Wedding Photography Equipment Guide – Everything You Need to Have

Wedding photography equipment is similar for every artist, but it’s rarely the same. That’s because photographers—like all artists—develop their own techniques and styles. They all carry cameras, lenses, flash lighting, and a range of accessories. But they don’t all use the same equipment or shoot in the same way, and that’s what makes them different.

This guide looks at the essential equipment that fills the compartments of a photographer’s gadget bags. I also include examples for each category and highlight why they’re popular for weddings.

Essential Gear of a Wedding Photographer

You don’t need an extensive range of equipment to get started as a wedding photographer. It helps to have more choices, but you can get by with less if you choose with care. You can then invest in extra gear once your jobs start to pay for themselves.

Here’s what a professional wedding photographer’s kit bag looks like:

1. Cameras: primary camera and at least one backup
2. Lenses: prime lens, wide-angle, medium zoom, telephoto
3. Speedlight, also called a hot shoe flash or flashgun
4. Diffusers to soften the harshness of flash lighting
5. Accessories & extras, e.g., tripod or monopod, filters, memory cards, batteries, etc.

Invest in the Best

Professional photography—in all its forms—demands semi and pro-level equipment. Quality gear is a wise investment that should last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Try not to skimp if you’re serious about competing in this lucrative market. There’s some decent secondhand gear and refurbished cameras if the budget is tight, but always be mindful of quality.

The rest of this page looks at each of the 5 categories in turn.

#1 Cameras for Wedding Photography

Wedding photographers need cameras that have interchangeable lenses. The primary choice is either Digital-SLRs or one of the new Mirrorless options. Let’s look at each of these in turn.

DSLR VS Mirrorless for Wedding Photography

I could write an entire chapter on one verses the other, but I’ll avoid that for the sake of brevity. Instead, use the tables below for a side by side comparison of DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras.

The Closing Gap Between DSLRs and Mirrorless

Today’s smaller high-end mirrorless cameras can be just as capable as their bigger DSLR counterparts. However, the low-profile form doesn’t look as professional to the uninitiated consumer. You may have to educate potential clients about your mirrorless gear if photography is your job. Mirrorless camera technology gets better each year—so much so, that the differences are fast becoming blurred.

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Think carefully about style and needs before you decide on any DSLR or mirrorless camera. You may also want to do comparison tests between the models on your shortlist.

2 Lenses for Wedding Photography

A brilliant camera with a substandard lens will let you down every time. Stock (brand) lenses can be expensive, and that’s because they’re usually exceptional. Even so, there are some remarkable third-party lenses that compete well, and usually for a lot less money. Lenses come in different sizes, focal lengths, speed (apertures), and features.

A wedding photographer’s lens collection usually consists of at least 3 chunks of glass:

1. Prime Lens (standard to medium telephoto)
2. Wide angle
3. Medium zoom

#1 The Photographer’s Prime Lens

Prime lenses have fixed focal lengths, so they don’t zoom. That makes them lighter and shorter than the zoom alternatives, with faster maximum apertures ranging from f/1.2 to f/2.8. Fast lenses produce a shallower depth of field (DOF) and faster shutter speeds. They’re perfect lenses for wedding portraiture as they can totally blur out busy or cluttered backgrounds.

The 50mm prime is the most affordable lens for wedding photographers on a budget. Those with have a bit more to spend may want to opt for the more versatile 85mm. Below are a few options:

50mm Prime Lens Examples

Here are 3 excellent examples of high-quality 50mm prime lenses. These products are fast, accurate, and dependable. The 50mm focal length is ideal for low-light shots and incredible bokeh.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Canon’s EF 50mm fixed focal length lens is ideal for a wide variety of wedding shots. It has a fast f/1.4 aperture that can throw those distracting backgrounds right out of focus. It’s also a superb lens for shooting in lower light conditions without the need for flash. The ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) is buttery-smooth, quick, and has near-silent in operation. The minimum focusing distance is 17.8”.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G w/ Auto Focus

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G uses a newly developed optical arrangement. It includes the Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and an aspherical lens element. The lens has an M/A switch on the side. That lets you alternate between manual and autofocus mode with no noticeable time lag. Nikon optimized this exceptional lens with edge-to-edge sharpness for use with its FX and DX DSLRs.

Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Prime Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Sony’s FE 50mm is a fast, F1.8 standard prime lens that can produce outstanding bokeh effects. It’s an ultra-compact, lightweight product that’s perfect for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras. This standard prime has something called double-gauss configuration. What that does is suppress field curvature and lens distortion. Other highlights are fast, accurate AF, and a solid metal mount.

#2 85mm Prime Lens Examples

Below are 3 examples of exceptional, fixed 85mm prime lenses. No wedding photographer should leave home without one. They’re fast, lightweight, tack-sharp, and truly versatile.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Prime DG HSM Art Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Meet the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Prime DG HSM Art, short telephoto lens. Creative wedding photographers can produce stunning artistic photos with this beauty. Its fast, f/1.4 maximum aperture makes it an ideal choice for low-light work. It can also throw backgrounds out of focus to isolate the subject. Other features are the Super Multi-Layer Coating and brass bayonet mount.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Nikon designed its AF-S 85mm short-telephoto f/1.8G fixed lens for its FX and F-mount cameras. This NIKKOR lens is also compatible with DX models. The wide maximum aperture makes it a valuable tool for shooting in failing or tricky light, and for producing shallow depth of field. It sports Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that guarantees fast, precise AF with full manual override.

Canon EF 85 mm F/1.8, USM Fixed Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a bestselling lens by Canon. It’s a remarkable chunk of quality glass for the company’s EF-mount DSLRs. It’s also compatible with APS-C models. The fast f/1.8 aperture gives you full control over the depth of field (DOF) and more options for working in low light. It’s a brilliant choice for wedding portraiture. Other highlights are the fast, precise USM motor and manual focus override.

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#3 The Photographer’s Wide-Angle Lens

The wide-angle lens can be invaluable for weddings and other events with lots of people. It’s the only way for the photographer to capture a large group from a close range. It can be a prime lens or a wide-angle zoom, the latter being the most versatile.

Wide-Angle Examples

Below are three superb examples of wide-angle lenses. They add variety and some interesting perspectives to photos. No wedding album is complete without a handful of wide-angle shots.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR Fixed 20mm f/1.8G ED

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Nikon’s AF-S FX NIKKOR fixed 20mm f/1.8G ED is a prime example of an ultra-wide-angle lens. It’s the one to pull out when you need to capture large groups or wedding architecture. The lens is compatible with Nikon’s F-mount, FX-format, and DX cameras. Its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture makes it ideal for shooting in low light conditions. And the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is quiet, fast, and accurate.

Canon 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Wide-Angle Prime

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Canon EF 24mm – f/1.4L II USM wide-angle lens is another worthy addition to any gadget bag. It’s a superb low-light performer in dark churches that don’t allow flash, and for indoor receptions. You can use it on Canons DSLRs with EF-mounts and APS-C models. Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) powers the autofocus in virtual silence. There’s also manual focus override for when you need it.

Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount, FE 24–70mm F2.8 G

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Sony’s FE 24mm–70mm is a workhorse for many wedding photographers. The wide-angle to short telephoto portrait range makes it a versatile choice. You can cover a lot of photos of groups and individuals, indoors, and outside with this puppy. It’s constant f/2.8 aperture, and focus hold button keeps performance consistent across the range. This lens has protection from dust and moisture.

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#4 The Photographer’s Medium-Zoom Lens

The medium zoom lens is another valuable product for weddings and other events. It’s the one that many a budding wedding photographer keeps on their camera early in their career. No zoom can compete with a fixed prime lens, but the results can be very satisfying and salable all the same.

