Main Ceremony lens for 7d (crop body)

I've done a few weddings as a second shooter. I have generally used a prime lens, either 50 1.4 on my Rebel or 85 1.8 on my 7d. This w never wide enough to get every shot, but that was okay given I was a second shooter. The guy I have been second shooting for does not allow me to keep my shots, so I have no portfolio. I am doing my first wedding solo next month, and am very excited to finally get something for a portfolio. I am trying to figure out what setup I want to go in with. The wedding party is average size of 8 total including bride and groom. I'm debating between a number of options for the 7d, I'll probably go with one of the primes on the rebel to keep iso down on it.

1. Tamron 28-75
2. Canon 15-85
3. Tokina 16-50
4. Sigma 17-70
5. Tamron 17-50

I'm also open to other suggestions. I have a small budget to get what I need, I am willing to sell something if necessary. I could sell my 200 2.8 to seriously increase funds, but I love it so much even though I rarely use it over my 300 2.8. I'd like to keep it.


My gear list is linked in my sig, but for convience I'll copy it here


Bodies;
7D
Rebel XS

Glass;
8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 Sigma
28-75mm f/2.8 Tamron
35-105mm f/3.5-4.5
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.8 II
85mm f/1.8
70-210mm f/4
100-300mm f/5.6 L
200mm f/2.8 L II
300mm f/2.8 L

Canon 1.4x II
Canon 2x II

Accessories;
Speedlite 580 Ex
Sigma 500 dg super
Vivitar 285HV
Cowboy Wireless Triggers (2x)
LumiQuest SoftBox
LumiQuest bounce Card
Umbrellas with stands (x2)
Luma loop (x2)
Giottos Monopod & 488RC2 Ballhead
Manfrotto 055xprob Tripod & 498RC2 Ballhead

28-75 will do most of the day, keep the 8-16 and 70-200 handy.

You could get away with the 28 to 75 all day. Like Tim said the 8-16 and 70-200 will come in handy.

Yep your 28-75 will do for 80% of your shots.
I can recomend the Tamron 17-50 but the 28-75 will be fine.
You also have your wide and long end covered so you go and have fun.

Shoot with both bodies, 28-75 on one and 70-200 on the other
Keep your 8-16 close by.

I manage all day with just my 24-70L or 17-55 and 70-200

Because you're using a crop body I would get the widest focal length you can get so the 28 - 75 would work as well although it would give you an equivalence of 45 - 120.

johnpricephotography wrote in post #13107054
I can recomend the Tamron 17-50 but the 28-75 will be fine.

I sorta debating between swapping the 28-75 for the 17-50. I've read that the Non-VC version is optically better. If I had the funds I'd probably go with the 17-55 IS, but I don't want to give up any of my other equipment right now. I want to limit the shot I take with the rebel (obviously), and I thought I'd have to go with the 8-16 on the XS, and the 38-75 on the 7D. Is there really enough time to switch lens during the ceremony? allowing me to keep a fast prime on the rebel and switch to 8-16 on 7d when necessary?

Can anyone suggest times during the ceremony I would need wider then 28, how wide? Knowing when and what to look for would be helpful in being ready to switch when necessary. The case that came with the 8-16 does have a belt loop, so it can be kept handy.

consider the 17-50 non/vc...good luck on your choices.

mjHession wrote in post #13107153
Can anyone suggest times during the ceremony I would need wider then 28, how wide? Knowing when and what to look for would be helpful in being ready to switch when necessary. The case that came with the 8-16 does have a belt loop, so it can be kept handy.

It depends on where the ceremony is being held. The 28 might not be wide enough in certain situations. I have not ran into this problem but anything is possible in a wedding *LOL*

mjHession wrote in post #13107153
Is there really enough time to switch lens during the ceremony? allowing me to keep a fast prime on the rebel and switch to 8-16 on 7d when necessary?

Can anyone suggest times during the ceremony I would need wider then 28, how wide? Knowing when and what to look for would be helpful in being ready to switch when necessary.

What I would suggest is just after the ceremony starts, there is usually a lull while the preacher welcomes everyone and talks about marraige. Switch to the 8-16 for just a minute and get a few wide angled shots of the entire ceremony with everyone seated. I also like to bring a step stool, which I hide near the back. Once the ceremony begins I use it to get up higher for the wide angle shot. After you have a few good wide angle shots, switch back to the 70-200 lens so that you are ready for exchanging of rings, reading of scriptures, etc. I do this first off, as later during the ceremony things seem to move along quicker.

The Wife uses the Tammy 28-75 for the bulk of her wedding work. The EF 70-200 2.8 IS and EF 85 1.8 get a lot of work as well. But the Tammy is the most flexible and gets the most use. Fantastic lens for the price.

mjHession wrote in post #13107153
I sorta debating between swapping the 28-75 for the 17-50. I've read that the Non-VC version is optically better. If I had the funds I'd probably go with the 17-55 IS, but I don't want to give up any of my other equipment right now. I want to limit the shot I take with the rebel (obviously), and I thought I'd have to go with the 8-16 on the XS, and the 38-75 on the 7D. Is there really enough time to switch lens during the ceremony? allowing me to keep a fast prime on the rebel and switch to 8-16 on 7d when necessary?

Can anyone suggest times during the ceremony I would need wider then 28, how wide? Knowing when and what to look for would be helpful in being ready to switch when necessary. The case that came with the 8-16 does have a belt loop, so it can be kept handy.

Sure, If you can get the tammy 17-50 NONE VC you will be sorted. and yes it is optically better, Trust me while a wide angle shot of the church is nice, you can still get wide enough with the 17-50
If you have the funds go one better and get the canon 17-55