Ideal Situation

[Jackie8o4]

In an ideal situation what would be the best tools to have as a wedding photographer.
I'm coming up with a cost list of everything I would like/need. (I could use some help on the best lens combinations to have)

here's the start of my list...

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
2 Speedlights
70-200mm f2.8 IS
24-70mm f2.8
wide angle 20mm
xtra batter packs/filters for lens/Memory Cards

This is Ideal.. money is not an issue.
What do you think?
Thanks

[jonwhite]

Add in another 5D MKII - You shouldn't shoot a wedding with less than 2 bodies.

14mm or 15mm FE - I would have either instead of the 20mm because 20mm aint that different to 24mm

Macro Lens - I have the 100mm canon but sigma do a nice macro lens for FF cameras.

STE2 - Nice and simple for off camera flash, or PW's if you want to get more creative

50mm f1.4 or 1.2 - Nice prime lens for low light

About 100Gb of CF cards so you can change cards when you want rather than when you need to.

Large 5 in 1 reflector/diffuser

Monopod - good for creative shots or using as a light boom.

Too many other things to list.

http://boundlessphotos.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/old_blog_images/equip1.jpg

[Lizzy7]

Definately another camera body at least......my 5D2 decided to go pearshaped in the middle of a wedding a few weeks ago :shock:

Thank goodness for back up:)

Lizzy

[Peacefield]

Jonwhite's recommendations are all on target. That said, he is a little more equipment heavy than I (and maybe you) prefer/need to be. This is, when you get down to it, a very personal question. It's our approach to the art of photography that dictates how we work and the equipment we use. That said, for my style and tastes, I would make the following adjustment's/additions/reaffirmations to Jon's statement:

- Absolutely, first on the list has to be a second body. I complimented my 5D2 with a 50D. The crop of the 50D offers me a slightly different take on all of my lenses. That said, there are times I wish I had two 5D2's. And the reality is you should probably have a third inexpensive body as well.

- For the wide end, I have and am pleased with my Sigma 10-20. It does a fine enough job, but if cost really is no object, I know I have my eye on Canon's 14mm rectal-linear.

- I don't bother with a macro lens. I already carry so much gear and it's useful only for a few shots the entire day. And if you're using good quality lenses on a 5D2, you can always crop to get the closeness you need.

- I forgo the STE2 and simply use a pair of 580's, disabling the master when necessary.

- You definitely need one and probably two fast primes. I have the two zooms you've indicated and they do a great job, but are not well suited for dark churches of which there are many. I've recently purchased the 85 1.2 for my 50D and the 35 1.4 for my 5D2 and am very pleased with this combination. So much so that there may even be a time when I just leave my zooms home.

- Definitely plan on an excessive amount of CF cards.

- Excessive quantity of batteries, too.

- I also have a 5-1 reflector and do bring it, but I find myself using it less and less over time.

- I do bring one tripod, the center of which slides out to become a monopod. That said, I'm typically moving too often and too fast to use it much at all. More often, it's holding a second flash than a camera.

- Invest in a quality bag like ThinkTank's Airport Security roller (~$370). You need something that carries everything securely and efficiently.

- An assistant to help you carry and protect all of this stuff.

Cheers.

[jonwhite]

Jonwhite's recommendations are all on target. That said, he is a little more equipment heavy than I (and maybe you) prefer/need to be.

We always shoot weddings as a pair of photographers, hence why we have 6 bodies, 6 speedlites, dupes of some lenses etc.

[Valjoy]

Wow......I dont have half the gear of those above. That said I do have a second body.
You can shoot a wedding with out most of the accessories mentioned, but if your camera fails ........... Lenses are personnel choice . I myself have learnt from the weddings I have done....what lenses I would like ....
cheers Val

[Mike]

In an ideal situation what would be the best tools to have as a wedding photographer.
I'm coming up with a cost list of everything I would like/need. (I could use some help on the best lens combinations to have)

here's the start of my list...

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
2 Speedlights
70-200mm f2.8 IS
24-70mm f2.8
wide angle 20mm
xtra batter packs/filters for lens/Memory Cards

This is Ideal.. money is not an issue.
What do you think?
Thanks

To that list I would add 2nd 5DII, scrub the 20mm and opt maybe for a 16-35L, 50mm f/1.2L, 85mm f/1.2L, 100mm Macro. A couple more 580exII for off camera flash.

Although if money were no object I'd probably scratch the 5DII's and go for 1Ds III's. :D

[Jackie8o4]

Thanks guys! This is very helpful!

[Tim Snow]

As said by many, never go into a shoot with one body! I always carry my 2 bodies, with an old 20d in my "Uh-Oh" kit in my trunk.
The 24-70 and 70-200 are a good start, though as many have mentioned, you may want to go with a few fast primes as well. Remember, the cheapest and most effective zoom lens is your feet!

[bnlearle]

My ideal situation is two 1Ds Mark IV's (or whatever it'll be called since it most likely won't be called "4") - with TWO CF slots and RIPPING AF... but that doesn't exist yet :)

So for what exists...

2x 5DMKII
16-35L
24L
50L
135L
45mm ts-e

That's it. Lucky for me, that's my setup :D Just need to find someone selling a 45 tilt to be complete!

Bobby