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The 10 Best Canon Lenses for Wedding Photography

Bret Leon Avatar
Bret Leon
18 January, 2023 • Updated 1 day ago
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best canon lenses for wedding photography
Weddings are the ultimate expression of a couple’s commitment to one another. You cannot help but feel pleased and euphoric when photographing a happy bride and groom on one of their most important days. Working as a wedding photographer allows you to capture moments that your clients will cherish for a lifetime.
IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens

Being in charge of other people’s memories is a big responsibility. It requires skillful shooting, a good eye for composition, expert lighting, and of course, the right camera gear to yield exceptional results.

For over 70 years, Canon has been known for pioneering imaging products that many professional photographers agree are ideal for catching wedding moments. This post will look at some of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography. Different weddings require different types of lenses to get the perfect results. At some weddings, you need a wide-angle lens, zoom lens, macro lens, or one that offers a combination.

With that in mind, let’s dive in and uncover the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.

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The 10 Best Canon Lenses for Wedding Photography

Products Features
EDITOR’S PICK
4.6
400+
400+
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM LensCanon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Offers an Aperture Range of f/1.2 to f/16
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $1400
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Offers an Aperture Range of f/1.2 to f/16
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $1400
Check price
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MOST REVIEWED
4.8
800+
800+
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM LensCanon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $2000
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $2000
Check price
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BUDGET PICK
4.4
100+
100+
Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 Lens
Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 LensCanon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 Lens
  • Comes in compact design
  • Versatile Zoom lens
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $350
  • Comes in compact design
  • Versatile Zoom lens
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $350
Check price
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BUDGET PICK
4.4
200+
200+
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM LensCanon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens
  • Good for full-frame and APS-C
  • Fast maximum aperture – f/1.8
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $400
  • Good for full-frame and APS-C
  • Fast maximum aperture – f/1.8
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $400
Check price
at Amazon

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens

Canon EF 50mm f1.2 L USM Lens

Description

Canon’s EF 50mm F1.2L USM is a standard-length L-series prime lens for full-frame and APS-C format DSLRs. It’s a favorite among wedding photographers because its exceptionally fast f/1.2 maximum aperture allows for great depth of field control. This allows photographers to isolate subjects and achieve the desired selective focus effect.

It has a complex optical composition that includes one aspherical element to decrease spherical aberrations, resulting in outstanding sharpness and clarity. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens coating and construction are intended to reduce ghosting and flare, while Super Spectra coatings improve contrast and ensure precise color balance.

A nearly circular aperture diaphragm provides a softer, more uniform feel to out-of-focus image elements, meaning objects in the foreground stand out against the smooth, blurring background. An ultrasonic ring motor drives autofocus exceedingly swiftly and quietly. The high holding torque guarantees that the point of focus is attained precisely and without overshooting. Additionally, full-time manual override is accessible, allowing you to modify focus without exiting AF mode.

Before the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens was introduced, the Canon 50mm standard lens options were the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens, and Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens. 

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens offers good value (crisp images for a low price) but offers little in terms of build quality, whereas the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens is a step up in build quality but still falls in the middle of Canon’s range. The build quality of the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens is average, and the aperture is relatively slow for a prime lens in this focal length range.

Read More: Best Lenses for the Canon Rebel T6

Features

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range – f/1.2 to f/16
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 8-Blade Diaphragm
  • Angle of View – 46°
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.152x
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 1.48′ / 45 cm
  • Optical Design – 8 Elements in 6 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades – 8, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization – None
  • Filter Size – 72 mm (Front)
Pros
  • Super-versatile lens
  • Fast bright aperture
  • Fastest focusing lens
  • Amazingly bright f/1.2 aperture
  • Robust, weather-sealed build quality
  • Less distortion
  • Pleasing bokeh
  • True ring USM focus motor
  • Relatively well-controlled chromatic aberrations
  • Good AF Servo performance
  • Excellent color rendition
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • A bit expensive
  • Some softness and haze at wide apertures
  • Manual focus ring is slightly tight

2. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM Lens

Description

The Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is the company’s most recent iteration of its professional-grade mid-telephoto zoom lens. The Mark III retains the optical design of its forerunner but adds an Air Sphere Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, as well as fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements to keep fingerprints and moisture at bay. The IS technology on the lens can reduce vibration by up to 3.5 stops as it features five UD and one fluorite element, and it has a circular aperture. The focal distance is set at 1.2m/3.9ft.

The 70-200mm lens is optically remarkable, and its exceptional AF capability means that the entire optical range is attainable at any wedding venue. Image stabilization adds to the already impressive versatility, and high build quality – including weather sealing – makes this professional-duty lens dependable and enjoyable to use.

