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01/20/2008 09:33:20 PM · #1 |
I've just purchased the Canon D40 and the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Besides being really excited about my new purchase, I'm also wondering if this will be enough? I have my first wedding for a friend of the family. They know it's my first and they want me to get the experience that I need by doing their wedding (no pressure right?) lol. I also have the AF 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 lens. So my question is, will this be good enough for the wedding? or should I think about investing in one other lens...keeping in mind that I don't have a lot to spend, especially after this new purchase :) Any advice is always appreciated!
Thanks!
Candy |
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01/20/2008 09:35:44 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by iCandyPhotoz:
I've just purchased the Canon D40 and the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Besides being really excited about my new purchase, I'm also wondering if this will be enough? I have my first wedding for a friend of the family. They know it's my first and they want me to get the experience that I need by doing their wedding (no pressure right?) lol. I also have the AF 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 lens. So my question is, will this be good enough for the wedding? or should I think about investing in one other lens...keeping in mind that I don't have a lot to spend, especially after this new purchase :) Any advice is always appreciated!
Thanks!
Candy |
Other than those not doing real well in low light, they should be fine, as far as focal lengths go.
And have fun with the wedding and do the best you can. |
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01/20/2008 09:45:11 PM · #3 |
| Not good in low light? I thought the IS series does fairly well in low light? |
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01/20/2008 09:49:27 PM · #4 |
My opinion, unless the wedding is outdoors, or you can use lights, those won't be fast enough.
There are lots of threads on this type subject, with lots of good advice. Try looking through the forums. Maybe if you're lucky,  Prof_Fate will be around and give you some suggestions.
;-)
Message edited by author 2008-01-20 21:51:10. |
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01/20/2008 09:54:44 PM · #5 |
| The IS is just image stablilization. Helps at slower shutter speeds (1/30-1/10) to get rid of the shake. It's the aperture that determines the amount of light needed. |
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01/20/2008 09:57:13 PM · #6 |
| Thanks for the advice...I'm still new to all of this and quite frankly the lens is what really gets me confused. Thanks! |
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01/20/2008 10:35:54 PM · #7 |
Here are some good discussions to start off with-
primes vs zoom
second shooting a wedding
discussion on formals/church lighting
gear for weddings on a budget
if you want more reading, :-), just do a forum search, 'wedding' , subject only box checked. will probably yield more results than you want :-)
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01/20/2008 10:38:43 PM · #8 |
Though I shoot Nikon, I'm guessing Canon has a 50mm 1.8, and/or 50mm 1.4. Either of those would handy to have for low light shots.
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01/20/2008 11:13:13 PM · #9 |
Wow, you just got yourself a camera and lens and you're doing a real wedding for a friend?
I also got a new iPod and speakers. I'm thinking of becoming a DJ, you think I can do it?
Since it's just a friend, you should be fine. Hey, they get what they pay for.
Assuming you know the technical aspects of taking pictures (under pressure), all you'll need to do is have fast glass and double everything. You'll need:
2 bodies
2 wide lenses
2 long lenses
2 flashes
At least 16GB of cards.
Extra batteries for both cameras and flashes.
A fast computer and programs to process the images.
If you are just going with your 40D and 28-135, I would at least get a flash to help you in low light. And IS doesn't help you if the subject is moving. The later versions of IS have panning functions, but I don't think the 28-135 has that function yet.
Good luck and post some images when you're done. |
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01/20/2008 11:28:02 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Nullix:
Wow, you just got yourself a camera and lens and you're doing a real wedding for a friend?
I also got a new iPod and speakers. I'm thinking of becoming a DJ, you think I can do it?
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Depends who you're DJing for. Maybe someone just wants some nifty music, but doesn't own any tunes or speakers. They don't really care what you play... they'd just be happy to have some real speakers and some music.
Sounds like the situation with this wedding. They just want someone with a decent camera to take a few photos, capture a few moments.
Candy - I would go out and rent a couple skookum lenses and a flash for the event, it wont cost you much (I assume you aren't being paid for the wedding) and you'll have a blast playing with the pro toys. You'll look more badass, too...
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01/21/2008 12:10:37 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by option:
You'll look more badass, too... |
Yeah, got me a BIG speaker so's I can be a DJ too. The bigga the speaker, the more's I can charge, right? Ors is it da bigga the iPod drive the mores I can charge?
