Which Lens is Better for Wedding Photography: 70-200mm f/2.8 vs 85mm Prime f/1.4
Choosing the right lens for wedding photography can greatly impact the quality and style of your images. Two of the most popular choices are the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 85mm prime f/1.4 lenses. Each lens has its unique advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in this article to help you make an informed decision.
70-200mm f/2.8 Lens
Pros
Versatility: The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens offers a wide range of focal lengths, making it a highly versatile choice for different wedding scenarios. This lens can be used for capturing detailed portraits, candid moments, and even group shots without needing to move around too much.
Non-disruptive: With its longer focal length, you can capture shots from a distance without being too obtrusive to the couple and their guests. This is particularly useful in grand weddings with large venues or complex setups.
Square Crop Capability: If you manage to get the shot right in-camera, you can avoid having to crop heavily later on, which can result in a loss of image quality.
Vibration Reduction (VR) Technology: Many 70-200mm lenses come with built-in VR technology, which can help reduce camera shake and improve image quality, especially in low light conditions.
Cons
Sizing: This lens can be quite large and heavy, which might cause discomfort over long shooting sessions. It will be more noticeable to those around you, which may be a concern in certain wedding settings.
Light Gathering Capabilities: The longer focal length means less light gathering at lower f-stops, making it harder to work in low-light situations without a tripod or additional lighting.
Optical Distortions: At the maximum aperture of f/2.8, there might be more distortion and vignetting compared to prime lenses, which can affect the overall sharpness and contrast of the image.
Higher Cost: The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is generally more expensive than the 85mm prime f/1.4, making it a more budget-conscious choice for some photographers.
85mm f/1.4 Prime Lens
Pros
Discreet: The size and weight of the 85mm f/1.4 make it a more discreet option, less likely to distract guests during the ceremony or reception.
Light Gathering: The wide aperture (f/1.4) allows for exceptional light gathering capabilities, making it an ideal choice for low-light wedding photography.
Subject Separation: A shallow depth of field created by the wide aperture can help achieve clear, detailed portraits with a smooth bokeh background, which is highly desirable in the wedding industry.
Cost-Effective: Compared to the 70-200mm f/2.8, the 85mm f/1.4 is often more budget-friendly.
Aesthetic Choices: The 85mm f/1.4 lens can create unique, dramatic images with a specific aesthetic that may not be replicated by a zoom lens at the same subject distances.
Cons
Subject Distance Awareness: Using the 85mm f/1.4 requires careful awareness of the subject's distance to achieve the desired composition, especially when capturing portraits or candid shots.
Post-Production Cropping: If you are not able to move closer to the subject, you might need to rely on cropping in postproduction, which can result in image quality loss.
Focus Risk: The shallower depth of field with the 85mm f/1.4 can increase the risk of missed focus, especially in fast-paced wedding scenes.
Conclusion
As camera technology advances and the use of digital cropping improves, the importance of lens choice becomes more nuanced. While the 70-200mm f/2.8 offers more flexibility and square crop capabilities, the 85mm prime f/1.4 can create unique and aesthetically pleasing shots due to its shallow depth of field.
Key Advantages of the 70-200mm f/2.8:
Versatile composition options Minimal disruption Better square crop capability VR technology for reduced shakeKey Advantages of the 85mm f/1.4:
Discrete and lightweight Exceptional light gathering Clear subject separation Aesthetically pleasing bokehComparing the Lenses:
The 70-200mm f/2.8 is a safer and more versatile lens that can be treated like a prime lens, offering more variation and ease of movement. The 85mm f/1.4 excels in creating special aesthetic choices and subject separation, especially in low-light conditions. Both lenses have their strengths, and the choice between them often comes down to the specific needs of the photographer and the wedding scenario.
Most wedding photographers I know find themselves reaching for the 85mm or 70-200mm less than 50% of the day. We predominantly use 35mm and 24-70mm lenses for around 60-70% of a wedding day. However, the 70-200mm can be a valuable tool, especially when capturing candid moments or in situations where movement is limited.
If you can move freely and avoid disrupting the event, the 85mm f/1.4 is an excellent choice. For static or more formal settings where movement is limited, the 70-200mm f/2.8 offers more options and versatility.
Have any questions? Feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to help!
TLDR:
85mm if you can move around and want a subject-separated look with a prominent background blur. 70-200mm if you need to remain stationary or don't want to disturb the events, with a focus on compression for tighter frames.