help with night pics at wedding,,,,,,

[panthrcat]

I recently purchased the Canon EOS 40D with a EF 28-135 IS USM (f/3.5-5.6) to replace my Canon Rebel xt. I am taking pictures at my neices wedding in February and wanted to know what you folks thought of the 40D with that lens to take shots at the reception (where it'll be darker)

is what I have good enough for this? and how would you take pics at the reception so they look good and not with a snapshot look (with flash)
I'm already starting to spin my wheels over this event. :rolleyes:

Sue

[elysium]

First things first, you will need a fast lens and a flash.

Three things I would say you need
- Something like a Tamron 17-50 2.8 or a Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
- Flash of some sort, maybe a 580EX II or a 430EX II depending on budget
- Practice practice practice

Depends really on if the wedding is outdoors or not. Indoors will be great since you can bounce off walls and create larger lit surfaces.

If outside, think about something like a bounce card. Personally I would strongly recommend a fast zoom or fast prime COUPLED with a flash. You may be able to nail one or two shots without flash for creativity but a flash not only helps illuminate subjects correctly but also the AF assist beams will help you focus correctly.

This was shot with a 580EXII on camera
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/5403/img1039jc3.jpg

In places with low light or hardly any light, your lens would have a hard time focusing and manual may also be tricky. Also helps to fill in if using ETTL for example.

[Doobsy]

I recently purchased the Canon EOS 40D with a EF 28-135 IS USM (f/3.5-5.6) to replace my Canon Rebel xt. I am taking pictures at my neices wedding in February and wanted to know what you folks thought of the 40D with that lens to take shots at the reception (where it'll be darker)

is what I have good enough for this? and how would you take pics at the reception so they look good and not with a snapshot look (with flash)
I'm already starting to spin my wheels over this event. :rolleyes:

Sue

Sue,

If I were in your shoes, I would start saving. At least for a flash. I'm no expert but the serious trolling I have done over these forums, especially in the 'People', 'G&N' and 'Wedding' threads, an external flash is a must.

A photographer with a good eye and a steady hand can take brilliant shots with any combo but it's the light that matters.



When I have used the pop-up flash on my 40D, it looks blown out and artificial. If you can get an adjustable flash and can learn how to angle/bounce it, I'm sure the results will be SO much better and worth the investment.

[EDIT] AND as Elysium said, if you can stretch the budget further, a fast prime would be awesome. Check out VisualBride's work. He loves the fast prime and uses it brilliantly.

[panthrcat]

thanks for the quick replies,, I probably should have said that I am going to be buying a external flash with reflectors.. I have ordered another book on photography that specializes in weddings, and will also be getting a battery grip (not that that really matters, but the 2 batteries on board will be nice) I will be practicing tons, and be cruising sites with helpful hints and things to try before the big day. ;)

my main concern is the lens. it being an f/3.5-5.6.. I don't know that I will be able to swing a faster lens,, :(

[elysium]

thanks for the quick replies,, I probably should have said that I am going to be buying a external flash with reflectors.. I have ordered another book on photography that specializes in weddings, and will also be getting a battery grip (not that that really matters, but the 2 batteries on board will be nice) I will be practicing tons, and be cruising sites with helpful hints and things to try before the big day. ;)

my main concern is the lens. it being an f/3.5-5.6.. I don't know that I will be able to swing a faster lens,, :(
Flash can help a slower lens yes but sometimes you will want a shallow depth of field which may not be as easy as another lens. Maybe think about renting one since it would be cheaper.

There will be times where you will want depth for things like group shots so all is not lost.

As for reflectors, you shouldnt need them really since they will require constant adjustment if you are having to constantly move.

[panthrcat]

that's the thing, there's noplace here I can rent one from,, it's a small town, with very limited access to that sort of thing,, I know a photographer in town rather well, I have been on the phone with him several times over the year, picking his brain,, I am thinking of asking if I can rent his for a weekend.

[elysium]

that's the thing, there's noplace here I can rent one from,, it's a small town, with very limited access to that sort of thing,, I know a photographer in town rather well, I have been on the phone with him several times over the year, picking his brain,, I am thinking of asking if I can rent his for a weekend.
Where are you based?

