need advice on lenses to use for first wedding shoots

[BristolHooligan]

Hi all,

I am doing my first two weddings this summer (one as second photog and one as main) I have a number of lenses and options but as I dont have commercial experience would really appreciate some advice.

my kit

40D
100D (35MM)
Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 (bought for 100D)
Canon 10-22 3.5-4.5 USM
Canon 17-85 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 28 1.8
Canon 50 1.4
Canon 60mm 2.8 USM macro
Canon 100-400L 4.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon Speedlight 430EX with stofen

As you can see I have been lucky enough to invest in some great kit....I have worked for years in other fields and saved to train as a Photographer..so I am a full time photography student with a passion and not any experience, the weddings are for free (at cost) for friends to build my portfolio and help them out......not close friends :-)

My main question is what should I take with me?

40D, 10-22, 17-85, 50 and speedlight? will I need a longer lense? Should I hire another body or take 35mm? (both times there will be a second Photog)

any advice and help would be really appreciated.
Cheers

Dan

[kkhardwarestore]

Those are the 3 lenses I picked after I read your list but before I read down. I would pick and plan a few shots for the 10-22 maybe an alter shot, a reception shot and outdoor wedding party shot etc. I would use the 17-85 for all of the family portraits, most of the pre and post B&G work and the wedding party work. Then use the 50 for low light reception and dance work. You shouldn't need a longer lens unless you have something specific in mind. The "friend shoot" freebee weddings don't get a second photog as far as I'm concerned, it is sort of over kill because you will be able to give more quality shots than most people expect for a free shoot anyway. Just my $.02..

[BristolHooligan]

very useful thank you!

[Robert16]

Take the macro too! Get plenty of little detail shots of rings,wedding favours etc.
Very best of luck.

[BristolHooligan]

Take the macro too! Get plenty of little detail shots of rings,wedding favours etc.
Very best of luck.

Very good point thanks

[takeyourpic]

Something you might think about getting would be another backup body to use with the 40D. I would also suggest an 85 f1.8. This would be a fast prime that can handle low light situations and on a 40D is going to get you a little closer to the action without having to get right up next to them. Honestly I would suggest getting a 70-200 f2.8 IS as this is pretty much a must have lens for the ceremony with low light and sometimes the pastor does not want you anywhere near the alter. Hope this helps.

[Robert16]

And this is just opening up. http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/
Looking forward to trying it out myself

[StewartR]

And this is just opening up. http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/
Looking forward to trying it out myselfWell, since Robert16 very kindly gave us a namecheck, it would seem rude not to respond. We have lots of fast lenses suitable for weddings, including both the 85mm f/1.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS (and non-IS, come to that) that were recommended here. We hope we can be of service.

[Tumeg]

Take your 28mm, 50mm, and 60mm macro. And of course your speedlight
Not much else needed, and not much else will be good for weddings unless they are outdoors with direct sun.

Macro lens for the details,
50mm for everything,
28mm for group shots.

100-400mm L would be fairly useful for the ceremony only, unless you don't mind getting up in there faces with the 50mm.
But you will have a very hard time getting decent ceremony shots with that slow aperture lens

[BristolHooligan]

Thank you all! I have a good idea what will be needed, now just got to get out and practice with these lenses.

Thanks again!:)