The Best Lenses for Weddings. Why I Only Use Two Focal Lengths. LESS IS MORE 

Cant wait to hear you guys thoughts on this. Hopefully you guys can try this and find it helpful.

The 35 is my favorite! I also love the 24 and 85. I tried so many zooms, and returned everyone. I realized I just am not a zoom person.

Awesome and this is so true! I own several amazing Nikon lenses but I RARELY use them. 90% of the time is my 35mm, 85mm and in third place is the 50mm... other than that... the rest live in my bag. Thank you!!!

Great video again! I totally agree. I use only a 35mm and a 58mm for Weddings and that‘s really all I need.

...no BS content, pure practical, pure natural, no copy style from other photographer...i like this man...

Great point about the consistency of telling the story of wide and closeups. I see a lot of wedding/event photographers using 24-70 and 70-200 and I've done it too because it's just so convenient but somehow the results are not the same.

Thank you for this video. I love your channel. It really speaks to me when you mention simplifying the gear setup. I work as a school photographer and sometimes all i think about is getting new gear (fastest and most expensive i can get), it's crazy. I don't need all that. It only makes me stressed for no reason. By the way, after watching your Ricoh GR video, i started thinking of buying a fixed lens camera for all these lazy moments when i don't feel like taking my D700 (and there are many lately). I'm thinking of Fujifilm X100F(35mm equivalent +quiet leaf shutter=might help me get the shots i currently cannot get). Anyway, very refreshing to listen to you. Best regards and please keep them coming, Peter

You always give great advice! I shot a baptism in a Greek church with ONE lens, the Canon EF 35mm F2, and the Canon 90D, Godox 860ii, Gary Fong modifier to bounce off the ceiling. In just one hour I captured 112 amazing moments because I was concentrating on the moments between the moments..not FN around with tons of gear.

I have been a subscriber for a while and I still appreciate the way you freely share info and cut the bullshit. Much respect bro!

I've shot a few weddings, never enjoyed it but I had the 50mm and the 24-105. Yours sounds like a great setup :)

Very true mate it actually makes you more creative if you have to only rely on 2 focal lengths just like having to focus with your feet if you are to far away

totally agree with you, especially since the software used to process the images is key to pulling the best out of the RAWs. Cheers

I used to do weddings, not full time, but I used a 24-70 2.8 L (Canon) a 50F1.2L and a 135 F2L I preferred the primes. I only have the 135L now and I kind of miss the others sometimes. I no longer do weddings, too much work and I have issues with my ankle so being on my feet for hours is out of the question. I have the utmost respect for wedding photographers and if I was to do it again ( which I wont) Id probably go with two primes

Thank you for your honesty and no BS, love your channel! Just decided to go with Z6 instead of Z7 after this video. Upgrading from D700 and have the best lenses already. Glad you mentioned something about the next generation with dual card slots, you just confirmed my thoughts and strategy to get into mirrorless Z6 NOW and get the next generation later, saving money on camera purchase at the moment. BTW Nikon have released new firmware for the focus "problems" especially eye detection, maybe worth mentioning this in your next video.

Thank you again, very comprehensive and helpful. Keep going with this content!

Using two fixed focal lens for weddings makes so much sense. Weddings can go all day but the critical periods can be over in minutes. Especially if you are competing with the camera phone paparazzi. (guests). Of course you can use your feet to compose and have time to shoulder charge aunty out of the way to get the perfect composition.

Love your videos. Where have You gone?...

Now i'm convinced not to buy 1.4 ... Your channel is really informative. Salute man! Planning to buy z6 in a few months. Will get your same Lenses and speedlights :)

Excellent video. Very informative. I have the same attitude. Simplify. I shoot with APSC as that is what I'm used to and I'm happy with it for now. I have not had a single complaint. Quite the opposite. I will probably go full frame at some point if I do events more regularly. I also only take 3 lenses. 16/1.4 30 1.4 and 56/1.4. The 16 is really only for the odd wide shot. I use the 30 and the 56 most of the time. I use 1.4 because for the Sony APSC the Sigma 1.4 primes are just great value and super sharp etc. I also want to get as much light as possible onto those smaller sensors. I don't use them at 1.4 all of the time. As you say bokeh is not everything. Use the correct amount for the scene. Sometimes it is more important to have some background for context. What's the point in having a wedding in a lovely location only to have it so blurry in every shot that you can't see it in the images. I think simplification comes from experience. As you learn you also learn what you don't need. You home in on the important stuff. Composition, lighting and familiarity with your equipment will benefit a photographer more than having every lens on the planet.

