JUST found out my wife is pregnant! How do I spin this?

You don't even need an SLR or a fast lens for newborn pics. My SLR broke right before the blessed delivery day and I was stuck using my compact. Ended up being more than adequate. For these kinds of shots I like to remember I am capturing memories, not creating art. Plus I had the video mode which was great. Personally, my wife told me not to touch the camera while the baby was actually coming out - and really, who wants to see that again?

From a Canon SD1100:

asysin2leads wrote in post #9220112
I guarantee if you say "wide angle" and "pregnant" in the same sentence, you won't be getting any camera gear for a while. Or anything else for that matter.

Badadump! pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

tkbslc wrote in post #9222388
For these kinds of shots I like to remember I am capturing memories, not creating art.

Why can't I do both?

dutchswan wrote in post #9222589
Why can't I do both?

Well, you might want to leave it in the bag until after the baby is born. Whip that thing out during labor and you'll see her turn red with anger, and then you'll be on this website asking about Canon repairs.

dutchswan wrote in post #9222589
Why can't I do both?

Nobody. But don't forget to also enjoy the moments instead of trying to turn them all into gallery portraits.

I second getting a fast prime such as 50mm f/1.4 especially if you are on a budget. I believe it will complement your main zoom lens ....

Our baby was delivered last september and I took these picture using 30D & 50mm f/1.4. Pics are shot through the baby plastic container .. thus a little soft

If you are like me (not advisable, think baby college fund!!), you would upgrade everything in less than 6 months and have lens lineup similar like mine. I got all of my gears in 6 months period (except 50 1.4) with this "new baby reasoning" :P

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TheHoff wrote in post #9222373
Back to the topic, here is a blog post I wrote for my wife's site on how to bring your camera into the delivery room, and survive -- not technical but how to deal with things. (Not that you need it, being #3, but others in the thread might find it useful.)

Great shots and wonderful tips there, I hope to be able to even come close to those standards in 2 weeks time when my fiancee is due !!

As the due date is 5 days after my own birthday I am currently pondering what to get with the birthday funds that will help me in capturing this momentous occaission and I'm torn between getting a flash (580 EX II) and a prime (Sigma 50 f1.4). I currently have a 5D2, 16-35 f2.8 and 24-105 f4.0 advice is much needed !!

I will ultimately end up getting both, but I simply can't justify it right now, so please help me choose

That, right there, is a really tough decision. I would probably go with the flash hoping that f/2.8 can get you by. You need to learn to bounce the flash though as using it on camera won't be very flattering for newborns & new mums.

Realistically you could go with either and get good shots but if you're stuck with really crap lighting you're going to have high-noise photos with bad lighting. Just because you can get the exposure at f/1.4 doesn't mean the light will be flattering. Also for the grandparents & aunt/uncle shots the next day, you'll want a flash unless you have brilliant windows at home.

I'd suggest buying a normal fast prime, not UWA. Once in a lifetime opportunities - per each pregnancy should be taken seriously.

My 5d classic was in for repairs (mirror reinforcement) at Canon. My wife was expecting in a week or two. I ran out and bought a new 50D to assure I had a capable camera. Luckily my 5D came back 2 days before she required an emergency C - section.

In the OP room I had the 5D in right hand (w/ 50 f/1.4 and 580exii) and Camcorder in the left. After discussion with my wife she had zero issues. Mind you my wife is extraordinary and being an ICU RN she understands the value of life and death dealing with it every day at work. Documentation of "life" has no price tag.

No flash was used in any of the OP room. AV mode!!! Just correct EC. Profound raising of the arms inviting life to the world.

Great shot! I'd never seen your birth series before.

"Suddenly, FREEDOM, I can stretch!"

TheHoff wrote in post #9315067
Great shot! I'd never seen your birth series before.

"Suddenly, FREEDOM, I can stretch!"

Thanks Alex,

I have many from the OP room but I just never really post alot of them.

The pre/post OP photo's were not that great because there was no flattering ambient light. Flash was accepted at the "womans" hospital but I tried to use it sparingly. Pics of first vaccination shots, first bath, first meeting of the grandparents are truly priceless.

"normal" prime, mid tele and flash is really all that is needed for allocated space in the hospital.

OP, please consider a fast prime. Wideopen shots and stopping down a "normal" prime will give you opportunities to take memorable photos. Mid tele may be great for when the "crew" of family members storm the post OP/delivery room.

I'm going to disagree with Alan and still say that the flash would be more useful. You can already get to f/2.8 and you have IS on the other lens. Newborns really don't move very much. With the first photo in the post above, I bet you could've done that with the IS lens, and with the second, that could be done at f/2.8 and a little bounced flash. That shot needs more depth of field anyway so that is a good argument against going to f/1.4 just because you can. Going anywhere below f/2 and trying to have more than two people sharp in a shot is nearly impossible.

The flash will come in handy more after the birth than the f/1.4. (Though again, I do think you could do either and get by) but as Alan even says up above, just because you can get the shot, doesn't mean the light is flattering. By bouncing your flash you can create nice light wherever you go.

Hey Hoff,

Without a doubt a flash would be crucial for the tools on that special day.

Also truth be told I am trying to sway away from my "shallow dof" junkie behaviour. Sometimes I wish I stopped down for more dof.

OP, you'll be very very sleepy and your wife will be in the same boat. Just be aware of DOF in certain situations that day. I had toothpics holding up my eyes that day. Even though it was my #2 I still felt like a rookie (fatherhood)

asysin2leads wrote in post #9220112
I guarantee if you say "wide angle" and "pregnant" in the same sentence, you won't be getting any camera gear for a while. Or anything else for that matter.

hehehehe.....*snort*..​...hehehehehe

Yep.

Thanks Hoff, Alan not making my choice any easier

I will sleep on it for another night, many thanks for the comments and experiences you're both sharing, very valuable !!