In comparison to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens, the III has Air Sphere Coating as well as Super Spectra Coating, both of which are designed to reduce flare and ghosting. The front and rear lens elements of the III include a fluorine coating, which keeps them cleaner and makes them easier to clean. The III is also painted in Canon’s newer, whiter color, which matches their other recently launched telephoto lenses.

Features

  • Mount Type: Canon EF
  • Focal Length Range: 70-200mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture – f/32
  • Lens Elements – 23
  • Lens Groups – 19
  • Compatible Formats – Full frames and APS-Cs
  • Image Stabilization
  • Diaphragm Blades – 8
  • UD Glass Elements – 5
  • FL Glass Elements – 1
  • Autofocus
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • USM (Ultra Sonic Motor)
  • Internal Focusing
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 3.94 ft (1.2 m)
  • Focus Mode – Manual, Manual / Auto
  • Filter Size – 77mm
Pros
  • Strong sharpness from edge to edge
  • Superb build quality
  • Dust and moisture protection
  • Fluorine lens coating
Cons
  • Not that different from the previous edition
  • Some distortion
  • Modest vignette

3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Lens

Description

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a Canon L-series zoom lens covering a versatile range of focal lengths. It is widely regarded as one of the best lenses for wedding photography. This lens, which has focal lengths ranging from wide-angle to portrait, is also notable for its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, which helps when working in low-light circumstances and allows for greater control over the depth of field. It was designed primarily for use with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. However, it may also be used with APS-C cameras, resulting in a 38.4-112mm equivalent focal length range.

The lens is also distinguished by its superior optical design, including one Super UD element and two UD elements to eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations and provide excellent color accuracy and clarity. Three aspherical components are also included, which help to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for better sharpness. In addition, a Super Spectra coating has been added to each element to reduce flare and ghosting, improving color integrity while maintaining a high level of contrast.

In addition to its refined optics, the 24-70mm f/2.8 has a ring-type USM and an internal focusing mechanism. These features make it possible for the lens to conduct autofocus in a way that is fast, quiet, and accurate, and they also allow for full-time manual focus override.

This lens is built with increased dust sealing and water resistance, and fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces decrease soiling, smears, and fingerprints. A zoom lock mechanism locks the zoom position at the wide end for safety when carrying on the shoulder.

Features

  • Focal Length – 24 to 70mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture – f/22
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • Angle of View – 84° to 34°
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 1.25′ / 38 cm
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.21x
  • Optical Design – 18 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades – 9, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization – No
  • Filter Size – 82 mm (Front)
Pros
  • Superb, almost flawless optics
  • Impressive flare resistance
  • Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent build quality including weather sealing
  • Sharp throughout the zoom range
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Fairly compact
Cons
  • Unpleasant vignetting
  • Noticeably lower image quality at close focus distances
  • No image stabilization
  • High-price
  • Some distortion

4. Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 Lens

Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 Lens

Description

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a slick and versatile zoom lens that covers wide-angle to short telephoto focal lengths to benefit photographers working in a variety of wedding settings. A changeable maximum aperture also contributes to the compact design, ideal for every type of weather.

A unique Center Macro Focus position complements the versatile design, allowing you to capture close-up subjects at a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2. An Optical Image Stabilizer also contributes to sharp imagery by reducing the impression of camera shake. With an STM motor, you’ll be able to take control of your camera’s focus at any time with astonishingly quiet and smooth performance.

The RF 24-105mm has the same coverage range as larger, more expensive f/4 zooms like Canon’s own RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM (4.2 by 3.3 inches, 1.5 pounds), but is built with lighter glass. The RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 is substantially smaller and lighter (3.5 by 3 inches, HD) (13.9 ounces).

Features

  • Focal Length – 24 to 105mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/4 to 7.1
  • Minimum Aperture – f/40
  • Lens Mount – Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • Angle of View – 84° to 23° 20′
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 5.16″ / 13.1 cm
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.5x
  • Diaphragm Blades – 7, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Image stabilization
  • Filter Size – 67 mm (Front)
Pros
  • Nice zoom range
  • Solid build quality
  • Excellent sharpness
  • Optical stabilization
  • Pleasing bokeh
  • Lightweight
  • Ample zoom coverage
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Minimal focus breathing
  • Nice color rendition
  • Finds focus quickly in low light
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Noticeable distortion and vignette
  • Omits dust and splash protection
  • Narrow aperture limits low-light use
  • Hood not included

5. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Description

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a fantastic lens that produces sharper and smoother images. The 70-200mm f/2.8L, like the other RF trinity lenses, provides improved image quality, autofocus, stabilization, handling, and overall performance.

The main advantage is that the lens collapses to a stunningly compact size, which is extremely handy for carrying the lens and making it much easier to use for wedding photographers.

In addition to the zoom and focus rings, it has a programmable control ring (which can be dedicated to various exposure settings) at the base of the lens, as do all RF lenses. In terms of sharpness, the lens reaches peak performance at f/4 and remains crisp wide open, so you’ll get amazing results almost irrespective of your aperture.

