Lens for Weddings at 600-650$

[abatareika]

Hi guys. About me: Canon 40D, 580 EXII
I learn for portrait and wedding photography (DVD lessons etc)
I saw many outside photographers using 200 mm lenses. I am about to buy 28-135, but just wanted to know if there is something more zooming than 135 mm, for my price (max 600-650$). I want a better distance zoom, as during the weddings ~(in the parks let's say) the zoom would be of more help. Please advise a good lens for my D40, for outside weddings and portrait photographs. All suggestions are welcome. I would liek to go for L, but it is too expensive. Please suggest something with IS, as I am still learning and do not control my hand so well. Thanks a lot.

[stathunter]

As a wedding photographer myself I would suggest two lenses that you cannot go wrong with 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 ----- you will never regret getting them. They are the foundations of weddings and portraits and sports or wherever you can think of shooting with them.

[johnlo]

+1 what scott said.

also look at 17-55 f2.8 IS or the 24-105 f4 IS.

[Mocows]

The stated lenses are great and from what I know the most used wedding lenses on the market for canon but all of them are over the 650 max :P I would think if you are looking for reach with IS, the 70-300 IS would fit your budget but do you have a mid-zoom currently? You can also try a tamron 17-50 or 28-75, both f2.8 so great for indoor use but no "IS" or reach on the longer end.

The 70-200 f4 is within budget but slower for indoor use (but great for outdoor if there's enough light). That's only if you wanted to play with an L.

[imahawki]

I have the Tamron 28-75 and really like it. I've not used the Canon 24-70 so I can't compare, but I can say the Tamron is good.

[Mocows]

Originally Posted by imahawki

I have the Tamron 28-75 and really like it. I've not used the Canon 24-70 so I can't compare, but I can say the Tamron is good.

Dang how could I forget, the 55-250 IS is on the budget side and great if you want IS and reach. It hit me when I looked at imahawki's gear list hehe.

[zelseman]

I think you really need a wide end.
24mm on a crop body is not very wide and I think you will wish you had something wider.
I think a 17-XX mm lens is a nessesity for a crop body. Ideally the 17-55 IS is your best bet, but in your budget I would say the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is your most reasonable choice.

But I really hope you aren't taking on clients or planning on taking on clients with 1 lens, a flash, and a body. Do a little research on here as this question is asked often. There is also a FAQ floating around here somewhere.

[timnosenzo]

Originally Posted by stathunter

As a wedding photographer myself I would suggest two lenses that you cannot go wrong with 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 ----- you will never regret getting them. They are the foundations of weddings and portraits and sports or wherever you can think of shooting with them.

Originally Posted by johnlo

+1 what scott said.

also look at 17-55 f2.8 IS or the 24-105 f4 IS.

Not sure where you guys shop, but I'm pretty sure the OP said his budget was about $600.

[PhatheadWRX]

I agree that for wedding work you are going to need something faster than the 28-135, but you're not going to get a 2.8 constant lens + more reach than the 135mm without more $

Originally Posted by Mocows

You can also try a tamron 28-75, both f2.8 so great for indoor use but no "IS" or reach on the longer end.

Originally Posted by imahawki

I have the Tamron 28-75 and really like it.

The Tamron 28-75 2.8 is a great lens, but you're losing reach, not gaining. You may be able to pick up a fast prime (85mm 1.8 ) with the cash left over if you purchase used.

[Lightworks Imaging]

For that money, there's only one choice for a 1.6 camera, IMO. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Still not going to be enough to shoot a wedding ambient, but you might have a chance. That lens needs to be stopped down a bit to be sharp, and the exposure time is going to cause shake issues and motion blur, in the general venues that I've shot weddings in. I sold mine, bought a 17-55 IS, better, due to the IS, but still has issues with only ambient. Just my $0.02.

[abatareika]

You see- I have one lens, that came with my body, it is 2x-85, 4.5. I am pretty happy with it for now. All what I definitely miss at the moment- is a zoom lens. I also want to work with models outside. I have got PW and all other required equipment, but my 85 lens doesn't allow me to leave the object and go further. That's why I am looking first of all for zoom lens that would be reliable outside, good price and suitable for my canon 40d. Thanks to all who gave me zoom lenses for review, I will do some more research on them.

Any more suggestions for zoom? Do I really need 200? I found one lens: 27-135, Canon. Many people on this forum say it is very good lens. Should I stop here or go for 200? I am sad as I have no chance to go to the shop and try it out myself. We are in Ireland and there is no chance to get a decent shop for that. Only in Dublin, which is 200 miles away from me.

[abatareika]

When you mentioned the 55-250 lens, did you mean this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...pf_rd_i=468294

[Dawud]

when starting as a wedding photographer I find it very usefull to have quality gear. Once you will get better the gear is less important.

As you only have 1 body I recommend you get a second body as a backup. You really don't want to end up telling the bride that you won't be able to take pictures. She will eat you alive. It's perhaps the most important day of her life, it has to be perfect.

If you want 1 lens and keep a bit you distance: 40D + 24-70
If you want 1 lens and keep a lot of distance: 40D + 70-200F4(IS) /F2.8 (this is very long on a crop)

If you want to cover all bases: 5D + 24-70 and 40D + 70-200

Don't be afraid to invest in gear, you will get a return for it

[nureality]

I think you should learn to shoot first before you jump into a business where your product is of an event in time that won't be repeated. There are no re-shoots, there are no second chances. Thats why wedding photogs come prepared. And don't give me the excuse that you "need to start somewhere". If thats your thing, apprentice under a working wedding photog.

Unfortunately, wedding photography is pretty demanding of equipment. Generally, 24-70 f/2.8 (or on crop Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM) + Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM. PLUS flashes, PLUS radio controlled strobes for fill, PLUS unlimited cards, PLUS onsite media backup, PLUS backup bodies, PLUS, PLUS, PLUS.... its a business and its one where you don't get second chances.

Before you go spend money on "interim" equipment. Why not look up on craigslist or monster for a job working as an assistant. Earn some bank, so you can buy the RIGHT equipment. You'll also be earning experience and insight into what it takes, shots to be prepared for (because you must know certain things are coming at certain times so you can be there to capture them), and some tricks of the trade.

The 28-135IS is a soft lens generally... its not as soft as a 75-300, but it is soft. And slow.

[SkipD]

I agree with the above.

It appears to me that you have a lot to learn before even considering doing weddings for pay. Take your time and get good at the craft. You can learn with consumer-grade equipment, but you will want more durable equipment PLUS SPARES before you actually get into doing weddings as the primary photographer.