work:

Focal Length Primary Use Wedding Applications
16-24mm Ultra Wide Venue establishing shots, reception dancing, getting ready rooms, dramatic environmental portraits
24-35mm Wide Getting ready coverage, ceremony context, bridal party groups, environmental portraits
35mm Standard Wide Documentary moments, getting ready, intimate portraits with context, storytelling
50mm Standard Most natural-looking portraits, versatile all-around, bride prep, detail shots
85mm Portrait Flattering portraits, ceremony moments, first look reactions, romantic couple shots
70-200mm Telephoto Ceremony coverage from back, candid reactions, speeches, compressed backgrounds
100mm Macro Macro Rings, jewelry, invitation details, florals, dress details

The "Holy Trinity" of Zoom Lenses

The professional standard zoom kit consists of three lenses that together cover 14-200mm:

Ultra-Wide Zoom

16-35mm f/2.8

Dramatic perspectives, venue shots, dancing, and environmental portraits. Essential for capturing the grandeur of Hawaii's landscapes with your couple.

  • Best ForVenues, dancing
  • PriorityMedium-High

Standard Zoom

24-70mm f/2.8

The workhorse lens. If you could only own one lens, this would be it. Covers getting ready, portraits, details, and most ceremony moments.

  • Best ForEverything
  • PriorityCritical

Telephoto Zoom

70-200mm f/2.8

Ceremony coverage from the back, candid shots, speeches, and portraits with beautifully compressed backgrounds.

  • Best ForCeremony, candids
  • PriorityHigh

The Prime Lens Kit

Many photographers prefer primes for their speed and character. Here's a popular prime-based kit:

35mm f/1.4

Documentary Favorite

The photojournalist's choice. Wide enough for context, normal enough for portraits. Works beautifully for getting ready and reception storytelling.

  • StyleEnvironmental, editorial
  • Depth of FieldModerate blur

50mm f/1.2 or f/1.4

The Classic

The most natural-looking focal length. Neither wide nor telephoto, it renders scenes as the eye sees them. Exceptional for intimate portraits.

  • StyleNatural, timeless
  • Depth of FieldCreamy bokeh

85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8

Portrait King

The quintessential portrait lens. Flattering compression, beautiful subject separation, and enough reach for ceremony moments. A must-have.

  • StyleRomantic, flattering
  • Depth of FieldExtremely shallow

Building Your Kit: A Practical Approach

Stage 1: The Minimum (Starting Out)

If you're just starting and need to cover your first weddings:

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom (or 24-105mm f/4 on a tighter budget)
  • 85mm f/1.8 prime (affordable portrait magic)

This gives you versatility with the zoom and a fast portrait option. Total investment: $1,500-3,000 depending on brand.

Stage 2: Core Professional Kit

As your business grows, add:

  • 70-200mm f/2.8 for ceremony and telephoto work
  • 35mm f/1.4 for documentary and low-light situations
  • Macro lens (90-105mm) for ring and detail shots

Stage 3: Complete Arsenal

Established professionals often carry:

  • 16-35mm f/2.8 for wide environmental shots
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 as the workhorse
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 for reach
  • 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 primes for low light and artistic shots
  • 50mm f/1.2 for ultimate low-light and bokeh
  • 100mm macro for details

Understanding Aperture for Weddings

Aperture (f-stop) affects both exposure and depth of field:

f/1.4 - f/2

Maximum blur, razor-thin focus plane. Beautiful for romantic portraits but requires precise focusing. Be careful—at f/1.4, if you focus on the near eye, the far eye may be soft.

f/2.8

The sweet spot for most wedding work. Good subject separation with more forgiving focus. Professional zoom standard.

f/4 - f/5.6

Groups of 3+ people, when you need everyone sharp. Still provides some background separation while ensuring sharp subjects.

f/8 - f/11

Maximum sharpness, deep focus. Use for venue shots, large groups, or when you need front-to-back sharpness.

Hawaii Lens Considerations

🌺 Tropical Lens Care
  • UV/Clear Filters: Protect front elements from salt spray and sand. Clean or replace filters rather than risking expensive glass.
  • Lens Changes: Minimize lens changes on beaches. Use two bodies with different lenses rather than swapping.
  • Condensation: When moving from AC to humid outdoor conditions, lenses fog. Either acclimate gradually or seal equipment in a plastic bag before transitioning.
  • Polarizing Filters: Essential for reducing reflections on water and enhancing Hawaii's brilliant blue skies.
  • Lens Hoods: Always use them. They protect from flare (harsh tropical sun) and provide physical protection.

Sony E-Mount

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: The gold standard. Sharp, fast, reliable.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II: Excellent for ceremonies. Internal zoom.
  • 35mm f/1.4 GM: Documentary storytelling perfection.
  • 85mm f/1.4 GM: Portrait magic. Tack-sharp with beautiful bokeh.
  • Budget option: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 (~$900)

Canon RF Mount

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS: Canon's legendary L glass, now with stabilization.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS: Workhorse telephoto with excellent IS.
  • 35mm f/1.4 L VCM: Fast, quiet, stunning.
  • 85mm f/1.2 L: The "dream lens." Unmatched bokeh and subject rendering.
  • Budget option: RF 24-105mm f/4 L (~$1,100)

Nikon Z Mount

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 S: Nikon's flagship zoom. Exceptional sharpness.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S: Outstanding telephoto with VR.
  • 35mm f/1.4: Fast prime for low-light documentary work.
  • 85mm f/1.2 S: Premium portrait rendering.
  • Budget option: Z 24-120mm f/4 S (~$1,100)

When to Rent vs. Buy

Rent when:

  • Testing a lens before committing to purchase
  • You need a specialty lens for one event (tilt-shift, super-telephoto)
  • Your lens is in for repair and you need a backup
  • Shooting a high-profile wedding that demands specific gear

Buy when:

  • You'll use the lens on 80%+ of your shoots
  • Rental costs would exceed purchase price within a year
  • It's a core part of your kit (24-70, 70-200, 85mm)

Summary: Building Your Lens Kit

Start with versatility and add specialization as your style develops:

  1. First purchase: 24-70mm f/2.8 (covers the most ground)
  2. Second purchase: 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 (essential for portraits)
  3. Third purchase: 70-200mm f/2.8 (ceremony and telephoto)
  4. Fourth purchase: 35mm f/1.4 (documentary and low-light)
  5. Fifth purchase: Macro lens (details) or 16-35mm f/2.8 (wide scenes)

Quality glass holds value exceptionally well. Buy once, buy quality, and your lenses will serve you for years—or sell for good prices when you eventually upgrade.