Wedding videographers yearn for candid, raw moments that share a couple’s story. But it’s hard for those interactions to unfold with a camera in their face. That’s why wedding filmmakers rely on solid, high-quality zoom lenses to capture these memories-in-the-making from afar. Zoom lenses give wedding videographers that ever-important “fly-on-the-wall” superpower. But you can’t choose just any old zoom and call it a day.
Here are eight of the best wedding-videography zoom lenses to consider, with a focus on quality, versatility, and — of course — fly-on-the-wall range!
Best Zoom Lenses for Wedding Videography:
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8
- Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8
- Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8
- Panasonic 70-200mm f/2.8 LUMIX S Pro
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM
- Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8
- Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3
Let’s break down each of these top zoom lenses below:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 ()
The wide-aperture Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens delivers sharp, highly detailed images all wedding day, be it ceremony vows or low-lit reception halls. With an f/2.8 aperture, you can create stunning bokeh, even from a distance. And, image quality from the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 is on-par with most prime lenses, which means you’ll capture crisp footage that makes your client swoon.
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 ()
With the pro-quality Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 lens, you’ll enjoy stunningly crisp photos thanks to high-grade glass and an impressively wide aperture. This lens guarantees pro-quality shots, even in low-lit settings. This lens’ focal length, equivalent to 76-213mm, guarantees you can capture the couple’s most important moments, without disrupting the scene.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 ()
Part of Nikon’s revolutionary Z Series of mirrorless cameras, the highly anticipated NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 packs stunning low-light performance and superior optical advancements into one must-have wedding lens. Announced at CES 2020, the NIKKOR Z 70-20mm f/2.8 lens boasts short minimum focusing distances, which means it works as well in the unavoidably tight wedding-day settings as it will from afar. Sharp images and top-of-the-line aberration correction are just some of the lens’ many perks.
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 ()
The quick-adjusting and high-quality Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 is a must-have for Olympus Micro Four Thirds wedding videographers. Not only does it offer low-light functionality and high-quality images, the lens also comes with superior autofocusing that ensures your subjects stay sharp and focused from prep to the party. Even better? This durable lens is splash, dust, and even freeze-proof, so you’ll make it through even the roughest wedding days with the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm.
Panasonic 70-200mm f/2.8 LUMIX S Pro ()
The Panasonic 70-200mm f/2.8 LUMIX S Pro, compatible with full-frame L-mount mirrorless cameras, is a powerful zoom that’s perfect for wedding videography. The bright f/2.8 aperture guarantees high-quality images, even in in low-lit scenes. Meanwhile the double-focus system delivers sharp, reliable results your clients will love. The lens also has built-in technology to limit distortions and spherical aberrations, guaranteeing your footage will turn out as dazzling as you envisioned.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM ()
Expect bokeh, pristine detail, and natural colors with the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. There’s a reason why it’s made our list of the top Sony lenses for wedding videography. This lens makes capturing those wedding-day moments flawless, whether it’s the first look, first dance, or any special memory in between. The f/2.8 aperture boasts stunning bokeh and low-light versatility, while the built-in aspherical elements effectively control aberration for impressively lifelike results.
Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 ()
The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 lens is a reliable zoom that’ll see you through each wedding day. The astonishingly wide f/1.8 aperture gives you ultimate flexibility in low-lit locales, with the power to focus from afar with gorgeous bokeh that makes your couple pop. The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 is available separately for both Canon EF and Nikon F shooters.
Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 ()
For ultimate range and the chance to really capture from a distance, try the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3. This powerhouse of a lens isn’t just versatile; it’s affordable. It’s the first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom with this range, promising stunning image quality both close up and far away. The moisture-resistant lens is also remarkably compact, which means the Tamron 18-400mm can join you on travels, too.
A zoom lens is just one of many ways to take your wedding videography to the next level. If you’re ready to improve even more, here are four wedding-videography tricks to help you get ahead.
Feature photo by Leo Foureaux on Unsplash
