12 Best Canon Lenses for Wedding Photography (2023 Guide)

This is a guide covering the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.

Professional wedding photographers need the right gear to get the best results for their clients.

However, finding the best Canon lens for wedding photography can be a bit difficult.

You’ll need to consider your shooting style, camera, and even your budget when buying a new lens.

To make things simple, we’ve come up with some of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.

This will give you a better idea of what to expect and have an easier time choosing the right lens for your needs.

I have listed EF/EF-S lenses as well as a couple of RF lenses so make sure you choose a lens compatible with your Canon camera body.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:

• ⭐ Best Overall Canon Lens for Wedding Photography
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

• 💒 Best Canon Lens for Wedding Photography Distance Photos
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
  • Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

• 👩‍🦳 Best Canon Lens for Wedding Photography Portrait Photos
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Best Canon Lens for Wedding Photography Group Photos
  • Canon RF 35mm f/1.8
  • Canon EF 28mm f/1.8
  • Canon 17-40mm f/4L

• 💸 Best Budget Canon Lens for Wedding Photography
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

How to Choose the Best Canon Lens for Wedding Photography?

Aperture: A fast aperture (low f-stop number) allows for more light to enter the lens, which is important for low light conditions such as indoor receptions. This also allows for a shallow depth of field, which can be used to create a pleasing bokeh effect in portraits. Examples: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L.

Zoom range: A lens with a wider zoom range can be more versatile and allow you to capture a variety of shots without having to change lenses as often. Examples: Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L, Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Image stabilization: A lens with image stabilization can help to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially when shooting in low light. Examples: Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.

Focal length: Depending on the type of shots you want to capture, you may want to consider a lens with a specific focal length. For example, a 50mm or 85mm lens is great for portraits, while a wide-angle lens like a 16-35mm can be used for capturing wide landscapes. Examples: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, Canon RF 35mm f/1.8

Durability: A lens that is durable and built to withstand the wear and tear of wedding photography is a good choice. Consider lenses that are weather sealed, and have a good build quality. Examples: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L.

12 Best Canon Lenses for Wedding Photography

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–200 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Weight: 1310 g (2.89 lb)
• Diameter: 85 mm (3.33″)
• Length: 194 mm (7.62″)

The best Canon lens for wedding photography is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM.

Choosing the best Canon lens for wedding photography is mostly a matter of opinion.

However, the Canon EF 70mm-200mm F2.8L USM telephoto zoom lens is a strong contender not only as one of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography but even for the very best.

It allows wedding photographers to shoot from a great distance. It allows you to take portraits without being too invasive on your subjects.

Plus, the constant F2.8 aperture across focal lengths is a wide enough aperture for well-lighted weddings. This comes in handy not only for garden weddings but for indoor weddings as well.

And when it comes to image quality, you get vibrant warm colors from this lens. Plus, the autofocus motor is also accurate, especially when tracking subjects’ faces.

What’s not to like? You’ll need to have a tripod when using this camera. Unless you have huge arms, you will need to find something stable that can support your elbows when shooting.

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2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 130 g (0.29 lb)
• Diameter: 68 mm (2.69″)
• Length: 41 mm (1.59″)
• Sealing: No

A common misconception about finding the best Canon lenses for weddings is that you will need to spend a lot of money on your lens.

Take the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II lens, for example.

This lens is easily one of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography. With a wide aperture that can create beautiful bokeh, shoot in low light conditions, you won’t have a problem shooting beautiful portraits.

You get vibrant colors from this lens. Plus, if you are going to use the F5.6 aperture and above, you get great sharpness from the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II lens.

It offers quick focus, great bokeh, sharp results, and it has a lightweight construction. However, the only downside is that it feels a bit flimsy.

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3. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 305 g (0.67 lb)
• Diameter: 74 mm (2.91″)
• Length: 63 mm (2.48″)
• Sealing: No

Wedding photographers these days not only offer photos to clients but also videos. The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM lens is the best lens for wedding videography.

You have a wider perspective than your 50mm lens. It comes in with an image stabilization feature that can help videographers take high-quality videos for their clients.

Plus, the AF is also quiet which makes it easier for you to edit the video.

With its wide aperture, this gives videographers the ability to shoot even indoors. The construction is only a bit of a downer considering that it is made mostly of plastic. However, that’s what makes it lighter than most lenses.

Apart from being a good lens for videography, you can consider the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM Lens as one of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography as well.

It can create beautiful bokeh and comes in handy in shooting individual or group portraits.

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4. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 15–85 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22–36
• Weight: 575 g (1.27 lb)
• Diameter: 82 mm (3.21″)
• Length: 88 mm (3.44″)
• Sealing: No

The Canon EF-S 15-85mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM UD standard lens is an all-in-one zoom lens. You get the ability to shoot portraits, macro, and even group shots.

This gives you the freedom to choose from wide-angle to medium telephoto focal lengths.
This lens produces sharp images with warm vibrant colors.

It is also easy to use with its image stabilization feature plus its ultrasonic motor that performs quietly and accurately.

But before you invest on this lens, you want to know where this lens excels the most. If you are going to use the Canon EF-S 15-85mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM UD lens on garden weddings, then you won’t have a problem.

But if it’s indoors, that’s where things can get a bit tricky. Its aperture is not wide enough in some instances indoors.

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5. Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 28–135 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (Built in gyro sensors)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22–36
• Weight: 540 g (1.19 lb)
• Diameter: 78 mm (3.09″)
• Length: 97 mm (3.81″)
• Sealing: No

A slightly longer and less wide option compared to the Canon EF-S 15-85mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM UD lens, the Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens is another great pick for those who are serious about doing wedding photography.

Between 17mm and 28mm, the latter is easier to use during wedding celebrations. On the higher end of the focal length range, 135mm comes in as a better choice than just 85mm.

