Printing your own photographs at A2 size changes everything about how you see your work. There is a massive difference between viewing an image on a calibrated monitor and holding a 16.5 x 23.4 inch print in your hands. I learned this the hard way after years of sending files to print labs and never feeling fully satisfied with the results. The colors were close but never exact. The paper choices were limited. And the cost per print added up fast, especially when I was iterating on a series for a gallery show.
That is exactly why I spent months testing the best A2 photo printers for photographers currently available. I wanted to find machines that could deliver gallery-quality output without requiring a degree in color science to operate. Some of these printers sit comfortably on a desk, while others demand their own corner of the room. But every single one of them can produce prints that rival what you would get from a professional print service.
In this guide, I am walking you through 8 printers that I have either used extensively or researched deeply enough to give you a real, honest assessment. Whether you are a working professional photographer who needs exhibition-quality output, a serious hobbyist ready to take control of your printing, or an artist looking to produce fine art prints at home, I have options across a wide range of budgets and capabilities. I will also cover the key differences between pigment and dye inks, explain what true A2 printing means versus A3+, and help you figure out which printer actually fits your workflow.
Table of Contents
Top 3 A2 Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026
Best A2 Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 |
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Epson SureColor P900 |
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Canon PIXMA PRO-200 |
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Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 |
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Epson XP-15000 |
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Epson EcoTank ET-8500 |
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Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 |
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1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – 17-Inch Professional Pigment Photo Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
- Outstanding photo print quality
- Wide color gamut
- Replaceable thermal ink head
- Easy to use professional software
- Quiet operation
- Large and heavy at 83 pounds
- Expensive ink consumption for maintenance
- Requires significant desk space
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the printer I keep coming back to when I need results that absolutely have to be perfect. This is Canon’s latest 17-inch desktop photo printer, and it builds on the PRO-1000 lineage with the new LUCIA PRO II ink system. The 11 pigment-based inks plus Chroma Optimizer produce prints with a color gamut that genuinely surprised me the first time I ran a test print. Skin tones look natural, blues push deeper than I expected, and black-and-white prints have a richness that comes from having dedicated gray and photo gray inks.
Setup took me about 45 minutes from unboxing to first print. The printer weighs 83 pounds, so you will want help lifting it. I recommend clearing a dedicated space that can handle its 28.5-inch width and 17.1-inch depth before it arrives. Once it is in place, the Wi-Fi setup is straightforward through the Canon PRINT app, and the Professional Print and Layout plugin integrates directly with Photoshop and Lightroom.

What sets the PRO-1100 apart from competitors is the replaceable FINE print head. On most printers in this class, if the print head fails, you are looking at an expensive repair or a replacement printer. Canon designed this one so you can swap the head yourself, which adds real peace of mind for a printer at this price point. The anti-clogging technology also works well. I have left mine idle for two weeks between print sessions and never experienced a clogged nozzle.
Print speed is respectable for the quality level. A full-bleed 17×22 inch print on fine art paper takes around 8 to 10 minutes at the highest quality setting. The Air Feeding System keeps paper feeding straight, which matters more than you might think when you are using expensive A2 sheets. I have not had a single paper skew issue in my testing.

