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01/03/2008 01:18:36 PM · #1 |
I've seen the argument over and over again that you need "versatility" for weddings that only zooms can give. But on the flip side there are no f/1.8 or faster zooms.
I like prime lenses, I like that they force me to think, make me move, keep me active. I also like that they are by default sharp and fast. I can deal with not having a 18 to 200 mm range between 2 lenses.
So, I'm just curious, what are you wedding shooters shooting with and WHY?
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01/03/2008 01:47:54 PM · #2 |
With the good performance at high ISO of the Canon 5d, I don't find that the 70-200L at 2.8 is a limitation even in a poorly lit church.
Before the ceremony we use a combination of 70-200, 85 1.2, 24-70, and 14mm for some outstanding wide shots. Every once in a blue moon we'll break out the lensbaby for fun.
Ceremony: I use the 70-200 on the 5d and the 14 on the 30D. Mickey has a 200mm prime on her 5d and the 24-70 on the 20D. We like the flexibility of the zooms for during the ceremony. Don't really want to be moving too much and distract from the proceedings. The zooms allow us to get the shot variety with out being a distraction.
Reception: Mostly shot with the 85's, but we'll break out the 70-200 depending on the reception setup. It's kind of fun to get dancing shots with the 14mm. You can hold the camera at waist level and click off some frames. Even at 2.8, most everything is in focus, and people don't react with cheesy smiles because they don't know your shooting. |
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01/03/2008 01:54:40 PM · #3 |
There are some famous photographers out there who use nothing more than an 85 1.4, while others use nothing more than a 28-70 2.8.
However, I would say the majority of wedding photographers carry a mix. Usually one fast prime such as the 85/1.4 or 50mm 1.4, one fast standard zoom as the 28-70, and a specialty lens such as a wide 14mm or a fish these days. Also, most carry two cameras so switching lenses isn't an issue. Worse thing is to have one camera and have it die on a paid assignment.
There is no one formula though as I have seen some that like to go long with their zooms 70-200 and carry a wide prime, as well as a ultra wide zoom and a 105mm portrait lens.
Message edited by author 2008-01-03 13:57:00. |
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01/03/2008 02:19:43 PM · #4 |
I went to a workshop last year where the speaker talked of using a 20mm and an 85mm mounted on two separate 20D bodies. I thought this might give you an idea on how to use primes plus have some added flexibility. I would probably opt for a 24-70 2.8L since it covers the sweet spot for me and shooting wider than 2.8 has given me problems is fluid situations.
Message edited by author 2008-01-03 14:20:05.
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01/03/2008 02:22:13 PM · #5 |
| Only shot one wedding thus far, but I used a mix -- prime(s) for before/after portrait shots, 70-200 for the ceremony since my movement was limited, and a mix at the reception -- zoom for candids and when I wanted to keep my distance (intimate dances) and wide prime for when I wanted to be in the middle of the action (which also works time-wise because that tends to be later in the evening when the ambient light is decreased). |
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01/03/2008 02:38:15 PM · #6 |
At weddings I carry 2 x 5D bodies. I have the 17-40 on one and the70-200 on the other. My offsider uses the 1DS Mark II with the 28-300. He covers a lot of the candids and such. All 3 bodies have the 580ex I/II. We also carry other lenses for the odd change in plan and of course tripods, reflectors, studio lights etc!
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01/03/2008 02:47:22 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Judi:
At weddings I carry 2 x 5D bodies. I have the 17-40 on one and the70-200 on the other. My offsider uses the 1DS Mark II with the 28-300. He covers a lot of the candids and such. All 3 bodies have the 580ex I/II. We also carry other lenses for the odd change in plan and of course tripods, reflectors, studio lights etc! |
Geez with that much equipment you might as well carry a freaking studio with you :P |
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01/03/2008 02:49:41 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by JaimeVinas:
Originally posted by Judi:
At weddings I carry 2 x 5D bodies. I have the 17-40 on one and the70-200 on the other. My offsider uses the 1DS Mark II with the 28-300. He covers a lot of the candids and such. All 3 bodies have the 580ex I/II. We also carry other lenses for the odd change in plan and of course tripods, reflectors, studio lights etc! |
Geez with that much equipment you might as well carry a freaking studio with you :P |
I carry studio strobes and a complete "strobist" setup too and reflectors :-D No 5D's yet... but debating on it.
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01/03/2008 03:10:59 PM · #9 |
Depends on sooooo many things:
your style (natural light or flash mostly)
PJ or posed
camera used - a 20D can't do what a 1Dmk3 can in terms of focus and High ISO, so what you can do will lmit what you do or try to do
one body or two?
an assistant or not?
do you like to change lenses or hate it?
where you are in your shooting career (newbies have fewer lenses and a lot on their minds. long time shooters can get the money shots quickly and efficiently and then have time to be creative with specialty lenses)
I use a belt system so I have 5 lenses handy at all times. A couple years back I ran two bodies and rarely changed lenses. I now have more lenses so can get different effects with different lenses. Point being, my shooting style has changed as my gear has, as how I work/carry the gear has, etc.
