What lens and accessories should I use on a Canon Rebel T2i for an outdoor wedding and indoor reception?

Asked 1/20/2013

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I’m an amateur photographer with a Canon Rebel T2i and the basic kit lens. I’ve photographed seniors and families for friends, but my cousin has asked me to photograph her wedding. The ceremony will be outdoors in the late afternoon/evening, followed by an indoor reception of about 100 people.

I’m worried my current gear may not be enough. If I can add or rent one main wide-to-medium lens, what would be the best choice for this kind of wedding coverage? Also, what accessories are especially important for weddings?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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Nothing is must have but good gear is strongly recommended. The thing about weddings is that there is lots happening and there are pretty much no second chances. This means you have to work fast so you will rarely see wedding photographers with tons of gear unless they also have an assistant.

For Canon users, standard wedding gear would be a 5D Mark III, 24-70mm F/2.8L and 70-200mm F/2.8L. Compared to your Rebel T2i, these are rather expensive but they are so common that almost any place that rents photo gear will have these. Reserve as fast as you can and take them at least one day before the wedding so that you can practice. Gear that you are not familiar with is more dangerous than poor gear.

The other thing that is common is an external flash to light up your subjects and freeze the motion of people, particularly indoors. Since direct flash is rarely flattering, you need one that swivels to be bounced on walls and the ceiling. Check the wedding venue first. In some places, this is impossible to do. In that case, you should go with an off-camera flash either held by someone else or by a flash bracket that attaches to the bottom of your camera.

Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1620

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For weddings, speed and reliability matter because there are no do-overs. Based on the answers, the most practical main lens choice is a fast standard zoom, especially a 24-70mm f/2.8-style lens. It covers wide-to-medium focal lengths and is a common wedding workhorse for both ceremony and reception.

If possible, also consider a 70-200mm f/2.8 for moments where you need more reach, but if you’re choosing one main lens, the standard zoom is the better starting point.

An external flash is strongly recommended, especially for the indoor reception and lower light later in the day. It helps provide light and freeze motion.

If your current body feels limiting, renting is a smart option. Common wedding gear is widely available to rent, and the most important advice is to get any rented gear at least a day early so you can practice. Unfamiliar gear can be riskier than modest gear you know well.

So: prioritize a fast standard zoom and an external flash, and practice before the wedding.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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