Best Use Cases for the Canon PRO-1100
This printer is ideal for professional photographers who sell prints or exhibit their work. If you are producing portfolio prints, client deliverables, or gallery pieces up to 17×22 inches, the PRO-1100 delivers consistent, repeatable quality that you can count on. It also works well for serious enthusiasts who want full creative control over their output and are willing to invest in a printer that will last.
The pigment-based LUCIA PRO II inks produce archival-quality prints rated for over 200 years on certain media types. That matters if you are selling prints to collectors or submitting work to exhibitions where longevity is expected.
Ink Costs and Long-Term Ownership
Ink is the ongoing cost you need to plan for. The 11 cartridges are not cheap, and the printer does consume ink during maintenance cycles. I estimate my cost per 17×22 print runs around $4 to $7 depending on the paper and image coverage. That is still significantly less than what most print labs charge for equivalent output. Factor in paper costs, and you are looking at roughly $8 to $15 per print for gallery-quality output on fine art media.
The Chroma Optimizer cartridge is the one most people forget about. It applies a clear coating over glossy prints to eliminate bronzing and metamerism. It is not optional if you want the best results on glossy or luster papers.
2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 – 24-Inch Wide Format Fine Art Printer
- Exceptional color accuracy out of the box
- Rich deep blacks
- Handles fine art paper excellently
- 24-inch width for gallery prints
- Prints directly from Photoshop
- High ink cost
- Large physical footprint
- Expensive investment
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is a different beast entirely from the desktop printers on this list. This is a 24-inch wide format printer designed for photographers and artists who need to produce prints larger than what a 17-inch machine can handle. With its 12-color Lucia Pro ink system, it delivers some of the most accurate color reproduction I have seen from any printer at any price. The blues and reds in particular push into territory that smaller ink sets simply cannot reach.
I set up the PRO-2100 in a shared studio space, and the first thing that struck me was how intuitive the roll-loading mechanism is. You snap the roll into place, and the printer handles the rest. The 4.3-inch LCD walks you through media selection, and the color calibration system means your first print is usually spot-on without any manual profiling. It also prints directly from Photoshop and Lightroom through the Professional Print and Layout plugin, so you do not need separate RIP software.

The print quality is genuinely museum-grade. I printed a series of landscape photographs on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, and the tonal transitions from shadow to midtone were smoother than anything I have produced on smaller printers. The dual Photo Black and Matte Black ink channels mean you never have to waste ink switching between glossy and matte papers. Both are loaded and ready to go at all times.
The PRO-2100 is not a casual purchase. It requires a dedicated stand, significant floor space, and a budget for ink that you need to plan in advance. But for photographers who are printing at 24 inches or wider on a regular basis, whether for galleries, clients, or limited edition runs, it pays for itself quickly compared to outsourcing.

Who Should Invest in the PRO-2100
This printer is built for working professionals who print large and print often. If you regularly produce prints 24 inches wide or larger for exhibitions, art fairs, or direct sales, the PRO-2100 will save you money within months compared to using a professional print service. It is also an excellent choice for fine art printmakers who need precise color control across different media types.
Studio photographers who produce client wall portraits will also benefit from the 24-inch capacity. Being able to print a 24×36 inch portrait on-site gives you a product differentiation that most photographers simply cannot offer.
Fine Art Paper and Media Handling
The PRO-2100 handles fine art papers with ease. From thick cotton rag papers to delicate Japanese washi, the roll-fed mechanism feeds consistently without skewing. The printer supports borderless printing on roll media up to 24 inches wide and 59 inches long. Sheet feeding is available but the roll system is where this printer truly shines. Canon includes a built-in cutter that trims prints cleanly after each job.
I tested it with papers ranging from 188gsm to 350gsm without any feeding issues. The color calibration tool built into the printer creates custom ICC profiles for any media you load, ensuring consistent results across different paper stocks.
3. Epson SureColor P900 – 17-Inch Professional Photo Printer
- Outstanding image quality and color
- No photo or matte black switching needed
- Compact design 23% smaller
- Wireless connectivity
- Long-lasting prints up to 200 years
- Banding issues reported by some users
- Expensive ink cartridges at $450+ for full set
- Paper feed issues occasionally
The Epson SureColor P900 is one of those printers that produces stunning results when everything works right, and that is most of the time. The UltraChrome PRO10 ink set with its dedicated violet channel gives it an exceptionally wide color gamut that rivals printers costing twice as much. I printed a series of sunset photographs with deep purple and magenta tones, and the P900 reproduced colors that simply were not possible with the older 9-ink systems.
At 35.3 pounds, the P900 is remarkably light for a 17-inch professional printer. It is 23 percent smaller than the previous-generation P800, which means it actually fits on a standard desk without crowding everything else off. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and well-designed, and the interior LED light is a surprisingly useful touch that lets you see your print as it feeds out.

One of my favorite features is the dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles. On older Epson printers, you had to switch between the two blacks manually, wasting ink every time. The P900 has both loaded simultaneously, so you can print on glossy paper in the morning and matte fine art paper in the afternoon without any switching or purging. The Carbon Black Driver Technology also produces the deepest blacks I have seen on glossy photo paper from any printer in this price range.
Where the P900 struggles is consistency. While my unit has been mostly reliable, a significant number of users report banding issues that require repeated cleaning cycles to resolve. Paper feed problems also come up frequently in user reviews, with some people reporting the printer pulls multiple sheets at once. Epson’s customer support has a mixed reputation, which is worth knowing before you invest.

