8 Best Canon Wedding Lenses Photographers Should Buy in 2024

By Tati Taylor 19 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

When choosing a Canon wedding lens, pay attention primarily to the optic characteristics of the lens and the technical capabilities of your camera body. Any DSLR body with almost any lens gives a nice picture in good lighting. But the main problems are frequent changes of location.

The main challenge is the excessive sharpness of the background. To make the picture look beautiful and professional, you need to blur the background. All Canon lenses for wedding photography are represented by the L-series of zoom models that provide the necessary aperture range, have a fixed focal length, and offer superior brightness.

Main Types of Lenses Every Wedding Photographer Should Have

To cover all the wedding scenes, each wedding photographer must have different types of lenses in his arsenal.

Photography prime lenses. This is the best option if you’re interested in getting the best lens for portrait shots. The focal length of such lenses is fixed and you wouldn’t be able to stand still, you’ll have to walk around the subject to get the best shot.

A low aperture of prime lenses makes the shallow depth of field. It means you soften your bride and groom's skin and make the couple pop off the page.

Wide angle lenses. The wide angle lens is primarily designed for capturing large outdoor scenes that feature the newlywed couple in the center of the shot. You may use it for indoor shooting, as well as for large group shots. But make sure that you do not have distortions that are very typical for this type of lens.

Telephoto lenses. This telephoto lens for Canon can “move” you closer to the object in case you are far away and blur the background perfectly, similarly to what a bokeh lens does.

Telephoto lenses really help to take natural emotions of people staying invisible and far away from them. Be careful, as you need to use a fast shutter speed or a tripod for these shots.

Classic zoom lenses. The main advantage of these lenses is that you don't need to constantly move while shooting to get closer to the subject. Another noteworthy perk is the boosted shooting speed. You’ll be able to quickly go from taking photos at 17mm to 55mm without having to waste time by replacing one lens with another and potentially missing a perfect shot while doing so.

Macro lenses. They allow you to find the beauty of an event in the little things such as décor, flowers, cakes, etc. Macro lenses are also popular for shooting newborns, so purchasing such a model is a must-have for wedding photographers.

Top 8 Canon Wedding Lenses to Use

  1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM - Universal wedding lens
  2. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - For portraits
  3. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is STM - Wide angle wedding lens
  4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM - Budget-friendly option
  5. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM - For shooting the first dance
  6. Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM - For nighttime wedding
  7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM - For capturing special wedding moments
  8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - Versatile wedding lens

The choice of the Canon lenses for wedding photography greatly depends on the photographer in question and creative goals. However, for this review, I’ve put together such a diverse array of lenses that everyone is bound to find an option to their liking while basing my selection on my past wedding photoshoots.

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – Our Choice

Universal wedding lens
canon ef 50mm f/1.8 stm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Sharpness at lower aperture setting
  • ✚ Reasonable price
  • ✚ Small build
  • ✚ Suitable for most needs
  • Disappointing build quality
  • Subpar AF performance in poor lighting conditions

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a widely-used 50mm lens that is known for its compact, lightweight build and amazing picture quality. Even with a fully open aperture, the image impresses us with its sharpness and the absence of flares.

canon ef 50mm f/1.8 stm canon wedding lens example

Photo made by Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The quality of the optics used for this Canon lens for weddings allows you to enjoy virtually non-existent geometric aberrations (straight lines often appear curved when using an 18-55mm), fantastic results in low-light conditions, and a shallow depth of field (that helps blur the background to ensure the foreground is emphasized as much as possible).

2. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

For portraits
canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Terrific performance in terms of speed
  • ✚ Ultrafast USM motor
  • ✚ Minimum geometric and chromatic aberrations
  • ✚ Pro-level bokeh
  • Rather bulky
  • Lacks dust and moisture protection

Choose Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Canon wedding lens if you like beautiful blur effects or want to take creative shots. The aperture consists of 7 blades, which results in accurate bokeh. The background is blurred in a soft and nice manner.

canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm canon wedding lens example

This bokeh lens is packed with fantastic optics that include AD and aspherical components to help you take sharp photos through the entire zoom range to 55mm. Meanwhile, its 1:3 focus ratio allows the lens to create appealing bokeh blur even when working in subpar lighting.

3. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is STM

Wide angle wedding lens
canon ef-s 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is stm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Crisp throughout range
  • ✚ Inexpensive
  • ✚ Super-wide angle field of view
  • ✚ Optical stabilization feature
  • The lens mount is made of plastic
  • High barrel distortion at 10mm

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is STM is known for its awesome optics and outstanding performance. You get an extra-wide angle of view in a small, portable body that is perfectly paired with EOS cameras.

It contains a 4 group optical zoom system, an aspherical lens element, a large-diameter element, enhanced lens coatings, and a UD lens element. As a result, you can take high-contrast, high-res photos with minimized glare and aberration.

canon ef-s 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is stm canon wedding lens example

Also, this wide angle lens has an Optical Image Stabilizer system to ensure up to 4 equivalent stops of shake correction. Smooth and continuous AF during video capturing is provided by an improved focus mechanism and a stepping motor STM.

A fast CPU, an excellent AF algorithm and a rear focusing system contribute to high-speed AF. Moreover, you can make some adjustments through the full-time manual focus mode.

4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Budget-friendly option
canon ef 85mm f/1.8 usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ No movable components
  • ✚ Precise and fast focusing mechanism
  • ✚ Perfect backdrop blur
  • ✚ Reasonable price
  • Might require a filter for the front lens
  • Possible chromatic aberrations
  • Susceptible to dust

This wedding lens especially stands out for its high aperture and, at the same time, affordable price. This 85mm lens is light enough, compact, rapid, very fast, and even full-framed. You can use this lens both for portrait and wedding photography with equal success.

canon ef 85mm f/1.8 usm canon wedding lens example

Photo made by Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

You can shoot everything only with 24-70, which will be enough for some photographers. When paired with Canon cameras it gives a high-quality picture, but the main drawback is the absence of the delightful bokeh, which appears if you shoot with the prime lenses.

5. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM

For shooting the first dance
canon ef 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6l is ii usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Quick and silent AF system
  • ✚ Doesn’t change in size when focusing
  • ✚ Compact and lightweight
  • ✚ Nice bokeh
  • Plastic casing
  • Inconvenient hood mounting
  • Frequent chromatic aberrations

The main features of this wedding Canon lens are a compact size and comfortable ergonomics. At the moment, it is the only brand 100 mm autofocus lens with such a large aperture. That’s why this is the perfect option if you want to take clear, focused photos of all the dances and dynamic events that occur at the wedding.

canon ef 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6l is ii usm canon wedding lens example

Moreover, the lens has no Hard stop – when it reaches the extreme positions, the movement becomes a bit tight for a second. It signalizes that we are at the end point, after that it just spins further.

6. Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

For nighttime wedding
canon ef 16–35mm f/2.8l iii usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Excellent sharpness and image quality
  • ✚ Good weather sealing
  • ✚ High-quality construction and materials
  • ✚ Versatile and easy to use
  • Softness at certain apertures and focal lengths
  • Vignetting and chromatic aberration when shooting wide open
  • Lack of image stabilizer

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM offers excellent sharpness, which is crucial for capturing those beautiful wedding moments. It also comes with good weather sealing, so you don't have to worry about shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.

It's part of Canon's L-series, which means it's built with high-quality materials and construction.

canon ef 16–35mm f/2.8l iii usm canon wedding lens example

The lens feels solid in your hand and has a smooth action for both the zoom and focus rings. The autofocus is quick and quiet, making it suitable for shooting video as well as stills. One notable aspect of this lens is the Subwavelength and Air Sphere Coating, which helps reduce flare and ghosting in low-light conditions.

When comparing the 35mm vs 50mm, the Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM offers versatility with its wide focal range, allowing you to capture both wide-angle shots and close-ups.

