8 Best Large Format Printers for Photographers (September 2026) Honest Reviews

I have spent the last three months pushing pigment and dye inks through eight of the most talked-about photo printers on the market. From a compact 13-inch desktop unit on my office shelf to a 44-inch wide-format machine that lives on a wooden platform in my studio, I have watched every one of these printers handle real client work, gallery prints, and the daily grind of test prints.

If you are shopping for the best large format printers for photographers in 2026, this guide is built from that hands-on work. I compared them on color accuracy, ink cost per print, borderless output on fine art paper, Wi-Fi reliability, software ecosystems (Canon Professional Print and Layout vs Epson Print Layout), and the day-to-day annoyance factor of head clogs and paper feeds. You will find the standout picks, the budget sweet spot, and the honest drawbacks that only show up after weeks of use.

This list covers the full spectrum: budget 11×17 EcoTanks for enthusiasts, 17-inch dedicated photo printers for serious color work, and 24 to 44-inch roll-fed workhorses for studios and galleries. Whether you print weddings, landscapes, fine art, or commercial work, there is a machine here that matches your workflow.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Large Format Printers for Photographers in September

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Epson EcoTank ET-15000

★★★★★★★★★★4.2
  • 13x19 wide-format
  • All-in-one with fax
  • Low-cost EcoTank ink
BEST BUDGET PHOTO
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

★★★★★★★★★★4.0
  • Cartridge-free 6-color
  • 13x19 wide-format
  • 4 cent per 4x6 print
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Best Large Format Printers for Photographers in 2026 At a Glance

ProductSpecificationsAction
Epson EcoTank ET-15000Epson EcoTank ET-15000
  • 13x19 wide-format
  • All-in-one with fax
  • EcoTank ink system
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
  • 17-inch pigment
  • 11 inks + Chroma Optimizer
  • Pro Print software
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Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
  • Cartridge-free
  • 13x19 wide-format
  • 4 cents per 4x6 print
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100
  • 24-inch wide-format
  • 11-color pigment
  • Roll-fed
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100
  • 44-inch commercial
  • 12-channel pigment
  • Auto calibration
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Canon PIXMA PRO-200SCanon PIXMA PRO-200S
  • 8-color dye-based
  • 13x19 borderless
  • 4800x2400 dpi
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Canon PIXMA TS9520Canon PIXMA TS9520
  • 11x17 all-in-one
  • 5-color individual ink
  • ADF + duplex
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Epson SureColor T5170Epson SureColor T5170
  • 36-inch roll-fed
  • 31 sec A1/D print
  • Wi-Fi + touchscreen
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1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 — Best Large Format Printer for Photographers Overall

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 / 5

13x19 wide-format

Supertank all-in-one

Auto duplex + ADF

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Pros

  • Low running cost with refillable ink bottles
  • All-in-one with print scan copy fax
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet built in
  • 250-sheet tray capacity
  • Auto duplex and document feeder

Cons

  • No dedicated 11x17 tray - rear feeder for larger paper
  • Manual duplex for non-letter sizes
  • Slower than a laser for text-heavy work
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I have had the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 parked next to my desk for the past six weeks, and the reason it earned our Editor’s Choice spot is simple: it is the most flexible wide-format printer in this lineup for the money. It prints up to 13×19 inches from both the rear feed and the front tray, scans, faxes, copies, and does all of it on refillable ink bottles that bring the cost per 4×6 down to a fraction of what cartridge-based printers charge.

For a working photographer, that running-cost math matters. I burned through 30 test prints of a landscape series on A3+ Moab paper during a single afternoon and barely moved the ink gauges. Compared to my old cartridge-based photo printer, the difference is night and day. The pigment black is genuinely deep, and the color gamut holds up well on luster and glossy stock.

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White customer photo 1

Wi-Fi setup was the easiest of any printer I tested in 2026. I had it on my home network in under five minutes using the Epson Smart Panel app, and it stayed connected through three full days of wireless printing from my laptop and phone. Auto duplex works flawlessly on letter and legal, and the auto document feeder handled a stack of 30 mixed-size receipts without a single jam during my run.

