Which lenses for a wedding?

[johneo]

I've shot a number of weddings and usually use one camera with a lens change here and there, as needed.

I've got a few wedding to shoot this summer and fall with possibly a couple more (if they ever call :) )

I've got two 5D's and will probably be using both at the weddings. I know I will have the 24-70 f/2.8 L on one (great lens & camera combo) and I'm almost ready to order the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS for the other 5D ... Your thoughts? Experiences? Are these a good combination? Any other lens that might be better than either of those or that I might add?

Thanks!

[tim]

Wedding FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604). Your current plan seems good though, and you have other lenses for backup. The only thing you might like is macro lens, and maybe a fast wide prime but neither are essential.

[johneo]

Wedding FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604).

Thanks, Tim! I looked for something like this but evidently didn't look hard enough.

Thanks for your thoughts too!

[PhotoMatte]

I love my 16-35mm on my 5D; it really opens up the small spaces.

[tim]

16mm on a 5D will give some serious misshapen heads.

[PhotoMatte]

16mm on a 5D will give some serious misshapen heads.

Yes, that's true if you have anyone at the extreme perimeter of your frame.

[PhotoMatte]

Here's an example of when I like to use my 16-35 (this shot began at 16mm and ended at 35mm. I used an exposure of 1/20th and had my flash freeze the subject as the zooming action blurred out the sides).

[olstudios]

Wow that's an awesome photo, even though the 16mm isn't a an ideal lens i think the effect on the photo was awesome, it really captured the environment

[PhotoMatte]

Thank you! I find the 16-35 lens quite fun when I'm shooting a crowded reception and the only way to get the shot is to get in the action. Even though I'm taller than almost all the guests, it's still nice to get that intimate perspective, sometimes (and I'd rather use a long lens for that, and be unobtrusive, but there are times when it's just too crowded!).

[randplaty]

Lenses are very stylistic. 24-70 and the 70-200 are pretty good mainstays though.

[jerrybsmith]

2 5D's with the 24-70 and 70-200 will cover 90-100% of your shots. Only additions I would make are the 16-35 wide angle (great for reception dancing) and the 100mm macro. You did not mention it but you must have at least two flashes to protect yourself with redundancy.

[jeromego]

2 5D's with the 24-70 and 70-200 will cover 90-100% of your shots. Only additions I would make are the 16-35 wide angle (great for reception dancing) and the 100mm macro. You did not mention it but you must have at least two flashes to protect yourself with redundancy.

when do you usually use the 100 macro in a wedding?

[Rudi]

My 24-70L and 70-200L are the two lenses that are attached to my cameras whenever I set out for a wedding. I could do an entire wedding without swapping lenses. That said, I do bring some fast primes for a little recipe "seasoning". :)

[icalderhead]

The 100mm macro lens is good for some portrait shots after the ceremony, especially if what you desire is background out of focus shots. Consider using it outdoors with the bride & groom and where the shot would not benefit from distracting clutter.

Ian

ps I done a wedding last week and used 4 lenses throughout the day on two 40D's body's 10-22mm wide angle, 24-105mm L IS, 100mm macro, 70-200mm L IS

[tim]

100 F2.8 macro is a good portrait lens, but the 70-200 F2.8 IS is just as good, plus it's a zoom and has IS. The macro might be slightly sharper - primes usually are - but IS will usually be helpful enough to negate any gains from the prime.

I'd use whichever was closer. The 70-200 is always closer for me.