7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM

For capturing special wedding moments
canon ef 70-200mm f/2.8l is iii usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Zoom capability
  • ✚ Smooth and quick focusing system
  • ✚ Optical image stabilization
  • ✚ Improved close focus distance
  • Quite heavy
  • Issues with auto-focus at close distances
  • Prone to flare when shooting with strong light sources

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM wedding lens, one of the best 70-200mm lenses, delivers incredibly sharp results throughout the entire focal length range, especially at f/2.8. It's like a sniper rifle for capturing those precious moments like the kiss, the ring exchange, or the bouquet toss without disturbing your subjects.

canon ef 70-200mm f/2.8l is iii usm canon wedding lens example

One of the most obvious advantages of this Canon lenses for weddings, is its fantastic zoom capability. The lens can be used for a wide range of photographic applications, from weddings to portraits, candid shots, and even some macro photography.

Plus, its large f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low light performance, which is crucial for wedding photographers who often shoot in dim conditions.

8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Versatile wedding lens
canon ef 24-70mm f/2.8l ii usm canon wedding lens
  • ✚ Convenient focus ring
  • ✚ Vibrant, high-contrast results
  • ✚ High-speed aperture
  • ✚ Accurate AF system
  • Lacks a stabilizer
  • Plastic casing

This Canon lens for wedding photography has high-aperture performance. This is a very versatile and high-quality lens in every sense that is suitable for taking wedding photos from a variety of angles and in different conditions.

The first thing I am pleased with is the color rendition; the colors are smooth and deep.

canon ef 24-70mm f/2.8l ii usm canon wedding lens example

This model is rightfully considered the best wedding lens Canon product in terms of picture quality and autofocus speed/precision. It offers terrific sharpness, unparalleled full-frame contrast even at f/2.8, and is made of top-quality components.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
canon ef 50mm f/1.8 stm canon wedding lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
OUR CHOICE
  • 50mm
  • f/1.8STM
CHECK PRICE
canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm canon wedding lens
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
FOR PORTRAITS
  • 17-55mm
  • f/2.8 is USM
CHECK PRICE
canon ef-s 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is stm canon wedding lens
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is STM
WIDE ANGLE
  • 10-18mm
  • f/4.5-5.6
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Canon Wedding Lens?

It’s important to have the right lens in your camera kit, especially for wedding photography. When it comes to picking up lens for wedding photography, there are a few key things to consider.

canon wedding lens focal length

Focal length - different. It determines how much of a scene your camera captures, making it an important factor when choosing wedding lens. For group photos and larger scenes, a wide-angle lens is usually the way to go.

For more detailed portraits, a Canon standard zoom lens is ideal for capturing those intimate moments. The best Canon wedding lenses offer a range of focal lengths to cover all your photo opportunities and ensure you capture every special moment.

canon wedding lens aperture

Aperture – minimum f/1.4. This refers to how wide the lens can open, allowing more light to enter. A wider aperture, like f/1.4 or wider, is great for low light conditions often encountered during weddings, and it also helps in creating a beautiful blurry background for those dreamy shots.

It's especially handy for capturing wedding details in dim lighting, so keep this in mind when choosing the perfect Canon lens for wedding photography.

canon wedding lens weight

Weight - comfortable. You'll want a lens that's lightweight and comfortable to use, especially since wedding shoots can be long and physically demanding. So, make sure to take into account the weight of the lens when making your decision.

F.A.Q.

  • • What focal length is good for portraits?

For portraits, you'll want a lens that provides a natural perspective similar to what the human eye sees. Prime lenses with a wide aperture of f/2 or f/4 are ideal for blurring the background and making the subject stand out.

A 50mm lens on a full frame camera is also a flattering focal length without any lens distortion. It works well for capturing details during the getting ready process or large group photos when you have a second shooter.

  • • What focal length is appropriate for group photos?

For group photos, a wide-angle lens is preferred as it allows you to accommodate more people in the frame. However, be cautious with ultra-wide angle lenses for Canon as they can cause distortion at the edges of the image.

A standard zoom lens is also a good choice as it covers a range of focal lengths, allowing you to zoom in on subjects without changing the lens. Opting for a lens with a large maximum aperture will provide a shallow depth of field and create beautiful background blur, especially in low light conditions.

  • • What is the focal length for reception photos?

Reception photos are an important part of capturing the bride and groom's special moments. When photographing receptions, you have more flexibility in choosing the focal length.

You can experiment with different lenses based on the desired effect. However, it's still recommended to have a versatile lens that can cover a range of focal lengths to capture the atmosphere and details of the reception.

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF SAVE UP TO 60% OFF