Ideal wedding equipment? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/30/2007 10:15:19 AM · #1

how-dee all.
i'm going to be shooting a wedding in late june (my first as the one and only photographer--i've done backup for other people before, but this is my first time out on my own) and i'm planning on renting equipment to use for the day. the wedding is going to be outdoor, at 1pm, on the banks of the molalla river, so all that nasty bright noontime-ish light will be reflecting off the water and making all my backgrounds blown out.
howsumevah.
these are my questions about equipment:
i'm going back and forth on the 1ds mark ii or the 5d bodies, but can't make up my mind. any suggestions?
and lenses! i am at a loss. i have no idea what i'll need. this is what's available to choose from:
EF 14mm f/2.8 L
EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
EF 20mm f/2.8 USM
EF 24mm f/1.4
EF 24mm f/2.8
EF 24mm TSE f/3.5L
EF 45mm TSE f/2.8
EF 50mm f/1.4
EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
EF 65mm MP-E Macro f/2.8
EF 85mm f/1.8
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
EF 90mm TSE f/2.8
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f/4 L IS
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 600mm f/4 L IS
EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L
EF 17-40mm f/4 L
EF 20-35mm f/2.8 L
EF 24-105mm f/4 IS L USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L
EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-4.5 IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS
EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
any and all help will be much appreciated. =)

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/30/2007 10:21:18 AM · #2

If you're going to be outside the entire time, I would suggest a 5D body with a EF 24-105mm f/4 IS L lens and circular polarizer. That should give you a nice range without switching lenses or blowing your budget. Don't forget the lens hood and an external flash! Adding a 70-200 f/2.8 IS (and another polarizer) would give you additional flexibility and reach.

Message edited by author 2007-03-30 10:25:23.

moswyn

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for Canon

03/30/2007 10:24:29 AM · #3

Christie -

I have the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS. I also have a Sigma 12-24 4.5 - 5.6 (or something like that). I have never had a situation arise in photographing weddings where I have needed more than those three lenses.

HTH!
-Kim

03/30/2007 03:03:29 PM · #4

thanks for the input guys. =) i think i will go with the 5d body, and probably get at least the 24-105 lens, i've heard good things about it...
anyone else have any thoughts? or any tips on shooting weddings in general? i'm already freaking myself out about it and the wedding isn't for another 2 1/2 months. =)

03/30/2007 03:14:57 PM · #5

Tips?

-Look at lots of wedding work that you enjoy. Think about what the photographer was doing, what they intended the shot to say, how they did it etc.

-Plan out shots, don't just shoot from the hip. I'm not talking about having lights and diagrams and lots of other stuff, but know the shots you must get, the ones you want to get and of course, keep an eye out for opportunities to create good shots.

-Browse the wedding photographer forum at Fred Miranda. I wouldn't post asking about shooting your first wedding because you'll get accused of all sorts of horrible things from stealing food off of real photographers kid's plates to undercutting the market, whatever, but instead, just browse the work of those who do post and read the comments from the established folks.

-It's good that you're worried about it, that shows you care. I always have butterflies in my stomach until I start shooting, then it's smooth sailing (at least until something goes wrong or something breaks. You are planning on backup gear, right?)

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

03/30/2007 03:15:05 PM · #6

Originally posted by christie3:

EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f/4 L IS
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 600mm f/4 L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

Unless you're planning on running your bum off I think these are a bit overkill (especially the 600mm. ouch!) Don't worry about needing a long zoom since you are being paid to get up close and intimate. Using a shorter zoom is not an issue. Just get closer. ;)

chimericvisions

Canon EOS-60D

03/30/2007 03:16:27 PM · #7

Hey, my wife used to live in Colton... she grew up there.

Where are you going to be renting your gear - Pro Photo Supply?

03/30/2007 03:16:45 PM · #8

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by christie3:
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f/4 L IS
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 600mm f/4 L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

Unless you're planning on running your bum off I think these are a bit overkill (especially the 600mm. ouch!) Don't worry about needing a long zoom since you are being paid to get up close and intimate. Using a shorter zoom is not an issue. Just get closer. ;)

I think that's just the list of what the rental house has to offer.

