Wedding Photography - Lenses - DPChallenge Forums

09/10/2006 12:00:44 AM · #1

Hi:

I currently own a Canon EOS 5D combined with Sigma 70- 300 f4. I planned on getting Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM lens and Canon Speedlite 580EX (with diffuser) since I typically take potraits and action shots. I'm often complimented on my photos but I am no expert - I just enjoy taking photographs. I've caught myself in a quandry of being convinced to photography two weddings and while I have confidence in my experience and skill, I am concerned about my lenses and lighting.

I realize that:
- Weddings have low lighting issues that need to be dealt with
- I know I'll need really close shots (rings together) and also potraits
- Backups, batteries, and preparation is needed

My questions now are:

If you could have 2-lenses of your choice for weddings, what would they be and why? Bear in mind that low lighting will be an issue (churches) and that I want images sharp as I possibly can get them, particularly in close shots (i.e. rings, hands together).

I've researched the following lenses: Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens

Fortunately I have time to work on my technique but I also know that lenses play an important part. My budget is between $ 1200-$ 2000.

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Charlotte

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

09/10/2006 12:25:34 AM · #2

On a Canon 5D the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L would be an ideal walk around lens for a wedding. The 135 f/2L would be a good choice too for head shots and close-up shots. So I guess I'd agree with your choice. You might also consider the Canon 85mm f/1.8 for low light close ups, a great lens for $339.95.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

09/10/2006 12:37:50 AM · #3

In the April 2006 edition of Shutterbug Pro photographers:

Michele Celentano uses:
-Canon EOS 5D
-15mm fisheys
-28-70mm f 2.8
-70-200mm f 2.8 IS
-85mm f 1.2
-50mm f 1.0
-35-350mm
-200mm f 1.8
-16-35mm f 2.8
-Lensbaby
-Canon Speedlite 550EX

Yervant uses :
-Canon EOS 5D
-15mm fisheye
-24mm f1.4L
-16-35mm f2.8L
-24-70mm f 2.8L
-70-200mm f 2.8 IS
-85mm f1.2L
-Canon Speedlite 580EC
-Quantum Qflash
-Lowel i-light video light
-Bescor video light
-Metz 45 flash

Message edited by author 2006-09-10 00:44:43.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

09/10/2006 12:45:28 AM · #4

I use mostly the 28/75 F2.8 zoom
the 100 F2.8 macro/portrait lens for weddings.

Buy the widest apature lenses F2.8 is my recommendation tou need a dedicated flash and a tripod.
Keep it simple Know your gear and how it works and youll be ok

you might like to look at the Tamron 28/105 F2.8 as well for a bit of extra reach.

Message edited by author 2006-09-10 00:47:07.

judojoe

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/12/2006 06:15:40 PM · #5

Number 1 = Canon 70-200 f2.8 USM IS Simply the Best, Superb for all your indoor Low light shots and outside candid shots.
It really allows you to cover the Majoity of shots.

Next One possibly my Canon 17-40 because of its crystal clear imaging and group shots I cant get with 70-200
Or my Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro its makes you do things you wouldnt normally do.
Then again there is the Canon 1f 1.4 ?
Really think where you will be most comfortable with, and go for it

Hope this helps a little

Cheers.

ps Sorry, I didnt see your Budget so forget the 70-200 as its very expensive, although it Brill

Joe

Message edited by author 2006-09-12 18:17:20.

09/12/2006 07:37:46 PM · #6

For a 5D...
canon 70-200 2.8 IS (non-IS as second choise, sigma as third) - low light, gets you in close at ceremonies (you may be forced to shoot from teh back of the church or a tripod with out flash)

canon 24-70 2.8 - #1 lens, used for getting ready, group formals and the reception.

flash and diffuser - run the camera on manual, 1/60 and f4 or 5.6 and keep the ISO up at the reception, and BOUNCE the flash or get a lightsphere.

15Gb of CF cards, 2 or 4Gb each. As long as I have space I take pics, and as I added more cards I took more pics...mostly now I shoot 800-900 shots. YMMV. and enough batteries to take that many shots. and a backup battery just in case. same for the flash batts.

Optional lenses:
50 1.8 or 1.4, 85 1.8 or faster, 100mm macro, 12-24 or fisheye.

HIGHLY recomended - a second body and flash as backup. big plus is you can use it and keep different lenses on them - great during the ceremony!

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

09/12/2006 07:51:31 PM · #7

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

HIGHLY recomended - a second body and flash as backup. big plus is you can use it and keep different lenses on them - great during the ceremony!

That's me. The 5D with the 24-70 2.8L and the 20D with the 70-200 2.8L. And every now and then I'll move the 70-200 over to the 5D when I want get exceptionally shallow DOF.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/14/2006 09:48:39 AM · #8

Originally posted by dwterry:

That's me. The 5D with the 24-70 2.8L and the 20D with the 70-200 2.8L. And every now and then I'll move the 70-200 over to the 5D when I want get exceptionally shallow DOF.