The autofocus on this lens is especially powerful, being extremely fast and agile. The AF is extremely smooth and quiet thanks to the Floating Focus technology and twin nano USM motors.

The sharpness in the center of the frame is good at all focal lengths and apertures that are commonly used. Even with f/2.8, the lens is incredibly sharp across the whole focal range. Corner sharpness isn’t perfect, but it’s consistently good across all focal lengths and apertures. As far as overall sharpness, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 performs very similarly to the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 in terms of performance.

Features

  • Focal length – 70–200 mm
  • Image stabilization
  • Lens mount – Canon RF
  • Maximum aperture – F2.8
  • Up to 5-Stops of Shake Correction
  • High-Speed AF With Dual Nano USM
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.3 ft
  • 2x Aspherical, 1x Super UD, 1x UD Element
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • 12-Pin Communication System
  • Minimum focus – 0.70 m (27.56″)
  • Max magnification – 0.23×
  • Weight – 2.36 lb
  • Length 146 mm
Pros
  • Weather sealed
  • Dust & moisture resistance
  • Smooth focus aperture ring
  • Solid build quality
  • Excellent sharpness
  • Great optical quality
  • Fast & accurate focus
Cons
  • Some distortion
  • Big & heavy
  • A bit pricey

6. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

Canon EF 24mm f1.4L II USM Lens

Description

Canon’s EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is the best-performing and best-built 24mm autofocus lens. It debuted in 2008 to replace the outdated first generation. It’s also Canon’s widest f/1.4 lens. Its optics are entirely different from that of its counterpart. The amount of distortion has been drastically cut down, and there has been a noticeable improvement in the sharpness and the micro-contrast.

The 24mm focal length works well with both full-frame and APS-C cameras. At f/1.4, you may blur the backdrop of a group photo even while shooting from a distance of 2-3 meters. It includes a long-throw and precise manual focus ring with mechanical contact, so manual focusing is excellent.

The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has superior optical performance. The center is razor-sharp right from f/1.4 and exhibits no discernible distortion at any focusing distance.

The out-of-focus backgrounds are lovely, with subtle transitions. Even in the full-frame corners, the bokeh balls are flawlessly round with no distortions. The 24mm f/1.4 II ultrasonic autofocusing motor is precise and quick. It can keep up with any action in daylight and performs admirably in poor light.

Features

  • Focal Length – 24mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/1.4
  • Lens Construction – 3 elements in 10 groups
  • Diagonal Angle of View – 86° (with full-frame cameras)
  • Focus Adjustment – Rear focusing system with USM
  • Closest Focusing Distance – 3.0 in./77mm
  • Filter Size – 77mm
Pros
  • Excellent optical performance
  • Build quality
  • Fast-focusing
  • Bright maximum aperture
  • Resistance to flare and loss of contrast
Cons
  • Expensivee

7. Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens

Canon EF 16–35mm f2.8L III USM Lens

Description

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM  is a workhorse wide-angle zoom lens with a redesigned optical design. This lens combines a trio of aspherical elements and two ultra-low dispersion glass elements to control a range of aberrations and achieve outstanding sharpness and clarity. SWC and ASC coatings have also been added to the elements to prevent lens flare and ghosting, resulting in improved contrast and color accuracy.

A ring-type ultrasonic motor complements its optical prowess by providing fast, seamless, and near-silent autofocus performance, which is further enhanced by full-time manual focus control and an internal focusing design. The lens is water and dust resistant, and fluorine coatings have been placed on the front and back parts to prevent fingerprints and smudges from interfering with image quality.

Large-diameter double-surface glass-molded (GMo) lenses and ultra-low dispersion aid in reducing picture distortion and chromatic aberration. You won’t have to worry about ghosting or flare when you shoot thanks to the combined efforts of the Advanced Air Sphere and SubWavelength coating.

The large f/2.8 aperture makes the most of available light, while a 9-bladed circular aperture diaphragm contributes to the impressive depth of field. The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM’s tough, weather-sealed build allows it to survive the rigors of professional use.

Features

  • Focal Length – 16 to 35mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture – f/22
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • Angle of View – 108° 10′ to 63°
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 11.02″ / 28 cm
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.22x
  • Optical Design – 16 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades- 9, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Filter Size – 82 mm
Pros
  • Quality glass
  • The contrast and the colors are spectacular
  • Best wide f/2.8 aperture
  • Super sharp
  • Excellent image quality
Cons
  • Some distortion and vignetting
  • No image stabilization

Cons

  • Some distortion and vignetting
  • Very expensive
  • Heavy
  • No image stabilization

8. Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens

Canon EF 28mm f1.8 USM Lens

Description

The Canon EF 28mm F1.8 USM is one of Canon’s earlier prime lenses, but it’s still a good choice for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. The fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows for some subject/background separation in medium-length portraits.’