Not sure about everyone, but most girls I know have a pretty large emotional investment in their wedding day, and those memories are preserved in the photos. The food, flowers, doodads of the wedding day are all gone the day after, but the photos live on, become part of a family history to passed on to other generations.
It's not about appearing to be capable, it's about being capable. And that doesn't happen with a visa card alone. It takes the wanting to be good at it, and then the effort to learn posing, lighting and handling people of all kinds on a really wired day.
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01/21/2008 12:12:06 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Yeah, got me a BIG speaker so's I can be a DJ too. The bigga the speaker, the more's I can charge, right? Ors is it da bigga the iPod drive the mores I can charge?
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Jar Jar, is that you? :-P |
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01/21/2008 12:48:28 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by Nullix:
Wow, you just got yourself a camera and lens and you're doing a real wedding for a friend?
YEA RIGHT!! I did a wedding on Saturday and used my Zeiss 16/80 F3.5 and my 28/80 F2.8 plus Minolta Flash and guess what every shot a winner. So you might be the big time Pro. but give the girl a break. every one starts some where and not many of us are blessed with deep pockets. If the weddig couple are happy with what she has and are happy to be the guinea pigs so be it. I in 25 yrs of wedding photogaphy have never had an equiment failure. most of it is doewn to having gear regulary seviced .My gear goes into the shop every 12months before the wedding season. Just remember Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. You should do alright as a DJ most of them spout a load of BS any way So girl you just go for it have faith in your self and your abilities and she'll be right post some of the photos for us.
I also got a new iPod and speakers. I'm thinking of becoming a DJ, you think I can do it?
Since it's just a friend, you should be fine. Hey, they get what they pay for.
Assuming you know the technical aspects of taking pictures (under pressure), all you'll need to do is have fast glass and double everything. You'll need:
2 bodies
2 wide lenses
2 long lenses
2 flashes
At least 16GB of cards.
Extra batteries for both cameras and flashes.
A fast computer and programs to process the images.
If you are just going with your 40D and 28-135, I would at least get a flash to help you in low light. And IS doesn't help you if the subject is moving. The later versions of IS have panning functions, but I don't think the 28-135 has that functio |
Message edited by author 2008-01-21 00:49:27.
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01/21/2008 01:00:29 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Ironworker:
Though I shoot Nikon, I'm guessing Canon has a 50mm 1.8, and/or 50mm 1.4. Either of those would handy to have for low light shots. |
The 1.8 is a b**ch to focus in low light... the 1.4 is a dream... the 1.2L would be a wet dream.
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01/21/2008 01:07:30 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
...the 1.2L would be a wet dream. |
Well there you have it. If there was only one thing I listened to Leroy about, it would definitely be wet dreams! :-P |
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01/21/2008 01:13:10 AM · #16 |
Just for the record for many years I used a F3.,5 35/105 Minolta lens for 90% of my wedding shots that lens is a real work horse plus a dedicted supak 5000 flash. plus a F3'5 70/200 and a 100mm 2.8 tokina ATX lens that plus a back up body which I uused instead of changing film when needed did me fine. and I workked most sats with weddings during the season so I must have been doing something right. I have a friend who used nothing other than a 2.8 28mm w/a for all shots and he still turns work down
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01/21/2008 01:49:32 AM · #17 |
Nullix ... Hey thanks for the oh so sarcastic and oh so not needed remarks. This is not my first camera, nor is it my first event. I'm a local photographer and currently specialize in Senior Portraits. This just happens to be the first wedding I've agreed to do. And as far as you being a real DJ...you should look into turntables and vinyl scratch, but I guess they get what they paid for ;)
Also on the positive side I've been asked to photograph another wedding in March with another local photographer who's been in business 20+ years. I spoke to her about having my first wedding and she invited me to go along with her to this wedding. I'm looking forward to the experience!