Nice video. I like your attention to photography rather than the newest gear. I’m kinda old school like you. The best photographers in history did not have zoom lenses and they had to pay more attention to capturing the image. Keep it simple. Every lens has a unique perspective and two perspectives for a wedding draws attention to the story, not the special effects. Thanks for sharing your view.

Thanks for the real world speak, hard to find that these days. Regarding the 6Z I was disappointed with Nikon with all the negative reviews, however after watching yours and listening to real applications it has peaked my interest again, thank you! Look forward to following your channel.

Man, I wish I had known you 5 years ago, but I'm glad I've been trusting my instincts regardless of what other people were saying. My favorite lenses are my 50mm and recently, my 35mm(just bought it last year). I will invest in an 85mm. I'm really big into storytelling. Yes, composition is everything! I've been shooting with my crop sensor and been fairly happy with my work since 2014. I plan to updgrade this year. Your video on the Z6 really has me rethinking my next body upgrade. Thanks again for your down-to-earth keepin' it real approach! #godspeed!

You didn't say one wrong word. I'm about to sell my 28mm f1.4e, my last F mount lens. I used to turn up with Peli cases full of lenses. I think I'm going to settle on the 35 + 85 with the 20 as a toy. Thanks man

Not a professional photographer but do love the videos. Thanks it is inspirational to hear about gear not being needed. Especially hearing that a professional photographer that shoots weddings doesn’t use a camera that has dual memory card slots! Hear so much crap that you have to have that feature and I always thought it to be shit as long as you buy good quality cards. Again thanks for the vids!

cool to hear how others shoot. My team shoots with minimal gear as well. We are 1 photographer and 2 videographers. Our favorite lens is 50mm for photos and 24-120 for video. We shoot Nikon as well. I grew up learning photography as a youngster so I really cringe watching most RU-vidrs shoot. Most RU-vidrs think they are amazing when they shoot ocf or f/1.4. Nope nope nope. It's a lot more than that.

I personally know 2 photographers, who shoot predominantly weddings. Both of them use 2 camera bodies with a prime on each. Apparently it's a popular choice for that type of photography.

Seriously though by using two fixed focal lengths you get to know them intimately. For instance I owned for many years the Canon 24-70mm 2.8f. Fantastic walk around/landscape/portrait lens but when shooting at 24mm after say 50mm you could get distortion in portraits that weren't flattering if you didn't know what you were doing. Too late once the gig is over. I only shoot primes currently and it gets you into good processes.

Hi, can you please make a video on the compatibility of tamaron (24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8) generation 1 lenses with the Nikon Z6? The company has only released update for the G2 lenses. I have the tamarons and am planning to purchase Z6. It's unsure if G1 would work.

im 2 weeks away from 85 1.8 nikon then 35 1.8 i have 20 mm and 50mm landscape photography love primes a big aspect of primes is......move!!!! move closer and farther away.... when i cant zoom!! when i use zoom..... im at 35 and 85 alot'''' great video aaannndd! love your direct opinions and attitude keep it coming

Photography is about vision, with that being said I have shot an entire wedding using a 50 mm f1.4 on an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic. However there are times when wide angle, telephoto, macro or even perspective control lenses would be called for in a particular situation. When a small wedding party wants to have a group picture on a carousel and you can only back up 10 feet from the merry-go-round, that was when I used a Tamron 17 mm f3.5 on a Nikon N90S for a fantastic picture.

35mm was my most used lens for around a couple of years. It was a real workhorse and got the job done, but I wasn't really enjoying shooting with it so eventually I sold it. Then I got the 45mm and it just clicked instantly. For me 45/85 is like steak and vegetables, you can have just that and be totally happy. But 15-30mm and 105mm macro is like salt and pepper. Without steak and vegetables they are useless, also you only need a tiny tiny tiny bit, but what happens, it makes the whole dish way more tasty.

Good stuff man. The bokeh craze is BS. I don’t shoot weddings but primes are my all time favorite. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for the tip bru I was about to go buy a whole bunch of gear. I have a Nikon D 7500 with a 35 mm 1.8 and a 16 to 80 mm 2.8. I am going to buy a Nikon Z6

Sound advice. I must say I am also very geard towards the same mentality, but it's good to see other people with similar thoughts. I shot a wedding last minute with only the 55mm and a 16mm I had with me. Worked out great. Happy couple. Made me think ;)

I agree. I shot on a 28mm and 85mm (Sony) exclusively for a year doing corporate video and photos. Clients never batted an eye. Now I'm on a 35 and 50mm on the Z6. Might add an 85mm and a couple more Z bodies.

