Advise on wedding walkaround setup

[slipper]

I currently have a Canon Digital Rebel 300D, 17-40 f/4L, 70-200 f/4L (which im planning to sell), and soon to arrive is a 50 f/1.8.

Im on a limited budget. What else would i need for a decent wedding setup. Im not doing anything pro, just for friends. Im planning on getting a 20D, 430EX and some sort of bracket (recommendations?), i've already decided on buying a co-workers manfrotto pistol grip ball head and a set of tripod legs. Other that that i have no clue what else i need.

Budget is an issue but i dont like cheap quality. Please give me any reccomendations on my current setup and things i need to add.

tia

[tim]

20D (you need better high ISO performance than the old 300D)
17-55 F2.8 IS
430EX
A piece of cardboard or plastic, plus a rubber band, or make a diffuser from instruction on www.abetterbouncecard.com

That's all. No bracket (I never use one), no tripod (too much trouble), no 50mm F1.8 (it's cheap for a reason). If you really want a fast prime Sigma 30mm F1.4 is probably the best value. No need to get too fancy for friends weddings, unless you're the only photographer, which is a whole different thing.

[jcpoulin]

I agree with Tim 100%. I started with the 300D ( Rebal), Not good with high ISO noise. There are good deals on used 20D and sometimes 30D. The 430 should be fine flash wise. The 17-55 IS is supposed to be a good lens although I have never owned one. There are threads here which debate the quality of build and durability. I never considered it for 2 reasons...I plan on a 5D or a 2N soon, and I had a hard time paying $1000 for a non-L build lens. IMO Tripod...no function at wedding except to place off camera flash on. The 50 mm lens...you can pick up a good used 1.4 here for $250, well worth the difference than the 1.8 version. It is hard to juggle the quality vs costs, but becareful not to buy too cheap....you end up wanting to upgrade and cheap lens's and equipment never hold their value so they become expendable. You end up paying more in the long run.

[liza]

20D x 2 (purchased or borrowed)
17-55 IS
Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Sigma 500 Super
Stofen Diffuser
10GB memory
Extra batteries for both cameras and flash unit
And if you "need" a longer zoom, the Sigma 70-200 would do in a pinch. It doesn't have IS, which is a bad thing in a dimly lit venue but it's better than nothing.

And forget about the bracket and tripod. They're too much hassle.

[Philco]

I honestly don't know anybody (from $2k to 12.5K photographers) who use a flash bracket. If you can bounce, or you use a modifier, than forget the bracket. I always have a tripod in the trunk and I almost never use it, but I know I will tonight because the reception is on a penthouse veranda downtown.

If you're only shooting outdoor ceremonies, you'll be okay, but indoors F4 is gonna be a deal breaker. The 17-55 isn't a budget lens, but it is ideal for your camera and the F2.8 will allow you to develop a style that isn't based on flash as a main light source in low light situations.

[samnz]

If you're on a budget, Tamron 28-75 f2.8 will be of better value than the 50/1.8. Better IQ and more versatile than the prime.

I don't use flashbrackets or tripods...too fiddly and more gear to carry around.

[slipper]

OK so forget the bracket, i'll still be getting the tripod for other things, and i will definately not sell the 17-40 for the 17-55... out of my price range.