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

03/30/2007 03:16:50 PM · #9

Originally posted by christie3:

i have no idea what i'll need.

Please take this comment as me trying to be as helpful as possible. It's not a dig and it's not sarcasm:

If you aren't sure of the best equipment to use, perhaps you aren't ready to be the solo photographer for someones wedding just yet. Are you familiar with the bodies you've mentioned? Do you know how to access the custom functions, the exposure compensation, the focus mode, etc?

Things happen fast at a wedding, and "redo's" aren't an option. Just make sure you know your equipment.

Your work is excellent, I'm not questioning your talent.

03/30/2007 03:17:15 PM · #10

Oh and start reading this.

03/30/2007 03:21:12 PM · #11

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by christie3:
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f/4 L IS
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 600mm f/4 L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

Unless you're planning on running your bum off I think these are a bit overkill (especially the 600mm. ouch!) Don't worry about needing a long zoom since you are being paid to get up close and intimate. Using a shorter zoom is not an issue. Just get closer. ;)

I think that's just the list of what the rental house has to offer.

I understand that, but unless she's shooting the entire wedding from the parking lot, she can eliminate the longer lenses.

Originally posted by christie3:

and lenses! i am at a loss. i have no idea what i'll need. this is what's available to choose from:
[...snip...]
any and all help will be much appreciated. =)

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

03/30/2007 03:36:11 PM · #12

Originally posted by hopper:

Originally posted by christie3:
i have no idea what i'll need.

Please take this comment as me trying to be as helpful as possible. It's not a dig and it's not sarcasm:

If you aren't sure of the best equipment to use, perhaps you aren't ready to be the solo photographer for someones wedding just yet. Are you familiar with the bodies you've mentioned? Do you know how to access the custom functions, the exposure compensation, the focus mode, etc?

Things happen fast at a wedding, and "redo's" aren't an option. Just make sure you know your equipment.

Your work is excellent, I'm not questioning your talent.

thanks. =) i had no idea which lenses, specifically, i'd need for this, just to clear that up. see, i really know almost nothing about equipment, i don't know which lenses are better quality than others, i just know that the ones i have are soft and i really don't want to screw up these photos. also, my poor little 300d is dying, which is what got me started thinking about equipment rental in the first place. i just don't trust it enough to use it as my only body when i'm shooting the biggest day of these people's lives. i'll definitely be bringing it along as backup, but as my main camera i'd like something that i know isn't going to blink it's power on and off randomly (which is what mine has been doing lately).

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

I think that's just the list of what the rental house has to offer.

yup, that was just the list off their website. i wasn't planning on renting a 600mm for a macro of the kiss or anything. =)

Originally posted by chimericvisions:

Hey, my wife used to live in Colton... she grew up there.

seriously? very nice! whenever i tell people i'm from colton, all i generally get in return is a blank stare. =)

Originally posted by chimericvisions:

Where are you going to be renting your gear - Pro Photo Supply?

yes, i'm planning on renting from pro photo--have you ever dealt with them before? is there somewhere else i should be going?

and thanks for all the advice guys, it's very much appreciated. =)

chimericvisions

Canon EOS-60D

03/30/2007 03:50:09 PM · #13

Originally posted by christie3:

Originally posted by chimericvisions:
Hey, my wife used to live in Colton... she grew up there.

seriously? very nice! whenever i tell people i'm from colton, all i generally get in return is a blank stare. =)
Originally posted by chimericvisions:
Where are you going to be renting your gear - Pro Photo Supply?

yes, i'm planning on renting from pro photo--have you ever dealt with them before? is there somewhere else i should be going?

I've never rented with them before, but I've read their policies. I hope you've got a credit card with a big limit. They require the entire cost of the item to be held on credit until it's returned.

Make sure you've fully read their terms...