Subscribed loved this video along with your honesty 😁 and no trash gear talk

The 2 camera body, 2 focal length prime set up is very similar to the 35mm film era set up used by photojournalists documenting stories. Of course part of that was dictated by the limitations of film (24 -36 exposures before having to rewind and swap film cartridges) and always having a camera loaded, but the 2 lens set up also allowed for working fast to capture shots from two focal lengths. That more or less changed after DSLRs became common, with the 24-70 f2.8 on a single body, with a 70-200 f2.8 on a second if a second camera body was even being carried. The difference in weight between these set ups usually meant one camera with the 24-70 basically glued to the camera body. Some would carry a fast, compact prime in their pocket just in case for low light conditions. But given the reduced size and weight of most mirrorless ICL cameras, it looks like some are going full circle back to two lightweight primes on two bodies in lieu of one heavy body with one heavy 24-70 f2.8. It also means having a second body at the ready in case of memory card failure, camera malfunction, dead battery, etc.

Hi, I own one camera (Nikon D750) and since I bought a 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8, I never use the kitlens anymore (24-120mm 4.0).Most pictures I take are with the 50mm although I love the 85mm. I have my first wedding booked and I wonder if the 50/85 combo will cover it or should I get a 35 and use the 35/85mm combo? What's your opinion?

My go to now, 16-35 & 50mm👌

Great video once again...love your enthusiasm..

The timing of finding your content is spot on! Salute sir! You’ve opened my eyes to the 35mm 1.4G vs 35mm 1.8S. Going to sell my 24-70 2.8 VR. and all my DSLRs. Let’s go! 😂

That’s brave, hats off to you! I couldn’t go without my 20mm I do a lot of group shots after the church, I usually try and get all the guests with the Bride and Groom in one big shot, couples love it. There is no way I could do that with a 35mm. But I am slowly getting the drift, I have slimmed down to just 4 lenses 20mm F2.8, 35mm f1.4 , 75mm F2 & 135mm F2, & using 2 bodies. 100% agree shooting too shallow can sometimes take away the context in the surroundings, F2 or F2.8 is plenty shallow as it is.

Just went through most of your videos and just feel like I sat down with a good friend who gave me a slap in the face screaming “wake up and go shoot” Just switched to a Z6 and was wondering if I shouldn’t go Sony instead and should I keep my 24-70 f2.8 VR and ... yup! I was caught in the gear spiral. I am not a professional by any means but i do lots of portraits and street photography. Thanks for all the tips through your videos and reminding everyone to leave the specs and gears alone and GO SHOOT!

A quickie question, when you do the formal groups, how do you cope if you are space restricted and need a larger group when your widest lens is a 35mm? I ask because I have just had to shoot a group of 32 people in a space that was only wide enough for 24 people so had some down on their knees but still had my 24-70 at full width with my back against a wall to get them all in and create a useable shot?

I like the way you operate. I don't do weddings, but my mainstays' for events are a 20mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8. If I need something long, I reach for my 180mm f/1.8

Thank you man . I have a lot to learn from you. I really like your photo style.

Thanks for the great advice, what you are saying is great advice

I shoot the 85 1.8 I love it. But it also has a lot of purple fringing. The 1.8 is still my favorite lens so sharp. I do love using the 200 end of my 70-200 at 2.8 because the compression is amazing. I try to get a cinematic look in my work using far off backgrounds. 70-200 is amazing for that but the 85 1.8 is the best 500 bucks you can spend. Most pros know the 1.8 is amazing. You definitely got me thinking about the z6

I like your way of teaching very directed and very clear and very useful thank you very much you are great

Wow! I just subscribed to your channel based on another of your recent discussions (Z6 vs. Z7) and came upon this one. When I do weddings, I only use my 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8 because I have found I like the results much, much better than when I use aa small zoom, so I love your discussion as to why you shoot with the same setup. Based on your chat, I will add the 70-200 as well. Thanks!

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! ❤️ SO HELPFUL!

I am into fuji as a wedding photographer and being confused about what 35mm (50mm equil) to buy for the system. older 35mm 1.4 for 400$ that is 30% slower and noisier or the f2 that is 300$ and is faster plus Weather resistant

Hi would the z6 be good for sports and low light? Thanks

Currently shooting Sony with both 35 1.4 and 85 1.4. Like yourself I came from a bag full of glass. Sold my Canons and tons of glass in which over the years I thought I needed but didn’t use enough to warrant. I’m actually in the process of selling both my 1.4’s and switching to the 1.8’s and reduce some weight.

