I vividly remember when we were able to purchase our first prime lens. It was the 50mm f/1.2L and we loved that thing. I mean it was like our first child. It was the first lens we had no buyer’s remorse on because it produced images that were better than we could have imagined. As I sit here thinking about that, I’m trying to figure out the words to write to someone thinking of purchasing their first prime lens. It can feel like such a big deal, and it is, but you really can’t go wrong with any prime lens you choose to go with. Let’s break this down together and help you find the perfect prime lens for your wedding photography business.
First things first: what exactly is a prime lens? A prime lens has a fixed focal length – meaning it doesn’t zoom in or out. The term “prime” comes from mathematics, where a prime number can’t be divided into equal parts. Similarly, a prime lens’s focal length is fixed and can’t be divided into multiple focal lengths like a zoom lens can. I wanted to make sure I explained that because some have heard the term prime lens but may not know what it actually means.
Before we dive into this post, I wanted to make sure you knew that we have a blog post with all of our wedding photography camera body, lens, and accessory recommendations for 2025, we also have a blog post that we outlined 8 steps to becoming a wedding photographer. If either of those sound interesting, don’t hesitate to check them out!
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What Makes Canon Prime Lenses Great for Weddings
A fixed focal length might seem restrictive at first, but many photographers find it actually improves their work. Instead of relying on zoom, you’ll move around more intentionally to find the right composition. After a few weddings with a prime lens, you’ll instinctively know exactly where to stand for the perfect shot. This deliberate approach often leads to stronger images and helps develop a more consistent style.
Prime lenses are built with fewer glass elements inside because they only need to do one job – capture a single focal length perfectly. Think of it like a chef’s knife versus a multi-tool: when a tool is designed to do one thing really well, it often does that job better than something designed to do many things. This focused design helps prime lenses capture images that are incredibly sharp and rich in detail. When you’re editing your wedding photos, you’ll notice the colors and details pop right off the screen, often needing minimal adjustment to look fantastic.
The wider apertures found in prime lenses (typically f/1.2 to f/1.8) give you a major advantage during weddings. These wider apertures create a shallower depth of field, which means you can blur backgrounds more effectively and separate your subjects from distracting elements. This is particularly valuable in challenging venues where you can’t control the background or lighting. For example, when photographing a bride getting ready in a cluttered hotel room, the wide aperture helps you draw attention to her expressions while softly blurring the room’s distractions.
Each prime lens in Canon’s lineup serves a specific purpose during the wedding day. From capturing intimate portrait sessions to documenting candid moments on the dance floor, different focal lengths excel in different scenarios. Let’s explore each lens in detail to help you understand which ones might best serve your shooting style and the types of moments you love to capture most. I’m hoping that by doing this, you can better understand which prime lens you would prefer to purchase first.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L: The Versatile Storyteller
Quick Specs:
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.31 ft
- Filter Size: 77mm (for screw-on lens filters like UV protection or polarizers)
- Weight: 2.09 lbs
The RF 50mm f/1.2L might just be the most versatile prime lens Canon has ever created. If you’re wondering why so many wedding photographers start with a 50mm, it’s because this focal length just makes sense for the way we work. You know that feeling when you walk into a getting-ready room and instantly know where to stand to get the shot? That’s what shooting with a 50mm feels like – it’s intuitive.
Dark church ceremonies and candlelit receptions used to give photographers nightmares. But the f/1.2 aperture on this lens changes everything. Picture this: you’re photographing the couple’s first dance in a dimly lit barn. Instead of cranking up your ISO and hoping for the best, you can shoot confidently at f/1.2, capturing sharp, clean images that retain all the ambiance of the moment.
What really sets this lens apart is how it handles different situations throughout a wedding day. During morning preparations, you can photograph a makeup artist working without being right in their space. Need to quickly switch to capturing the emotional moment when a bridesmaid sees the bride in her dress? No problem – you’re already at the perfect distance. The 50mm teaches you to anticipate moments rather than chase them.
