Thirteen years ago, when I started doing photography, I didn’t know much about cameras and lenses. I used to ask other photographers about the gear they used, but I couldn’t really grasp why certain lenses were better for certain situations.
I had a soft spot for Canon cameras because that’s what my mom used when she took photos of my sister and me growing up. So, when I decided to buy my first camera, I naturally went for a Canon.
I remember the day I searched Craigslist to find a Canon camera. I was a broke 20-year-old college student, and I figured I could spend around $400-$500, which I originally meant for textbooks and school supplies that semester. Considering inflation, that budget would be more like $800-$900 today.
This was way before Instagram, TikTok, ChatGPT, and even before I had a smartphone to check YouTube for camera advice. I basically relied on my gut feeling as I tried to figure out which camera to buy.
In the end, I got a Canon Rebel with its kit lens for $450 from a student at the Portland Art Institute. I met him in a city alley, which, in hindsight, wasn’t the most brilliant move. But everything turned out fine, and he even gave me a quick photography lesson on the street. I forgot his name, but I’m really thankful for his help!
I stuck with that camera and kit lens for a long time, even as I took on the role of the lead photographer for my college newspaper and started doing paid portrait sessions. During those years, I made some photography friends, and one of them shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me: “The best photography gear is the one you have. A photographer should be able to capture amazing shots with any equipment because it’s their creative vision that matters.” I’ve held onto this belief ever since. I firmly believe that no matter how fancy your equipment is, it’s not the gear that turns you into a great photographer.
As the years passed and I began to get hired for wedding photography, I felt like I was pushing my trusty Canon Rebel and kit lens to their limits. It was only then that I slowly started upgrading my gear. It took me a while to upgrade the gear because I always wanted to feel like I deserved the upgrade and ensure that it would be a profitable investment, as camera bodies and gear can be pretty pricey.
Now that we’ve journeyed back to my early days in photography, it’s time to fast forward to the present and look at the camera gear I use today, along with the reasons behind my choices. I’ll share the camera gear I currently use and explain why I selected it. If you’re contemplating upgrading your gear or simply curious about what I use, please read on. You’ll also find links to purchase the gear I recommend, making it convenient to enhance your photography setup if that’s what you desire.
Please keep in mind that plenty of excellent cameras and lenses are available from various companies, and I’m just sharing what works best for me!
I currently have two primary camera bodies: the Canon 5D Mark IV (primary) and the Canon 5D Mark III (backup). There are several reasons why I opted for these camera bodies. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III and IV are highly acclaimed full-frame DSLR cameras with numerous outstanding features. Here are three of my favorite features as they pertain to wedding photography:
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor captures rich details and sharpness.
- High ISO Performance: This feature allows the camera to capture photos in very low light settings with minimal grain while retaining rich details and sharpness.
- Weather-Sealed Body: A weather-sealed body is essential because I frequently find myself photographing in Oregon’s rainy weather.
A few other features I like include the versatile autofocus system, a wide range of compatible lenses, and 4K video recording.
As for my lenses, I need to be capable of photographing in various settings and accurately conveying the ambiance in each photo. To achieve this, I use one zoom lens, two wide-angle lenses, and one portrait lens.
Zoom lenses enable you to adjust the magnification and framing of your subject without changing the lens itself. My standard zoom lens (24mm-70mm) brings versatility to my photography, allowing me to spontaneously adapt to different shooting scenarios. I often use my zoom lens during wedding ceremonies and receptions when I need to capture various photos quickly.
Wide-angle lenses are generally defined as lenses with focal lengths shorter than the standard 50mm lens on a full-frame camera. Wide-angle lenses capture a broader field of view compared to standard lenses, making them ideal for including more of the scene in your shots.
My 35mm wide-angle lens is versatile and can handle various wedding photography situations, including group shots, candid moments, venue or architectural shots, contextual establishing photos, and even close-ups. While it may not be the conventional choice for portraits, I still like to use it for couple’s portraits because it effectively captures the ambiance, particularly with its low aperture of f/1.4.
Portrait lenses are typically prime lenses (fixed focal length lenses) with focal lengths longer than the standard 50mm on a full-frame camera. They are known for the quality of their glass and their ability to produce flattering and aesthetically pleasing photos. Prime lenses do not zoom, so changing your framing requires physically moving the camera closer or farther from your subject. People prefer prime lenses because they often offer wider apertures and sharper images than zoom lenses.
My 85mm portrait lens is a classic choice for couple’s portraits during a wedding day. It provides a comfortable distance between myself and the subjects, resulting in natural-looking photos. I have the f/1.4 aperture version, which also delivers the most beautiful background blur (bokeh), isolating the subjects from the background.
To make it even more convenient for you, I’ll provide links to all of my equipment and other wedding day necessities below.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Standard Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro Memory Cards
Personal Use Travel Camera: PowerShot G7 X Mark III Black
In wrapping up this journey through my photography gear, I hope you’ve gained some valuable insights into the tools I rely on to capture those special moments. Remember, the world of photography is as diverse as the images we create, and the right equipment for you may differ from my choices. The key is finding gear that suits your unique style and vision. So, whether you’re considering an upgrade or just curious about the possibilities, I encourage you to explore the links provided to discover more about the equipment that has served me well. As you set out on your own photography adventures, I hope your gear empowers you to tell your story through the lens in the most beautiful and authentic way possible. Happy photographing!
