Shooting a wedding, which lens?

[Conk]

Which is the best lens, or combination of lenses is best for shooting weddings?
Would the 85mm 1.8 be a good choice?

[blinking8s]

i think every wedding would be different though...but thats me, your shooting is your style, each person is different...then you have other conditions, the light, your position, size of the reception...its endless

[robertwgross]

I've been shooting weddings for a while, and 90% of the shots were with lens focal lengths from 28 to about 135 (+1.6 factor in the body). About 5% are shot wider than that, and about 5% are shot longer than that. For example, I had to shoot from the back of a church all the way to the front.

Oddly enough, I use a Canon 28-135mm IS lens.

---Bob Gross---

[Conk]

Thanks Bob
I was just curious as to what people were using.

[scottbergerphoto]

Sounds like two camera bodies and two lenses. One with a 24-70 f/2.8 and one with a 70-200f/2.8. I did a christening recently with my 10D and 1D Mark II. There wasn't a shot I couldn't get with the combination of those two lenses.
Scott

[Ken Fong]

Ditto for the 24-70 2.8 lens...it's very versatile. As for fixed lenses, I used the 50mm 1.4 a lot for portraits; I brought the 85mm 1.8 but hardly used it because (after the 1.6x factor), I felt like I would have to back up too much (and possibly lose too much light from the reflectors)...the 85mm might be okay if you do a lot of close-up portraits though. The perspective offered by the 50mm lens was fine...no strange distortions that I could notice. I did mostly 3/4 and full length portraits...not too many head-and-shoulder shots.

[blinking8s]

what about a flash for large indoor events? the only time i have even seen a 550ex is on CNN...is it really that good? I would have ordered one by now, but not knowing ANYTHING about flash photography I have been reluctant, i dont understand how they work, what batteries to use, or anything about them....slave? strobe? err...*headache*

[CyberDyneSystems]

I know they use AA :lol: :lol:

[Ken Fong]

If you are roaming around using a flash, I have found the omnibounce attachment to be the best return for so little investment (under $20). For flashes, 550EX is a good place to start, the 420EX would also be good if you are on a tight budget. I've also tried the flash bracket (stroboframe with cord)...the results seemed a bit harsher than the more simpler omnibounce setup. The only downside for omnibounce is that you can't shoot sideways because you will get some strange shadows.

If you are shooting portraits, you will need a whole new setup (umbrella reflectors, stands, umbrella mounts, 2 flashes, and an ST-E2 transmitter)...it sounds daunting but it's remarkably portable and simple to learn. After using it once, I have become very comfortable with it.