The Rebel Canon is the perfect consumer camera to get any photography enthusiast started, especially when it comes to shooting weddings. Canon as a brand is known for their budget friendly DSLR cameras ranging for all levels of photographers. The brand is well-known among those who do not want to spend thousands of dollars on camera kits.
Can you shoot a wedding with a Canon Rebel? The Canon Rebel products can be used to shoot weddings and really any type of occasion. To use Canon Rebel cameras specifically for weddings, all you will need to pay attention to is the type of lens you plan to purchase.
Below you will find everything you need to know for what is the best Canon Rebel to use when you are planning to shoot a wedding. The following will give you specific details of Canon Rebel body cameras and lenses that are the best options when you are shooting weddings.
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Canon Rebel Cameras
The Canon Rebel camera series can be used to shoot weddings and are highly recommended for those who are just beginning in wedding photography. Many photographers enjoy Canon Rebel cameras because:
- Captures precise portraits.
- Better to render skin tones.
- Variety of lenses specific for weddings, or any occasion.
- Supports advanced electronic through the lens (ETTL).
- Spots metering modes to help with correcting lighting.
The following is a list of different cameras that are all a part of the Canon Rebel series. Each camera is different and versatile in what it offers, even if their names are similar. Keep in mind the camera models are not ranked, but instead are displayed based on the model’s name.
Canon Rebel T3i (Discontinued)
The Canon Rebel T3i is an inexpensive camera that offers great features to help beginning photographers. The features in this model allows users to practice producing more challenging shots they may need to capture during wedding events:
- You can select from three variety of styles.
- Allows for the practice of continuous shooting with its 3.7 fps.
- Comes with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 that can expand to 12800.
- Easy autofocusing with the camera’s 9-point AF system.
- Has an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The T3i has been discontinued. Leaving this section here for history. Please consider at least the T5i edition instead as seen below.
Canon EOS Rebel T5i
The Canon EOS Rebel T5i is good to capture images at weddings for the following reasons:
- Has 18 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Can shoot continuous action video and images with its 5 fps.
- Has an all-cross type 9 point AF system.
- Has an LCD screen.
- Has an ISO of 100-12800 and can be expanded up to 25600.
- Easy to use touch panel.
- Allows users to shoot videos in 1080p with 30, 25, or 24 fps.
- Allows videos to be shot in 720p with 60 or 50 fps if user wants a different type of style.
Canon EOS Rebel T5
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is another great all-purpose DSLR camera for those who are just starting off in wedding photography. It is an easy to use camera for beginners and allows new users to produce high quality images without destroying their pocket:
- This model in the Canon Rebel series has an EOS of 1080p full-HD for video mode.
- Has a continuous shot of up to 3 fps.
- It comes with the standard zoom lens of EF-S 18-55 mm IS II.
- Has a 2-inch LCD with color and liquid-crystal monitor.
- 18 megapixel CMOS sensor for images.
- Comes with the DIGIC 4 image processor for image quality.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
Canon outdid themselves with this budget-friendly camera. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is considered one of Canon’s best cameras in the Rebel series due to the versatility it provides for beginner wedding photographers:
- 9-point AF system with an e center cross-type AF point.
- Allows shooting in all types of lighting conditions with an ISO 100 6400.
- Has a high-performance optical viewfinder for focusing.
- Good and accurate auto-focus for crisp images.
- Good compatibility with Eye-Fi cards.
- Has an image processor of DIGIC 4+. This allows photographers to capture high performance and speed images.
- Has an 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high-quality images.
- Includes a 70 to 300mm zoom lens as well as the 18 to 55mm lens.
- Has a built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity that allows users to share images rapidly on social media or even their laptop for photo editing.
Canon EOS Rebel T6i
This version of the Canon Rebel, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i, will provide the same features as the camera listed above plus a few extra options such as:
- Allows photographers to capture continuous action shots with a 5 fps high-speed.
- Allows photographers to capture full HD videos in MP4 format.
- High-resolution image quality with the camera’s 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor.
- Built-in WiFi and NFC.
- Full HD mode for recording video.
- Has a 3:2 aspect ratio.
- 19-point all cross-type AF system.
- Features a tilt-flip touchscreen.
- Has a variety of filters that can be applied to capture a certain aesthetic.
Canon EOS Rebel T6s
This is one of Canon’s most functional and convenient to use for beginners. A big plus for this model is the price! This edition of the Canon EOS Rebel T6s offers users:
- 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor.
- Produces crisp, vibrant and sharp images.
- Has two different styles.
