A Professional Photographer's Guide to the Best Cameras and Lenses for Capturing Wedding Moments

As a wedding photographer with years of experience, I’ve learned that having the right equipment is key to capturing the magic of a wedding day. From the subtle emotions during the vows to the energy of the reception, each moment requires a specific approach. In this guide, I’ll share the best cameras and lenses I’ve used throughout my career, explaining how they shine in different wedding scenarios—from intimate portraits to dramatic group shots.

My Top Camera Picks for Wedding Photography:

  1. Canon EOS R5

    • Resolution: 45 MP
    • Why I Use It: The R5 is my go-to camera for weddings because of its exceptional autofocus and stunning image quality. Whether I’m shooting in a bright outdoor venue or a dimly lit reception hall, this camera never lets me down.
    • Best Moment to Use: I find this camera is perfect for ceremonies and receptions where I need to track movement, like the couple walking down the aisle or their first dance. The detail and clarity are unmatched.

  2. Nikon Z6 II

    • Resolution: 24.5 MP
    • Why I Use It: When shooting in low-light settings like evening receptions, this camera excels. The Z6 II’s ability to handle poor lighting without losing detail is crucial when the venue lights are low, but emotions are high.
    • Best Moment to Use: It’s my go-to for capturing the couple’s first dance, as it beautifully renders the warmth of the moment despite challenging lighting.

  3. Sony A7 III

    • Resolution: 24.2 MP
    • Why I Use It: The A7 III is a workhorse—reliable, versatile, and with fantastic dynamic range. I use it for a mix of indoor and outdoor shots, as it handles both environments effortlessly.
    • Best Moment to Use: This camera shines during outdoor photoshoots, especially during golden hour, where the light enhances the couple’s glow.


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Lenses That Bring Out the Best in Wedding Photography:

  1. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM (Portrait Lens)

    • When I Use It: Portraits are the heart of wedding photography, and this lens never fails to capture intimate moments. I use it during bridal preparation to capture serene close-ups of the bride and groom.
    • Favorite Pose: One of my favorite shots is a candid, quiet smile from the bride as she finishes getting ready. The shallow depth of field and soft bokeh make the moment feel timeless.

  2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G (Wide-Angle & Group Photos)

    • When I Use It: This is my go-to lens for larger group shots and wide, dramatic scenes. Whether I’m shooting family portraits or capturing the grandeur of the ceremony, it gets everyone in frame without distortion.
    • Favorite Moment: I love using this lens when the couple and guests are interacting naturally. For example, during the toasts, it allows me to capture the reactions of the entire room.

  3. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS (Candid and Ceremony Lens)

    • When I Use It: Candid moments are the soul of a wedding, and this lens allows me to capture them discreetly from a distance. Whether it’s the couple exchanging vows or guests shedding tears of joy, this lens ensures I don’t miss a thing.
    • Best Shot: One of my favorite uses of this lens is during the ceremony. I can stay far enough to be unobtrusive, yet close enough to capture the groom’s first glance at his bride.

Key Wedding Moments and the Lenses I Use

  1. The First Look (Building Drama & Anticipation)

    • Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
    • Why It Works: The first look is one of the most emotional parts of the day. I use this lens to isolate the couple from their surroundings, creating a soft background and focusing entirely on their reactions.
    • Pose: I like to position the groom facing away from the bride as she walks up to him. The tension in the air builds, and the moment when he turns around is pure magic.
    • Photo Style: Soft bokeh and a dreamy atmosphere that highlights the intimacy of the moment.

  2. Walking Down the Aisle (Capturing Emotion & Action)

    • Lens: Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
    • Why It Works: This lens allows me to capture both the bride’s emotional walk and the reactions of guests in the background without being in the way. It gives me the freedom to zoom in for tight shots while remaining at a respectful distance.
    • Photo Style: Crisp portraits with natural lighting, and a shallow depth of field that keeps the focus on the bride and groom.

  3. The First Dance (Capturing Movement & Romance)

    • Lens: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
    • Why It Works: The first dance is full of motion, and this lens is flexible enough to capture it all, from sweeping wide shots to intimate close-ups. It’s versatile, which is essential when the couple is spinning or swaying.
    • Favorite Pose: I love capturing the couple’s laughter or quiet whispers during their first dance—those candid moments tell their story without needing to be staged.
    • Photo Style: Soft motion blur to convey movement, while keeping the couple in sharp focus.

  4. Candid Guest Reactions (Genuine Emotion)

    • Lens: Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
    • Why It Works: Guests often forget they’re being photographed, and this is when the best candid shots happen. I use this lens to zoom in from afar, capturing natural reactions without intruding.
    • Best Moments: Teary-eyed parents, joyful laughter, and proud looks during the ceremony—these are the moments that add emotional depth to the wedding album.
    • Photo Style: Clean, sharp portraits that highlight the emotion of the moment.

  5. Golden Hour Portraits (Harnessing Natural Beauty)

    • Lens: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
    • Why It Works: Golden hour is every photographer’s dream—it creates a soft, warm light that’s perfect for portraits. This lens captures the couple against the backdrop of the sunset, emphasizing the glow.
    • Favorite Pose: I love positioning the couple facing each other, bathed in the golden light, holding hands or sharing a kiss. It’s a natural and romantic moment that never feels forced.
    • Photo Style: Warm, sun-kissed tones with soft edges that give the photo a timeless feel.

My Closing Thoughts

Wedding photography is about more than just technical skills—it’s about storytelling. With the right cameras and lenses, I can capture every moment in a way that reflects the couple’s love and joy. Whether it’s the bride’s walk down the aisle or candid laughter during the reception, each shot becomes a lasting memory. For me, each wedding is unique, and with the right equipment, I ensure that I capture the true essence of the day.

For affordable and professional wedding photography in Toronto, visit ONDI Studio. Let’s make your special day one to remember forever.