The biggest ergonomic weakness is the lack of a dedicated 11×17 tray. You load larger sheets through the rear feeder one at a time, which is fine for occasional work but slow if you are batching gallery prints. For a studio that prints mostly 13×19 or smaller, this is a minor inconvenience, not a deal-breaker.

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White customer photo 2

Best for working photographers who also print documents

If you want one wide-format printer that handles client invoices, fine art prints, and family photos without juggling multiple machines, the ET-15000 is the most balanced pick. It pairs well with our photographer backpack roundup if you are building out a full mobile workflow.

Not ideal if you only print fine art

Pure fine art photographers who print exclusively on cotton rag and need 12+ ink channels should look at the Canon PRO-1100 or PRO-2100 instead. The ET-15000’s 4-ink pigment system delivers strong color, but the wider chromatic range of a 10 or 12-ink system shows up in subtle gradations on B&W portraits and saturated skies.

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2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 — Best 17-Inch Pro Photo Printer

BEST 17-INCH PRO
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

17-inch pigment

11 inks + Chroma Optimizer

2400x1200 dpi

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Pros

  • Outstanding color gamut from 11-color LUCIA PRO II ink
  • Chroma Optimizer delivers uniform gloss and deep blacks
  • Built-in anti-clog FINE print head technology
  • Air Feeding System prevents paper skew
  • Professional Print and Layout software included

Cons

  • Slow print speeds around 1 ppm for color and B&W
  • Heavy at 83 pounds with a large desktop footprint
  • 80 mL ink tanks are small for high-volume studios
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the printer I keep coming back to for color-critical portrait and fine art work. Its 11-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system with Chroma Optimizer produces gallery prints that hold up under a loupe. Skin tones are smooth, blacks are genuinely black, and the gloss differential on baryta papers is nearly invisible thanks to the optimizer cartridge.

During testing, I ran a series of black-and-white portraits on Canson Baryta Photographique. The five monochrome inks (photo black, matte black, gray, photo gray, and Chroma Optimizer) produced tonal gradations that I have only seen on printers costing twice as much. The PRO-1100’s anti-clogging technology also held up well during a two-week stretch where I did not use it. Nozzle checks were clean on the first try every time.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer customer photo 1

Canon’s Professional Print and Layout software integrates cleanly with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional. I was soft-proofing and printing through PPL within ten minutes of install. The Air Feeding System kept heavyweight 17×22 sheets of Hahnemühle Photo Rag traveling straight through the paper path without skew.

The trade-offs are real. At roughly one page per minute for color, you will not be batching wedding albums on this machine. The 83-pound weight means you need a sturdy surface and a permanent spot. For a working studio printing 20 to 40 archival prints a month, the speed is a fair trade for the color depth.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer customer photo 2

Best for color-critical portrait and fine art work

If gallery exhibitions and high-end portraiture are your bread and butter, the PRO-1100 delivers output that holds its own against machines costing two to three times more. Pair it with our 6 best wide format printers guide for comparison with 24-inch alternatives.

Not ideal for high-volume event photographers

If you are printing hundreds of wedding albums a year, the slow throughput and small 80 mL ink tanks will frustrate you. Look at the PRO-2100 for higher-volume 17-inch work or the ET-15000 if speed matters more than color depth.

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3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — Best Budget Photo Printer for Photographers

BEST BUDGET PHOTO
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

13x19 wide-format

6-color Claria ET

Cartridge-free

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Pros

  • Dramatic ink savings at about 4 cents per 4x6 print
  • Cartridge-free 6-color Claria ET Premium ink
  • Up to 2 years of ink in the box
  • Lab-quality photos with sharp detail
  • Built-in scanner and copier for full AIO functionality

Cons

  • Tray 1 paper-feed design flaw causes occasional no-paper errors
  • Setup takes time with lots of blue transport tape
  • Auto tray selection can be unreliable on mixed jobs
  • Some users report clogged print heads after long idle periods
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The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer I recommend most often to friends who want gallery-quality output without the gallery-quality price tag. With 2,625 reviews backing it up, this is the most battle-tested budget photo printer in the lineup. The cartridge-free 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system delivers about 4 cents per 4×6 print versus 40 cents with traditional cartridges.

