If starting from scratch, what equipment would you buy if you were me?

Hi everyone, I need your help on determining which equipment to buy for wedding photography. I have been shooting mostly portraits and a few corporate events until now, but I'd like to move into wedding photography and similar social events. I'll be shooting my first in July. I am very happy with the Sigma 17-50mm, 30mm f/1.4 and Canon 100mm f/2, along with a pair of 40Ds thus far. But since I've started getting paid for these jobs, I have decided to buy better quality equipment. This means getting a full frame camera and lenses. I really enjoy the 40Ds and will shed a tear when I sell them.

One thing to note is that weight is not much of an issue for me. I also shoot with the outer focus points very often, so I prefer a camera with a good autofocus system. I find that my standard zoom lens is indispensable at events, although it probably helps that I have a lot of lighting already to augment it. So I've identified that a 24-70 and stabilized 70-200 f/2.8 would be my default lenses, which are the standards for many wedding photographers as I understand it. For primes, I am considering a 24mm f/1.4, one of the 50mm primes, and a prime for portraits between 85mm-135mm.

The question often gets raised if 24mm is wide enough for a wedding, but I would really not prefer to go wider for shots with people in them to avoid distortion from field curvature. Another question that gets raised is whether a macro is warranted if it's only used in a few shots. I'm thinking that a stabilized macro (100mm/105mm) might serve as a good backup to the 70-200mm. Or perhaps I could use extension tubes, although I have little experience with macro photography.

While the cost of the equipment is not so much of a concern, it would be nice to get it at a discount and Canon has a rebate for many lenses right now. The other factor is that I am located in Canada, where Nikon lenses come with a 5 year warranty. This is a big incentive for me as Canon only provides a 1 year warranty. So, what are your thoughts on what cameras and lenses would be best suited for me?

I love your signature. You already have some good ideas, etc. Wedding photographers tend to love the 85 and 135mm primes from what I've read. Since I don't have a full-frame yet (I have a 7D - nice autofocus though) I can't really give you the insights others will, but I'm commenting to let you know that I like your signature and to see what recommendations are and why. Good luck on the new endeavor!

This:

5d2 with grip.
Canon 24-70.
Sigma 70-200 2.8 os /Canon 70-200 2.8 is (either I or II).
Sigma 85mm.
2 x ettl flashes (at least).
Battery pack for flash.
Black Foamie Thing.

Plus backup body of some type.

That would be the most basic kit I would take to any event.

wuzzittoya wrote in post #13903032
I love your signature. You already have some good ideas, etc. Wedding photographers tend to love the 85 and 135mm primes from what I've read. Since I don't have a full-frame yet (I have a 7D - nice autofocus though) I can't really give you the insights others will, but I'm commenting to let you know that I like your signature and to see what recommendations are and why. Good luck on the new endeavor!

Thanks for the kind words Wuzzi, I genuinely appreciate it. I do enjoy my 100mm for candids, so I might keep it if I invest in Canon. I have tested the 7D at the local photo store and have to say that no other camera has felt as comfortable in my hands as it has.

Keep one of the 40D's for backup. a second body and two flashes are essential for paid work.

mtimber wrote in post #13903065
This:

5d2 with grip.
Canon 24-70.
Sigma 70-200 2.8 os /Canon 70-200 2.8 is (either I or II).
Sigma 85mm.
2 x ettl flashes (at least).
Battery pack for flash.
Black Foamie Thing.

Plus backup body of some type.

That would be the most basic kit I would take to any event.

This looks good to me. I have a couple of the black foamie things already - so good for creating a larger light source from speedlites! I have two manual flashes, in addition to studio strobes, but I do plan to buy 2 ettl flashes when I decide on a brand.

I've considered Sigma because I have had good results from my APS-C Sigma lenses. And I also get a 10 year warranty on them here in Canada and their office is 20 minutes from my house! As long as they can do the job, I don't mind OEM or 3rd party.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13903124
Keep one of the 40D's for backup. a second body and two flashes are essential for paid work.

Actually, I have considered this as well. I do like the fact that I have settings on both 40Ds identical, including C1-3 modes, so that I can put a lens on either body and not have to think about settings. The custom modes are so handy when I switch from shots with flash to no flash to action. So at this point I'd want two identical bodies. The less I have to think in a fast-paced situation, the better.

If money isn't a concern I would go with the 1ds mark III. Full frame, best construction, weather proofing and good af system.

frugivore wrote in post #13903192
Actually, I have considered this as well. I do like the fact that I have settings on both 40Ds identical, including C1-3 modes, so that I can put a lens on either body and not have to think about settings. The custom modes are so handy when I switch from shots with flash to no flash to action. So at this point I'd want two identical bodies. The less I have to think in a fast-paced situation, the better.

Thats fine if you can afford 2 top notch bodies like 5DII's. But honestly the control systems are close enough that you can switch back and forth between bodies with minimal issues.

The short answer is that I'd get what I got. Some high quality zooms, some high quality primes, and a few bodies and flashes.

I would not be so quick to give your 40D's the heave-ho. As much as I prefer FF, I still make very good use of my 50D. It's my go-to camera when I need fast focusing like the processional. I also like that the FF and 1.6 combo gives me a broader variety of focal lengths for a given collection of lenses. Unquestionably, Lloyd is a top tier wedding photographer and I believe he shoots nothing but 40D's.

This:

5d2 with grip.
Canon 24-70.
Sigma 70-200 2.8 os /Canon 70-200 2.8 is (either I or II).
Sigma 85mm.
2 x ettl flashes (at least).

40D is my most used wedding camera. It's awesome. I'd be perfectly happy shooting only two 40D for a $15,000 wedding booking. It's outer AF point performance is excellent.

So to answer your original question, if I were you, I'd throw money into excellent lenses and lights instead. 10-22 or 11-16, 17-55, 70-200, and some primes. Quality flashes, quality triggers. If you want to go big and get some beautiful soft light in afternoon sun, then something like a Ranger Quadra or Profoto AcuteB. This is kind of stuff can take your photography to the next level to stand out from the masses. Learn as much as you can, try and get some one on one time with some of the masters. I'm sure you can find some in your local area. Think different. Be different.

You'd have to pry my 40Ds out of my cold, dead hands. Don't be fooled, they're fully capable.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13903246
Thats fine if you can afford 2 top notch bodies like 5DII's. But honestly the control systems are close enough that you can switch back and forth between bodies with minimal issues.

Perhaps what turned me off from using two different bodies was when I was using a T2i and 40D. I would always look for the controls on the T2i that I had grown accustomed to, only to find them missing. I'll have a try with the 5D at the store to get a better idea. Thanks!

Peacefield wrote in post #13903323
The short answer is that I'd get what I got. Some high quality zooms, some high quality primes, and a few bodies and flashes.

I would not be so quick to give your 40D's the heave-ho. As much as I prefer FF, I still make very good use of my 50D. It's my go-to camera when I need fast focusing like the processional. I also like that the FF and 1.6 combo gives me a broader variety of focal lengths for a given collection of lenses. Unquestionably, Lloyd is a top tier wedding photographer and I believe he shoots nothing but 40D's.

Quite a collection you have Robert! So am I to understand that you use the 50D for the better AF during critical shots because the 5DII is lacking in that area? And if so, would you ditch the 50D if the full frame body had a better AF system?

If you want to go full frame and use outer focus points you need a 1 series or a D3s. 5D2 won't cut it, D700 would be touch and go in low light.

Basically what Lloyd said. I'm not comfortable with only two 40Ds though, I had them fail semi regularly. Oh and the typical Canon focus issues that made me switch to Nikon, but if you don't get that then keep 'em.