70-200 F4 L for weddings? Helpful?

[tim]

How useful is a 70-200 lens for weddings? I'm thinking that a zoom could be helpful for:
- shooting from the back of a darkish church
- at a reception if I want to stay out of the way
- for the ceremony if I don't want to be in the way

I'm after feedback from wedding photographers whether they use a lens of this length, and if so, which is the better choice. I have the 20D so high ISO quality's pretty good. If i'm rarely going to use a 70-200 i'd rather save my money.

If it's useful, my budget would allow the Sigma F2.8 or the Canon F4L. I'd lean towards the L lens, because of it's excellent reputation.

For set shots i'd use the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 I already have.

[robertwgross]

How useful is a 70-200 lens for weddings? I'm thinking that a zoom could be helpful for:
- shooting from the back of a darkish church
- at a reception if I want to stay out of the way
- for the ceremony if I don't want to be in the way

I'm after feedback from wedding photographers whether they use a lens of this length, and if so, which is the better choice. I have the 20D so high ISO quality's pretty good. If i'm rarely going to use a 70-200 i'd rather save my money.

If it's useful, my budget would allow the Sigma F2.8 or the Canon F4L. I'd lean towards the L lens, because of it's excellent reputation.

For set shots i'd use the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 I already have.

I would say that the short end of a 70-200mm lens is most useful for a wedding. Yes, every once in a while, you will want to snap one long one from the back of the church, or across the room at a reception. However, there is a problem with that with light. If you are trying to flash, then it will take quite a guide number to fill up that church. If you are not trying to flash, then you will either have to have a fast lens (e.g. f/2.8) or else a very solid tripod, or both.

Personally, I find wedding shooting to be very fast paced, and I hate to have to switch lenses much. I have done it, but if you can keep yourself within the range of a single lens, it makes life easier.

It is not clear what choice you are seeking.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

It is not clear what choice you are seeking.

Basically what I want to know is, in practice, do I need a 70-200 lens to shoot a wedding. If so, will I get by with F4 or do I need F2.8. Keep in mind i'm doing a free wedding for a friend, but may want to do it commercially in future.

[R1 Kid]

If you can go with the f/2.8 do it. The f/4 will be very difficult to use in a dark church. I think you would find a lot of favor towards the "nifty-fifty" for less than $80.00. Don't let the price fool you. Do a search on how excellent this lens is (if you don't already know) despite it's cheap feel.

----- edit -----

Sorry I didn't even look who was asking the question. I know you already know what I just said. Sorry Tim.

[tim]

I have the nifty fifty, it's not long enough to let me stay out of the way. Plus the Tamron 28-75 is longer, and is fast enough. What I really want to know is will I need the extra range of the 70-200 or will my existing lenses be ok.

I think i'll ask this question, modified slightly, in the "ask the pros" forum.

[robertwgross]

It really helps if you can scout out the church, or wherever the ceremony is going to be. Some churches have really ickky light, and others are quite decent. Fluorescent light tends to be bad for a photographer, and the only way to beat it is to get some big flash units to dominate the lighting. On the other hand, it can be cute to get some ambient light through a stained glass window.

A lot depends on the rules at that place. Some ministers do not allow flash at all during the ceremony. Some allow it, but not during prayers, which is reasonable. Some have other rules. You need to find out in advance, and then compare notes with the B&G to see how they want you to work it. Sometimes, you can work it out so that there is minimal shooting during the ceremony, but then the B&G and minister and family will all pose for an hour afterward. Sometimes, everybody gets in a big hurry to get to the reception and start drinking, so the post-ceremony shoot is ruined.

So, scout out the place and have a buddy stand there. You shoot it, using your intended rig, and then see how hard or how easy it is to manage it into a perfect image.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

Thanks Bob, that's very helpful, as usual :)