Wedding Photography and Videography Gear: Our Top Picks
As a husband-and-wife team, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories, each one unique and special in its way. Over the years, we’ve learned that having the right gear is essential for ensuring that we can deliver the highest quality work to our clients. We’ve spent countless hours testing and refining our kit, and today we’re excited to share our top gear recommendations for wedding photographers and videographers. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, these tools will elevate your work to the next level.
Canon EOS R3: The Ultimate Tool for Wedding Photographers
Dawson: The Canon EOS R3 is a revolutionary camera that combines cutting-edge technology with the robust, reliable build that Canon is known for. As a wedding photographer, capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments is crucial, and the R3 delivers with its 24.1MP full-frame sensor, which provides stunning resolution and dynamic range. The camera’s Eye Control AF is a standout feature—allowing me to select focus points simply by looking at them in the viewfinder. This intuitive autofocus system is incredibly fast and precise, ensuring that I never miss a moment, even in fast-paced wedding environments.
Another major advantage of the EOS R3 is its superior low-light performance. Weddings often span an entire day, moving from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions, and the R3 excels in all lighting conditions. Its ability to shoot at high ISOs without significant noise means I can capture clean, sharp images no matter the environment. Additionally, the R3’s electronic shutter can shoot at up to 30 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing action shots, such as the couple’s first kiss or the bouquet toss, with impeccable timing.
Check out the Canon EOS R3 here
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L: Versatility and Quality in One Lens
Dawson: The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L lens is an engineering marvel that offers the flexibility of a zoom lens with the image quality typically reserved for prime lenses. This lens is my workhorse on wedding days, allowing me to switch from wide-angle shots of the venue to intimate portraits of the couple without changing lenses. The constant f/2 aperture across the zoom range provides stunning background blur and excellent performance in low light, which is essential for capturing the ambiance of indoor ceremonies and receptions.
The 28-70mm focal length is incredibly versatile, covering everything from wide group shots to medium telephoto for tighter portraits. The lens is also built to Canon’s L-series standards, meaning it’s weather-sealed and durable enough to withstand the rigors of wedding photography. Whether I’m shooting in the bright sunlight or in a dimly lit reception hall, this lens delivers consistently sharp, vibrant images that make my work stand out.
Discover the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L here
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L: Capturing the Details from a Distance
Dawson: The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L is a must-have for any wedding photographer who wants to capture those beautiful, candid moments without being intrusive. The 70-200mm focal length is perfect for zooming in on the couple during the ceremony or getting tight shots of the guests’ reactions from across the room. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for stunning subject isolation with creamy bokeh, making the couple the clear focus of each image.
This lens also features Canon’s advanced image stabilization technology, which is invaluable when shooting handheld in low-light situations. Whether I’m photographing the ceremony from a distance or capturing the couple’s first dance, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L ensures that I can get the shot I want, every time. Its compact and lightweight design compared to previous versions makes it easier to carry and use throughout a long wedding day.
Explore the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L here
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L: The Wide-Angle Wonder for Dynamic Shots
Dawson: For those epic wide-angle shots that capture the grandeur of a wedding venue or the energy of a packed dance floor, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L is the lens I reach for. This ultra-wide zoom lens offers incredible flexibility, allowing me to shoot everything from sweeping landscapes to tight spaces without distortion. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in low light, while the optical image stabilization helps keep shots steady, even in challenging conditions.
The 15-35mm focal range is perfect for capturing the scale and detail of the wedding day, from the architecture of the ceremony venue to the lively atmosphere of the reception. This lens is also essential for those creative shots that add a unique perspective to the wedding album, such as dramatic low-angle images or dynamic shots of the couple moving through a crowd. The sharpness, color accuracy, and overall image quality are top-notch, making this lens an invaluable tool in my kit.
Check out the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L here
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L: The Storyteller’s Prime Lens
Dawson: The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L is a prime lens that I rely on for capturing the story of the wedding day in a natural, unobtrusive way. The 35mm focal length is ideal for environmental portraits, allowing me to include just enough of the background to tell the story of the scene while keeping the focus on the couple. The wide f/1.4 aperture provides beautiful background blur and excels in low light, making it perfect for capturing intimate moments with a cinematic feel.
This lens is also incredibly sharp, even at its widest aperture, and the color rendition is superb. Whether I’m photographing the bride getting ready in the soft morning light or capturing the couple’s first look, the RF 35mm f/1.4L allows me to create images that are both personal and visually striking. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around all day, ensuring that I’m always ready to capture those fleeting moments.
Discover the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L here
Profoto A10: Lighting Perfection for Every Situation
Dawson: Lighting can make or break a photograph, and the Profoto A10 ensures that I always have perfect lighting, no matter the situation. This compact yet powerful flash is designed to work seamlessly with Canon cameras, offering TTL and manual modes for full creative control. The A10’s round head creates a natural, soft light that’s ideal for flattering portraits, and its built-in AirX technology allows for wireless control, making it easy to use off-camera.
