What lens for Indoor Wedding Reception on Crop Body

[nevadalife]

Hi,

I have a wedding indoor reception coming up next month. I'm thinking of taking the following
40D + 17-50 f/2.8 + 85 1.8 + Sigma 30 1.4 + 580Ex flash. Will probably use 17-50 most often.

I also have Sigma 10-20 and 100 f/288

I'm only a casual third shooter.

I was thinking of renting a lens to experiment
Any other good choices for getting some interesting shots.

I was thinking maybe 24L/35L/50L. Maybe 85L, but probably won't buy such a lens for long time.

Whats your favourite lens for getting some unique shots?

Which lens should I take?


Thanks
Darren

[carpenter]

for the causal and interesting candids I think the 70-200 2.8 IS is the perfect lens. 17-50 will be a great lens though.

IMO on a crop.... 17-55 2.8 IS and 70-200 2.8 IS are the perfect 1,2 punch for weddings.

[caught14]

Sounds like you have a pretty good setup and a wide range of focal lengths to play with. Since you have a crop body, the 85 and 100 are pretty long for a reception, unless you plan on sniping shots discreetly.

I can tell you I love the 24L and 35L -- they are both terrific and give you an extra two stops over the 17-55 f/2.8. However, this becomes less important if you are using your flash as you won't need the extra stops for shutter speed or freezing action. The reviews are mixed on the 50 f/1.2. There are plenty of people that will tell you they love it, but there are also quite a few who tell you it is way overpriced. I use the 50 f/1.4 and have no issues. The Sigma 50 f/1.4 is also a nice alternative.

If you are looking to get some interesting shots, I would suggest investing in a pair of Pocket Wizards and another flash and lightstand and getting some off camera flash shots. You can get a Vivitar 285HV from B&H for $90 that will work great. Put that thing in Manual mode, 1/16 power, and slap your 580ex on your camera set in TTL mode. That will open up creative possibilities that no other lens can.

Overall I would favor the wide lenses, especially for a reception. They are invaluable for getting close up and dancing shots, as well as capturing the entire scene. We tend to capture very few tight portraits at receptions. Hope this helps.

[ebann]

70-200/2.8IS or 85/1.2 and aim for candid shots.

[dompap21]

As the 3rd shooter, you have the luxury of experimenting for some interesting and unique shots. I would go ultra wide your (10-20mm with flash) and also avalialbe light (30mm 1.4). I think you have all that you need.