Some wedding I use some lenses a lot and at other weddings not at all.
I just started to incorporate some primes into my shooting the second half of last year, the 85 1.8 (too tight for many things) and a 28 1.8 (lovely lens, but you have to get close the subject to blur the BG). I have a 135 2.8 Soft Focus on it's way, a lensbaby (it's a prime, right?) and have yet to order the 50 1.2 (which i hope will do what the 28 and 85 can't do).
As for useage...
ceremony I use the 17-55 and 70-200. My ass't shoot from a tripod at the back of the church with a 28-75, and will have the 135 to use as well (played a bit with the 85 and 1.4TC). I find most ceremony locations too dark for handheld prime tele lenses, even the 85. I don't think canon makes any med tele primes with IS (300mm being a bit long for weddings)
For portraiture I like so shoot the primes wide open to isolate the subject, or hide the BG. Fine for get ready or after the ceremony.
Teh reception is where I've started to play a bit with primes and no flash, or a prime and off camera flash. Just the last 2 weddings though.
Some photogs seem to keep a zoom on one body and a prime on a second body. I may try this some this year and see how I like it. One guy even keeps the prime body set to B&W (shoot RAW you can make it color later) as that's the way he shot in the film days. I like this idea alot too!
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01/03/2008 03:20:41 PM · #10 |
50mm 1.4 prime and 105mm prime one on each body. A 24mm in my pocket for close quarters.
I don't weddings if I can help it (I just don't like the atmosphere and family photography is where I shine) - but I have for a few special circumstances. I use those three for every single shoot (mostly kids on the run) and for the same reasons you posted in your thread starter Leroy - it keeps me moving, keeps me thinking, keeps me directly interacting with my subjects, and keeps me out of the box. Plus, I know every one of those three lenses so well I don't have to THINK about exposure or any sort of compensation. Id say 80% of the time I'm using the 50mm.
I'm right there in the thick of things, and I shoot candid stuff from the hip quite a bit.
The only drawback that comes to mind is that I sometimes get caught up in the moment and back into/over/through things that I shouldn't. Like falling into duck ponds or tipping backwards over stone walls. :)
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01/03/2008 03:24:03 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by notesinstones:
The only drawback that comes to mind is that I sometimes get caught up in the moment and back into/over/through things that I shouldn't. Like falling into duck ponds or tipping backwards over stone walls. :) |
DOH! |
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01/03/2008 03:47:28 PM · #12 |
Get 2 bodies and you can go prime. I've shot a couple events where I've had a 50 f1.4 on the K10 and a 77 1.8 on a *ist Ds.
You don't only get 2 bodies just in case you need a backup. You get one so you don't have to change lenses as often. |
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01/03/2008 04:43:54 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
Get 2 bodies and you can go prime. I've shot a couple events where I've had a 50 f1.4 on the K10 and a 77 1.8 on a *ist Ds.
You don't only get 2 bodies just in case you need a backup. You get one so you don't have to change lenses as often. |
a 50 and a 77? Seems rather limiting. I go for bog standard 16-35, 28-75 (soon to be 24-70) and 70-200, all at 2.8 and I also carry about a 85mm 1.8 in my pocket. |
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01/03/2008 05:02:02 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by _eug:
Originally posted by notesinstones:
The only drawback that comes to mind is that I sometimes get caught up in the moment and back into/over/through things that I shouldn't. Like falling into duck ponds or tipping backwards over stone walls. :) |
DOH! |
Yhea, I kind of have a reputation for being a bit of a dork because of it. For the normal population - it wont be an issue. :) |
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01/03/2008 05:03:39 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Simms:
and I also carry about a 85mm 1.8 in my pocket. |
That's what they all say :-D
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01/04/2008 09:53:25 AM · #16 |
I've only shot one wedding in any professional capacity and I had one lens with me as I got the word I was photog when I was on the plane to Ireland. It was a 17-50mm F2.8, which made ceremony shots impossible (to be in focus at least), but made the outdoor shots with just the bride and groom very easy work. I didn't have a tripod or any lighting equipment to speak of and it performed suprisingly well.
A fast prime would have been a godsend though so I didn't have to send all the pics of the reception through neat image. |
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01/04/2008 10:06:07 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by notesinstones:
Originally posted by _eug:
Originally posted by notesinstones:
The only drawback that comes to mind is that I sometimes get caught up in the moment and back into/over/through things that I shouldn't. Like falling into duck ponds or tipping backwards over stone walls. :) |
DOH! |
Yhea, I kind of have a reputation for being a bit of a dork because of it. For the normal population - it wont be an issue. :) |
don't feel too bad... you have no idea how many articles of clothing I've torn or damaged doing weddings (paying more attention to the shot and angle I want than to the terrain)
as for lenses I generally stick to my 35-135 2.8 it works for most of what I do... usually I'm able to use the flash so no light issues.... when I can't use flash or have the time to zoom with my feet I'll use a prime |
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