03/30/2007 04:01:27 PM · #14

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by christie3:
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f/4 L IS
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS
EF 600mm f/4 L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

Unless you're planning on running your bum off I think these are a bit overkill (especially the 600mm. ouch!) Don't worry about needing a long zoom since you are being paid to get up close and intimate. Using a shorter zoom is not an issue. Just get closer. ;)

I think that's just the list of what the rental house has to offer.

I understand that, but unless she's shooting the entire wedding from the parking lot, she can eliminate the longer lenses.

Hmmm....

That's an idea.

03/30/2007 04:03:30 PM · #15

Originally posted by chimericvisions:

Originally posted by christie3:

Originally posted by chimericvisions:
Hey, my wife used to live in Colton... she grew up there.

seriously? very nice! whenever i tell people i'm from colton, all i generally get in return is a blank stare. =)
Originally posted by chimericvisions:
Where are you going to be renting your gear - Pro Photo Supply?

yes, i'm planning on renting from pro photo--have you ever dealt with them before? is there somewhere else i should be going?

I've never rented with them before, but I've read their policies. I hope you've got a credit card with a big limit. They require the entire cost of the item to be held on credit until it's returned.

Make sure you've fully read their terms...

Those are pretty standard fare. I don't see anything there that would stop me from renting if they were close by.

03/30/2007 04:11:29 PM · #16

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:
I understand that, but unless she's shooting the entire wedding from the parking lot, she can eliminate the longer lenses.

Hmmm.... That's an idea.

HA!

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Wildlife Wedding Photography. I build a blind so I'm not seen and shoot from a distance!"

or

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Paparazzi Wedding Photography."
Bride: "Huh?"
Photographer: "I stalk the Bride and Groom like they were celebrities!"

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/30/2007 04:14:52 PM · #17

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:
I understand that, but unless she's shooting the entire wedding from the parking lot, she can eliminate the longer lenses.

Hmmm.... That's an idea.

HA!

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Wildlife Wedding Photography. I build a blind so I'm not seen and shoot from a distance!"

or

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Paparazzi Wedding Photography."
Bride: "Huh?"
Photographer: "I stalk the Bride and Groom like they were celebrities!"

Could style the album to look like a tabloid too

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

03/30/2007 04:16:57 PM · #18

Get the 5D for full sensor, that will help a lot with wide angles.
.
Lens: 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 L IS .... you really don't need anything else IMHO.
.
580 Flash.
You would now have better equipment than 90% of other pro wedding photogs I've watched in action.

Good luck

Tlemetry

Olympus E-300 EVOLT

Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital

03/30/2007 04:26:49 PM · #19

Originally posted by _eug:

Oh and start reading this.

do you have links to the other 3 parts?

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

03/30/2007 04:28:11 PM · #20

Funny..when I saw the title I thought it was to do with er...something else!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/30/2007 04:39:28 PM · #21

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by _eug:
I understand that, but unless she's shooting the entire wedding from the parking lot, she can eliminate the longer lenses.

Hmmm.... That's an idea.

HA!

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Wildlife Wedding Photography. I build a blind so I'm not seen and shoot from a distance!"

or

Bride: "How would you describe your style of photography?"
Photographer: "Paparazzi Wedding Photography."
Bride: "Huh?"
Photographer: "I stalk the Bride and Groom like they were celebrities!"

Could style the album to look like a tabloid too

I'll have to start marketing that. =)

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/30/2007 04:54:38 PM · #22

Note that the 5D and 300D batteries and media cards are interchangeable (a good thing where backup is concerned).

03/30/2007 04:56:03 PM · #23

Originally posted by Tlemetry:

Originally posted by _eug:
Oh and start reading this.

do you have links to the other 3 parts?

Actually Part TWO starts around page 40 and I have seen anything about when/if part 3 and 4 are coming. I've being aware of this .pdf for about a year now with little change to it. It gets you thinking though.

Message edited by author 2007-03-30 17:38:33.