Wedding Photography Gear Guide: Top-Notch Picks for Stunning Shots

Written By Anna Sofia Levander
 

If you're stepping into the world of wedding photography—or upgrading your current kit—you already know that gear matters. Weddings are dynamic events with a mix of fast action, emotional moments, and varied lighting conditions. Your gear needs to be fast, sharp, reliable, and versatile.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some top-tier gear recommendations from Canon and Sony, two industry-leading brands trusted by professional wedding photographers worldwide.

What to Look for in Wedding Photography Gear

Before diving into specific products, here’s what you need in wedding photography gear:

  • Low-light performance: Churches, receptions, and dance floors aren’t always well-lit.

  • Fast autofocus: To catch fleeting moments and emotions.

  • Versatile focal lengths: Wide for venues, mid-range for candids, telephoto for ceremonies.

  • Reliability: No room for gear failure on someone’s big day.

  • Lightweight setup: You'll be carrying your gear for hours.

Canon Picks: Precision and Power

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

  • 24.2 Megapixels | Full-Frame | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II

  • Known for its insanely fast autofocus and impressive low-light performance, the R6 Mark II is a workhorse for wedding pros. Silent shooting mode is a godsend during ceremonies.

Canon RF28-70mm F2 L USM Lens

  • A true powerhouse of a zoom lens. With its constant f/2 aperture, this lens performs like a set of primes—perfect for those who want creamy bokeh and fast performance in a single lens.

Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

  • A go-to zoom for many wedding shooters. Offers more flexibility with image stabilization and still delivers top image quality. Excellent for prep shots, portraits, and receptions.

Canon RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens

  • Perfect for venue shots, wide compositions, and creative perspectives. Lightweight and optically stabilized, it's a great addition to any wedding kit.

Sony Picks: Dynamic, Compact, and Ready for Anything

Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera

  • With 33MP resolution, exceptional autofocus, and top-notch video features, this hybrid shooter is ideal for photographers who want to dabble in video without switching gear.

Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless

  • Still one of the best all-around full-frame mirrorless cameras. Its amazing battery life and autofocus system make it perfect for capturing fast-paced wedding moments.

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens

  • Razor-sharp, stunning bokeh, and lightweight. This lens excels for documentary-style wedding photography and candid moments during prep or reception.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM for Sony A

  • A budget-friendly alternative with stellar image quality. Great for detail shots, first looks, or ambient moments without breaking the bank.

Sony SEL-85F18 Portrait Lens – 85mm F1.8

  • Lightweight, fast, and crisp. The 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits, ceremony moments, or romantic couple sessions at golden hour.

Suggested Kit Combinations

Canon Setup (Ultimate versatility):

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II

  • RF28-70mm F2 for most of the day

  • RF14-35mm F4 for prep/venue shots

  • RF24-70mm F2.8 for receptions or as an all-around backup

Sony Setup (Performance & portability):

  • Sony Alpha 7 IV

  • FE 35mm F1.4 GM or Sigma 35mm F1.4 for storytelling moments

  • 85mm F1.8 for portraits

  • Optional: Sony a7 III as a second body

Your gear won’t make you a great wedding photographer—your eye, timing, and connection with the couple will. But having the right tools can make your job smoother, your images cleaner, and your clients even happier.

Whether you're Team Canon or Team Sony (or both!), the gear above will give you the confidence to tackle anything a wedding day throws your way.

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Anna Sofia Levander