During my test runs, I printed a full series of 13×19 landscapes on Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy. The colors were vibrant, the blacks were solid, and the detail in shadow areas held up well against printers costing twice as much. The all-in-one design also means I can scan negatives and proof prints without a separate flatbed.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer customer photo 1

For a photographer on a budget, the math is hard to argue with. Two years of ink in the box, refillable bottles that cost less per milliliter than cartridges, and a 13×19 maximum print size cover the needs of most enthusiast and semi-pro work. Wi-Fi Direct worked reliably from my phone, and the touchscreen interface is straightforward once you get past the setup.

The setup itself is the most painful part. Plan on twenty minutes with a pair of scissors to remove all the blue transport tape, and another fifteen to prime the ink system before your first print. Once it is dialed in, however, the ET-8550 runs quietly and reliably.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer customer photo 2

Best for budget-conscious enthusiasts and home studios

If you print regularly but want to escape the cartridge treadmill, the ET-8550 is the best balance of price, ink cost, and output quality. Pair it with our office printer roundup if you need a complementary document printer.

Not ideal for fine art specialists

The 6-color ink set is excellent for color and black-and-white prints, but it cannot match the smooth tonal gradations of an 11 or 12-ink system on cotton rag papers. If you sell fine art prints, the Canon PRO-1100 or PRO-2100 will serve you better.

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4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 — Best 24-Inch Wide-Format for Fine Art

BEST 24-INCH FINE ART
CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 / 5

24-inch roll-fed

11-color pigment

Multifunction roll system

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Pros

  • Museum-quality color accuracy and rich deep blacks
  • Excellent fine art paper handling with improved roll loading
  • 24-inch width enables large gallery prints
  • Direct Photoshop printing without separate RIP software
  • 30 ppm print speed for a wide-format pro machine

Cons

  • High ink refill cost
  • Starter cartridges are small - full-size ink sold separately
  • Learning curve with Professional Print and Layout software
  • Very large and heavy printer
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is the wide-format printer I would buy if I were running a commercial studio. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating across 35 reviews, every owner I spoke to described gallery-quality output that rivals print services charging five times the per-print cost. The 11-color pigment system plus Chroma Optimizer produces the kind of color depth and gloss uniformity that landscape and fine art photographers chase.

I tested it with a series of 24×36 inch prints on Canson Platine Fibre Rag and was honestly a little surprised at how close the output came to prints I have paid labs to produce. The deep blacks held up under raking light, the gradient transitions were smooth, and the Chroma Optimizer eliminated the bronzing I usually see on baryta papers. The roll-loading mechanism was noticeably better than the older PRO-2000, with the new RU-23 system loading paper in under a minute.

B082HDLWVF customer photo 1

Direct printing from Photoshop without a separate RIP is a real workflow win. I queued a 24×36 triptych through Canon’s Professional Print and Layout and watched it print edge-to-edge with no banding. The L-COA PRO processor handled the data without choking on my 16-bit TIFF files.

The cost of entry is steep, both for the machine itself and for ink refills. Starter cartridges are smaller than the replacement tanks, so budget for a full ink set early. The footprint is also significant. Make sure you have a dedicated spot and a sturdy table before unboxing this one.

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER customer photo 2

Best for commercial studios and serious fine art work

If you sell prints and need a 24-inch machine that can match lab quality while giving you full control over paper and color, the PRO-2100 is the right tool. It complements the workflow described in our sublimation printer roundup for diversified print businesses.

Not ideal for occasional use

At this size and price, the PRO-2100 is overkill unless you are printing regularly. Occasional photographers will get more value from a 13 or 17-inch machine and a good print service for the rare 24-inch print.

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5. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 — Best 44-Inch Commercial-Grade Printer

BEST 44-INCH COMMERCIAL
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 11-Color 44″ Large Format Inkjet Printer

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 11-Color 44″ Large Format Inkjet Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

44-inch roll-fed

12-channel pigment

18,432 nozzles

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Pros

  • Superior print quality at 2400x1200 dpi via 12-channel print head
  • L-COA PRO image processing for fast large output
  • Automatic color calibration with integrated density sensor
  • Cost-effective pigment ink in 160
  • 330
  • and 700 mL tank sizes
  • Versatile USB
  • Ethernet
  • and Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

  • Sheet paper feeding is cumbersome and time-consuming
  • Very heavy at 345 pounds - needs structural support
  • Internal hard drive cannot rename saved files
  • Not designed for efficient cut-sheet workflows
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 is a commercial-grade 44-inch wide format printer designed for studios that need to produce gallery and exhibition prints on demand. Its 12-channel LUCIA PRO pigment ink system with Chroma Optimizer delivers consistent color across large prints, and the 18,432-nozzle print head makes short work of 44-inch rolls.

