I just bought a Canon 90D for my sisters wedding next month and I feel totally lost. I want to take photos of the big group shots but everything looks too zoomed in. Im on a really tight budget, like maybe 300 bucks tops. What is the best wide-angle lens I can get?
Late to the party but honestly, I had some rough luck with those older third-party lenses back in the day. I tried a used Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical IF a few years back and unfortunately the autofocus was pretty hit or miss. It really stressed me out during a shoot because the motor was loud and kept hunting for focus in low light. If you want to save yourself some headache, here is what I would look for instead:
- Try finding a used Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM from a reputable shop because the stabilization is a total lifesaver for group shots.
- Honestly avoid the older screw-drive lenses if you can, they are just not as good as expected for modern bodies like the 90D. Just dont skimp too much, or you might end up with blurry photos during the ceremony...
Honestly, for a crop sensor like the 90D, you dont need to break the bank. I have used a few cheap ones over the years, and for group shots, these are your best bets:
- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
- Sharp, lightweight, and super affordable.
- Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
- Built like a tank and holds up great. The Canon is basically the gold standard for budget wide-angle. Grab that and you'll be fine.
^ This. Also, you really need to be careful about the aperture settings when shooting groups. Since you mentioned being on a budget, just know that cheaper glass usually doesnt perform that great in dim reception halls. If you go with the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, keep in mind that the variable aperture means you gotta bump up your ISO if the lighting gets moody. I have shot a few weddings with that setup, and you just have to manage your expectations. Everyone here has covered the main bases between the standard Canon options and those older third-party lenses, but dont forget that focus accuracy is key. Be careful buying used without testing it first because a misaligned focus motor will ruin your sisters photos way faster than a slightly soft image will. If you can squeeze your budget just a tiny bit, checking for a used Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is worth it because the USM motor is snappier for fast-moving group shots than the cheaper alternatives. Just make sure to practice your indoor settings before the big day, especially with that 90D sensor, because wide-angle shots can look weird if you dont keep the camera level. Good luck, and just remember to enjoy the wedding despite the gear stress!