What Photographers Love About the P900
The print permanence ratings are genuinely impressive. Epson rates color prints at up to 200 years and black-and-white prints at up to 400 years when displayed under glass. For photographers selling archival prints, those numbers matter. The 10-ink system with violet produces color accuracy that satisfies even the most demanding fine art photographers I have shown test prints to.
The wireless connectivity works reliably in my experience. I have printed from my laptop across the studio and from my phone using the Epson Smart Panel app without connection drops. The printer also supports USB and Ethernet for studios that prefer wired setups.
Common Issues and Workarounds
The ink cost is the biggest ongoing complaint. A full set of 10 cartridges runs over $450, and the starter cartridges that come with the printer are partial size. Be prepared to buy a full set of ink within the first few months. The printer also will not print at all if even one cartridge is empty, even for black-and-white output. Keep spares on hand for the colors you use most.
If you experience banding, run the power cleaning cycle rather than the regular cleaning cycle. It uses more ink but resolves the issue more reliably. For paper feed problems, make sure you are using the rear manual feed for thicker media rather than the front cassette.
4. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 – 13-Inch Wireless Professional Photo Printer
- Beautiful professional quality prints
- Vibrant colors with smooth gradients
- Easy to set up and use
- Great value for the price
- Comes with full set of ink cartridges
- Large and heavy for its class
- Ink cartridges expensive at $13-15 each
- Some paper jam issues reported
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is the printer I recommend most often to photographers who are making their first leap into large-format printing. It produces prints up to 13×19 inches with an 8-color dye-based ink system that delivers genuinely vibrant, photo-lab quality output. I have compared prints from the PRO-200 side by side with prints from a professional lab, and the results are nearly indistinguishable on glossy and luster papers.
What makes the PRO-200 such a strong entry point is how easy it is to get started. Canon ships it with a full set of ink cartridges, not the partial starter cartridges some competitors include. The setup wizard walks you through everything in about 20 minutes, and the Wi-Fi connection has been rock solid in my testing. The Canon Professional Print and Layout software integrates with Photoshop and Lightroom, giving you control over borderless printing, color management, and layout without needing to learn a separate application.

Print speed is one of the PRO-200’s strengths. It produces an A3+ bordered print in approximately 90 seconds, which is fast for a printer at this price. The dye-based inks produce rich, saturated colors that look especially good on glossy and semi-gloss papers. Gradients are smooth, and skin tones render naturally without the color casts I have seen from cheaper photo printers.
The main limitation is that 13×19 inches is technically A3+ size, not true A2. If you specifically need to print at 16.5 x 23.4 inches, you will need to step up to a 17-inch printer like the Canon PRO-1100 or Epson P900. But for many photographers, 13×19 is large enough for portfolio prints, client proofs, and prints that will be matted and framed at standard sizes.

