It’s been my dream to teach since I was little. But, I took a slightly different direction after high school (cue wedding photography dream). The more I learned about wedding photography, the more I wanted to help others purse their photography dream as well. Because we ALL deserve a shot at this! I’ve been wanting for so long to host styled workshops for local photographers, and while that dream is a bit farther out of reach at the moment, blogging answers to your questions is right within my grasp! A common question I hear is “What lens should I invest in next?” SO! Today I’m sharing about the 5 best wedding lenses on a budget!

Every wedding photographers needs a lens for every situation (the details, the preparations the ceremony, portraits, and reception)! While you CAN use one lens for any situation, it’s beneficial to have an assortment of lenses to ensure that you can capture each of these moments to its full potential! However, not every photographer has the finances yet for the best wedding gear available (don’t worry, one day you’ll have everything you could want for your photography business!).  So, here’s my list of the 5 best wedding lenses on a budget! (Disclaimer: I shoot Nikon!)

1. Tamron 70-200mm 2.8
This is lens is a MUST for wedding ceremonies! The last thing you want is to be noticed by the guests! I had always struggled with ceremonies because I wasn’t using the right lens. I would stay as far back as I could, but that still wasn’t close enough. You’d see me moving around often and quickly to get the best shots, and I’m sure that at least a few guests noticed me.

The 70-200mm will allow you to stay super far back, and because it’s a zoom lens, you can shoot from the very back of the venue at 200mm and still get close up shots of the ring exchange. Need a shot of the whole bridal party? Just zoom out to 70mm and presto. No need to move around as often and no need to get super close for the ring shots! Be a ninja when it comes to the ceremony. Make it your goal to go unnoticed!

This lens goes for about $1400, and while that is a hefty dollar, its much more affordable than the Nikon brand which sells for $2100.
2. Tamron 90mm Macro 2.8
If you’re struggling with detail shots, I highly suggest investing in a macro lens! Using a standard lens is doable, but you’ll likely have to crop in on the subject later. The problem with this is that if the client wants those cropped photos printed, you’ll likely experience pixilation and they may not look as good on paper. You don’t want to risk pixilated prints because you had to crop in on several detail shots. Macro lenses allow you to get super close to the subject so there’s minimal cropping later.

Most photographers use macros for ring shots, but they can also be used on every detail shot you can imagine! Rings, invitations, shoes, dress details, boutonnieres & bouquets, the list goes on!
This lens sells for around $300, while Nikon brand goes for around $900! Needless to say, if you can afford the brand name gear, definitely go for it, but this lens is great quality for the price!

3. Nikon 50mm 1.4G

The 50mm is my go to lens, although, because it is my go to lens, I own the more expensive Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART lens. Nikon’s version is less expensive, but it’s still an all around great lens for any occasion! If you’re just starting photography, I definitely think this lens is a must! It’s versatile enough for couples portraits, group shots, and even details! You can use this lens in so many situations! It’s amazing.

I mainly use this lens for engagement sessions and newly wed portraits, it provides just the right amount of depth for me while allowing me to be within ear shot of my clients, and allowing me to give my clients enough comfort zone space. I also love to use this lens for group shots if we’re in an open space! Never underestimate the power of the Nifty Fifty!
Nikon’s version sells for around $500, while Sigma’s ART version sells for $950.

4. Nikon 35mm 1.8G ED (FX lens)

This lens is super great and EXTREMELY versatile! Absolutely one of my favorites! Did you know that it’s especially great if you have a more artistic and photojournalistic voice? It’s because the 35mm renders the closest focal composition of the human eye, making the photos very realistic. Yay! There’s your trivia for the day! This lens allows you to get up close & personal, and allows you to capture your subject within the environmental surroundings.

It can literally be used for anything, which is why its perfect to have on a wedding day! If the venue has really beautiful landscapes surrounding it, 35mm. Let’s say you need detail shots but don’t have a macro, 35mm. If you don’t have much space in the bridal suit, 35mm. Don’t have a proper portrait lens? 35mm. This lens can seriously do it all, but take caution because it does have limitations. It’s not the “perfect” portrait lens, its not the “perfect” landscape or macro lens… it’s a super useful and super wonderful jack of all trades! I truly believe that every wedding photographer needs this lens.

There are many versions of the 35mm lens, but the Nikon 35 1.8 is the biggest bang for your buck at just over $500. Nikon also makes a faster, more expensive version, the 35mm 1.4 that runs for $1700. If you’re wanting the fast aperture, but less expensive, check out Sigma’s 35mm 1.4 ART. It runs for $900 and I honestly believe that it is a much better lens than Nikon’s 35mm 1.4. Hmmm… sounds like another potential blog post!

5. Nikon 85mm 1.8G

This lens is one of the best focal lengths for portraits. It compresses the background, allowing you to choose how much or how little of it you want in the photo, and it doesn’t distort your clients’ faces unlike some wider lenses. When you want to isolate your model from the background, but not have to stand suuuper far away for a full length shot, and still be able to shoot close ups without distortion around the edges, the 85mm should be your go to! This lens is less used for the “artistic” shots, and more used to the standard portrait or lifestyle shots. It’s a must if you want to ensure that you get amazing portraits every time!
This lens sells for about $500, but if you want to push your budget even farther, Nikon makes a faster 85mm 1.4 for $1600!

So there you have it! My 5 best wedding lenses on a budget! I hope this was helpful and please leave any questions you have in the comments box below! I’m so excited to finally be sharing my experiences with the local photography community! I’m a strong believer in “community over competition”. If you learn something from me, please share what you learned with other photographers! Because sometimes we need a push in the right direction. We’re all in this together anyways, aren’t we? (Cue High School Musical theme song).