- Has two different configurations.
- Allows continuous high-speed shots at a 5.0 fps.
- Built-in WiFi and NFC.
- Has a 19-point all-cross type AF system that helps focus on details easier.
- Contains a DIGIC 6 image processor.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
If you want to be able to play around with more functions and have the ability to be more creative, then the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the camera for you! Keep in mind this model is very similar to the Canon EOS Rebel T6.
- Comes with a 24-megapixels.
- 3 fps shooting.
- 9-point autofocus system.
- Image quality is about the same as the Canon Rebel T6.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
The full camera kit for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i model is essential for wedding photographers who want to explore more with their creativity and for those who are aiming for a specific aesthetic.
- The ability to choose five different styles to shoot in.
- Contains a color filter system in case you want to go for a certain aesthetic.
- High-quality continuous shots at 60 fps.
- Has a metering range of 1 – 20 EV.
- 24-megapixel CMOS sensor allows users to capture crisp images and great contrast in color.
- Dual pixel CMOS autofocus.
- Is able to produce a lot of versatile landscape or wedding photography.
- Built-in WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth.
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 comes with a lot more advanced features than other models in the series. When this edition first came out, it was ranked as Canon’s best DSLR available in the market. It is a good all-purpose entry-level camera for those who want to explore more when they are shooting weddings or other types of events:
- Provides the ability of continuous focus tracking when subjects are moving because of its Movie Servo AF feature.
- Has an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Comes with a 3-inch touch panel LCD screen.
- The DIGIC 5 image processor ensures a higher quality in images when it comes to speed.
- Allows users to capture action and quick movement with the 4 fps continuous shooting feature.
- Great autofocusing due to the model’s 9-point AF system with cross-type center.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
With updates from the previous edition, this Canon EOS Rebel SL2 model really adds a whole new perspective when shooting events. It is considered one of the best choices in the Canon Rebel series of cameras. The external microphone on this edition is a big reason why photographers who want to capture video gravitate to this particular model.
- Available in two styles.
- Has three different configurations.
- Improved auto-focus from other models. The auto-focus is a lot more accurate and efficient than past models.
- Dual pixel autofocus.
- 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor.
- Offers 1080p at a fast 60 fps frame rate.
- External microphone input display for high-quality videos.
- Has a touchscreen on 30-inch LCD to provide easier handling for users.
- Built-in WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth for quick sharing of images and videos.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Out of all of the cameras in the Canon Rebel series, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is considered the number one choice for photographers. This camera allows users to dive into all sorts of photography and explore with their style in capturing images.
- Lightweight camera body with a moveable screen.
- Features a top-range APS-C sensor with 24-megapixels resolution.
- DIGIC 8 processor.
- Comes with the ability of live view shooting with the camera’s 3-inch LCD screen.
- Good autofocus with a dual pixel sensor, including dual pixel for video too.
- Have the choice between subject-tracking AF mode, Spot SF, Single Point AF or Zoom AF with the option of single-shot mode or continuous Servo AF mode.
- Ability to capture detail in very bright or very dark areas.
- Features 4K video at 60, 30, 25, and 24 fps.
- Simple but very effective controls.
- Comes with a guided user interface and creative assist for beginning wedding photographers.
- Comes with Canon 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
Why Interchangeable Canon Lenses Make a Difference
To shoot specific moments such as weddings with a Canon Rebel, the photographer will need to use a combination of particular lenses to capture a range of images. Having the correct camera gear will help wedding photographers be versatile as well as demonstrate creativity with each image captured.
Wedding photographers need to focus on lenses that will provide the following types of shots:
- Wide-angle shots: these types of lens are needed to capture group, landscape, and ceremony shots.
- Walk-around shots: the best way to describe these types of shots are images of people dancing, a lot of movement. These shots are the type photographers take while walking around the ceremony or festivities.
- Zoom: these types of lens are needed to capture group, landscape, and ceremony shots. These types of lens also help capture the little walk-around images throughout the wedding or event.
- Macro: This is a must-have for wedding photographers. These types of lens will help the user capture dramatic shots of the wedding, the wedding rings, or the guests. This will give you the out of focus blur.
- Bright and vibrant: Nobody wants to remember their special day with dual or out of focus photographs. It is important for wedding photographers to be sure the lenses they will be using for the big day can produce vibrant shots in any type of lighting situation.
- Ability to capture shots fast: Wedding photographers need to capture images quickly and with efficiency.
- High-resolution: This is a priority. Wedding photographers need to capture images with the highest resolution possible and this is where lenses are important.