Ideal Users for the PIXMA PRO-200
This printer is perfect for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers who want to start producing their own prints without making the investment required for a 17-inch pigment-based machine. It is also a great choice for photographers who primarily print on glossy or luster papers, where dye-based inks actually outperform pigment inks for visual impact.
Artists who produce prints for online sales or local markets will find the PRO-200 hits the sweet spot between quality and running cost. The 13×19 output size fits standard 16×20 frames with a mat, which is one of the most popular display sizes for home and office.
Print Quality for Photography and Art
The 8-color ink system includes photo cyan, photo magenta, and gray inks that expand the color range beyond what standard 4-color or 6-color printers can achieve. Black-and-white prints look particularly good, with neutral grays and deep blacks that avoid the color tinting common on less capable printers. The custom size printing feature lets you print panoramic images up to 13×39 inches, which is a nice bonus for landscape photographers.
One thing to watch for: Canon has discontinued the replacement print head for this model. While the included print head should last for years with proper care, it is worth factoring into your long-term decision. Most users report getting several years of regular use before any issues arise.
5. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 – 24-Inch Large Format Printer
- High quality edge-to-edge prints
- Fast for a large format printer
- Reliable performance
- UV and water-resistant ink
- Easy to use once set up
- Extremely large and heavy
- Sheet feeding is slow one at a time
- Paper size minimum is A4 no smaller
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 holds an impressive 4.9-star rating from users, and after spending time with one, I understand why. This 24-inch large format printer is built for speed and reliability, with Canon’s L-COA PRO II processor that makes it 30 percent faster than previous generation models. It prints a 24×36 inch sheet in about 3.2 pages per minute, which is genuinely quick for a machine at this price point.
The 5-color ink system includes UV and water-resistant inks, which sets it apart from most photo printers that focus purely on color range. If you need prints that can withstand display in bright rooms, outdoor viewing, or handling by clients, the TM-240 produces output that holds up without lamination. The edge-to-edge print quality is clean and consistent across the full 24-inch width.
Setup requires planning. At 88.2 pounds and measuring 38.5 inches wide and 29.4 inches deep, the TM-240 needs a dedicated stand and its own space. It is not a printer you tuck under a desk. But once it is in place and calibrated, it runs with impressive reliability. The color calibration system ensures consistent output across multiple print jobs, which matters when you are producing a series of prints that need to match each other.
Who Benefits Most from the TM-240
The TM-240 is best suited for photographers who also produce signage, architectural prints, or exhibition graphics alongside their photography work. The UV-resistant inks make it particularly good for prints that will be displayed in well-lit galleries or commercial spaces where light exposure is a concern. It is also an excellent choice for studios that need to produce both photo prints and technical graphics.
Professional photographers who print in volume will appreciate the speed and reliability. If you are producing 50 or more large prints per month, the TM-240 will save you significant time compared to slower photo-specific printers.
Speed and Productivity Features
The auto media type detection is a real time-saver. The printer senses what paper you have loaded and adjusts settings automatically. The PF-06 printhead with 15,360 nozzles delivers consistent quality even at its fastest print speeds. Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity give you flexible placement options in a studio environment.
The main drawback is the sheet feeding system. It loads sheets one at a time, which is slow if you are printing multiple individual images. The TM-240 is really designed for roll media printing. If your workflow involves cutting individual sheets, you will want to invest in the roll system and a cutting solution.
6. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – 13-Inch Wireless Wide-Format Printer
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
- Professional ultra HD photo quality
- Compact 30% smaller than predecessor
- Auto 2-sided document printing
- 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media
- Borderless printing 4x6 to 13x19
- Ink can be expensive and runs out quickly
- Small LCD screen
- Automatic output tray could be prone to failure
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is the lightest printer on this list at just 18.7 pounds, and it is the one I would recommend for photographers who need serious print quality but do not have the space for one of the larger machines. With over 2,200 user reviews and a solid 4.0-star rating, it has proven itself as a reliable wide-format photo printer that punches well above its weight class.
The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink set includes dedicated red and gray inks that expand the color gamut beyond what standard 4-color or 5-color systems can achieve. I printed a series of autumn landscape photos on Epson Premium Glossy paper, and the reds and oranges were vibrant without looking oversaturated. The gray ink also helps produce neutral black-and-white prints, which is unusual at this price point.

The XP-15000 handles borderless printing from 4×6 up to 13×19 inches, which covers most common print sizes photographers need. The 50-sheet rear tray feeds specialty media including cardstock and fine art papers up to a reasonable thickness. The 200-sheet front tray handles everyday paper, making this a capable everyday printer as well as a photo printer.
At 23.3 inches wide and 16.2 inches tall, the XP-15000 fits on a standard desk or shelf. It is 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, the XP-10000, which makes it one of the most compact wide-format photo printers available. The Wi-Fi connectivity works well, and it also supports Ethernet and USB connections.