Pros:
- Perfect focal length for ceremonies where you can’t move around much
- Handles mixed lighting exceptionally well (like when the DJ has colorful lights going)
- Creates beautiful background separation even in tight getting-ready rooms
- Wide enough for small group shots but tight enough for closeups
- Sharp even at f/1.2, so you can shoot ceremonies in dark churches
- Fast focus that keeps up during first dances and bouquet tosses
- Built like a tank – handles the occasional bump during receptions
- Zero focus breathing when adjusting focus during emotional moments
Cons:
- Heavy to carry for 8+ hour wedding days
- Takes practice to nail focus at f/1.2 during fast-moving reception moments
- Not wide enough for large bridal party photos in tight spaces
- Can be too tight for small getting-ready rooms
- Price point may delay building a backup kit
- Manual focus ring is sensitive – easy to bump during quick moments
- Not ideal for detail shots of rings or close-up flower photos
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L: Portrait Perfection
Quick Specs:
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79 ft
- Filter Size: 82mm (larger than most Canon lenses – you’ll need dedicated filters)
- Weight: 2.63 lbs
Let’s talk about getting started with the RF 85mm f/1.2L, because this lens has quite a learning curve. First things first – forget about shooting at f/1.2 right away. I know it’s tempting, but start at f/2 for your first few weddings. You’ll still get that beautiful background blur while giving yourself some breathing room to nail focus consistently. Once you’re comfortable, gradually open up that aperture until you’re confident shooting wide open.
Understanding your working distance makes a huge difference with this lens. For full-body portraits, you’ll want to be about 15-20 feet from your couple. This distance lets you capture everything while maintaining those flattering proportions the 85mm is known for. Need a quick headshot? Step in to about 8-10 feet. For small groups, back up to 20-25 feet. Always give yourself extra room to move – there’s nothing worse than backing into a wall during an important shot.
Lighting plays a huge role in getting the most from this lens. During harsh midday sun, try positioning your couples with the sun behind them. The lens handles backlight beautifully, and you’ll get this gorgeous, glowy effect that clients love. In dark churches, spot meter on faces to keep your exposure balanced – this helps avoid blowing out those beautiful stained glass windows in the background.
Here’s something that took me a while to figure out – eye-detect AF is fantastic for portraits, but switch to single point for detail shots. During ceremonies, I like to pre-focus on spots where I know key moments will happen, like where the couple will stand for their vows. For first dances, focus on the eye closest to your camera – it makes a huge difference in the final images.
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L is a significant investment, but it’s one that can transform your portrait work and elevate your wedding photography. Not every photographer needs to start with an 85mm prime, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re drawn to portraiture and frequently shoot in low-light venues, this lens might be your perfect match!
Pros:
- Creates incredibly flattering portraits even in harsh midday sun
- Perfect working distance for emotional parent reactions and first looks
- Background melts away at f/1.2 even in cluttered venues
- Outstanding for ceremony photos from the back of the church
- Sharp enough to capture small details like tears and jewelry
- Face detection AF nails focus on eyes even in low light
- Natural focal length for capturing reactions during toasts
- Beautiful lens flare when shooting into the sun during golden hour
Cons:
- Heaviest of Canon’s prime lineup – tough on the shoulders after 8 hours
- Too tight for small getting-ready rooms
- Not ideal for dance floor coverage (you’ll be too far back)
- Focus can hunt in very dark receptions
- Minimum focus distance means you can’t get close for detail shots
- Expensive filters due to 82mm size
- f/1.2 depth of field is paper-thin – requires practice for moving subjects
- Price point is significant for newer wedding photographers
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L: The Documentary Master
Specs:
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79 ft
- Filter Size: 82mm (larger than most Canon lenses – requires dedicated filters)
- Weight: 2.63 lbs
If you find yourself constantly backing up to “fit it all in,” the RF 35mm f/1.4L will feel like a breath of fresh air. This lens captures moments the way you actually remember them – with just enough space to tell the whole story.
Getting ready rooms are where this lens truly comes alive. No more pressing yourself against walls or doorframes trying to capture the full scene. With the 35mm, you can show the bride getting her makeup done while capturing her mom and sister’s reactions in the background. That wider perspective means you’re not just documenting what people look like, but how the moment actually felt.
The f/1.4 aperture makes this lens incredibly versatile in dark reception venues. Ever notice how wedding photographers seem to float around the dance floor capturing both couples and the surrounding energy? The 35mm’s slightly wider view combined with that bright aperture lets you work close to the action while still showing the context of the celebration.
A quick note about distortion – unlike wider lenses that can make people at the edges of the frame look stretched, the 35mm keeps everyone looking natural as long as you stay mindful of your distance. Keep your subjects toward the center when shooting portraits, and you’ll never have to worry about unflattering perspective effects.