I sold my canon gear. I haven't been taking pictures long 1.5 years but i wanna progress and grow. My goal is to get into weddings and portraits mainly. Thinking to make big purchase whit z6 and theyr native lenses 24-70f4 ,50mm 1.8 and 35 1.8. Only thing whi i haven't yet fully decided is i am not sure how they are opticaly for portraits and wedding :) some insight would be awesome and suggestions.

Do you notice that the 35 1.8 S isnt exactly a 35? Seems more like a 30

Very pragmatic point of view... I like It!

Bumped into this video very late...but it is so honest and beautiful advise....thanks so much u r helping me a lot 😀🙏🏻

Looking at your videos. Awesome approach. Keep it up! Sold my D800 to buy the z series. Z6 is in my budget range but I am lusting over z7 for the pixels. I shoot portraits, weddings, landscapes and afraid to miss out on the pixels. Should I worry with z6? My thoughts are to get z6 and invest in glass. Your suggestions are appreciated

Great tips, really interesting. Thank you 👍👍

Thanks. You mentioned that you dislike zoom lenses. Would you help me understand why? Thanks

FANTASTIC REALLY THE BEST THANKS SO MUCH FROM THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The two cameras hanging on my harness for weddings have my main camera with a 24-120 f/4, and the 50mm f/1.8 on the other. That seems to cover all my bases.

I use two cameras :) one has the Nikkor 85mm F1.8G and the other now has the new Tamron 35mm F1.4. I hate changing a lens at an event! I use to do that!!!!

My two most used and go to Lenses are always the Nikkor 28/1.8 and the 105/2.8 Micro since 10+ Years on my D800 and now the Z6 - nothings better than this Combination for most jobs! ;)

Great video. I do shoot only with prime too. I mostly do wildlife and macro. Some portrait too. Right now im reading about light. It would be interesting to know your favorite quick setup for flash.

Have a d750 right now shooting events and portraits with a tamron 24-70 and 70-200 2.8, really looking to downsize my gear so was thinking of switching to the z6 with the 24-70 f4s and a nikon 70-200 f4 but am nervous about using f4 in lowlight. Do you think I am overstating the difference, or would it maybe be good to drop the 70-200 length and pick up an 85mm?

I know you're a wedding photographer BUT........Have you ever shot Time lapse? Would you ever shoot Time lapse for a wedding? Would you entertain a how To video on 4K Smooth Timelapse and the best settings? I am wanting to learn Time Lapse time control and the best settings for different situations Best regards, Rick

My man... Been thinking about switching to primes. I dig my Zoom, but I like the idea of being able to move and not get lazy to switch up the perspective. I was personally thinking the 24 1.4 and 85 at 1.8. What are your thoughts on the 24mm prime? Too wide for you personally?

Tyler Wirken, Neil Redfern, and others shoot this way. I've been wanting to switch, and this video may be my tipping point. Definitely tired of lugging hefty zooms around all day, and want to simplify gear. Do you have to worry much about distortion with the 35mm? Enjoyed the video.

When i got my z6, i went for the body only and got the 35/50 1.8s..never looked back to my 24-70 ed.. i sold it together with my D750

I am a Hobby Portrait Photographer and would like to try myself at weddings. I dislike the 35mm focal length though, much rather prefer 50mm. I always rolled with a 35mm / 85mm combo, but used the 85 like 95%. Bought the 50mm and I am seriously in love. From your experience, would 50mm and 85mm work for weddings?

Mate you are spot on!

35 is my favorite lens. Need to get good with the 85 too!

Hi, I'm really enjoying your videos - great stuff! It's kinda funny: I plan to shoot a wedding using my D610 together with two of my three lenses, the Sigma 35 1.4 Art and the Nikkor 85 1.8 G... Since I'm not a professional photographer I cannot afford to buy too much equipment, but I thought it would be a good decision to replace the D610 with the Z6 and the Sigma with the 35 1.8S. What do you think, would the upgrade be worth it? Many thanks, Jo

Sir you are just awesome❤thank you🙏

Love the video..im looking for a new camera. Your point was beautiful about chasing gear.. I havent upgrades due to that..love the channel and the monochrome.

first time viewer. thanks for the effort and the sharing. if i may ask, you shoot AV mode? sweet spot/f stop on the 35mm/1,8? thumbs up.

