What lens for wedding

[hopkins]

I have my first wedding in a couple months. I don't think I have a lens that will work well. What lens would be the best for me to purchase on a resonable budget and is there any other equipment that I need other than what i have. It is a small wedding at my own church so I can go and test lighting etc. before the actual wedding.

I have a 18-55mm kit lens, 35-80mm, and 70-300mm. I also have a sigma dg super flash- no diffuser of any kind yet. Is this needed?

[coreypolis]

rent, don't buy. you'll get a better lens that way.

16-35l and 24-70L and 70-200 IS

not to sound like an ass, but weddings are too important.
if you have to ask this question, are you sure you should be photographing it?

[Wilt]

Rent Canon 17-55 f/2.8, if you are going to rent (I know places do rent them, Vistek in Toronto has it on their list.) The f/2.8 speed, plus it covers same FOV as covered by my Bronica 45-90 zoom + 150mm portrait telephoto, both of which I have used quite well with my medium format film camera in covering weddings back in the mid 90's! The 17-55 would be same as having a 45-145 zoom on my medium format, so I would not have needed to carry the portrait tele around! Buying this lens does not fit your criteria 'reasonable budget'!!! The Tamron 17-50 is reasonably priced but its zoom range would have fallen short for my medium format lens needs, although your existing zooms could fill in adquately for portraiture length and longer.

[DMZLSK]

People are coming here for "advise from the pros". I myself have shot 2 weddings and have another one in November. I am finding myself asking the same questions. I'm not a pro and want to improve. This, I feel, is a great place to ask these questions. The two that I have shot were wanting old-fashioned picts. The old line up and shoot picts. I am tring to expand views in the small town in Illinois where I have done the weddings. Please keep in mind that although you are a pro you were a novice at one time too. Just an observation.

We have to start somewhere and are seeking help and knowledge.

[DMZLSK]

Oh and Coreypolis your picts are great and something I strive for. Thank you for setting my goals.

[Wilt]

Please keep in mind that although you are a pro you were a novice at one time too. Just an observation.

We have to start somewhere and are seeking help and knowledge.

Keep in mind that one does not perform brain surgery without the necessary levels of training and experience on many other more minor procedures, too. That means that if one does not have the perquisite skills that one ought to do the bride a favor and bow out, rather than disappoint her with poor images. THAT is as much 'pro' behavior as shooting the wedding! I don't think Corey was trying to discourage as much as to suggest some realistic introspection, much like one would do if asked to perform brain surgery for the first time, "Am I truly ready yet, or am I kidding everyone?"

[tim]

I 2nd everything Wilt said including 17-55 recommendation.

[DMZLSK]

Perfectly put....I am a nurse and you would not have wanted me to give you the first shot of my career but yet a first shot I had to have. Practice makes perfect. I agree... experience on smaller jobs first.

My wedding was taken by the same photographer that my future sister-in-law had at her wedding and the lighting was horrible in my picts. I look at them now and I am very disappointed that my once in a lifetime day. My sister-in-laws were beautiful and lighting was great. You would have thought same photog., same church, same time of day, etc. No!

[Wilt]

Perfectly put....I am a nurse and you would not have wanted me to give you the first shot of my career but yet a first shot I had to have. Practice makes perfect. I agree... experience on smaller jobs first.

My wedding was taken by the same photographer that my future sister-in-law had at her wedding and the lighting was horrible in my picts. I look at them now and I am very disappointed that my once in a lifetime day. My sister-in-laws were beautiful and lighting was great. You would have thought same photog., same church, same time of day, etc. No!

Very sorry that you have to be one of the voices of practical bad experience with an unqualified 'wedding shooter'. That is unfortanately a story we hear with much too frequency these days, especially since digital makes things easier than film IMHO. It is the fundamental reason why we ask people to be introspective and honest with themselves and others. Certain questions raised by first timers ring too much of "oh no, here's another one". But we have all had our 'first wedding' and do not wish to discourage, when all that is needed is honest self-assessment and realism. You see enough after-action posts with comments like, "Gee that was much harder than I ever expected it to be, and really high pressure and high paced!" And you hear about enough seasoned studio professionals who start and then quit shooting weddings because it is too pressured for them. So for someone with a lot less technical knowledge and experience, the pressure can seem even worse.

