Lens for cotillion in a month?

Have a friend who is kind enough to allow me to photograph with him in a cotillion to gain experience/practice. I will be using a canon XTI but will need a lens for the event. Being a beginner photographer, I currently have a canon 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS II, canon 50 f1.8, Quantaray 2x AF (teleconverter) and Quantaray 70-300 f4-5.6 LDO Macro (which macro does not work) . Being from the Chicago area.... I will photograph in the Church, Buckingham Fountain and banquet hall. I know, nowhere close to what I need (what a sad list). I'm just stumped.

Which prime lens or non prime lens would be acceptable for an event such as this? If the prime is within reach I will consider but if you can recommend a good non prime lens will do.

I apologize in advanced as I posted this under studio lights.

What kinda budget are you working with? This will help dictate helpful answers.

$500 for now, until I can save more since have a month until event.

Some will say no, but what about an used 70-200 f4? Used it's definitely in your ~$500 budget.

A used Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and an external flash (430exII?) and you're all set.

I really don't mind purchasing a used lens.... just a bit skeptical for purchasing a used lens. I have bought used equipment just never lenses. I will look into it, but hopefully will be able to save enough to have a budget of $1000 for a lens.

So then the sigma 70-200 is much better than the canon non prime lens that are $450 and under or are they not good for that type of event? Thanks for the suggestion.

If you're shooting indoors, a flash is going to be very helpful. What about renting a flash for a week? Maybe check out cameralensrentals.com or borrowlenses.com ?

Your current lens range (apart from the 50) doesn't suit low light, and the 50's not a great length on a crop.

I would consider buying second hand a Canon 17-55 f2.8 and selling your kit lens and buying a 430II

This will at least give you a good walk around lens.

You may want to then sell the other two and buy an 85 f1.8 which will let you pick up some of the candids

Hope this helps.

laramie, yes I have gone to borrowlenses.com to rent a camera and flash. but as far as renting a flash I wanted to see the options people suggested as my intention is to rent a lens if I like I will try to get.

Scooby, thanks for the suggestion. More inclined with Canon 17-55 f2.8 as you mentioned cam be used as a walk around lens but also able to use for this event. It seems I would need to save up if can't find a used one.

Now if I can even find a used Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L as Freddy mentioned will be utilized very well.

Thanks for the help guys.

I can't offer any better advice than already given but just have to ask .....

Am I the only person who had to Google "cotillion" because I had never heard of it ?

Sorry for not explaining but its a hispanic version of sweet 16. For hispanics its a big deal, but only applies to girls. When a girls turns 15... Quinceañera.

I had to go to a Wikipedia page for it.

Now, are you shooting outdoor, indoor, combination for this? Because if you're shooting inside, you're going to need a flash (even a $65 Yongnuo 560) with the f/4 if you wanna keep that ISO down. If you're looking to rent a lens and want the versatility of the 70-200, you can get a 2,8.

Yes will take place inside church, outdoor after church and then at the banquet hall.

Matt, I did thought about renting the 2.8, but wanted to get the feel of the f/4L as I would be able to purchase that much faster and new if I can't find a used one. Plus would take longer to save for a 2.8. But I understand that the 2.8 will work much better for the event as renting is much cheaper than buying used or new. Thanks.

firme wrote in post #14741386
Yes will take place inside church, outdoor after church and then at the banquet hall.

Matt, I did thought about renting the 2.8, but wanted to get the feel of the f/4L as I would be able to purchase that much faster and new if I can't find a used one. Plus would take longer to save for a 2.8. But I understand that the 2.8 will work much better for the event as renting is much cheaper than buying used or new. Thanks.

Definitely understand where you're coming from. Now if you are going to rent/purchase/whatever the f4, I'd strongly suggest you invest into a flash. The light may more than enough, but for $62, I wouldn't take the chance on this. Yongnuo YN-560