[panthrcat]

northern ontario

[benny g]

a faster lens will make your photos stand out alot more than you can imagine.. the depth of field will add new dimensions to your work...


save money for the glass... you will hear that alot in this site...

:)

benny

[panthrcat]

yea I did some searching for the lens that has been talked about,, if I was smart,, lol I would be saving for it now,, the wedding is in February,, maybe if I talk really really nice, Santa might bring me one?
I sure do wish money grew on trees lol

[tedBalog]

Rent from somewhere like http://www.borrowlenses.com if you can't afford a fast lens. You can rent a 50L for $59/week.

[Keithaba]

Rent from somewhere like http://www.borrowlenses.com if you can't afford a fast lens. You can rent a 50L for $59/week.

That is your best option. You might also consider renting the 17-55 2.8. It does great at weddings. You have to get an off camera flash, you may as well buy that now, and rent the lenses until you have enough to buy them.

You'll find your 28-135 is going to hunt for focus like crazy without an AF assist beam. Even with the 580ex, I'm still not a big fan of the 28-135, due to slow AF. It's just not a good low light lens if the subject is moving.

Fortunately, your 40D can handle ISO 1600 and put out some pretty useable pictures.

The other thing you can do is consider doing sepia or B&W to the ones that come out noisy. Both work well with noisy pictures since they get that vintage look.

[Coastwatch203]

Hey Sue, firstly the 40D is a great camera & I use one often at weddings.

As most of the other guy's have all said, you will need a flash : and you will need to learn how to use it in manual mode on your Camera!

You may find your 28-135 lens is just not "wide enough" for group shots.

As the 40D is a 1.6 crop your 28-135mm lens will be equivalent to apx 44mm-210mm lens on a full frame camera such as a 5D.!!

This can be a problem at a wedding if there are lots of people, all moving around chatting and the only way you can fit them into frame is to step back. (the old "off the cliff thing!) - frustrating, and then you miss the shot...

A pro friend of mine uses a Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 for weddings, and loves it! They are cheap, cost wise, but great quality!- check out the prices. (and they are also f2.8 at the wide end)
A 17-70mm lens is apx equivalent to 24-105mm on a full frame camera, and this makes it a great "walk around & everyday use lens.

The only other lens you will (or should have) for a wedding IMO is a 70-200mm f2.8.
I use a Canon 70-200 IS 2.8 lens, but Sigma make an un stabilized 70-200 f2.8 which is well worth looking into.

With these two lenses you will have everything covered, from group shots and "randoms" with the 17-70mm, to Bride & groom portraits, and randoms with the 70-200mm. (Borrow a second camera body on the day, or you are asking for "Murphy" to pay a visit!!!)

Now regarding lighting.........(and you will need it !!!)
A Canon 430EX flash will work ok and give you the ETTL when you need "On Camera lighting". But............(there's always a "but" isn't there!!)...- Ok, you have time, learn to use "Off camera lighting". You don't have to spend a fortune at all to do this, for $50 you can buy EBAY flash transmitters/receivers and you will get a fantastic result.

I know this may, (or may not) be over your head at this stage, - so if im telling you to suck eggs, (Aussie slang for "Hey, - I knew that already") then don't chew me out. !!
Do your self a favor and check out this website:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/
Bookmark it and get into the "Lighting 101" lessons.
I have learnt sooooooo much from David Hoby's insight into using cheap off camera lighting, and you will love the results you will get.
I brought two Vivitar HV285 flashes on ebay, for around $80 each! - these have opened a whole new world of professional Off camera lighting for me. How cheap is that!!
All the best, and get into the "Lighting 101 leassons!!"
Cheers,
Mark

[fadetoblack22]

I'm no expert on lenses, but from what I have read before, if you are shooting indoors a lens like this works really well:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ

or this

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU

Do others agree with this?

[jgrussell]

my main concern is the lens. it being an f/3.5-5.6.. I don't know that I will be able to swing a faster lens,, :(Remember that you can always rent a lens.