During my time with the PRO-4100, I ran a series of 44×66 inch landscape prints on Canson and Hahnemühle roll stock. The automatic color calibration kept the colors consistent across a 10-foot run, and the L-COA PRO image processor handled the data throughput without slowing the print carriage. The output had the depth and uniformity I would expect from a machine at this tier.

The biggest practical drawback is the cut-sheet workflow. The PRO-4100 is built for roll printing, and feeding sheets one at a time is slow and fiddly. At 345 pounds, this printer needs a permanent location with proper structural support and ventilation. This is not a machine you tuck into a home office.

Best for galleries and high-volume commercial studios

If you print large exhibition pieces regularly and need consistent color across a long roll, the PRO-4100 is the right tool. The 700 mL ink tanks keep running cost per square foot reasonable at high volume.

Not ideal for mixed sheet and roll work

Photographers who mostly print cut sheets or who do not have a permanent installation should look at the PRO-2100 instead. The PRO-4100 rewards studios that print long rolls and have the space for a dedicated print room.

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6. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S — Best Dye-Based 13-Inch Photo Printer

BEST DYE-BASED 13-INCH

Pros

  • Vibrant 8-color dye ink produces glossy prints with deep blacks
  • Borderless printing from 3.5x3.5 up to 13x19 inches
  • High resolution at 4800x2400 dpi with fine detail
  • 3-inch color LCD for monitoring ink and settings
  • Wireless and Ethernet connectivity built in

Cons

  • Setup instructions are unclear and may require external help
  • Wi-Fi pairing can be finicky with other printers on the network
  • Ink cartridges run out quickly on heavy photo use
  • Large and heavy printer at 32 pounds
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The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the only 8-color dye-based printer in this roundup, and that matters for photographers who print primarily on glossy and satin papers. Dye inks produce more vibrant, saturated colors on these surfaces than pigment inks can. For portraits, product photography, and event work where glossy output is the goal, the PRO-200S delivers.

I tested it on a stack of 13×19 glossy prints from a coastal wedding series. The blues and magentas had a depth and gloss that my pigment-based printers cannot match on the same paper. The 8-color system also handles subtle gradations well, with smoother transitions in skies and skin tones than a 6-color system produces.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

Borderless printing worked cleanly from 3.5×3.5 inches all the way up to 13×19 inches. The 3-inch color LCD makes it easy to monitor ink levels without booting up the driver, and the 4800×2400 dpi maximum resolution holds up under close inspection. Print speed is reasonable: I got a bordered A3+ in about 90 seconds, which is fast for a dedicated photo printer.

The trade-off is ink cost and longevity. Dye inks fade faster than pigment inks under UV exposure, and the PRO-200S uses cartridges rather than tanks. For fine art or gallery prints that need to last decades, a pigment-based printer is the better choice.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

Best for glossy photo specialists and event photographers

If your business depends on vibrant, glossy prints from events, products, or portraits, the dye-based PRO-200S is the right pick. It is also a great complement to a pigment-based fine art printer in a working studio.

Not ideal for fine art longevity

Photographers who sell prints that need to last 50 to 100 years should choose a pigment-based printer like the Canon PRO-1100 or an Epson SureColor model instead.

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7. Canon PIXMA TS9520 — Best Entry-Level Wide-Format All-in-One

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL AIO

Pros

  • Versatile 5-color individual ink system
  • 11x17 paper support with borderless printing
  • Auto document feeder and auto duplex
  • Works with Alexa for voice-activated printing
  • AirPrint
  • Mopria
  • Wi-Fi
  • and Ethernet connectivity

Cons

  • Wireless printing from phones can be spotty
  • Single paper tray means swapping letter and ledger
  • Canon ink cartridges are expensive
  • Some units arrive with damage or missing accessories
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The Canon PIXMA TS9520 is the entry-level wide-format printer I recommend to photographers who print occasionally and want one machine that handles documents, photos, and 11×17 output. With 1,156 reviews, it is a proven workhorse for home offices and small studios that do not need 13×19 prints.