OOOH...70-200 on a 5D! What a sweet combo! I want to try the new sigma 50-150 2.8 on my 30D - should in theory be about the same FOV. A 70-210 on the 30D needs to be a tad wider at teh short end at times.

LoveSpuds

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

09/14/2006 10:13:56 AM · #9

I just shot a wedding last week and for the most part I used my 17-40mm F4L, but for a few of the shots in the church I switched to my 105mm F.2.8 Macro, and that really did the trick.

The good thing with the 105 is its also a cracking macro lense and so can be used for good detail shots too. Just an idea! The 24-70 F2.8 is the main one for the job IMO

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

09/14/2006 10:33:30 AM · #10

Yup, my vote for the 24-70 2.8L and 70-200 2.8IS too. Love 'em. Both of those together though are too far above your price range, but the 24-70 and the 135 2.0L together would be closer to your budget.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/14/2006 11:28:05 AM · #11

No question here... if you could only have two lens for a 5D to shoot a wedding it would have to be the 24-70 f/2.8L and the 70-200 f/2.8L. You need the speed of the L zooms and the 24-70 isn't long enough if you get pushed away from your subjects during the event.

Sorry missed the price range on my first read. Break the budget and buy the L glass because there really is no substitute on the 5D.

If I couldn't get the L zooms, I would fall back to a treo of primes because you need the speed in low light. 85 mm is a traditional length for weddings and the canon 85mm f/1.8 is very nice and not expensive. The 35mm f/2.0 is very sharp, inexpensive, and a little noisy. The 50mm f/1.4 is great. Switching lens isn't everybody's thing... but you are not going to get great low light images with a slow consumer grade zoom on your 5D (IMHO).

Ignore that... Telehubbie's idea is even better.

Message edited by author 2006-09-14 11:35:17.

mrorange002

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

09/14/2006 11:41:50 AM · #12

for lenses I bring:
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon 550 EX flash
Canon 580 EX flash
Sunpack TR-2000 (flash battery)
ST-E2 Wireless transmitter
Hand Held Konica light meter
2 Canon 20d bodies
Lensbaby 2.0
Tripod
Sometimes I bring:
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 MF

The lenses I use the most (by far) are the 16-35 and the 70-200 I one flash on a tripod and either hold the second, or mount it on the camera for directional lighting.
BTW: The single most important item you can bring is a backup camera!

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/14/2006 11:54:30 AM · #13

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 is a fine, lower-cost alternative to the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8. I've used it in two weddings now, and it's my workhorse. It would be even better on the 5D (wider angle on full frame). It offers semi-macro capability, 1:2 instead of 1:1, which is plenty close enough for "ringwork". It's only a third the price of the Canon lens, and as far as I can see in quite the same ballpark optically.

Robt.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

09/14/2006 01:03:47 PM · #14

Originally posted by Nusbaum:

Full contact weddings? You're getting pushed away from the B&G to the point you need a tele lens?

What speed of the L zooms? 2.8 or focus? Many other lenses offer 2.8 apertures, and for focus speed, again, what kind of sporting events are your weddings anyway? LOL

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

09/14/2006 01:07:46 PM · #15

You should definately make certain to obtain backups of just about every single piece of equipment you are going to bring with you to the weddings.

2nd Camera Body, 2nd Flash, extra memory cards, extra lenses...

If something happens, where equipment fails and you cannot continue to shoot the wedding, it won't only be personally embarrasing, but depending upon the people involved, it could end up being financially risky.

Which is you might also want to consdier PPA membership. It's relatively inexpensive, in comparison to the costs of additional equipment and it should protect you, if things turn sour.

cjaya78

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

09/24/2006 08:44:36 PM · #16

Thank you all for your advice. This is what I have to date:

Canon EOS 5D
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 70-300 f/4
Canon 550 EX flash
Diffuser (Lightsphere - Gary Fong)
8GB of compact flash cards (But I guess I could add more)
Multiple batteries (Thought about battery grips but tried one for the 5D and didn't like it)

I do want a light meter - reasonably priced for now. It's not been all that important before but with both weddings in mind, I really don't want to be remembered as the person who took screwed up their weddings! I trust my technique, but weddings are a completey different gig!

I'll consider getting the 70-200 if I can convince DH that I should continue spending. He's been supportive thus far but that may change.

Thanks for the PPA suggestion - I'll look into it.

Charlotte

wavelength

Nikon D300

09/24/2006 10:20:45 PM · #17

Originally posted by cjaya78:

You don't need a light meter, if you have your digital on spot metering, P mode (or whatever the canon equivalent is) serves as light meter.