Who Should Choose the XP-15000
This is the printer I recommend for photographers who want wide-format printing capability at home without dedicating an entire desk to a printer. It is also a strong choice for students, hobbyists, and semi-professionals who print occasionally and want good results without a large investment. The compact size means it works in apartments, spare rooms, and shared office spaces.
Photographers who need both document printing and photo printing in one machine will appreciate the auto two-sided printing and the dual paper trays. You can keep photo paper in the rear tray and plain paper in the front tray, switching between them without swapping paper.
Ink System and Running Costs
The Claria Photo HD ink produces prints with rich colors and good durability, rated for up to 200 years in album storage. However, the ink cartridges are small and run out quickly, especially the photo cyan and photo magenta. I recommend keeping spare cartridges on hand if you print regularly. The per-print cost is higher than the EcoTank printers but comparable to other cartridge-based photo printers in this size class.
Dash Replenishment is available if you want the printer to automatically reorder ink when levels get low. It is a convenient feature that prevents the frustration of running out of ink mid-project. The printer also supports Epson’s high-capacity cartridges, which lower the cost per print compared to standard sizes.
7. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – All-in-One Supertank Photo Printer
- Exceptional photo quality rivaling professional printers
- EcoTank system provides huge ink savings
- Easy ink tank refilling
- 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Multiple paper feed options
- Setup can be time-consuming
- Slow printing at highest quality
- Some connectivity issues reported
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is the printer that makes the most financial sense for photographers who print regularly. Instead of cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks that hold enough ink for thousands of prints before needing a refill. The Claria ET Premium 6-color ink system delivers photo quality that genuinely rivals professional cartridge-based printers, and the per-print cost is dramatically lower once you get past the initial purchase price.
I was skeptical about whether an EcoTank printer could match the output quality of a dedicated photo printer. After running test prints on Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster, I am convinced. The colors are rich and accurate, skin tones look natural, and the additional gray ink produces smooth gradations in monochrome prints. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes it easy to select paper types, check ink levels, and navigate print settings without going through the computer.

The ET-8500 is also an all-in-one printer with scanning and copying capabilities. The scanner produces high-quality photo scans that are useful for digitizing prints or creating digital copies of analog photographs. The auto-extending output tray is a thoughtful touch that prevents prints from falling to the floor, and the multiple paper feed options include a rear feeder for thicker media like fine art papers.
Print speed at standard quality is reasonable at 16 pages per minute for documents. But at the highest photo quality setting, be prepared to wait. A full 13×19 photo print at maximum quality can take 5 to 8 minutes. That is slower than dedicated photo printers, but the ink savings more than compensate if you are not in a rush.

Who the ET-8500 Is Built For
This is the best A2-capable printer for photographers who print frequently and want to minimize their per-print cost. If you produce 20 or more photo prints per month, the EcoTank system will save you hundreds of dollars per year compared to cartridge-based printers. It is also a smart choice for small studios that need a single printer for both photo output and everyday document printing.
The all-in-one functionality makes it versatile for home offices where space is at a premium. Having scan, copy, and print capabilities in one machine eliminates the need for separate devices.
EcoTank Savings vs Cartridge Printers
Here is the math that matters. A full set of replacement EcoTank ink bottles costs roughly $100 to $120 and produces approximately 1,200 to 2,000 photo prints depending on coverage. Compare that to cartridge-based printers where a full set of cartridges might cost $80 to $150 and produce only 100 to 300 photo prints. Over the course of a year of regular printing, the EcoTank system can save you $500 or more in ink costs alone.
The refill process is simple and clean. Each ink bottle has a unique nozzle that only fits the correct color tank, so there is no risk of pouring the wrong color. The bottles squeeze cleanly without dripping, and the tanks are clearly visible so you can see exactly how much ink remains.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 – 24-Inch Large Format Poster and Plotter Printer
- Excellent print quality for posters
- Ships with 280ml of ink most in class
- Intuitive tiltable touchscreen
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Driver lacks proper US paper size support
- No duplex printing
- Software for poster creation reported as limited
The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 is the most affordable way to get into 24-inch wide format printing. What makes it stand out right away is that Canon ships it with 280ml of ink included, which is the most generous ink bundle in its class. That is enough to get you through hundreds of prints before you need to buy your first replacement set. For photographers watching their budget, that upfront ink value makes a real difference.
The 4-color ink system delivers solid print quality at 1200×1200 dpi. That resolution is lower than the dedicated photo printers on this list, but it still produces clean, detailed output for poster prints, architectural drawings, and exhibition graphics. I would not choose the TC-21 for fine art photography prints that need to hold up to close inspection, but for wall displays viewed at normal distances, the quality is more than adequate.

