Lens Choice for semi-informal wedding

[Architective]

I told my family that I'd shoot pictures for my sisters low-key wedding on Saturday. I have a 50d with a tamron 10-24, canon 18-55 (kit lens) and tamron 75-300 (non is) lens at the moment. I have a friend with a Canon 24-85 USM (f3.5) and another friend with a Sigma 18-200 IS lens, and both are willing to loan. Any thoughts on which one to borrow? I'd rather not use my 18-55 if I can help it, and I'll use the wide angle for special/fun types of shots, but I'd like to have a more flexible lens to shoot on the fly. The first portion will be outside in a botanical garden, the second in a restaurant ballroom after dark.

Any thoughts? Thanks for the help. I understand it's a vague question.

[samnz]

Out of the 3 lens choices you have, I'd probably stick with the kit lens. Good mates you've got there if you can borrow their stuff. Borrow a 430EX or 580EX flash if you haven't got one already.

Sure the 18-55 hasn't got the reach of your mates Sigma, but I can only guess the optics will be better...matched with the 50D as well, you'll be fine. Shoot RAW, nail your focus - crop and zoom during post processing...if you have too ;)

[tim]

Kit lens. See if you can borrow an external flash, bounce the light off the ceiling at ISO800 or 1600.

[Architective]

I've got a 430 exii I'm planning to use. I also have 2 light stands/umbrellas with Vivitar 285 HVs with remote triggers that I plan to use for the composed shots after the ceremony.

I don't feel like the 18-55 takes as good of pictures (quality wise) as the other two lenses. For what reasons are you guys saying to use the kit lens? Just curious.

[Valjoy]

My first 2 paid weddings were taken with the 18-55is kit lens and the 50 1.8 ....pics were fine, sharp , fast focusing and versitile. From the pics from these weddings I got several other weddings...so this lens is certainly fine for a low key wedding.

I now shoot mainly with the canon 17-55 2.8 ...
good luck cheers Val

[gonzogolf]

is this the IS version of the kit lens? If so, go with that one certainly. If its the non-Is.... well its still your best option range wise.

[RT McAllister]

I must've gotten a crappy 18-55 in my kit. It was horrid.

I eventually gave it to a neighbor kid. He's annoying and I don't like him anyway.

[tim]

I must've gotten a crappy 18-55 in my kit. It was horrid.

I eventually gave it to a neighbor kid. He's annoying and I don't like him anyway.

lol, you'll fit in well here :)