"climb a fuckin tree if you have to..." 😂😂 Best bit of advice so far! I can just imagine you with your rope and spiked boots! "Just give me a sec guys..!!" Totally agree with you on the primes, I used to use zooms exclusively, but I've started using 35 f2 and 85 1.8 more so these days. The 35 just makes everything look so cinematic! Great video. Dean. 👍

Great video! And channel as a whole. Going monochrome is an interesting concept. Speaking of lenses, totally agree with all your points. Recently got Z6 as well and it's really as good as you say. At first I only wished FTZ could provide screw drive autofocus, solely for 105 dc f2 D - it is one of the most incredible lenses nikon or any other manufacturer ever made. The image is just...special. It has its own really unique drawing style, for me it is more like painting even, sharp and soft at the same time, plus additional bokeh control. And you know what, I was very surprised how fast I got used to focus manually again. İt was just like the time when I got my first film camera 20 years ago, except that with focus peaking feature MF is way more simple and faster now. This lens is very nice for studio, just excellent for portraits and some hasteless calm and thoughtful shooting. So try it if you haven't yet.

H! I checked your gallery nice - som feedback - you need to speed up things takes too long to load images.

I like the detail that you describe about the lenses. But for me it would be much nicer if you put some picture as if how photo looks with 35mm and how it is with 85. So we can visualize the look while listening. Otherwise it is only just listen, listen, listen. Most of all other Chanel do this with the pictures also , so it don't get bore.

Your video are full of good advices. Really. Do you use the Nikon Z6 or Z7? And why? If it’s not too much to ask?! Thank you.

Another great video. 👍. I’m currently shooting with the 24-70, Sigma 50 Art and the Nikon 85.. I just picked up the Nikon 35 f/1.8 (before I bought my Z). Looking forward to trying out your combo and lightening up the load. Question unrelated to lenses.... How many Z batteries to you carry on wedding day? This will be my first season with a mirrorless.

O WoW this is GOOD information!!!

Good ideas regarding use of Nikon Z bodies and lenses.

Couldn't agree more on both primes (even though I have a bunch of zooms as well) and more than anything, the stupid bokeh hysteria now a days. Been shooting m43 since 2012 and while there is no problem getting a good shallow dof, it does make you understand that good photography comes from light and composition. Completely blowing out the background is some modern lazy a** way to not have to care about composition, background and light. Second, as far as the F1.8 lenses goes, Nikon did something I've really been waiting for here, release slightly slower lenses (F1.8, F4 zooms) but with very high quality optics and build, get the size down, get the price down but treat the slightly slower lenses as high end material. Prior to this, F4 and F1.8 lenses were almost always optically "bellow" the F1.4, not so anymore! Interesting choice of focal lengths for a wedding as well, I was expecting 24 and 50 but this is very interesting. Thanks for a great video, third one I watch from you and subbed now! /Rasmus

I use 35 & 58 nd 70-200 Fl if needed. Most used 58.

Great video, it made me look at the roadmap for the S lenses and to my surprise... the 85mm f1.8 S lens is coming out this month :):) that might be something to look into! Cheers

The Monochrome Memoirs 35 & 85 are (to me) the most important focal lengths in photography. The have been selected over and again to record history. If there are two lenses a photographer must have are these two. I dare to say there is minimum to no compromise in these lenses. Any brand 35 & 85 will do you justice. Sadly not many photographers accept the fact that these lenses are personal thus neglecting their proper handling. They are romantic and painfully sincere. 1.8 is the biggest practical aperture, anything higher than that is for marketing or for a tripod! Outstanding video! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Great video

Great tips man!!! Just some constructive criticism, 24fps would be better than your current 60fps vids. Also the audio levels weren't balanced, i think your mic was too hot/too much gain.

I think for my next wedding, I will try to use just my 35 and 85. I'll still bring the whole lot to calm my anxiety, but I will see how I go just using the two. Thanks for the advice.

I had a lot of great lenses before the wedding, after the divorce I had to sell them LOLOL 🤣

What about for some other type of Photograghy? Portraits? Headshots? Events?

I like the content. Would love to be able to do a workshop with you if you're ever in doing one around La or Glendale California. Been looking for any Workshop I can find where lets you shoot a bride to help build my portfolio.

Awesome.😣😣😣😄😄

i do love my bokah'.........but composition is number 1 ......but..... the real real shit is............both!!!!!!!!!!

Taylor jackson also uses this 2 lens.

24 & 50 👌