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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> What's the best bang for my buck? Equip advice?
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 05/13/2006 12:06:56 AM · #1
I have my first wedding coming up in July. I want to have all my bases covered. I want a new lens for sure. I have about $1000 in profit to spend from photography biz last month.

Here is what I have currently:
Canon 20D
35 mm Rebel (film) I can use as backup for now
Canon Zoom EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6
Canon Zoom EF 28-80mm 3.5-5.6 (use the most)
Canon EF 50mm 1.8
Tamron Zoom AF 70-300mm 4-5.6 LD Macro for Canon EOS
Lensbaby (gift that I never use)
420ex flash
580EX flash - brand new TODAY
Stroboframe and hot shoe cord
Lumaquest pocket bounce
Omnibounce
Gary Fong Lightsphere (just ordered online)
4-gig card, 2 1-gig cards
2 camera batteries
5 in 1 large reflector

I have a couple of strobes with umbrellas, but I'd rather not take them.

Ok, what I need... batteries for my flash.
Was looking at
//www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1098&HS=1
I've heard good things about these... was hoping they might suffice for now instead of the $400 quantum pack.

I want a new lens. Was looking at the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, but was told by a friend I shouldn't get it b/c she wasn't happy with it. I really like the range, though. Sigma has a comparable flash in the 2.8 range, but the reviews I read on it weren't as good as the Canon.

I also want to get hoods and uv filters for my new lenses (the 50mm is brand new too), so between those plus my batteries, if I go that route, it would leave me around $900 to spend?

I've spent a lot of time reading threads on equipment, and it's so hard to choose. Hoping I can get some level headed direction here. =)

Adding also that flash photography terrifies me. I've never been happy with my results from my 420, and though I think it's cool I can use it as a slave with my 580, I have NO idea how to even begin there. I'm very weak in using flash, and I need to get better by July!

Thanks for any/all input!!

Laura
 05/13/2006 12:12:43 PM · #2
If you are looking at the 28-135 range, consider either a Tamron 28-75 or a Sigma 24-70, both are sharp and fast with f2.8. Tamron is under $400 and Sig is about $400. With the remaining, you can keep it or buy another lens like the Canon 70-200L.
 05/13/2006 12:18:34 PM · #3
Wow, you have more now than what most photogs that are getting into wedding have. If you really want to buy more ... and don't we all ;). Maybe a wide angle zoom, something like a 10-24mm zoom. That will work great with the crop of the 20D. The 70-200 f/2.8 IS or even the f/4 are both great lenses, sharp and easy to use. If you plan the shots, the 50mm f/1.8 is ideal. It looks more impressive to the client with "big" lenses but the little short 50mm does a great job. Have fun and good luck.
 05/13/2006 11:06:15 PM · #4
Check out the places where the wedding will be (church, reception hall, etc) and see how much light there will be (bring your camera). Chances are, you'll want a fast lens. The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 fits your budget. If you get one of the lenses Tom suggested, you will have enough left over to get an 85 f/1.8

As far as AA batteries go, how about these? //froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?pid=4849131606057128271&oid=18122543694576455984&btnG=Search+Froogle&hl=en&q=lenmar+aa&lmode=online&scoring=p

Message edited by author 2006-05-13 23:09:16.
 05/13/2006 11:17:46 PM · #5
I wouldn't buy anything this time and save my money for a 24-70mm 2.8L.
You currently use your midrange zoom the most. You might want a fast lens that covers roughly the same focal lengths.
But that's my opinion, and I'm a Nikon guy, so you don't have to take me seriously.
 05/13/2006 11:25:44 PM · #6
Get the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. It's about $370, and I guarantee you'll never touch the Canon 28-80 again. Add to that a Canon 85mm f/1.8 (or the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, but that might put you over budget).

Alternatively, you might get that Tamron and a Canon Rebel XT as a second/backup camera and keep the 50mm and 420ex on that one for quick low-light shots without changing lenses.

I use the same Lenmar batteries Hankk pointed to in my 580ex, and they work great. Happy shopping!

Message edited by author 2006-05-13 23:35:26.
 05/13/2006 11:30:54 PM · #7
You might check out //www.digitalcamerabattery.com/Batteries.htm

A bit expensive, but it might keep you out of trouble when your NiMH suddlenly start the cycle of death.

You MUST have a 2.8 lens, most times they wont let you flash during the wedding (if the bride and groom don't care, the pastor/preist will). The Sigma 70-200 2.8 mentioned is super sharp and highly rated, wish I had had one today.

I'd take the strobes, but that's just me. Of course, this comes from a guy who just used mine on a wedding today and they screwed up... make sure they're reliable, I'm about to throw mine out the window. My camera was auto-brightening the playback, so I didn't catch the problem. I am so depressed about them. Got some great shots otherwise, but all the posed ones need some serious rehab. Okay, nevermind the strobes, you're right, too much hassle.

Also, one tip, try not to accidentally meter off the dress. Keep moving, and don't hesitate to get with the people in the procession, pick a spot to have them pause, and then snap one or two off, the resume. Don't pick a spot halfway down the aisle, especially in a smaller church. Everyone will be looking backward, so a spot directly in the middle in the front will actually be the least in the way for the crowd.

At the VERY least, get the Tamron 28-75 SP 2.8.

You don't need hoods unless it's an outdoor wedding, and then everything else I said just flies out the window.

Lightsphere = goodness, but you have to watch the brightness up close, I practiced at a few indoor events, and I still had trouble. (but maybe I'm just slow.) Go to the location/s and make a friend help you practice with your flash, you'll need it. Everything happens so fast, try to borrow an extra rebelXT or something and keep the zoom on one, medium range on the other. That way you can switch very quickly. Always bounce the flash off something, wall ceiling, or lightsphere it. Direct flash only if you feel you must.

Okay, sorry for the novel, but I just did my first wedding today, and I had to get some things outta my head.

Message edited by author 2006-05-13 23:31:06.
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