Message edited by author 2008-01-21 01:56:01. |
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01/21/2008 08:43:02 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by kiwinick:
Just for the record for many years I used a F3.,5 35/105 Minolta lens for 90% of my wedding shots that lens is a real work horse plus a dedicted supak 5000 flash. plus a F3'5 70/200 and a 100mm 2.8 tokina ATX lens that plus a back up body which I uused instead of changing film when needed did me fine. and I workked most sats with weddings during the season so I must have been doing something right. I have a friend who used nothing other than a 2.8 28mm w/a for all shots and he still turns work down |
Yeah, and people once rode horses to work and there were no jet planes. Times change, equipment changes and with that brides expectations change.
I know a few old schoolers that shoot a rebel and kit lens, and lots of flash, and another that is slowly moving away from all flash and a 28-200 lens for everything (yeah, a non L lens, but she brought $8000 worth of lumedyne flash units to make up for non fast glass).
Used to be brides expected 48 to 72 images total, and albums were 24 images in a matted book. No more. 500+ images is becoming normal and 100 images laid out digitally in a storybook album is the current style, and this is what brides expect to get. They also expect well lit, well posed, in focus images - but that goes without saying.
Can you shoot with one lens, slow glass, etc? Sure. It's a style thing. But shoot everything with one lens and all the images will look pretty much alike, bland, like food with no spices.
If the church is dark (like ISO 1600 2.8 and 1/30) and the preacher, as most do, say no flash during the ceremony, and all you brought was a slow lens then you're in trouble. If the preacher says you will be in the balcony and no place else and all you got is a 28mm lens the pics will be rather, well, you'll just not get what the bride was expecting.
What do the top shooters use for gear? The photogs that get $8,000, $12,000 or more for a wedding? The one's that write books, that are voted the best photogs in the land/world? They can afford anything, they set the trends, they make the images that the brides to be dream over for years while thinking of their own wedding.
I guess maybe it comes down to this. Do you view wedding photography as a job, a source of cash, or as something more - an art form, something you love to do and live to create beautiful images giving people lasting memories that you'll be proud to make and sell?
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01/21/2008 10:12:03 AM · #19 |
The question the OP asked, "Is this lens good enough?" just doesn't have a good answer.
The real questions that the OP needs to ask and only she can answer are: "What is my vision for the images of this wedding?", "Does the bride-to-be, friend or not, understand and share this vision?", and finally, "Will my equipment and skills allow me to achieve that vision?"
I don't know the answer.
I can give you my opinion on the two lenses, and for me, I would NOT use them to create traditional wedding imagery. How they relate to achieving someone else's artistic goals, I can't say.
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01/21/2008 03:12:41 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
[quote=kiwinick] Just for the record for many years I used a F3.,5 35/105 Minolta lens for 90% of my wedding shots that lens is a real work horse plus a dedicted supak 5000 flash. plus a F3'5 70/200 and a 100mm 2.8 tokina ATX lens that plus a back up body which I uused instead of changing film when needed did me fine. and I workked most sats with weddings during the season so I must have been doing something right. I have a friend who used nothing other than a 2.8 28mm w/a for all shots and he still turns work down |
Yeah, and people once rode horses to work and there were no jet planes. Times change, equipment changes and with that brides expectations change.
I know a few old schoolers that shoot a rebel and kit lens, and lots of flash, and another that is slowly moving away from all flash and a 28-200 lens for everything (yeah, a non L lens, but she brought $8000 worth of lumedyne flash units to make up for non fast glass).
Used to be brides expected 48 to 72 images total, and albums were 24 images in a matted book. No more. 500+ images is becoming normal and 100 images laid out digitally in a storybook album is the current style, and this is what brides expect to get. They also expect well lit, well posed, in focus images - but that goes without saying.
Can you shoot with one lens, slow glass, etc? Sure. It's a style thing. But shoot everything with one lens and all the images will look pretty much alike, bland, like food with no spices.
If the church is dark (like ISO 1600 2.8 and 1/30) and the preacher, as most do, say no flash during the ceremony, and all you brought was a slow lens then you're in trouble. If the preacher says you will be in the balcony and no place else and all you got is a 28mm lens the pics will be rather, well, you'll just not get what the bride was expecting.
What do the top shooters use for gear? The photogs that get $8,000, $12,000 or more for a wedding? The one's that write books, that are voted the best photogs in the land/world? They can afford anything, they set the trends, they make the images that the brides to be dream over for years while thinking of their own wedding.