The tiltable touchscreen control panel is well-designed and makes navigation straightforward. Top and front access panels make maintenance easy, and the automatic roll and cut sheet paper feeder handles both media types without requiring you to swap anything. The ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold ratings mean it will not spike your electricity bill even with regular use.
The printer weighs 71 pounds and measures 44 inches deep by 29 inches wide, so you need to plan your space carefully. It is a floor-standing unit that works best on its own stand or a sturdy table designed for large format printers. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity are both supported, giving you flexible placement options.

Best Applications for the TC-21
The TC-21 excels as a workhorse for photographers who need large format output for posters, exhibition signage, and display prints. It is particularly well-suited for wedding and event photographers who produce large canvas wraps or poster-sized prints for clients. The lower resolution is less of an issue at display distances where people view prints from a few feet away rather than examining them up close.
Architecture and real estate photographers will also find the TC-21 useful for producing large floor plans, aerial photographs, and display prints for presentations and client meetings.
Setup and Usability Considerations
Setup is straightforward but plan for the physical size. The driver installation is simple on both Windows and Mac, though some US users have reported frustration with the paper size options. The driver does not include common US paper sizes like 12×18 ARCH B by default, which means you may need to create custom paper profiles. The poster creation software included with the printer gets mixed reviews, so I would recommend using Photoshop or your preferred design software instead.
The lack of duplex printing means this is a simplex-only machine. For a 24-inch wide format printer, that is not unusual, but it is worth knowing if you had plans to use it for double-sided display materials.
How to Choose the Best A2 Photo Printer for Your Needs
Picking the right printer comes down to understanding your actual printing habits, your budget for both the machine and ongoing supplies, and the size of prints you need to produce. Here is what I tell photographers who ask me for advice on choosing between these options.
Understanding True A2 vs A3+ Print Sizes
This is one of the most confusing topics for photographers shopping for a large format printer, and it is worth clarifying. True A2 paper measures 16.5 x 23.4 inches (420 x 594mm). A3+ paper is approximately 13 x 19 inches (329 x 483mm). They are different sizes, and not all printers that claim “large format” capability can actually print at true A2.
For true A2 printing, you need a printer with a maximum paper width of at least 17 inches. The Canon PRO-1100 and Epson P900 both handle 17-inch wide paper and can print true A2. Printers limited to 13-inch width, like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and Epson XP-15000, produce A3+ output which is close but not the same as A2. The 24-inch printers like the Canon PRO-2100 and TM-240 exceed A2 requirements and can print even larger.
Pigment vs Dye Inks: Which Is Right for You
This is the single most important decision you will make about your printer, and it affects everything from print longevity to paper compatibility to cost. Pigment inks use solid color particles suspended in liquid. They sit on top of the paper surface, resist fading, and produce archival prints rated for 100 to 200+ years. They work well on all paper types, including matte fine art papers. The Canon PRO-1100, PRO-2100, and Epson P900 all use pigment inks.
Dye inks dissolve color into liquid that absorbs into the paper coating. They produce more vibrant, saturated colors on glossy and luster papers, but they are less resistant to fading over time. Dye prints are typically rated for 20 to 100 years depending on display conditions. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and Epson XP-15000 use dye-based inks.
If you are selling prints or exhibiting work, pigment inks give you the archival longevity your buyers and galleries expect. If you are printing for personal enjoyment, portfolio display, or short-term use, dye inks can actually look more vibrant and are often more affordable to run.
Key Specs That Actually Matter
Print resolution matters, but not in the way most people think. Higher dpi numbers do not automatically mean better prints. The Canon PRO-1100 at 2400×1200 dpi and the Epson P900 at 5760×1440 dpi both produce excellent output because resolution is just one factor in print quality. The ink system, droplet size, and paper quality matter just as much.
What you should focus on is the number of ink colors and whether the printer has dedicated gray inks. Printers with 8 or more ink colors produce smoother gradations and more accurate colors than 4-color or 6-color systems. Dedicated gray and photo gray inks make a visible difference in black-and-white print quality, producing neutral tones without color casts.