What sets the A10 apart is its versatility. Whether I’m shooting on-camera for a quick fill light during the ceremony or using it off-camera for more dramatic lighting setups during the reception, the A10 delivers consistent, beautiful results. The rechargeable Li-ion battery provides long-lasting power, ensuring that I never miss a shot due to a dead flash. It’s an essential tool for any wedding photographer who wants to create stunning, well-lit images in any environment.
Profoto Connect Pro Trigger: Total Control of Your Lighting
Dawson: The Profoto Connect Pro Trigger is an indispensable tool for anyone using multiple lights during a shoot. This trigger gives me full control over my lighting setup, allowing me to adjust the power, group settings, and channels for each Profoto flash in real-time. It’s easy to use, with a simple interface that makes adjusting lighting on the fly quick and intuitive, which is essential when working under the pressure of a wedding day.
The Connect Pro Trigger is compatible with all Profoto lights and integrates seamlessly with the Profoto A10, ensuring that I can create the perfect lighting for every shot. Whether I’m balancing ambient light with flash during an outdoor ceremony or creating dramatic lighting effects in a dimly lit reception hall, the Connect Pro gives me the flexibility and control I need to achieve my creative vision.
Check out the Profoto Connect Pro Trigger here
Sony FX3: The Videographer’s Dream Camera
Josie: The Sony FX3 is a game-changer for wedding videographers. It’s a compact, full-frame cinema camera designed with professional video production in mind. The FX3’s 4K video quality is simply stunning, with rich colors, incredible detail, and smooth motion that make every shot look cinematic. What I love most about this camera is its performance in low light, which is crucial for capturing the romantic atmosphere of evening receptions without the need for intrusive lighting.
The FX3 is also incredibly user-friendly, with a body that’s designed for handheld shooting. The top handle, included with the camera, features XLR inputs for professional audio recording, making it easy to capture high-quality sound directly into the camera. The advanced autofocus system ensures that I can track moving subjects accurately, which is essential during the fast-paced moments of a wedding day. The FX3 is a powerful, versatile tool that allows me to create beautiful, cinematic wedding films that my clients will cherish forever.
Sony FX30: The Compact Powerhouse for Videographers
Josie: The Sony FX30 is an incredible addition to any wedding videographer’s kit. It’s a Super 35mm cinema camera that offers many of the same features as the FX3 but in a more compact and affordable package. The FX30’s 4K video quality is exceptional, with vibrant colors and detailed images that capture every moment of the wedding day in stunning clarity. Its compact size makes it perfect for handheld shooting or mounting on a gimbal, allowing me to capture smooth, dynamic shots with ease.
One of the best features of the FX30 is its advanced autofocus system, which tracks subjects with incredible accuracy. This is particularly useful when filming the couple during key moments like the first dance or the exchange of vows, where I need to maintain focus without interrupting the moment. The FX30 also offers S-Cinetone color profile, which provides a beautiful, cinematic look straight out of the camera, reducing the need for extensive color grading in post-production.
Sony A7IV: The Hybrid Shooter’s Best Friend
Josie: The Sony A7IV is an incredibly versatile camera that’s perfect for hybrid shooting, making it a favorite in our kit. With its 33MP full-frame sensor, the A7IV delivers stunning image quality for both photos and video. This camera excels in both worlds, making it ideal for capturing everything from still portraits to high-definition 4K video. The A7IV’s fast and reliable autofocus ensures that I can keep up with the fast pace of a wedding day, capturing sharp, in-focus shots even during action-packed moments.
One of the standout features of the A7IV is its real-time Eye AF, which tracks the subject’s eyes with incredible precision. This is invaluable when capturing emotional moments, ensuring that the focus is always on the couple’s expressions. The camera also offers extensive customization options, allowing me to set it up exactly how I like to work. Whether I’m shooting photos of the bridal party or recording video of the ceremony, the A7IV delivers consistently excellent results.
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: The Essential Zoom Lens for Videography
Josie: The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the lens I rely on for most of my videography work. Its versatile zoom range covers everything from wide-angle shots of the venue to close-up details of the couple’s rings, making it an essential lens for any wedding videographer. The f/2.8 aperture provides beautiful depth of field and performs exceptionally well in low light, ensuring that my footage looks great no matter the lighting conditions.
This lens also features Sony’s advanced autofocus, which is fast and reliable, allowing me to keep up with the action as it unfolds. The image quality is outstanding, with sharpness and clarity that bring out every detail. The lens is also designed with a focus on smooth, quiet operation, which is crucial when recording video. Whether I’m capturing the couple’s first kiss or the energy of the dance floor, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers stunning results every time.
Discover the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II here
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II: The Telephoto Zoom for Capturing Candid Moments
Josie: The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II is my lens of choice for capturing candid moments from a distance. Its telephoto zoom range allows me to get close to the action without being intrusive, which is perfect for capturing natural, unposed moments during the ceremony or reception. The fast f/2.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation with beautiful background blur, making the couple stand out in every shot.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II is also equipped with Sony’s latest image stabilization technology, which ensures that my shots are steady even when shooting handheld in low light. The autofocus is incredibly fast and accurate, allowing me to track moving subjects with ease. Whether I’m capturing the groom’s reaction as he sees the bride for the first time or the joy on the guests’ faces during the toasts, this lens allows me to capture every moment with stunning clarity and emotion.