I guess maybe it comes down to this. Do you view wedding photography as a job, a source of cash, or as something more - an art form, something you love to do and live to create beautiful images giving people lasting memories that you'll be proud to make and sell? [/quote
Since when did the amount spent on equipment equal a photographers abitities? Your example of a dark church? If you do your homework yo shouldnt have this problem at all. Wedding photography is always changing and evolving todays bold inititives are tomorrows crap.Americans have always had the silly idea that the dearer it is the better it is there is some genuine talent in photography but a lot of poseurs also.
We see it here when the PPA bring out visiting "Experts" for workshops. Up and down the country side for months after arethe same style of photography in the PPA members windows and advertising.Every one has there individual ideas and Brides in America may have a completely different expectations than those elsewhere especially where the money is concerned. Here most young couples are increasingly putting their money into buying and furnishing their own home and scaling their wedding dow
Indeed my young nephew who heads the foriegn exchange dept of a major bank and his partner who is the Heiress to the Mortein fly spray millions and whos father owns the Camera House camera stores Australia wide are having a very modest affair the photographer is a retired pro and family friend from Gore in NZ a small towm.
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01/21/2008 11:35:40 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by iCandyPhotoz:
Nullix ... Hey thanks for the oh so sarcastic and oh so not needed remarks. |
Oh come on. When any post involving a mention of the 18-200 f3.5-6.3 and wedding in the same question has some spark of lack of photograph knowledge. Any lens with that range can't be good enough for commercial work.
Also your mention of the D40, when it's actually 40D does raise some clues. You also have nothing in your profile to show your knowledge. For all I know, you're just some smuch with a camera.
Apparently you're not.
So, I think you need at least a flash to go with you to help you with fill or to fill in the light.
Good Luck. |
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01/22/2008 12:01:17 AM · #22 |
I don't believe the question was "Is this going to be great?" It was "is it good enough". Of course a Holga and a dozen rolls of film would be "good enough".
I would agree on the 50 mm f/1.8 or better though. The Nikon version is quite affordable at under $200 CAD. Renting a nice lens would probably be a good option. Flash? Depends on the venue. I was playing around with my flash at one wedding I attended and in some rooms I was able to bounce the flash nicely off the ceiling. In other rooms the ceilings were odd shaped or were too high to bounce off of.
Really, it depends on what the couple wants. If they just want a nice record of their day? What you have is fine. If they want shots that they can blow up and put on their wall and then put a couple of 8 X 10's on their desks etc? You can do it with what you have. You could do it better with better glass however.
Aah heck. Skip all the ranting and raving. I would go out and rent the lenses just to try them out! Get yourself some nice fast L glass and be done with it :)
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01/22/2008 12:10:36 AM · #23 |
Oh yes. One more thing:
Here is some samples shot with the two lenses you referenced:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=3
I don't know if this one is your lens or not. However, it does match the specs of the one you mentioned below. Its a Sigma rather than a Canon make however you can see that there are some nice shots there:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=1130
So good enough? Maybe.
One more resource on this site that you can use is
//www.dpchallenge.com/photo_gallery.php?GALLERY_ID=42
In the immortal words of Stan Lee:
'Nuff said |
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01/22/2008 01:44:07 PM · #24 |
Nullix - I get what you were saying and I don't have my profile updated on here yet but I do plan on joining so that I can upload pictures and have my information on here.
I recognize that I'm a novice and I appreciate all of your advice. I'm going to rent the two other lens that I need with the f/1.2 and f/1.8 or f/1.4. I am also going to get the flash unit as well which is something I was going to invest in anyways. I do have the backup camera as well with the backup batteries and memory cards. Who knows this may be the only wedding I ever shoot, I may find that it's just not something I want to do. My passion is with Senior Portraits, but we'll see :) Really thanks everyone, you all had fantastic advice for me to follow since I'm still learning.
Candy
Also Citadel - thanks for the links, all those pictures are inspiring.
Message edited by author 2008-01-22 13:48:42. |
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01/29/2009 08:21:26 PM · #25 |
ICandyphotoz.....
If you hope to take shots like those shown by Citadel....you better be a veteran using Photoshop (and not the Elements version either).
Although they are nice and interesting images....virtually all are redone with Photoshop treatments.
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