Are you sure you literally had the same photog as your sister in law? Not uncommonly, studios send someone other than the owner to shoot, and you end up with a different shooter!

[hopkins]

I agree with evrything said here about being a pro. I am scared out of my mind, I have been very honest with myself (not sure I am ready for a wedding) and with the couple-that this is my first wedding and I am not an expert. Unfortantly not everyone can afford a seasoned pro. I think I can do a decent job, probably nothing like I have seen here but they won't have any pictures at all if I don't do the wedding. It is also a chance for me to get experiance and being a smaller, informal wedding it makes it easier. Thanks for the advice- encouraging and realistic.

[Wilt]

I agree with evrything said here about being a pro. I am scared out of my mind,... It is also a chance for me to get experiance and being a smaller, informal wedding it makes it easier. Thanks for the advice- encouraging and realistic.


Then, as they say in show business..."Break a leg!"

[clester]

If you want to limit swiching lens throughout the day, and you are only shooting with one camera, I would go for good quality wide angle lens (eg; 18-55or 85), dont be afraid to tell people to move so that you can get in closer if you need to :) Good luck:)

[DMZLSK]

I guess I should've said that it was the same company. I assumed when I hired them in 1997 that it was same photog. You know what you get for assuming. That's exactly what I got. I was young & dumb. Second go around I would ask!

[kobus2]

since most pictures would be jumbo (4x6) the 18-55 lens should be OK. You are not doing a magazine model shoot ...

[tim]

since most pictures would be jumbo (4x6) the 18-55 lens should be OK. You are not doing a magazine model shoot ...

Go read a thread on the downsides of the kit lens, and why you need fast lenses for weddings. I believe you're wrong.

[Wazza]

A wide aperture, can MAKE a photo, truly memorable. A shot at F2.8-F4 (stopped down 1 or 2 from F1.8), will make an image so much more dynamic than an average shot with a kit lens.

That's why for people, I use 17-40 for groups (had I bought today, I would likely choose 17-55), and a fast prime, for candid shots, and couple shots. (such as 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8, both relatively cheap.. For now I'm just using my 50mm 1.8, but will upgrade one day)

[coreypolis]

Keep in mind that one does not perform brain surgery without the necessary levels of training and experience on many other more minor procedures, too. That means that if one does not have the perquisite skills that one ought to do the bride a favor and bow out, rather than disappoint her with poor images. THAT is as much 'pro' behavior as shooting the wedding! I don't think Corey was trying to discourage as much as to suggest some realistic introspection, much like one would do if asked to perform brain surgery for the first time, "Am I truly ready yet, or am I kidding everyone?"
well put. Its a hard concept for people to get though. Unfortunetly its even harder for the B&G to distinguish between pros and amatuers, and often don't get what they want.

[coreypolis]

Oh and Coreypolis your picts are great and something I strive for. Thank you for setting my goals.


thanks, but if you really want to set some goals, shoot for the stars:

David Jay
Becker
Gary Fong
Jessica Strickland
Jessica Claire
Mike Colon
etc

Personally DJ is the person I want to model my business and more importantly my attitude and outlook towards.

[ofdphoto]

Go read a thread on the downsides of the kit lens, and why you need fast lenses for weddings. I believe you're wrong.

I have to back Tim up on this one. I took photos at my sister's wedding using the kit lens (after becoming friends with the pro who was shooting), and at the time they seemed ok, but looking back on it now, I realise how lame the results were. And I was shooting outdoors, where it was easy enough to use the 'sweet spot' of the kit lens!! (f/8 or so)

Its lack of resolving power in general, uselessness indoors (where you need to shoot wide open .. ewwww), and lack of DOF control make it SEVERELY limiting when shooting weddings. At least pick up a Tamron 28-75 2.8 if you can't afford a 17-55, then just use your kit lens for wide-angle shots (it performs best at the wide end), when you'll need to shoot at f/8 or so anyway.

Cheers.

[Stan43]

Canon 50 1.4
Tamron 17-50 2.8

[cdifoto]

I currently use a Tokina 12-24 for wide stuff (generally creative or tight spot only), and a 24-70L for the bulk of the day. You could get a Sigma or the Tamron offerings paired up with the Tokina and be good to go for probably 90% of your work. Throw in a fast prime in case you absolutely CANNOT use flash or f/2.8, which is usually only at the ceremony.