Explore the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II here
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 for Sony: The Cinematic Prime for Storytelling
Josie: The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 Art lens is a prime lens that I love for its ability to create beautiful, cinematic shots with a natural perspective. The f/1.2 aperture is incredibly fast, allowing me to create stunning bokeh that isolates the subject and adds a dreamy, cinematic quality to the footage. This is especially useful during the more intimate moments of the day, such as the couple’s first dance or the exchange of vows.
The 35mm focal length is perfect for a wide range of shots, from close-up details to wider environmental portraits. The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 is also incredibly sharp, even when shooting wide open, and the colors it produces are rich and vibrant. This lens is a must-have for any videographer who wants to create visually stunning, emotionally impactful wedding films that truly tell the couple’s story.
Discover the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 for Sony here
DJI Mavic 3 Classic: Elevate Your Videography with Stunning Aerial Shots
Josie: The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is the ultimate tool for capturing breathtaking aerial footage that adds a cinematic touch to any wedding film. This drone features a 4/3 CMOS sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with incredible detail and dynamic range. The Mavic 3 Classic is perfect for capturing wide, sweeping shots of the wedding venue, offering a perspective that ground-based cameras simply can’t provide.
One of the standout features of the Mavic 3 Classic is its long battery life, allowing me to capture extended aerial footage without worrying about running out of power. The drone’s advanced obstacle sensing and avoidance technology ensures safe and smooth flights, even in complex environments. Whether I’m capturing a stunning sunset over the reception or a dramatic reveal of the couple standing in a picturesque location, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic allows me to elevate our wedding films to new heights.
Explore the DJI Mavic 3 Classic here
Tascam DR-10L Pro: Capture Every Word with Clarity
Josie: Great audio is just as important as great video, and the Tascam DR-10L Pro is my go-to device for capturing crystal-clear sound during weddings. This compact lavalier microphone and recorder combo is perfect for capturing the couple’s vows, officiant’s words, and toasts with impeccable clarity. The DR-10L Pro is small and discreet, making it easy to clip onto a lapel without drawing attention or affecting the shot.
The DR-10L Pro records high-quality audio directly to a microSD card, ensuring that I have a reliable backup of all the important moments. It also features automatic level control and a limiter, which prevent distortion and ensure that the audio is clear even when the speaker’s volume changes unexpectedly. This device is a must-have for capturing the emotional words that make each wedding unique.
Check out the Tascam DR-10L Pro here
Tascam Portacapture X8: The Professional’s Choice for Multi-Channel Audio Recording
Josie: For more complex audio setups, the Tascam Portacapture X8 is my top choice. This advanced multi-channel audio recorder is perfect for weddings where multiple microphones are needed to capture every important word. With its six inputs, I can easily mic up the officiant, the couple, and other key speakers simultaneously, ensuring that every voice is captured with professional-grade quality.
The Portacapture X8 features a touchscreen interface that makes it incredibly easy to use, even in the fast-paced environment of a wedding. It records in high-resolution audio, preserving every nuance of the sound, from the subtle emotions in the couple’s vows to the energy of the reception speeches. The X8 is also equipped with powerful preamps and built-in effects, allowing me to tailor the audio to the specific needs of each event.
Discover the Tascam Portacapture X8 here
Aputure MC Mini LED: Compact, Versatile Lighting for Any Situation
Josie: The Aputure MC Mini LED is one of the most versatile lights in my kit. Despite its small size, this portable RGBWW light packs a punch, providing adjustable color temperature and brightness to match any lighting situation. Whether I need a subtle fill light to enhance a romantic scene or a burst of color to add flair to a dance floor shot, the Aputure MC Mini LED delivers.
One of the best features of the Aputure MC is its portability. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, making it easy to carry around and deploy whenever needed. The built-in magnets allow me to attach it to metal surfaces for quick and creative lighting setups, and the Sidus Link app offers wireless control over multiple lights, making it easy to create dynamic lighting effects. The Aputure MC Mini LED is a must-have for any videographer who needs a flexible, on-the-go lighting solution.
Check out the Aputure MC Mini LED here
Wrapping It Up
As wedding photographers and videographers, we know how important it is to have reliable, high-quality gear that can handle the fast pace and emotional intensity of the day. Every item in our kit has been chosen for its ability to help us deliver beautiful, timeless images and films that our clients will cherish forever. From the Canon EOS R3 and Sony FX3 to the Profoto A10 and DJI Mavic 3 Classic, these tools allow us to tell love stories in the most stunning way possible.
If you’re looking to upgrade your gear or just curious about what we use, we hope this guide has been helpful. Each piece of equipment has been tested and trusted by us on countless wedding days, and we can’t recommend them enough. If you’re interested in learning more or purchasing any of these items, be sure to check out the affiliate links provided. Happy shooting!
We hope you found this breakdown of our favorite gear helpful! If you have any questions or need further advice on your wedding photography or videography journey, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help fellow creatives elevate their craft.