The best recommendation to wedding photographers is to have a combination of the suggestions listed above. This is why wedding photographers often use two cameras or multiple lenses to capture the couple’s special day.
Below is a full list of some of Canon’s best lenses photographers should use to capture weddings. With one Canon Rebel and two of the lenses listed below, you are all set to shoot a wedding.
Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Hands down, this is Canon’s best and highest quality zoom lens. Wedding photographers are able to capture close-up images without interrupting the ceremony or festivities.
The wide aperture of f/2.8 allows more light to enter the lens, which helps capture brighter photos no matter how dark the ceremony location may be.
Key features of this lens are:
- Focal length ranges from 70-200mm.
- Aperture range is between f/2.8 – f/32.
- Has two mode optical image stabilization.
- Focus motor.
- Manual focus override.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens
Canon’s second must-have lens for wedding photographers allows the user to walk-around and take as many images ranging from group shots to portraits to close-ups.
This gives images very high-resolution and gives the photographer the ability to capture images in very low-lit areas.
- Focal length between 24-70mm.
- Aperture range is between f/2.8 – f/22.
- Focus motor.
- Aspherical, UD, and Super UD glass elements.
- Manual focus override.
- Contains a zoom lock lever.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
The optical design gives significant improvements in the outer and corner sharpness. It allows wedding photographers to capture the whole environment with a close distance such as:
- Guests in ceremony
- Reception
- Vows
- Portraits
With this particular lens, all your landscape photos will come out with lots of high resolution. The sharpness and focal range of the lens really helps with capturing landscape images.
- Focal length is between 16-35mm.
- Aperture range is between f/2.8L- f/22.
- Two UD and three aspherical glass elements.
- Ring ultrasonic focus motor.
- Full-time manual focus override.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Ultra Fast Lens
This lens captures:
- Sharp and bright images.
- High-resolution images.
- Will focus on subjects at a fast rate to help bring out the background.
This lens is mainly recommended to photographers if you are only shooting portraits during the wedding.
Key features of this lens are:
- Fixed focal length of 50mm.
- Aperture range is between f/1.2 – f/16.
- Fastest ultrasonic focus motor.
- Aspherical lens elements.
- Manual focus override.
- Depth of field space.
- Has super spectra coatings and optimizes lens element for shaping and to suppress flare and ghosting.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
Wedding photographers gravitate to this lens when they want to capture sharp images of the couple or landscape photos. It allows users to capture images with a more realistic, and natural glow.
Most wedding photographers go with the specific lens because of all the close-up details it helps them capture. Some of its features include:
- Fixed focal length of 35mm.
- Aperture range between f/1.4-16.
- Ultrasonic focus motor.
- Diagonal angle of vide is 63.
- Has a sub-wavelength coating (SWC) which helps reduce lens ghosting and flare lens.
- Two aspherical and two UD glass elements.
- Full-time manual focus override.
- Weather-sealed.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM AF
Canon’s high performance lens and one of the best the brand offers when it comes to capturing bright colors. Photographers are able to capture an image from a greater distance, while still keeping a realistic feel to it. It does take a bit more time to focus on your subject, but it does produce portraits with more vivid tones.
Key features of this lens are:
- Fixed focal length at 85mm.
- Aperture range between f/1.2 – f/16.
- Ultrasonic motor.
- High precision aspherical lens element.
- Manual focus override.
- Dust and moisture resistant seal.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
This lens gives the user the ability to capture very dramatic photos of the smaller details in the wedding, such as:
- Rings
- Flowers
- Dress details
- Smiles
- Hand holding
The great thing about this lens is it allows wedding photographers to take macro shots that make the subjects appear more than five times larger without distorting the subject. This lens helps minimize blurring due to its stabilization feature.
Key features of this lens are:
- Fixed focal length of 100mm.
- Aperture range between f/2.8 – f/32.
- Hybrid optical image stabilization.
- Ultrasonic focus motor.
- 1:1 macro magnification.
- Ultra-low dispersion lens elements.
- Dust and moisture resistant seal.
Unsure of What Option to Use?
No matter what level of photography you are currently in, it is possible to photograph a wedding with any Canon Rebel edition camera. It is important to pair your Canon Rebel edition with any of the recommended lenses to capture the best images.
Just keep in mind each camera and lens helps capture certain images. If you are going for a certain look, make sure to pair the camera and lens that best suits the images you would like to capture at the wedding.
Other than that, being familiar with your gear and practice with the different shots and lenses is what’s most important. Go get em’!