[alt4852]

I'm no expert on lenses, but from what I have read before, if you are shooting indoors a lens like this works really well:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ

or this

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU

Do others agree with this?

the f/1.8's ability to AF in low light is questionable. i'd focus manually if you go this route.

[shannyD]

thanks for the quick replies,, I probably should have said that I am going to be buying a external flash with reflectors.. I have ordered another book on photography that specializes in weddings, and will also be getting a battery grip (not that that really matters, but the 2 batteries on board will be nice) I will be practicing tons, and be cruising sites with helpful hints and things to try before the big day. ;)

my main concern is the lens. it being an f/3.5-5.6.. I don't know that I will be able to swing a faster lens,, :(


sigma has a really nice lens for about 250 dollars.. i think its the 24- 60 f 2.8.

one of the photographers i work with loves this lens. and uses it for almost the whole wedding. and sometimes you can find them for a little less.. like on amazon or something.

it has a macro setting, so you can do a nice ring shot. and its a solif f2.8.

its not a bad lens, and looks pretty sharp, and i have seen some really beautiful shots come out of this lens.

i would recomend it. or even renting a lens for a week prior to the wedding, and and for the week of the wedding so you can practice with the lens.

but the sigma lens i would recomend for what you are looking for. its lightweight as well wich will save your wrist if you are going to be gripped, and flashed.

ok.. i ramble.

shan

[shannyD]

ps.. i would also invest in a tripod that can hold the weight of your gear, so you can do some nice poed shots.. low light or not.. you dont want to mess up some nice shots with camera shake.

[elysium]

sigma has a really nice lens for about 250 dollars.. i think its the 24- 60 f 2.8.

one of the photographers i work with loves this lens. and uses it for almost the whole wedding. and sometimes you can find them for a little less.. like on amazon or something.

it has a macro setting, so you can do a nice ring shot. and its a solif f2.8.

its not a bad lens, and looks pretty sharp, and i have seen some really beautiful shots come out of this lens.

i would recomend it. or even renting a lens for a week prior to the wedding, and and for the week of the wedding so you can practice with the lens.

but the sigma lens i would recomend for what you are looking for. its lightweight as well wich will save your wrist if you are going to be gripped, and flashed.

ok.. i ramble.

shan
Crap, forgot about that lens Shan. Thanks for reminding me. In the UK, its rare to find and you have to settle for the Sigma 24-70 2.8 which has an insane filter size. :(

Was a great lens too and from the samples, the 24-60 2.8 was just as great.

[shannyD]

Crap, forgot about that lens Shan. Thanks for reminding me. In the UK, its rare to find and you have to settle for the Sigma 24-70 2.8 which has an insane filter size. :(

Was a great lens too and from the samples, the 24-60 2.8 was just as great.


yeah..i think both lenses are great. but for the filter reason.. i would probably go with the 24-60. i have no problem plugging sigma lenses.. i have had more luck with sigma than canon lenses. minus some L's

its a good lens. reasonably priced, and light.. this should work out for OP just fine.

[jerrybsmith]

In order I think you need a Canon 480 or 580 flash followed by the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. Preferably both. That combo on a 40D should cover 80% of your shots if not more. Never use the on camera flash if you are taking anything more than snapshots. Terrible uneven lighting and you see the lens shadow when wide open.

[panthrcat]

thank you all so much for the tips, sites, and advice!!
I"ll be buying for sure: battery grip (with 3 more batteries), an external flash, calibrator (for my system) at least another 8gig card(s), gonna see about renting or borrowing a fast lens. I have a good tripod.

Sue

[Canadian Techdiver]

Use a 50mm prime f1.8 lens... cheap lens...99-129.00 new... but you will need a flash... if you run onboard flash try a garyfong onboard diffuser... It might help (can't say for sure I don't use onboard flash.) but when I have it produces redeye and blownout local hotspots.

this is from my 30D 50mm with 430 ex flash bounced off ceiling at night outdoors in a white wedding tent.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/techdiver74/Mary2008A-1.jpg

I am in ontario too... try Lenslender....google it.. I have heard great things about them for rentals...I almost did if for this wedding but I got too busy.