Let me write fresh pros and cons specifically for the 35mm in the context of wedding photography.
Pros:
- Perfect for documenting getting-ready rooms without changing position
- Makes small rooms feel appropriately sized, not cramped or stretched
- Creates natural documentary photos that show both subject and environment
- Allows you to stay close to the action while including context
- Excellent option for reception dancing that shows both couples and atmosphere
- Works beautifully for venue-focused couple portraits
- Light enough to hand-hold all day without fatigue
- Creates more photojournalistic images than longer focal lengths
Cons:
- Not flattering for traditional headshots or close-up portraits
- Shows some unflattering distortion if too close to faces
- Takes practice to compose with intentional foreground elements
- Requires more attention to background elements since more is in frame
- Not long enough to capture ceremony moments from the back
- Background compression isn’t as dramatic as longer focal lengths
- May struggle to create separation between subject and busy backgrounds
- Not ideal for formal family portraits unless lots of space
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro: The Detail Specialist
Specs:
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.26 ft
- Filter Size: 67mm (smaller filter size makes these filters more affordable)
- Weight: 1.54 lbs
Wedding details tell stories that words often miss – the vintage locket pinned to a bouquet, the hand-embroidered date on a dress label, or the weathered band passed down through generations. The RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro brings these tiny narratives to life in ways other lenses simply can’t match.
This lens does something remarkable: it captures subjects at actual size on your camera’s sensor (that’s what the 1:1 macro ratio means). In practical terms, this means you can fill an entire frame with a single wedding ring, showing details even the naked eye might miss. But here’s what makes it special for wedding photography – you can do this from a comfortable working distance without casting shadows on your subject.
Most photographers buy the 100mm macro thinking it’s just for detail shots, but it has a secret talent – it’s an outstanding ceremony lens. That same working distance that lets you shoot tiny details also means you can capture intimate ceremony moments without being conspicuous. During the ring exchange or unity ceremony, you can stand back and still get frame-filling shots without disturbing the moment.
The f/2.8 aperture might seem modest compared to other prime lenses, but for macro work, it’s ideal. When you’re working with a razor-thin depth of field to capture ring details or invitation texture, f/2.8 gives you just enough wiggle room to nail focus while still creating beautiful background blur.
Here’s a pro tip that will save you time: when shooting details, start at f/5.6 and gradually open up your aperture. This approach helps you find the sweet spot between sharp details and artistic blur much faster than starting wide open and stopping down.
Pros:
- Perfect for ring shots where you can capture individual diamonds in detail
- Creates beautiful 1:1 macro images of small details like invitation lettering
- Incredible for dress lace patterns and delicate jewelry details
- Doubles as a flattering portrait lens for candid ceremony moments
- Great focal length for capturing reaction shots from a distance
- Works well for tight shots of cake details and table settings
- Allows you to shoot details without casting shadows on your subject
- Sharp enough to capture texture in veils and fabric details
Cons:
- f/2.8 maximum aperture requires more light than f/1.2 primes
- Too tight for small getting-ready spaces
- Can be challenging to hold steady for macro work
- Not ideal for full-body portraits unless you have lots of room
- Autofocus can hunt in low light during receptions
- Manual focus can be tricky when shooting macro handheld
- Limited versatility compared to other prime focal lengths
- Requires higher ISOs in darker venues due to f/2.8 aperture
Making Your Choice: Where to Begin
Starting your prime lens journey is a lot like developing your personal style as a photographer – it takes time, and that’s okay. Pick one lens that aligns with the moments you love to capture most. If dramatic portraits make your heart sing, go for the 85mm. If you find yourself drawn to storytelling and candid moments, the 35mm might be your match. There’s no wrong choice here – just different tools for different visions.
Remember to give yourself time to learn your new lens. Spend a few engagement sessions focusing solely on what it can do. Test it in different lighting conditions. Push its limits. The more familiar you become with your chosen lens, the more it becomes an extension of your creative vision rather than just another piece of gear in your bag.
Each of these Canon prime lenses has its own strengths, and they all serve different purposes throughout a wedding day. Start with the one that best matches your shooting style and the types of images you want to create. As your style evolves and your business grows, you can add more lenses to your kit. The key is finding the right tool that helps you tell your clients’ stories in the most beautiful way possible.
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