SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 2, 2025 – From tiny elopements on a windswept cliff to big, joy-filled receptions, wedding photography is all about turning one day into a lifetime of memories – and the lenses you choose decide how that story feels. Canon Ambassadors and award-winning photographers Félicia Sisco and Fabio Mirulla know this better than most, and their favourite Canon lenses show exactly how to build a kit that’s fast, reliable and beautifully flattering for couples.
Why the right wedding lens matters more than you think
Weddings move quickly: brides getting ready in small hotel rooms, guests squeezed into historic churches, couples racing into golden-hour light. You rarely get a second chance at a moment, so lenses need to focus fast, handle tricky light and give you creative control over background blur.
Whether you’re shooting intimate micro weddings or glamorous destination celebrations, you’ll lean on a few key focal lengths over and over again: wide for atmosphere and groups, normal lenses for natural storytelling, and longer lenses for flattering portraits and discrete candid shots. Canon’s RF range is built with exactly those needs in mind.
Go wide for immersive group shots: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
For big group photos, energetic exits from the church and cake-cutting moments in tight spaces, a fast wide-angle zoom is hard to beat. "Nothing beats this lens for group shots in tight spaces, both indoors and when the wedding party is coming out of the church," says Félicia. "It's also ideal when you need to get in close but still want a wide view, like when the couple are cutting the cake. And if the wedding is at a beautiful location, this lens gives me the freedom to include the surroundings as a backdrop."
With its bright f/2.8 aperture and image stabilisation that works together with IBIS in newer EOS R System cameras, the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM can glide from dark dancefloors to sun-drenched landscapes without missing a beat, for both stills and video.
Dreamy portraits and fine details: Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
The “getting ready” part of the day is where emotions run high – and where a portrait lens can truly shine. "For me, one of the most important times during a wedding is when the bride is getting ready," says Félicia. "Of course, the groom is important too, but when the bride puts on her wedding dress and her hair and make-up are just done, it's a magical moment. I feel that capturing portraits of the bride is the most important part of my work, and no lens does this better than the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM. The focal length and aperture let me focus all the attention on key details, like the bride's eyes, and soften everything else with exquisite bokeh. Nothing makes a bride look more beautiful than this lens. But it's also very versatile. I use this lens and the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM more than any other during the actual ceremony."
Fabio loves how the 85mm length lets him pick out details while still holding on to rich colours and tones in the background – perfect for sunset embraces or quiet moments away from the crowd.
One-lens storytelling: Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
The classic 50mm view feels close to how our eyes see the world, which makes it ideal for natural, story-driven wedding coverage. "This is such an incredible lens," says Félicia. "If I had to shoot a whole wedding with just one lens, it would be this one. I prefer moving into the scene and engaging with people rather than zooming and the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM is perfect for this. Whether I'm taking portraits of a single person or a couple, it gives a really natural perspective, the ultra-bright aperture is great even in really low lighting, and the tight depth of field lets me isolate the subject."
From candlelit receptions to quiet couple portraits, the RF 50mm F1.2L USM helps you keep your focus on expressions and connection, not the background.
Zoom versatility when you can’t move: RF 28-70mm F2L USM & RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Real weddings aren’t controlled sets – sometimes there’s a videographer in your way or you simply can’t move closer. "There are times during any wedding when I can't get to the spot I'd really like to shoot from, so this zoom lens gives me the flexibility I need," says Félicia of the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM. The constant f/2 aperture keeps things bright and soft even in dark venues, while the focal range covers everything from ring exchanges to hugs on the dancefloor.
For candid moments and outdoor portraits, she reaches for the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM. "This lens is perfect for candid shots of people as they're relaxing and interacting outdoors after the ceremony," she says. "When you really have to keep a distance, the zoom range and aperture of the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is perfect." It’s equally useful during the ceremony for picking out guests’ reactions without disturbing the atmosphere.
Hybrid RF lenses: when you shoot both photos and video
More and more wedding photographers are also delivering highlight films, and Canon’s Hybrid RF lenses are designed for that reality. The Canon RF 85mm F1.4L VCM and RF 35mm F1.4L VCM offer beautiful depth-of-field control for stills plus fast, quiet autofocus and smooth aperture control for video.
Both lenses – along with the full hybrid RF prime range – are built for consistency. “Despite their different focal lengths, they share the same uniform size and filter diameter, making it simple to swap between them within your setup,” says Mark Fensome. “These lenses also match optically in terms of colour profile, so you can achieve a consistent look that makes it easier to batch process and grade your wedding photos and videos.
“Canon’s Hybrid RF zoom lenses offer a different kind of flexibility for weddings,” he continues. “The Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z cover versatile focal length ranges and help you quickly respond to various scenes throughout the day. Both feature optical stabilisation and Dual Nano USM motors, which support focus breathing suppression and electronic parfocal performance – helping to maintain consistent framing when recording video.”
Mini FAQ: building your first Canon wedding lens kit
Q: I’m starting out – which one lens should I buy first?
A: A fast standard prime such as the RF 50mm F1.2L USM is a brilliant all-rounder for portraits, details and low light.
Q: Do I really need an 85mm if I have a zoom?
A: For the most flattering close-ups and dreamy bokeh, an 85mm prime like the RF 85mm F1.2L USM still feels very special.
Q: Are zooms still worth it if I love primes?
A: Yes – lenses like the RF 28-70mm F2L USM or RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM save you in tight spaces or moments when you can’t move.
Q: What about video?
A: Hybrid RF lenses and zooms are ideal if you’re offering both wedding photos and films from the same kit.
Explore Canon’s full range of wedding-ready RF lenses and camera systems at https://www.canon-europe.com.