Need help choosing between lenses for Wedding Photography

[emilymegan]

Hi everyone:

I'm in the market for a new lens...used primarily for wedding photography.

I was deciding between the 17-55 f/2.8 and a Sigma (or Tamron....I've not decided, nor do I have a preference) 18-200 mm

I have the kit lens (which is crap), 50mm 1.8 and a 70-300mm (older version).

The 2.8 is appealing on one hand, and the zoom is appealing on the other hand.

Does anyone have any input/photos they could share to help me make my decision?

I'm really torn here, and I'd appreciate anyone's help :)
Thanks,
Tracy

[wilky95]

Ummmmm look at the church post about three threads before this one should solve your problem 17-55 is 2.8 will do most of your wedding and all your church shots

Martin



Hi everyone:

I'm in the market for a new lens...used primarily for wedding photography.

I was deciding between the 17-55 f/2.8 and a Sigma (or Tamron....I've not decided, nor do I have a preference) 18-200 mm

I have the kit lens (which is crap), 50mm 1.8 and a 70-300mm (older version).

The 2.8 is appealing on one hand, and the zoom is appealing on the other hand.

Does anyone have any input/photos they could share to help me make my decision?

I'm really torn here, and I'd appreciate anyone's help :)
Thanks,
Tracy

[emilymegan]

Yeah, ok. I have been reading up, but thought I'd post one of my own. They weren't offering advise between the two lenses, but were offering an example of one.

Ummmmmmm....thanks for pointing it out

[tim]

My thoughts are in the FAQ: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604

[Phil Light]

Tracy, except for the 50mm 1.8, I don't have any of the lenses you're considering. However, I do have an opinion. ;) It has been my experience that in most situations, especially when shooting inside, a lower aperture value trumps a long telephoto every time. I sold a 35-350 f/4 L to get a 70-200 f/2.8 L. I don't know why I waited so long. That one stop makes a big difference in the shots I get.

[emilymegan]

Tim & Phil - thanks :)

I read the FAQ. I've been weighing it and leaning toward the 2.8, but didn't want to rule out the zoom. Now, I think I've decided on the 2.8. Just not sure now of Canon, Sigma, or Tamron. Anyone have an opinion on those?

I appreciate the time it took you to answer, guys, and to not give a glib answer. That's why more people don't post. But, the wedding section here seems to have a pretty sensible group. I hope I get to know you all a little better in the coming months.

Tracy

[Phil Light]

...Just not sure now of Canon, Sigma, or Tamron. Anyone have an opinion on those?...

Wow! You have no idea the can of worms you just opened with that question. :D

There are lots of people here with very "passionate" opinions on lens brands. I personally love Canon lenses, but I think typically they are priced quite a bit higher than a similar Sigma or Tamron. I've seen shots posted here with Sigma and Tamron lenses that were stunning. I think only the most avid pixel peepers would dare to claim they could tell the difference. I don't think you could go wrong with a good quality lens from any manufacturer.

Let us know what you decide on and please post some shots too. Good luck!

[Mike Fulton]

I think the optics on other brand glass is good but where the big advantage for me I found was by staying with Canon glass for Canon or Nikor glass with Nikon was the faster and sharper focus and overall better performance.

In a world where split seconds allows you to capture the image or not, I perfer to have the fasters focusing and best performance I can get and for me personally I choose only Canon Glass with my Canon bodies.

Also on the f/stop subject f/2.8 is amazing, you can up a stop to f/3.2 and get sharp tack images and still get more light and sharper images than any f/4.0 glass as a general rule.

If you were me I would save up and go with only Canon glass and f/2.8, yes it might take you longer to get the glass but once you have it, its yours for a long long time. Remember bodies are dime a dozen but glass darn nears lasts forever!

[CyberPet]

Unfortunately there's no "one lens catch all" lens, and if you're going to shoot weddings, I suggest getting the fastest lenses you can afford. And I'm like Mike, I prefer going with Canon lenses, as they focus fast and are very accurate.

I did play with a friends Tamron (17-50/2.8 ) and it wasn't bad, but when I put on the Canon 17-55/2.8 IS I was reminded once again why Canon rocks the socks out of its competition. The price is high and it's painful - but in the end, if you save up to good lenses, you'll not regret it.

My two work horses are my 17-55/2.8 IS and the 70-200/2.8L IS.

[Toogy]

an 18-200 all-in-wonder lens has no place in wedding photography if you ask me. It's just WAY too slow on the long end of the range. I believe both the Tamron & Sigma are F6.3 at 200mm... That is just not going to work unless all your weddings are outdoors.
Get the 17-55 F2.8 IS, best wedding lens there is for a crop sensor camera.

[woffles]

You can rent the 17-55 from lensprotogo.com to see if you like it. I just sent one back in and really liked the lens. They will let you reserve it for a specific date which is real handy. You'll want to have a second camera ready with a telephoto more then likely for that extra reach but the 17-55 will get the majority of your shots. First time I've used IS and my keepers went up a good bit. Focuses pretty quick too.

[JS4KIKZ]

Tracy, except for the 50mm 1.8, I don't have any of the lenses you're considering. However, I do have an opinion. ;) It has been my experience that in most situations, especially when shooting inside, a lower aperture value trumps a long telephoto every time. I sold a 35-350 f/4 L to get a 70-200 f/2.8 L. I don't know why I waited so long. That one stop makes a big difference in the shots I get.

I just recently received my 70-200mm 2.8L (non IS) and have the opportunity to shoot a wedding in July. The other options I have are my Canon 17-85mm IS f/4-5.6 and 50mm 1.4. Do you think with these 3 lenses I will have at least the minimum to do this type of event? To answer any other thoughts, yes, I have appropriate lighting.

Lenny