Sell the 70-300/f4 and get the 70-200/2.8 at least, the IS if you can swing it, and a monopod.

You NEED a backup body for wedding photography. If your 5d (God forbid) dies, you'll do worse than screw up their photo's, you won't have anything to show for. At the very least, rent or borrow a 20/30d.

You think it won't happen to you, but I dropped my D70 at my first wedding, and had to use the D50 for the whole thing. I also discovered that anything over f/2.8 was almost unworkable in church light. Personally, starting out I would have skipped the 85 and gotten the 24-70 and the 70-200 with a 50/1.4. The 85 is a great portrait lens, but it's not as essential as covering your range with f/2.8.

If you do not have an external flash battery pack, bring at least two extra sets of AA NiMH 2500mAh batteries.

No one said this, but a good tall flash bracket will get you much better light, even moreso when combined with the lightsphere.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

09/24/2006 10:40:06 PM · #18

Originally posted by cjaya78:

Unless you are going to be getting into strobe setups, you don't need a light meter.

You'd be better served by getting a backup body and a 70-200 f2.8 add a flash bracket to that if you don't already have one.

cjaya78

09/25/2006 09:38:57 PM · #19

Gee thanks guys! Now that I'm officially anxious about not having a second body except my older side-kick Minolta Dimage Hi, I may have to shoot myself for agreeing to take weddings.

I am considering renting a second body for "just in case" situations. It's such an expensive "pursuit" being that I am not a photographer 24x7 and my 5D (after selling my 10d)has been my latest indulgence (among other things).

I do have digital spot metering, but I am concerned about church lighting - but I've been testing under different f-stops, ISO, shutter speeds - seems to be ok. But I've been told that I'm also paranoid but my theory is better to be paranoid and get it right, then be overly laidback and screw it up!

I've considered a flash bracket but I can't seem to get a consensus. Having been to a zillion weddings, I've seen them being used but reading online, people have are conflicted with what to use. I like my lightsphere and it's been fairly consistent for me (so far).

Ok - so the 70-200 might be my next purchase.

Oh yeah, incidentally, someone needed a last minute photographer for an outdoor wedding this weekend. I got "called in" last minute - so will see how it turns out.

Charlotte

Message edited by author 2006-09-25 21:44:35.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

09/25/2006 10:25:22 PM · #20

Originally posted by cjaya78:

I am considering renting a second body for "just in case" situations. It's such an expensive "pursuit" being that I am not a photographer 24x7 and my 5D (after selling my 10d)has been my latest indulgence (among other things).

That's how I ended up with TWO Canon 20D bodies. I had my 5D as my main camera and the 20D as a backup. Only the shutter went out on the 20D so it was in the shop. I couldn't bear the thought of shooting a wedding without a backup. I needed it for two days (minimum) and the rental was going to cost me $140. That's $140 down the drain. So I asked how much they would sell the camera for (being used and all). They sold me the 20D, the battery grip and two batteries for $850. I figure I saved the $140 plus any possible future rentals, so I got a great deal. And now the other 20D is back from the shop, so I have 3 bodies I can use at will.

ThatsFresh

Canon EOS-20D

10/05/2006 03:21:29 PM · #21

85/1.8
16-35/2.8

10/11/2006 01:14:18 PM · #22

Originally posted by cjaya78:

You need backup. things fail and quit working. How will you feel if that happens during the ceremony? Does that mean the photogrpahy for the rest of the day is over?

I can't see having a backup sitting in a bag doing nothing either, so I shoot with 2 bodies around my neck (or when I have an assistant he hands me the other body). Different lens on each so I never have the wrong lens for the situation at hand. As I add more lense the ass't will be teh one changing them - having an assistant is great BTW, reduces stress 10 fold and gives you somenbody to talk with at dinner :D

90%+ of churches around here do not allow flash during hte ceremony, so you need a tripod with a quick release- shoot the 70-200 at 1/30 or faster if you can and ISO 1600 if need be. It works, but watch for subject motion blur.

Learn to shoot with natural light (high iso is your friend, really) and learn to use flash and use your lightsphere, it works very well. Learn to shoot your camera at 1/60 F4-F5.6 and ISO 800 with the flash on eTTL. The ISO is to keep the flash from working too hard and killing batts and also to keep the distance up. Bounce the flash!

Get enough CF cards to shoot all in RAW, and learn DPP or something - WB is an issue at weddings and nothing looks worse than to see the color of the dress change from pure white to off white to yellow from shot to shot (same for the cake at the reception).

dediscameras

07/16/2010 03:54:25 PM · #23

Nikon 180mm

Lastly, used even less often but very cool is the fish-eye lens. The angle of view is simply insane. With a fish eye lens you are able capture images with a 180 degree field of view for stunning special effects.

Strikeslip