This makes it easier to shoot macro photography or take portraits from afar.

Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens is considered one of the best lenses for wedding photography because of its practicality. It delivers stunning photographs with extreme sharpness and vibrant colors.

Plus, you don’t need to switch lenses anymore. Some would even consider it as the best Canon lens for wedding photography.

The most annoying thing about this lens is the lens creep. It zooms in or out of place making you miss a few shots.

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6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.2
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Weight: 580 g (1.28 lb)
• Diameter: 86 mm (3.38″)
• Length: 66 mm (2.58″)
• Sealing: No

50mm is a staple for shooting portraits. What if you can go wider than F1.4? That’s where Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM lens comes in handy.

This prime 50mm lens can create beautiful bokeh and allow the photographer to blur the background easily.

It’s a highly versatile lens perfect for all types of weddings whether the event is done indoors or outdoors. It is known for its superb sharpness and accurate colors.

Unfortunately, though it is considered one of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography, not everyone can enjoy this lens.

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7. Canon EF 28mm f/1.8

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 28 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 310 g (0.68 lb)
• Diameter: 74 mm (2.9″)
• Length: 56 mm (2.19″)
• Sealing: No

There are instances when 50mm isn’t enough to cover group photos especially when it comes to a large wedding.

The Canon EF 28mm F1.8 USM lens fits well in this situation. It’s a great pick whether indoors or outdoors thanks to its wide F1.8 aperture.

However, it is also a good portrait lens. This can allow the photographer to take a whole-body photo of the subject while the rest of the background is blurred.

It has an ultrasonic motor that brings accuracy in its AF feature. The optics comes produces minimal distortion and other aberrations while producing sharp photos. Plus, you get vivid colors with this lens.

The downside is that it is a bit difficult to focus if you are using the widest aperture. You’d want to use MF if you are using F1.8.

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8. Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 28–300 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (Three stops claimed)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22–38
• Weight: 1670 g (3.68 lb)
• Diameter: 92 mm (3.62″)
• Length: 184 mm (7.24″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6L IS USM lens is a good choice for those who don’t want to switch lenses in the middle of the event.

This allows you to take wide-angle shots, portraits, and even macro shots depending on the situation. Considering the aperture of this lens, you are most likely limited to shooting garden weddings and well-lighted indoor weddings.

In some instances, photographers find it difficult to use indoors.

The good news is that you can shoot portraits from afar or even with additional background depending on the focal length you are going to use.

Plus, you get sharp images and wonderful colors. Autofocus isn’t a problem with this lens as well. It comes with a quiet and accurate autofocus motor that can please even the pros.

It is considered one of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography considering all its specs.

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9. Canon 17-40mm f/4L

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 17–40 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F4
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 500 g (1.10 lb)
• Diameter: 84 mm (3.29″)
• Length: 97 mm (3.81″)
• Sealing: Yes

It is a good choice to have a spare camera equipped with wide-angle lenses. (Check out a full list of the best wide-angle lenses for Canon).

This can serve as a backup for shooting group photos.

One of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography when it comes to wide-angle lenses is the Canon 17-40mm F/4L EF wide-angle lens.

This gives users a wide array of focal length options. It is designed to give you a wide perspective when it comes to shooting the bride and groom together with their friends and family.

It comes in with an ultrasonic motor that allows quiet and accurate AF. Plus, you get sharp photos with it.

It feels light and well-built perfect for different wedding scenarios.

However, it performs best under the sun and not indoors. If used indoors, you might want to have a flash with you.

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10. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 18–55 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22–38
• Weight: 200 g (0.44 lb)
• Diameter: 69 mm (2.7″)
• Length: 70 mm (2.76″)

Let’s say that you don’t have that big of a budget and you want to start shooting great wedding photos.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II lens is a top pick for a photographer with a small budget.

It works both as a portrait lens and a wide-angle lens for shooting the entire wedding setup and group shots.

This lens has UD glass and aspherical lens responsible for producing stunning colors and sharp results that can capture the emotion of your subjects.

And though it is a bit old and newer versions are making it obsolescent among pro photographers, it still works perfectly and delivers decent results.

However, it struggles a bit when shooting indoors.

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11. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 18–135 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22–38
• Weight: 455 g (1.00 lb)
• Diameter: 75 mm (2.97″)
• Length: 101 mm (3.98″)
• Sealing: No

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens meets every standard there is when considering the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.

It is an easy-to-use zoom lens that has everything that you will ever need when shooting photographs for weddings.

This lens will allow you to react fast whether you need to shoot an entire group of friends attending the wedding or you are looking to capture candid shots from afar.

Though it can produce sharp photos with great colors, the limited aperture of F3.5-5.6 makes it tricky to use indoors. You will need to have a flash ready at all times.

However, even without a tripod, the image stabilization feature of this lens allows you to have fewer wasted shots.

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12. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 75–300 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32–45
• Weight: 480 g (1.06 lb)
• Diameter: 71 mm (2.8″)
• Length: 122 mm (4.8″)
• Sealing: No

Planning to shoot photos from afar to make your presence less intrusive during the wedding?

That’s where the Canon EF 75mm-300mm f/4-5.6 III telephoto lens comes in handy. As a zoom lens with focal lengths designed for shooting from a great distance, it’s the perfect lens for capturing emotional and candid moments in a wedding.

It is also important to set your expectations. It is nowhere near the quality of the more higher $ telephoto lenses that we’ve featured.

But for shooting outdoor weddings, it can get the job done.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Concluding Remarks

The list of Canon lenses can be a bit intimidating especially if you are going to buy one for wedding photography. This list will help you narrow down your options.

Do you go for a prime lens or a zoom lens?

Be sure to know your budget and your needs to be able to make the right choice for the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.

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