Do I need an 85mm f/1.8 for wedding photography?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

11/05/2009 07:58:48 AM · #1

I have been tasked with shooting my gf's sisters wedding next year and am wondering if I need to add an 85mm f1.8 to my collection as is it fairly inexpensive @ £265.

I plan to have the following
350d with 17-55 f/2.8 IS
40d swapping between 70-200 f/4 IS and 100 f/2.8 (if I need the extra stop / shallower dof)
50mm f/1.4 in my pocket
single 580 speedlight

in wedding photogs experience of churches is 50mm (on a cropped sensor) going to be a little short? I've been second shooter at one wedding but my task was guests coming in etc whilst main photog was shooting ceromony.

I don't yet know how well the church will be lit as they have yet to finalise a venue so maybe the 70-200 IS will be fine but thinking the 85mm could well be useful as 1 1/3 stops faster than the 100mm and 2 1/3 stops faster than the 70-200. I'll probably upgrade to a 7d before hand so pushing the ISO won't be so much of an issue, I wouldn't want to push much past ISO 400 on the 40d ... once they finalise the venue I will make sure we go there to do a few test shots anyway (and talk to vicar re best places etc).

I may also start to shoot portraits but I think the 50mm will be fine for that and the 85mm will just sit on the shelf gathering dust?

Maybe the question should be what lenses do you pack for a budget / second shooter / weekend warrior (!) wedding photog (on cropped frame)

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

11/05/2009 08:02:53 AM · #2

The 85mm f1.8 is one of my fave all around lenses.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

11/05/2009 08:44:39 AM · #3

85mm 1.8 on a crop sensor cam is my fav combination for shooting people portraits in existing light. It's fast enough to hand hold in most situations at iso 400, and it keeps enough distance to keep the subject comfortable. The one that I use is an older manual focus Nikon, but it's an impressive performer.
The 50 1.4 is also wonderful in low light and for isolating BG. Focusing it manually takes practice and concentration to get it right when things are moving quickly.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

11/05/2009 09:32:02 AM · #4

I don't have one and I shoot weddings all the time. I think the current lenses you have outlined will be plenty. But if you can afford to get one along with the other stuff you mentioned, do it. It's always good to have options.

The 85 is a great portrait lens, but so is the 70-200 and the 50 if you don't get in really, really close. I plan to get one eventually, but I'm not in any big hurry.

citymars

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/05/2009 09:44:22 AM · #5

I still have trouble getting used to my 85mm lens in terms of how far back I have to stand to catch my subject. The low-light aspect is great, however.

Simms

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/05/2009 01:18:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by bobonacus:

in wedding photogs experience of churches is 50mm (on a cropped sensor) going to be a little short? I've been second shooter at one wedding but my task was guests coming in etc whilst main photog was shooting ceromony.

I don't yet know how well the church will be lit as they have yet to finalise a venue so maybe the 70-200 IS will be fine but thinking the 85mm could well be useful as 1 1/3 stops faster than the 100mm and 2 1/3 stops faster than the 70-200. I'll probably upgrade to a 7d before hand so pushing the ISO won't be so much of an issue, I wouldn't want to push much past ISO 400 on the 40d ... once they finalise the venue I will make sure we go there to do a few test shots anyway (and talk to vicar re best places etc).

I may also start to shoot portraits but I think the 50mm will be fine for that and the 85mm will just sit on the shelf gathering dust?

Maybe the question should be what lenses do you pack for a budget / second shooter / weekend warrior (!) wedding photog (on cropped frame)

IMO the 85mm 1.8 is far superior to the 50 1.4

The problem you have is, where will you be standing during the ceremony - you say its a church, so its all dependant on the vicar/priest. Some let you stand at the front, some dont and make you stand at the back, some dont allow photography at all during the ceremony.. There is no consistency in the rules as each one makes their own. See if you can find out in advance what you are allowed/not allowed to do.

The alternative is obviously rent it from THESE GUYS for £24 per week . Great prices and I have heard nothing but praise for them. Saves buying one in to be used once.

Message edited by author 2009-11-05 17:15:55.

Magnumphotography

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

11/05/2009 01:33:13 PM · #7

Simms has a great idea, in renting that lens for your shoot. Try before you buy!
I do own that lens and use it quite often. I have only praises for this lens. Sharp, easy to handle and did I say sharp?
Not only good for weddings, but I find myself shooting with it for all kinds of subjects. Just can't complain!

mpeters

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/05/2009 01:47:51 PM · #8

80/1.8 is my favorite for weddings/portraits.It's a beautiful thing. Of course I don't own the 70-200/2.8IS or my opinion might change! The 80 is lightweight, focuses quickly, and is perfectly sharp. And not too expensive either. It is rather tight on a crop sensor though.

11/10/2009 06:16:11 PM · #9

Thanks for your replies, I've used lensesforhire before for a fisheye, they are very good. I've ordered an 85mm as this week I got £150 compensation from my old bank for being morons and £100 from my new bank for transferring to them which just left me £10 to add myself :) Am also going to check the place out in December with the couple so will be able to do some test shots then

Simms

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/10/2009 07:15:04 PM · #10

Originally posted by bobonacus:

Pity I let mine go for £200 a few weeks back.

Where are they getting married?

11/11/2009 05:04:06 AM · #11

The venue is somewhere near Lyme Regis, I've found out it's not actually a church so hopfully the light will be ok! They currently live in Canada and are coming over in december to check the place out so I'll get a good look then.

DaleFrazierPhotography

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/11/2009 06:05:34 AM · #12

If you decide to purchase one, I have a friend who has a slightly used one for sale with the lens hood, (lens hood is a separate purchase)
Dale