Medium-Zoom Examples

The medium-telephoto zoom is an invaluable lens for formal wedding portraits of the happy couple. It also captures memorable shots of the bridal party more generally. The ones with the widest apertures let photographers manipulate the depth of field to keep the emphasis on the main subjects.

Tamron SP 70–200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Medium Zoom

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Tamron’s SP 70mm–200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a superb third-party medium zoom for Canon cameras. Tamron designed it for the full-frame EF-mount, but it also works with APS-C models. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it a superb low-light lens and a consistent performer across the range. This piece of quality glass has VC image stabilization, a USD AF motor, and weather-resistance.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR f/2.8E 70–200mm FL ED VR Lens

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Meet the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70mm–200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Zoom Lens. It boasts cutting-edge optics and sleek design. The lens has innovative on-body controls, exceptional low-light performance, and flawless focus. It’s compatible with both FX and DX image sensors. Other highlights are the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, image stabilization, SWM, and 4 focus buttons to engage AF or AF lock.

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS III USM Medium Zoom

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The last zoom example is the weather-resistant Canon EF 70-200mm. It’s the company’s f/2.8L IS III USM Lens. The constant aperture ensures reliable performance throughout its range. Canon designed this versatile lens for its EF-mount DSLRs, but it’s compatible with APS-C models too. It has optical image stabilization and an 8-blade rounded aperture that produces beautiful bokeh effects.

3 The Importance of Flash

Wedding photographers avoid built-in popup flash like the plague. Its light is harsh and unflattering and unlikely to sell any photos. Natural light is the way to go. But when a flash is necessary, it’s better to opt for an on-camera Speedlight. Also, use the camera in manual mode for more creative control. Wedding photographers who know how to handle lighting have the most impressive portfolios.

Know Your Lighting Inside Out

Weddings are fast-moving events. Budding photographers should get plenty of off-job practice using flash. There’s nothing more embarrassing or frustrating than fiddling around with the lighting. You need to know your gear inside out, how it works, and how to produce the desired results quickly.

Here are the 5 most significant advantages of flashguns over built-in pop-up types:

1. Off-camera lighting gives wedding photographers more control
2. More powerful than built-in flash; can connect multiple units
3. Control over the light’s direction
4. Wide range of modifiers, e.g., snoots, soft boxes, umbrellas
5. Stroboscopic effects—ideal artistic effects

Your Flash Collection

Your camera bag needs to contain a versatile main flashgun and a backup just in case. You can mount it on the camera’s hot shoe or use it off-camera for even more control. A quality flash unit is not cheap, but it is an essential tool of the trade. Moreover, it can pay for itself many times over, so it’s a wise investment. Let’s look at two worthy examples for Nikon and Canon cameras.

4 Diffusers and Flash Modifiers for Weddings

Every wedding photographer out in the field prefers natural lighting where possible. Unfortunately, that’s wishful thinking, unless you live in a highly predictable climate. But clever flash lighting and reflectors can also bring photos to life, so it’s a vital skill. That can include bouncing, diffusing, and directing light. There are flash modifiers to cover all needs. Let’s look at a few options.

Neewer 5-in-1 Lighting Reflectors

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The humble 24 x 36” reflector can transform an otherwise dull shot into a gorgeous portrait. This portable set from Neewer has five circular, collapsible reflectors for easy storage. You get five different types, i.e., gold, silver, black, white, and translucent. Gold adds warmth and silver helps to brighten the subject. The white directs light into the shadows, while black blocks out any unwanted light.

Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The flash diffuser is an affordable yet highly effective tool that fits over flashguns. It works by softening the light and reducing shadows, reflections, and red-eye. The result is a more flattering light that produces professional looking portraits. There are several options available for the different flash units, many of which only cost 20 dollars or less.