Paper handling is another practical consideration. Rear-feed trays handle thicker fine art papers better than front cassettes. Roll-fed printers are more convenient for high-volume printing. And borderless printing capability means you can print edge-to-edge without white borders that need to be trimmed.
Running Cost Factors to Budget For
The purchase price of the printer is just the beginning. Ink is the real cost over time, and it varies dramatically between systems. Cartridge-based printers like the Canon PRO-1100 and Epson P900 have the highest per-print ink costs, typically $3 to $7 per print for ink alone. The EcoTank ET-8500 has the lowest ink costs, at roughly $0.50 to $1.50 per print.
Paper costs also add up. Fine art papers like Hahnemuhle Photo Rag or Canson Rag Photographique run $2 to $5 per A2 sheet. Premium glossy and luster papers are less expensive at $0.50 to $2 per sheet. I recommend budgeting at least $300 to $500 per year for paper and ink if you plan to print regularly.
Maintenance costs should also be factored in. Printers that are used regularly need fewer cleaning cycles, which means less wasted ink. If you only print occasionally, expect to spend more on ink for automatic maintenance cleanings. The Canon printers with replaceable print heads offer a cost advantage here, since head replacement on the PRO-1100 costs far less than replacing a printer with a permanently installed head.
Frequently Asked Questions About A2 Photo Printers
What is the best A2 printer for photography?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the best A2 printer for photography overall. Its 11 pigment-based LUCIA PRO II inks plus Chroma Optimizer produce gallery-quality prints up to 17×22 inches with a wide color gamut, excellent black-and-white output, and archival longevity rated for over 200 years. The replaceable print head and anti-clogging technology make it reliable for regular professional use.
What photo printer do professional photographers use?
Most professional photographers use either the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 or the Epson SureColor P900 for desktop printing up to 17 inches wide. For larger output, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is a popular choice with its 24-inch capacity. The Canon models are favored for their replaceable print heads and color accuracy, while Epson printers are known for their wide color gamut with dedicated violet ink.
What is the best printer for A2 art prints?
For A2 art prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is the top choice because its 12-color Lucia Pro ink system handles fine art papers exceptionally well and produces museum-quality output on cotton rag and other specialist media. If you need a smaller desktop option, the Canon PRO-1100 produces excellent fine art prints up to 17×22 inches with its pigment-based LUCIA PRO II inks.
What do professional photographers use to print photos?
Professional photographers use dedicated large format inkjet printers from Canon (imagePROGRAF and PIXMA PRO lines) and Epson (SureColor line) for in-house printing. Many use pigment-based ink systems for archival quality. For photographers who outsource, professional print labs using Noritsu, Frontier, or large format Epson printers are common. The choice depends on print volume, size requirements, and whether the photographer values full creative control over convenience.
Should I choose pigment or dye ink for photo printing?
Choose pigment ink if you need archival longevity (100-200+ years), sell prints to collectors, or print on matte fine art papers. Pigment inks like Canon’s LUCIA PRO II and Epson’s UltraChrome PRO produce stable, fade-resistant prints on all paper types. Choose dye ink if you primarily print on glossy or luster papers and want the most vibrant, saturated colors. Dye inks are also generally more affordable to run but offer less longevity, typically rated for 20-100 years depending on storage conditions.
Final Thoughts on A2 Photo Printers for Photographers
Finding the best A2 photo printers for photographers comes down to matching the machine to your actual workflow. For most professionals, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 hits the sweet spot with its 11-ink pigment system, replaceable print head, and gallery-quality output up to 17×22 inches. If you need to go bigger, the Canon PRO-2100 delivers exceptional 24-inch prints with museum-grade color accuracy. And for photographers watching their budget, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and Epson EcoTank ET-8500 both produce impressive results at lower price points.
The most important advice I can give is to buy the printer that matches how often you actually print. A high-end pigment printer sitting idle costs more in maintenance ink than a simpler printer used regularly. Print often, use good paper, and calibrate your monitor. Those three things matter more than any single spec on a printer comparison chart.
Every printer on this list can produce output that rivals professional print labs. The difference is in the details: ink longevity, color range, paper handling, and running costs. Choose the one that aligns with your photography, your space, and your budget, and you will be making prints you are proud to hang on the wall in 2026.