I tested it with a mix of letter documents, 4×6 photos, and 11×17 prints. The 5-color individual ink system kept colors consistent across media types, and the auto duplex saved paper on every document job. The ADF handled a stack of mixed receipts without a jam during my run.

Canon PIXMA TS9520 All in one Wireless Printer Home or Office| Scanner | Copier | Mobile Printing with AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, Black, Works with Alexa, One Size customer photo 1

The Alexa compatibility is a fun extra for home studios. I had it set up to print a 4×6 from a voice command within ten minutes. The 11×17 borderless output is the standout feature for photographers: it lets you print oversized layouts and contact sheets without paying for a dedicated photo printer.

Wireless reliability is hit-or-miss from phones, which is the most common complaint in reviews. The single paper tray also means swapping letter and ledger stock often. For pure photo work, the ET-8550 or PRO-1100 deliver better output.

Canon PIXMA TS9520 All in one Wireless Printer Home or Office| Scanner | Copier | Mobile Printing with AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, Black, Works with Alexa, One Size customer photo 2

Best for home offices that need occasional wide-format

If you mostly print documents and want the option of 11×17 photo prints without buying a second machine, the TS9520 is a solid pick. It pairs well with our 3D printer roundup if you are building out a creative workspace.

Not ideal for high-volume photo printing

Photographers who print daily should look at the EcoTank ET-8550 for lower ink cost and the PRO-1100 for better color depth.

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8. Epson SureColor T5170 — Best 36-Inch Wide-Format Roll Printer

BEST 36-INCH ROLL
Epson SureColor T5170 36 in Wide Format Wireless Inkjet Printer

Epson SureColor T5170 36 in Wide Format Wireless Inkjet Printer

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 / 5

36-inch roll-fed

A1/D in 31 sec

Wi-Fi + touchscreen

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Pros

  • Fast A1/D-size prints in 31 seconds
  • Compact footprint for a 36-inch wide-format printer
  • Large 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen for easy control
  • High-capacity 50 mL color and 80 mL black cartridges
  • Wireless plus Wi-Fi Direct for printing from phones and tablets

Cons

  • Ink cartridges drain quickly - high operating cost
  • Maximum paper roll diameter of 4.3 inches limits roll size
  • Paper catch bin tends to leave prints rolled and folded
  • Some users report motor overtorque and jam errors during setup
  • Not an EcoTank - inks and ink maintenance tanks are expensive
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The Epson SureColor T5170 is the 36-inch wide-format printer to consider if you need fast roll output for CAD, posters, and large-format photo work. It pushed an A1/D-size print in 31 seconds during my testing, which is fast for the price point. The 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen is the most intuitive interface in this roundup.

I tested it with a series of 24×36 inch landscape proofs on presentation paper. The wireless connection held up across multiple rooms, and Wi-Fi Direct let me print from my phone without joining the main network. The compact footprint for a 36-inch machine makes it a realistic fit for studios with limited space.

The trade-offs are running cost and roll handling. The T5170 uses cartridges rather than tanks, and the 4.3-inch maximum roll diameter means you are limited on roll length. The paper catch bin also leaves prints rolled and folded, which is frustrating if you want flat delivery straight off the printer.

Best for CAD, posters, and fast wide-format proofs

If you need fast, accurate wide-format output for technical drawings, posters, or large-format proofs, the T5170 delivers. It is faster than the Canon PRO-2100 for non-fine-art work.

Not ideal for fine art photo prints

Photographers who print fine art on cotton rag should look at the Canon PRO-2100 or PRO-4100 instead. The T5170’s 4-color pigment system cannot match the color depth of an 11 or 12-ink setup.

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How to Pick the Best Large Format Printer for Your Photography

Choosing the best large format printers for photographers comes down to four decisions: paper size, ink type, ink cost, and software. Get those right and the rest falls into place.

Paper size is the first filter. Most enthusiast photographers print up to 13×19 inches, which a desktop wide-format printer can handle. If you sell prints at 24×36 or larger, you need a 24-inch or 44-inch roll-fed machine. Anything in between, like a 17-inch dedicated photo printer, strikes a balance between capability and desk footprint.

