Just a few thoughts on equipment

[msad1217]

Okay, I'm looking at possibly having my best season. So far, I have booked a couple of Debutante Ball one of which will be very big and a couple of weddings.

Right now I have the 20D, for lenses I have 50 1.8, 85 1.2, 24-70 2.8L, and the 70-200 4L. Plus the usual accessories like batteries, 10gig total flash card, a 550EX, Newton bracket, a bunch of diffusers.

With the 2 weddings I did last year light and space was not an issue since the ceremony and reception were held outdoors and I never used the flash as I used reflectors for the posed shots. Well this year is different on a couple of levels. All of my events this year will be indoors, and this is also the first year where I will be charging in full for my professional services.

I thought it was time to update my arsenal and I first I thought of getting the 5D. At the same point I thought of upgrading my 70-200 to the 2.8 IS version. But doing this would mean that I will not be able to afford the 5D. So maybe then I could get the 30D and 70-200 IS.

My question to the event photographers out here is, given the choice, which one would you do? Does it make sense for me to even purchase the 5D? I will need the 70-200 this time around as the photographer will not be allowed near the altar on one of the wedding that I am shooting. Because of the distance and the light that will be available, I feel I might really need the IS version. I could really use the full frame as I am familiar with the church and reception halls and there will be very little space available.

Of course this will all be moot if it will be sunny out and I could take a lot of the posed shots outdoors, but one of the wedding will be this spring and if you've ever been in Seattle, Spring and sun don't normally come together.

Am I making any sense at all? If I'm not, well, that is exactly why I am here asking for a little uhm, shall we say, enlightenment.:)

[tim]

It sounds to me like you need the 2.8 IS, I have one and I find it invaluable, it really is an excellent lens.

I had to make the 20D/5D call recently, as a backup/2nd camera. I decided the 5D is too expensive for what it is, so I got a second 20D. A 30D might be nice to have, but i'd not bother to upgrade given my 20Ds work well.

Sounds like you've already made up your mind to me, and it sounds reasonable, so go for it! :)

[jamiewexler]

I agree with Tim, when it comes down to better glass or a better body, glass should win every time! Shoot, I have a bag full of "L" glass, and an XT as a "backup" (though it's off bracket, usually w/a fast prime, so sometimes it gets more use than the 20D...).

The only other hole in your equipment lineup is a lens wider than 24mm... Maybe when you sell your 70-200 f4, you can also pick up a 17-40. I'm more of a wide shooter, though. A cropped 24mm might be plenty wide enough for your style!

Edit: wow look, I'm no longer a jr member!

[tim]

I find my Tokina 12-24 F4 invaluable for indoors weddings.

[msad1217]

I too have a Tokina 12-24. Though I have rarely use it for indoor events. I would probably replace it with a 16-35 2.8 someday just to be able to use it for available light shooting more. I have the fast 85 1.2, I normally shoot just using available light. I actually prefer using that over the 24-70L. So I thought if I get the 5D I will be able to use it more for my posed shots.

Thanks for the advice. I know I needed the lens more than the new body. I guess I freaked out a little thinking how little space I will have to work in that I felt I needed the FF body. I'm just going to have to improvise, adapt and overcome. :-)

I think what I will do is get the 70-200 IS and another 20D body and I should be good to go.

[Wilt]

Get Wide, at least 17mm. Get Fast f/2.8 even without IS. Keep in mind IS will do nothing for subject motion, it only compensates for YOU after you've had too much coffee! Get Powered...a flash pack that recycles your flash in 1 sec. even after a full power blast from it.