Camera & Lens Buying Guide
Recommended cameras and lenses for wedding photography at every budget level. Focus on investing in lenses - they last longer than camera bodies.
What's In My Camera Bag - Pro Insights
See exactly what working wedding photographers and filmmakers carry to every wedding.
Browse the latest "What's In My Bag" videos from wedding photographers showing their real-world kits.
Discover wedding filmmakers sharing their complete kits - cameras, gimbals, audio, and storage.
Canon Explorer of Light with 145K+ subscribers. Wedding photography gear and techniques.
Watch photographers work an entire wedding - see gear in action from prep to reception.
Hawaii Camera Stores & Rentals
Pro Camera Hawaii
Honolulu's one-stop shop for cameras, lenses, and accessories. Also offers rental services.
- Sales: New cameras, lenses, filters, tripods, strobes
- Rentals: Camera and lens rentals - View Rentals ↗
- Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Hawaii Camera
Camera rentals with delivery across the islands. Rent equipment including underwater housings for unique Hawaii shots.
- Delivery: Free FedEx to Maui for orders over $149
- Equipment: Cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, underwater housings
- Phone: (808) 735-3838
ShareGrid Honolulu
Peer-to-peer camera and gear rentals. Rent directly from local photographers and filmmakers.
ShareGrid ↗Camera Bodies
Full-Frame Mirrorless (Recommended)
Current professional standard for wedding photography. Excellent low-light, fast autofocus, and compact size.
Top Choices:
- Sony A7 IV / A7R V / A9 III - Industry-leading AF, excellent video
- Canon R6 Mark II / R5 - Great color science, dual card slots
- Nikon Z6 III / Z8 - Excellent sensor, familiar ergonomics
- Panasonic S5 II - Great value, excellent video
Entry Full-Frame / APS-C
Capable cameras for photographers building their business.
Options:
- Sony A7C II - Compact full-frame
- Canon R8 - Affordable full-frame
- Fujifilm X-T5 / X-H2 - APS-C with excellent image quality
- Nikon Z5 / Zf - Entry full-frame options
Essential Wedding Lenses
The "Holy Trinity" - f/2.8 Zooms
Professional zoom lenses covering most wedding situations.
- 24-70mm f/2.8 - Workhorse lens, ceremony to reception
- 70-200mm f/2.8 - Ceremony, portraits, candids
- 14-24mm or 16-35mm f/2.8 - Venues, group shots, dancing
Budget Tip: Start with 24-70mm and 70-200mm. Add ultra-wide later.
Fast Primes (f/1.4 - f/1.8)
Low-light capability and beautiful bokeh for portraits.
- 35mm f/1.4 - Environmental portraits, getting ready
- 50mm f/1.4 - Classic portrait length
- 85mm f/1.4 - Portrait king, ceremony details
- 135mm f/1.8 - Ceremony, compression portraits
Macro Lens
Essential for rings, details, and flat lays.
- 90mm or 100mm Macro f/2.8 - Standard choice
- Budget Alternative: Extension tubes with your 50mm or 85mm
Recommended Online Retailers
New Gear
- B&H Photo Video ↗ - Excellent selection, competitive prices
- Adorama ↗ - Good prices, educational content
- Amazon ↗ - Convenience, fast shipping to Hawaii
Used Gear
- MPB ↗ - Quality used gear with warranty
- KEH Camera ↗ - Trusted used dealer since 1979
- Fred Miranda Buy/Sell ↗ - Photographer community marketplace
- Weather Sealing: Essential for Hawaii's humidity, occasional rain, and salt air
- Backup Bodies: Always bring a second body - shipping replacements to Hawaii takes time
- Local Rentals: Use Pro Camera Hawaii or ShareGrid for specialty gear rather than shipping
- Insurance: Cover gear against theft and damage - PPA offers equipment coverage for members
- Silica Gel: Keep in camera bag to absorb humidity