It's not cheap to get started with a good kit but it doesn't have to be insanely expensive either.

[Padawan Dad]

Very sorry that you have to be one of the voices of practical bad experience with an unqualified 'wedding shooter'.

The wedding photographer my wife and I hired had 25+ years experience in wedding photography. He showed us some fine samples, and built up our confidence in him. When we got the shots, the exposures where terrible, every other shot was OOF, and composition was very P&S.

I learned that day that there are alot of "experienced pro's" out there, that should be flipping burgers and not shooting weddings. And that "pro" and "experienced" are terms loosly used by many.

[radiohead]

You are not doing a magazine model shoot ...

You're right - a wedding is far, far more important than that.

[jillybean]

I agree with Tim on the lense kit- That is what I use at this time and over& over again I want a faster lense. So I will just have to buy myself a little present:) Do it right the first time buy the faster lenses- or be like me and kick yourself for not going the extra mile right away- you will regret it..and end up spending more down the road

[Wilt]

The wedding photographer my wife and I hired had 25+ years experience in wedding photography. ... When we got the shots, the exposures where terrible, every other shot was OOF, and composition was very P&S. I learned that day that there are alot of "experienced pro's" out there, that should be flipping burgers and not shooting weddings

Sounds like 'experienced' should have been 'experienced at flipping burgers' ;)

[coreypolis]

Sounds like 'experienced' should have been 'experienced at flipping burgers' ;)
we walked through a wedding expo last month to see the competition and becuase are friends had a booth. The main thing that they got out of it was learning that they as the actual photographers were a competitive advantage. Most of the others outsourced the work, and the brides didn't like that. Atleast they found out upfront.

[snsgraphics]

I agree with evrything said here about being a pro. I am scared out of my mind, I have been very honest with myself (not sure I am ready for a wedding) and with the couple-that this is my first wedding and I am not an expert. Unfortantly not everyone can afford a seasoned pro. I think I can do a decent job, probably nothing like I have seen here but they won't have any pictures at all if I don't do the wedding. It is also a chance for me to get experiance and being a smaller, informal wedding it makes it easier. Thanks for the advice- encouraging and realistic.


I could not have written any different then what you wrote here.... I am shooting tomorrow, and I am more nervous than the bride. I am older and know how important these pictures are for her; HOWEVER, I am not charging anything, and she will not have had a photographer if I do not do them. I met the bride to be in a retail store while shoping, and it came up in conversation. So wish me luck. and good luck to you

[NormF]

I just bought a 17-55 for my Rebel XT and it turned me into an instant wedding photographer. :lol:

Seriously though, there was no photographer at this wedding. I am not very experienced at all but there was nothing to lose. I took better images with this new lens than any I had ever taken before. It is such a beautiful piece of equipment. If you can get your hands on one, do it. Better give some thought to lighting as well.

[snsgraphics]

Quick help. as I just posted here, I am doing a shoot tomorrow. I have a 20d, with a SIGMA 24-70 f2.8, I went to my church and practiced several times. A lot of the shots I took are very GRAINY, ISO set @ 800. I just want her to have great memories. I am trying to not use flash, but I am going crazy. as I stated before, I am not claiming to be a professional, I just want to get better. I plan on shooting in the AV mode, with that said, is there any quick advise you an give me. I am going to be up a longtime tonight reading. I have not been nervous until last night, when I got LOTS of grain. Thanks

[coreypolis]

Quick help. as I just posted here, I am doing a shoot tomorrow. I have a 20d, with a SIGMA 24-70 f2.8, I went to my church and practiced several times. A lot of the shots I took are very GRAINY, ISO set @ 800. I just want her to have great memories. I am trying to not use flash, but I am going crazy. as I stated before, I am not claiming to be a professional, I just want to get better. I plan on shooting in the AV mode, with that said, is there any quick advise you an give me. I am going to be up a longtime tonight reading. I have not been nervous until last night, when I got LOTS of grain. Thanks


noise/grain is a result of higher iso, and is increased with under exposure, and more noticeable in the shadow areas.