Gary Fong Lightsphere

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

This collapsible diffuser fits effortlessly over the most popular on-camera flash heads. The light sphere only takes seconds to attach and remove. It works by diffusing the harsh light created by auxiliary flashes to produce a soft, uniform illumination. It’s more expensive than the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce above, but it’s a better, more versatile product. The Lightsphere should last a lifetime with proper care.

Spinlight 360 EXTREME

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

This is a Modular System and a superb set of light controls for speed lights. You control it with single twists to create the desired lighting effect. You get 1 snoot, a half dome, 1 white, and 1 clear full dome. There are four bounce cards as well. They include a 6” black bounce card, 6” white, 4” black, and a 4” white. The set also has 3 clear gel disks, full CTO, and half CTO gels.

ROGUERELG2 FlashBender 2

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The lightweight 5” x 9 ROGUERELG2 FlashBender 2 weighs only 2.2 ounces and packs flat for travel. It makes for a perfect bounce flash reflector, snoot, or gobo. The FlashBender is incredibly versatile and only takes seconds to attach to most accessory flash brands. It works with both on and off-camera flash. The great thing about this reflector is that you can shape it to manipulate light and shadows.

Wedding Photographers Accessories and Extras

The accessories you use depends on your work and photographic style. It’s something you can expand on as you find your way as a competent wedding photographer. However, there are a few spares and accessories that all events photographers carry. Let’s take a look.

Domke F-5XB Hip/Shoulder Camera Bag

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Camera bags are personal, and there’s no one size fits all. Wedding and outdoor photographers should invest in something rugged and waterproof, though. The F-5XB hip or shoulder camera bag by Domke is an excellent example. It has 5 pockets, generous compartments, and removable divider walls. It’s made from ultra-tough, cotton canvas, and treated with wax that resists inclement weather.

Manfrotto Aluminum Tripod (MT055XPRO3)

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Tripods come in lots of different sizes, weights, and flexibility. It’s worth investing in a quality product, one that’s dependable and built to last. You don’t want cheap clips or fragile plastic swiveling parts to break on you in the middle of a wedding shoot. Consider the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 or something similar. It’s an outstanding multi-purpose aluminum tripod that can support weights close to 20 lbs.

LaCie 5TB Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C HDD

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Portable hard drives can be an invaluable accessory for any out-and-about photographer. You can opt for the newer SSD drives like G-Technology’s durable 1TB G-DRIVE that has an IP67 rating. Many photographers still prefer something from the LaCie HDD range, like its Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C. This one is the 2TB portable HDD with the distinct orange cover. Other capacities are available.

ExpoDisc 2.0 Pro White-Balance Filter

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

It’s true, a lot of modern cameras come equipped with an Auto-White Balance (WB) feature. Even so, many semi-pro and professional photographers still prefer to customize WB on the fly. The US-made ExpoDisc 2.0 is worth consideration. It lets you set the white balance in seconds. These gels can save busy photographers a lot of post-editing time too.

A few other accessories you may want to consider include:

• Spare or improved camera straps for added comfort
• Quality memory card wallet or carrying case
• Professional camera cleaning kit
• Lens filters, e.g., warming, cooling, neutral density (ND), and circular polarizers

Wedding Drone Videography

Wedding photography has come a long way since grandma’s day. We have better cameras, faster lenses, low digital photography costs, and built-in special effects. There’s also the quick, convenient post-editing process. Now there’s a growing demand to get a few aerial shots into the album.

Drone photography adds a whole new perspective to documenting that once in a lifetime event. It’s easier than it may first appear. Small, pocketable, and portable drones can now shoot in smooth, cinematic-quality 4K video. They can capture tack-sharp 20MP aerial photos that add something special to any wedding album. We’ll do an entire piece dedicated to wedding drone photography soon.

For now, you may want to explore some of the favorite drones for events photography.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom & Mavic 2 Pro | Mavic Mini | Mavic Air | Autel Robotics EVO | Parrot Anafi

OK, that’s it for now, but my guide here is a work in progress. I’ll update this page periodically as new equipment and useful gadgets come out.
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