My typical photography gear for a full days wedding

I thought you would all be interested in what gear I use for a full days wedding. A full day can include everything from before wedding images with the bride and groom individually getting ready (occasionally), the lead to and including the ceremony, a photoshoot after the ceremony, candid shots in the downtime before the meal and speeches, the speeches and then going into the evening with the guests and first dance.

The cameras I use. 

• Nikon Z6ii 
• Nikon ZF 

I use two cameras during a days wedding, and I use the same combination of lenses each time. It is important to note that the use of two cameras is generally during the daytime only, while I’m the evening it is usually just one camera. 

I will always put the widest angle lens on my Nikon ZF and the longest lens on my Nikon Z6ii. The reason for this is that the ZF has much more accurate eye and face autofocus, picking up it’s target much, much further than the Nikon Z6ii.

When the longer lens is attached to the Nikon Z6ii, I generally find that the autofocus is much more accurate than with the wider lenses. 

During the evening, I switch to one camera, which is usually the Nikon ZF for its superior low light autofocus.

The Z Mount lenses I use.

• Nikkor 35mm F/1.4
• Nikkor 50mm F/1.4
• Viltrox 85mm F/1.8
• Nikkor 40mm F/2 (Occasionally)

The Nikkor 35mm is an extremely good lens, with the perfect focal length and great low light capabilities with it’s F/1.4 aperture. During ceremonies and general photography for the day it is glued to my Nikon ZF.

The Viltrox 85mm is another great lens, and will be on my Z6ii where it works flawlessly at everything that is thrown at it. 

Like the 35mm F/1.4, the Nikkor 50mm F/1.4 is a low light monster, and images from the lens look amazing. The 50mm is rarely used during daytime photography though, unless the 35mm may be too wide for a venue, or the 85mm too long for the venue, and then it’ll replace the lens it needs to. 

During the evenings though, the 50mm has proven itself to be a great one-lens solution when working the room and keeping things very light. 

Talking of light though, occasionally the Nikkor 40mm F/2 is used depending on the length of the event, the lighting and the general mood. It’s my favourite lens, and not really one I dig out for work, so it’s nice to have some personal satisfaction using your weapon of choice.

The lighting I use.

• Godox TT685
• Godox TT350
• Godox IM22 (occasionally) 
• Godox AD200 (occasionally) 

I’ve started to use the TT350 much more recently in weddings as it is small, light and can light up the biggest rooms, however, the TT685 is my main flash for events usually as it has a slightly faster refresh rate and the head articulates a bit more. 

In the evenings, if I’m just using my Nikon ZF with the 40mm, the Godox IM22 is a perfect fit. It’s a manual flash, but I’ve started to understand it’s power more and more with each use.

If we have a major photoshoot lined up (other than the usual wedding photographs), then we take the Godox AD200 with us. All the flashes (other than the IM22) can be trigger controlled, however the AD200 just works much faster than the other flashes and keeps on firing while the others struggle. 

Other equipment. 

If you don’t think that is enough to carry in the bag,  I carry an extra battery, a charger, wipes and a bag of sweets! Plus of course any diffusers that I might need and a battery power bank.

As yet, between the two cameras I have never run through a single battery on a wedding day, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

The future.

I currently also own the Fujifilm EVO Instax camera and printer, and I’m looking to get the Instax Square printer. I believe they offer the most authentic looking “film” for memories, and can be given or sold to clients in weddings and events. They are always a joy to have, and it’s amazing watching people receive them. Definitely something in considering for the future.

I am thinking of updating the Godox TT685 to a V model Godox flash for even faster refresh times, and longer sessions without it slowing down between recycling. Watch this space for that!

Conclusion. 

I’m really enjoying what I’m doing at the moment. Weddings, portraits, events and I’m still meeting with my group every fortnight for a bit of outdoor photography. I have a lens for everything (you can always see my latest and complete lens and camera update in my About section) and I am happy that I use them all and don’t have any that are just sitting around not being used.

I’m happy with my cameras. I was toying with the idea of swapping the Z6ii for a Z5ii (mainly for the extra profile capabilities and the enhanced AF), but I really like the Z6ii and it is a great camera.

Those following me on social media often see my wedding days, so please feel free to follow me.

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