It has a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 to ensure wedding photographers can use a variety of fast shutter speeds and blur backgrounds by controlling the depth of field. An aspherical lens element compensates for distortion and keeps the image sharp across the frame.

An ultrasonic ring motor drives autofocus exceedingly fast and quietly. The high holding torque guarantees that the point of focus is attained precisely and without overshooting. Additionally, full-time manual override is accessible, allowing you to modify focus without exiting AF mode. Super Spectra coatings improve contrast and assure precise color balance. They also help to decrease flare and ghosting.

To enable effective flash metering, the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens sends distance information back to a compatible EOS camera’s E-TTL II flash system. A rounded seven-blade diaphragm adds to the pleasing out-of-focus quality, which is beneficial when using shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

Features

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Focal length – 28 mm
  • Lens mount – Canon EF
  • Max aperture – F1.8
  • Min aperture – F22
  • Aperture Range – f/1.8 to f/22
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
  • Min focus – 0.25 m (9.84″)
  • Max magnification – 0.18×
  • Weight – 0.310 Kg (0.68 lb)
  • Length 56 mm (2.19″)
Pros
  • Lighter & compact
  • Excellent, fast aperture
  • Less distortion
  • Extremely sharp
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • Slow to focus

9. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

Canon EF 135mm f2L USM Lens

Description

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens is a medium telephoto prime lens in Canon’s L-series that is great for portrait photography. It boasts a long focal length and an f/2 maximum aperture, which provide you a lot of control over the depth of field for isolating subject matter and using selective focus. The bright aperture also helps when shooting handheld in low-light settings.

In terms of optical design, the Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens has two ultra-low dispersion elements to manage chromatic aberrations and color fringing for exceptional clarity, as well as a Super Spectra coating to suppress flare and ghosting for better contrast and color accuracy.

In addition to the image capabilities, a ring-type USM is used to provide fast and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus control.

It is intended for use with full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, although it can also be used with APS-C versions, providing a 216mm equivalent lens length. Two ultra-low dispersion (UD) components significantly minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in greater clarity and color fidelity.

As a member of the renowned L-series, this lens is dust and moisture resistant, making it ideal for working in harsh situations. On a full-frame body, vignetting is significant at f/2, but photos level off fast when the lens is stopped down. The level of distortion is quite well managed, and there is only a very small pincushion effect.

Features

  • Focal Length – 135mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/2
  • Minimum Aperture – f/32
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF
  • Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
  • Angle of View – 18°
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 2.95′ / 90 cm
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.2x
  • Optical Design – 10 Elements in 8 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades – 8, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Filter Size – 72 mm (Front)
Pros
  • Great colors & contrast
  • Fast focus speed
  • Pleasing bokeh
  • Best for portraits
  • Extremely sharp
  • Less distortion
  • Excellent wide aperture
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • Some chromatic aberrations

10. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM

Description

The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a fantastically versatile standard zoom for APS-C-format DSLRs, with a 27.2-88mm equivalent focal length range and a brilliant f/2.8 constant maximum aperture. A complex optical layout, including Ultra-Low Dispersion glass and aspherical components, benefits this design by dramatically reducing chromatic and spherical aberrations for increased clarity and sharpness throughout the zoom range.

Aside from the optical characteristics, this 17-55mm is distinguished by its innovative three-stop-effective Image Stabilizer feature, which reduces the appearance of camera shake. A sophisticated ring-type USM, which provides quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override, rounds out the handling.

Two ultra-low dispersion glass components significantly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for exceptional clarity and color accuracy. A Super Spectra coating has also been applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for increased contrast when working in bright environments.

Features

  • Focal Length – 17 to 55mm
  • Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture – f/22
  • Lens Mount – Canon EF – S
  • Lens Format Coverage – APS-C
  • Angle of View – 78° 30′ to 27° 50′
  • Minimum Focus Distance – 1.15′ / 35 cm
  • Maximum Magnification – 0.17x
  • Optical Design – 19 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades – 7, Rounded
  • Focus Type – Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Size – 77 mm (Front)
Pros
  • Extremely sharp
  • Professional quality lens
  • Good, fast aperture
  • Image stabilization
  • Less distortion
  • Nice shallow depth of field
  • Nice blurry backgrounds
  • Excellent deal lens
Cons
  • Big and pretty heavy
  • Some distortions

If you’re reading so far, I hope you’ve enjoyed it. By now, you can make an informed decision. If you have any queries, leave a comment below!

Bret Leon Avatar
Written by
Bret Leon
Bret Leon is a photography enthusiast who indulges in all matters cameras, lenses, gears, themes, editing, trends, and the latest product releases. If he's not trying to freeze time by capturing moments during his grand ventures, you can bet he's looking for the next big content idea.