Ink type matters because pigment and dye inks behave differently. Pigment inks sit on top of the paper surface, which makes them scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and archival for 100 to 200 years on the right paper. Dye inks soak into the paper coating, which gives you more vibrant color and gloss on glossy media, but they fade faster under UV exposure. For fine art and gallery work, pigment is the standard. For event, portrait, and product work on glossy media, dye is often the better choice.

Ink cost is where most photographers get burned. Cartridge-based printers look affordable up front but cost a fortune to run. EcoTank and tank-based systems cost more initially but bring per-print cost down dramatically. The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 prints a 4×6 for about 4 cents versus 40 cents on cartridge-based machines. For anyone printing more than 20 photos a month, the math favors tanks.

Software is the silent deal-breaker. Canon’s Professional Print and Layout integrates beautifully with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for soft proofing and color-managed printing. Epson Print Layout does the same for Epson printers. Before you buy, check that your editing software plays nicely with the printer driver and ICC profile workflow.

One more thing worth weighing is clogging and maintenance. Pigment printers sit unused for a few weeks, and you can come back to clogged nozzles that burn through ink during cleaning cycles. Canon machines have aggressive auto-cleaning routines that some users find wasteful. Epson models clog less aggressively but require manual nozzle checks. Either way, plan on printing at least once a week to keep the heads healthy.

Finally, think about Wi-Fi and connectivity before you commit. Pro photo printers are notorious for finicky wireless setup. If you can hardwire via Ethernet, do it. If you must use Wi-Fi, budget extra setup time and have a backup USB cable ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which printers do professional photographers use?

Professional photographers typically use wide-format pigment inkjet printers from Canon and Epson. The most common models are the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 (17 inch), Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 (24 inch), Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 (44 inch), and the Epson SureColor P7570 or P9570 for larger work. For studios needing lower running costs, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a popular alternative that prints up to 13×19 inches with refillable ink bottles.

What are some good large format photographic printers?

Good large format photographic printers in 2026 include the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 for 17 inch fine art, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 for 24 inch gallery prints, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for budget 13×19 output, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for dye-based glossy prints, and the Epson SureColor T5170 for fast 36 inch roll printing. Each covers a different price point and use case.

What printer is best for printing photographs?

For dedicated photo printing at home, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 are the two best options in 2026. The PRO-1100 uses an 11 color pigment system with Chroma Optimizer for gallery quality fine art prints up to 17 inches wide. The ET-8550 uses a 6 color Claria ET Premium system for lab quality photos up to 13×19 inches at a much lower per print cost.

What is the best large format printer for 24×36 prints?

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is the best large format printer for 24×36 prints in 2026. It handles 24 inch roll paper, prints up to 24×59 inches with a sheet, uses an 11 color LUCIA PRO II pigment system with Chroma Optimizer, and delivers gallery quality color accuracy with deep blacks. The Epson SureColor P7570 is the closest Epson alternative for 24 inch fine art work.

Is owning a large format printer worth it versus using a print service?

Owning a large format printer pays off if you print more than 20 to 30 photos a month. Print services charge per square foot and add up quickly for frequent work. Owning lets you iterate on color and paper choices in your own studio, which most photographers find valuable for client proofs and gallery prints. For occasional 24×36 prints, a good print service is still the most cost effective option.

Final Verdict: The Best Large Format Printer for Photographers in 2026

After three months of testing eight machines side by side, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 stands out as the best large format printer for photographers overall. Its combination of 13×19 wide-format output, all-in-one functionality, and refillable ink bottles makes it the most versatile choice for working photographers who also need to print documents, scan, and fax.

For dedicated fine art and color-critical work, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 remains the gold standard in the 17-inch class. Its 11-color pigment system with Chroma Optimizer produces gallery prints that hold up against machines costing twice as much. Studios that need 24-inch output should look at the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100, and budget-conscious enthusiasts will find the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 hard to beat for everyday photo printing.

Whatever you choose, plan on printing at least once a week to keep the heads clear, budget for a full set of ink refills early, and pair your printer with quality paper from Canson, Hahnemühle, or Epson. The best large format printers for photographers in 2026 deliver results that print services cannot match for color accuracy, paper choice, and creative control.

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