"Just starting out" wedding rig.

[jamiewexler]

I just answered a "what lens" thread, and it got me thinking about all of the lenses I have tried and rejected in my time as a WP on my way to building the "perfect (for me)" kit that I have now. So I though it might be an interesting exercise for those of us with the benefit of hindsight to build the minimum kit that you could achieve optimal results with. Before you respond with "a good phtographer can take amazing images with a JamCam", let's state up front that we all understand that better equipment doesn't make you a better photographer!

Hopefully your sage responses will help out some of those just beginning to build their kits and businesses.

Here's my go:

First off, I've always been cost conscious (read cheap), and have always had very good luck buying used equipment off of respected members of the various boards I frequent. So if I had to start from scratch, I'd probably look for bargains on used equipment. My prices reflect common used prices I have seen lately...

Canon 20D - $900
Canon XT - $600
Canon 17-40 f4 - $600
Canon 50 f1.8 - $60
Canon 85 f1.8 - $300
Canon 550ex - $250
Canon 550ex - $250
TOTAL: $2960

If I had an extra $500 after spending all of that, I'd add a
Canon 35 f2 - $200 ($140 after I sold the 50 f1.8)
Canon 28-105 f3.5-4.5 USM - $200

So how about you guys who've been around the lens block a bit - what's your minimalist kit?

[bhp]

Jamie,

I think you put together a perfect low budget wedding starters kit. I really don't think that my recommendations would stray far from the list you provided.

I actually just saw (2) 580ex's sell right here on POTN for $300.00 each. Right here: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=187770&highlight=580ex

I thought that was an excellent price (kicking myself for not being fast enough to snag one myself!)

If this was the going rate for a used 580ex, I would put them over the 550's... but I don't think this will be a common occurance.

I also used the 17-40L f/4 (Highly recommend that.) I just sold mine and replaced it with a new EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS! And I still use my 85mm f/1.8 regularly.

Overall, great recommendations!

[kampphoto]

Canon 20D - $900
Canon XT - $600
Canon 17-40 f4 - $600
Canon 50 f1.8 - $60
Canon 85 f1.8 - $300
Canon 550ex - $250
Canon 550ex - $250
TOTAL: $2960

If I had an extra $500 after spending all of that, I'd add a
Canon 35 f2 - $200 ($140 after I sold the 50 f1.8)
Canon 28-105 f3.5-4.5 USM - $200


You forgot CF Cards, they're just as important as the camera :D

[jamiewexler]

Dang it, you caught me! I was trying to keep it under 3k, and added the 50 f1.8 instead of the Ridata 80x cards that I originally had listed. I was thinking again of BU - and what would happen if the 17-40 went down. I thought about trying to shoot an entire wedding with the 85, and added the 50.

So those of you who have decided to become wedding photographers after reading my above post and realizing that you still have $3000 worth of credit on the Mastercard - make sure you save another $100 for two 2GB Ridata 80x cards from Newegg ($400 for 8 if you're determined to shoot RAW).

[Toogy]

2 x 20Ds
17-40L
85mm F1.8
Tamron 28-75 F2.8
2 x 550s or 580's

So basically the same kit that Jamie Recommended. I would just really want two cameras with the same control layout. I was using a 20D and 300D last year and sometimes in the heat of the moment, you don't want to have to stop and think about how to change a setting.

[tim]

2x20D with grips
Sigma 30mm F1.4
28-75/24-70 F2.8 type lens (zooms are more important when you start because you don't know where to be and when)
580EX, 550EX (the 580 is a lot easier to use as a master)
8-10GB of Sandisk Ultra II
Bracket
Umbrella/tripod/clamp

I wrote a more complete list recently on another thread, with prices and more details.

[jesusdelallata]

I wish I had a 30D as my primary camera with my XT as a back-up. I need at 70-200 f2.8L and one more 430EX.

[cyclone]

If you go with 20Ds or XTs, I would substitute a 12-24 (or 10-22) for the 17-40, and include the Tamron 28-75/2.8.

[staciecd]

What about a back up battery or two?

Stacie

[jamiewexler]

The reason I didn't list any third party lenses is because I went through a lot of trouble with my earliest kit buying third parties and selling them because they didn't perform like I needed them to. I bought the following:

Tamron 35-105 f2.8 - SOFT at all apertures
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 - SHARP at all apertures, poor low light focus
Sigma 18-50 f2.8 - SHARP at all apertures, poor low light focus

I didn't find a lens that performed both in image quality, and AF reliability, until I bought the 28-70L. It's a little pricy for the list (and not wide enough for my tastes), so I added the 17-40 instead. Mine is almost as sharp, with better color and contrast than the Tamron and Sigma, but it focuses quickly and accurately in the worst of lighting conditions. I'd have had to throw away a lot fewer shots from the first 6 months of my "career" if I'd have invested in the 17-40 first...

Stacie: Excellent suggestions. I have three batteries for each body (though I rarely drain one), and three sets of NiMH's for each flash. I use the cheap EBay camera batteries (so add $20 for extras of those), and Digital rechargable AA's from Wal-Mart (add $16 for the charger and first set of 4, and $6 for each additional set of 4)