Make sure your exposures are right on, avoid as much shadow area as possible, and then run them through a noise reduction software like neat image or noise ninja.

and/or get faster glass or a body that has better high iso images. a 5d and 85mmL would do nicely :) Remember you can also rent equipment

[snsgraphics]

noise/grain is a result of higher iso, and is increased with under exposure, and more noticeable in the shadow areas.

Make sure your exposures are right on, avoid as much shadow area as possible, and then run them through a noise reduction software like neat image or noise ninja.

and/or get faster glass or a body that has better high iso images. a 5d and 85mmL would do nicely :) Remember you can also rent equipment


Could you recommend any fixes to get me through the ceremony? Is a 2.8 not fast enough? The bride want most family pictures and stuff taken outside, for that I think I will be fine.

I SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE POINT AND SHOOT, geeez The more I learn the worse I get. By the way, I have your web site in MY FAV's great site, just wish I read it along time ago

[Wilt]

Could you recommend any fixes to get me through the ceremony? Is a 2.8 not fast enough? The bride want most family pictures and stuff taken outside, for that I think I will be fine.

I SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE POINT AND SHOOT, geeez The more I learn the worse I get. By the way, I have your web site in MY FAV's great site, just wish I read it along time ago

If you shoot at ISO800 or ISO1600, I strongly suggest the use of postprocessing the images to remove the digital noise (what you are referring to as 'grainy'). You might as well select ISO1600 if you're gonna select ISO800, and just use noise reduction software. You can get quite spectacular results with that.

[EOS mE]

Quick help. as I just posted here, I am doing a shoot tomorrow. I have a 20d, with a SIGMA 24-70 f2.8, I went to my church and practiced several times. A lot of the shots I took are very GRAINY, ISO set @ 800. I just want her to have great memories. I am trying to not use flash, but I am going crazy. as I stated before, I am not claiming to be a professional, I just want to get better. I plan on shooting in the AV mode, with that said, is there any quick advise you an give me. I am going to be up a longtime tonight reading. I have not been nervous until last night, when I got LOTS of grain. Thanks

or you can go rent/borrow/buy a 50mm f1.4 and that should help you out with the low light problems. another suggestion, perhaps try taking some in P mode and shot in RAW.

i've taken some shots inside the church before and i'd must say.. trying to get a correct setting is tough. i'm doing my first in Dec for a friend (wedding gift).. and already i'm nervous about it.

[Wilt]

or you can go rent/borrow/buy a 50mm f1.4 and that should help you out with the low light problems. another suggestion, perhaps try taking some in P mode and shot in RAW.

i've taken some shots inside the church before and i'd must say.. trying to get a correct setting is tough. i'm doing my first in Dec for a friend (wedding gift).. and already i'm nervous about it.

The only problems with 50mm f/1.4 are 1) a bit long of a focal length to try to cover weddings, OK for portraits or shooting from longer distance. 2) rather shallow DOF...about 2' deep when focused at 20'.

[EOS mE]

wilt... then in that case which would recommend for wedding? i like the 1.4 cuz if i'm working in a lowlight condition, i like it to suck up as much light as possible. currently i have a 17-55 f2.8 and plan on getting the 70-200 f2.8 IS USM + 50mm f1.4. so if you are saying that the 50mm may be a bit long on the focal length.. then which other lens would you suggest that is fast and great a low light?

[Wilt]

There are some lenses with f/1.4 speed that are in the 30-35mm range...a 'normal' for a 1.6 crop format camera...Far more suitable than 50mm!

[EOS mE]

u mean like the 35mm f/1.4L USM ;)

[ofdphoto]

Perhaps over-expose slightly with a 2.8 lens -- you will get less grain -- just be careful about blown-out highlights.

[Wilt]

u mean like the 35mm f/1.4L USM ;)

Hey, when you are at the prices of Sigma 30 f/1.4 or 35 f/1.4 or 50 f/1.4, the absolute dollars are somewhat inconsequential and shouldn't enter the picture!

[Benmok7]

Hey Hopkins how did that first weddingshoot turn out? What did you ended up using to shoot it?

:)
BM

[chantal]

since most pictures would be jumbo (4x6) the 18-55 lens should be OK. You are not doing a magazine model shoot ...

I've shot a Wedding with a kit lens, and one with a fast f/2.8 lens...the difference is enormous!! I will only use the kit lens as a a back-up now.