New to Canon

[Eric Redard]

Hey All...

This is my first post... feels wierd.

I'm a lifelong Nikon user who just sold all of his gear and learning about Canon. Still feeling the shock but know it was a good decision for me.

I'm about to invest in lenses and I'm going to be continuing to shoot weddings. I am wondering for more seasoned wedding veterans if in their opinion I could get away with a 50mm instead of 24-70. I will be shooting with the 5D so no cropping factor.

I only ask because my main lens for portraits has been the 50mm. Yet, I wonder if the 16-35 is too wide and I will need the 24-70.

I look forward to hearing from you and future posts here.

Peace.
Eric

[Eric Redard]

Wonder where my sig is....

.... found it.

[tim]

I think you'll need a lens that's 24mm or so for weddings, sometimes you get stuck in small rooms and you need as much width as you can get. The 24-105 F4L is a great lens on the 5D, it's F4 instead of F2.8, but i've seen the shots with it (a guy who works for me uses it as his main setup) and they're incredibly sharp. The 24-70 doesn't have the best reputation on another wedding forum I visit. The 50mm F1.4 would be great to have for when F4 is too slow. Don't get the 50mm F1.8, no point spending $3K or more on a camera and pairing it with a $50 lens.

[jamiewexler]

Another vote for the 24-70 or 24-105. A lens in that FL is essential IMHO. The 50 f1.4 is very valuable too - it can really maximize the available light capabilities of the 5D...so I say, but both!

[howzitboy]

what made u make the switch from N to C? just wondering cuz both seem same to me, cept ones black , others white.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

With the 24-70L and 5D, you can shoot at high ISO's (up to 1600, anyway) with very little noise. This isn't Noinktown. High ISO is a good thing. ;-) With how demanding weddings are, I just don't think just a 50 will cut it. I use the wide end too much.

You say you're "continuing" shooting weddings. I take it you have a flash and bracket? Custom Bracket, even? 8)

Without bashing Noink too much, I just don't think it's a wedding camera. Just too much noise unless your exposure skills come "from above".

[Eric Redard]

what made u make the switch from N to C? just wondering cuz both seem same to me, cept ones black , others white.

Well, there are many differences, but my main reason for switching is noise at high ISOs. Full Frame was an added benefit too.

Peace.
Eric

[Eric Redard]

Thanks for the advice everyone...

Ronald, I tend to lean toward 2.8 lenses only because I like shooting available light when I can. I think for now I will get the 24-70L and the 70-200L... I'll borrow/rent the 16-35L to try.

Peace.
Eric

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Available light is great, but at a dim reception, even 2.8 won't cut it unless you're always at 1600-3200. So, I'd at least bring a flash, if you didn't have a 1.4 or faster prime in the bag.

Be sure to get the 70-200 2.8L IS if the budget permits...the IS is a lifesaver for the long 200mm no- flash shot from the back of the church. ;-)

16-35L shouldn't be necessary...fun to get creative with, but certainly not necessary. It's just friggin WIDE on the 5D. I'd opt for either the 35L or 85L instead, to have that super fast prime in the bag. There's ALWAYS a use for them.

[J Chris]

Hi all,
This is my first post, and I'm shooting my first wedding(free for a friend) next weekend. I have a 5d and rebel XT; 16-35 f/2.8L, 24-70 f/2.8L, and 70-200 f/2.8L IS; 580 EX and 580 EX II; stroboframe pro-T; 16Gb; lightsphere. I was just curious what lens to camera configuration you all would suggest, or should I even use the rebel.
Secondly, do I really need the bracket with the lightsphere. I noticed Tim said he hasn't used his in a while. Any other constructive tips for a newby that haven't been posted recently (or in Tim's super sticky)would be appreciated.
Thank you all for the invaluable knowledge you have shared so far, it helps tremendously.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Sure you should. Keep the 70-200 on the rebel with the 580 II, I'd say.

24-70 on the 5D obviously, with the strobo and the 580. I prefer an omnibounce to the lightsphere. Don't like that thing much (I've got one).

[tim]

Secondly, do I really need the bracket with the lightsphere.

I have both but use neither. Once you have a decent understanding of light they're not generally necessary, though they come in handy from time to time. I don't even remember the last time I used either of them though.

[steve817]

Be sure to get the 70-200 2.8L IS if the budget permits...the IS is a lifesaver for the long 200mm no- flash shot from the back of the church. ;-)

.

Yes, what he said. My favorite lens