Lenses for first wedding

whmeltonjr wrote in post #14619504
No need to be snippy. Dingie256 was trying to be helpful. While he didn't answer your lens question, he did raise some valid points. Have you ever watched a wedding photographer work before? It looks very stressful.

As far as a lens goes, you will want something fast for those indoor shots. The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for the money, and will give you some more speed. It certainly doesn't count as a wide angle. See if you can rent a 17-55 IS 2.8 if you're dead set on shooting this yourself. You also need another body as RL. said incase something goes wrong.

I'm sorry i came across snippy wasn't my intentions at all. yes i have and no it doesn't seem stressful. it seems it will fit my brother's and my personality. I'm shooting this wedding because my family and my sister came to me and asked me to shoot the wedding.

Six6Sicks wrote in post #14619525
My opinion is that your attitude sucks.
Have a nice day.

Thank you for your opinion but i fear yours my not be any better

RHChan84 wrote in post #14619527
For low light fast lenses, I would suggest the 50mm f1.4 over the f1.8 since AF does hunt a bit in low light on the 1.8. For wide angle, 28mm f1.8 is good and maybe 85mm f1.8 for more reach.

Like whmetonjr said, 17-55f2.8 would be a good lens to have to zoom a bit.

You said you have a better flash, what are you using? I would also suggest the Canon 430EXII for a flash. It's cheap and has a lot of power. Great for all events.

I guess i really don't need the wide angle because my telephoto can handle it well.
for a flash i got one a little bit less then that one... but I'll update to that one once i feel i can afford it. any suggestions on an off brand that might save me a little or a flash softbox?

Bond_Savingsbond wrote in post #14619537
That's a bit insulting than helpful.

But I will agree with your lens recommendation. The 50 1.8 is such a good/inexpensive lens to use.

@hallfrisch, because if your 18-200 and your flash, that should be all you need. But if you are really looking for a new lens I would suggest renting something like a 24-70mm 2.8 lens for the event.

Not too sure what lens would compliment your Super Zoom

why a 24-70 2.8 over the 17-55 1.8?

Glueeater wrote in post #14619579
A $35 flash is better than your second shooter's? -_____-

I don't shoot weddings but I lurk their forums a lot and feel like I can recommend for your crop setup.

17-50/2.8 (Sigma and Tamron both make versions of this)
28/1.8 or 30/1.4
50/1.8
85/1.8

What is your budget? You don't want to break the bank, but you want to shoot the wedding to the best of your ability right?

I knew someone that shot strictly with a 60 macro and 24-105L on a 40D. She was both very proficient with light and skilled at getting moments.

BUT, had you posted this to the wedding section of this forum, you'd receive even more responses of "Get a Pro to do it." Honestly, from talking to newlyweds and engaged couples, these are some of the most cherished moments of their relationship. I'd hate to be the photographer that completely screwed it up.

I don't want to spend any more then i have to but I will spend what I need to preform to the best of ability for my sister who had asked me and my brother with our lack of knowledge and skill. Thanks for the list of lenses its helpful. I'd hate to screw it up but it is a risk my sister is willing to take.

RAW RAW RAW wrote in post #14619595
Please, please let us know how it goes and what your sister and her new husband think of the images. I am really interested in the outcome. It would be great if you posted a few images here too.

Ill try to remember thankyou for you upbeatness was much needed amongst people telling me im being irresponible shooting my sisters wedding

calvinjhfeng wrote in post #14619597
I think the money goes toward hiring a pro is better than buying a new lens from the stand point of your sister. However apparently it seems that she isn't willing to spend a penny to get high quality images.

So I guess after all the images don't really matter that much. I would suggest you getting a flash is enough. You have all focal length covered already. It's probably too expensive to get an actual upgrade. 50mm 1.8 is probably your only choice.
Actually I prefer 35mm F2.0 on crop. (~$200)

would you prefer a 35mm 2.0 over a 17-50 ? why?

LamboSan wrote in post #14619600
I dont think its insulting. Its wedding they talking about. Once in a lifetime. Everyone hope for the best right?
We dont see photographer bring kit lens to wedding. Plus its going to be insufficient light unless the wedding
Is going to be under a open field in the bright sunny day
If not, i would not recommend 50mm f1.8 as its slow in focusing. Especially when the guest is going to move about.

If i would have to say, it would be rent a 24-70mm f2.8 as well as 70-200mm f2.8 IS II.
Anything wider than 24, just use kit with flash.

well im a photography taking a kit lens and I have seen it done. what do you think about a 17-50 with my kit and flash? and if i were to rent what should i expect for rates?

Craign wrote in post #14619607
You will need a flash for "those dark shots at the reception." An f/2.8 lens is not fast, only faster than most lenses. You might get by with an f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens if the setting is not very dark - don't bet on it. The thin DOF at f/1.4 could result in some terrible shots if very close to the subject.

A 50mm lens is not a wide angle lens, even 30mm is not wide on a crop camera. Gut feeling is you would be better served with spending money on a good flash instead of a $35 flash and another lens.

Good luck.

ya i understand the whole wide angle lens scenario now. non the less would you also suggest a 17-55mm?

thanks every one for your help this is making it much easier for me and i'm learning a lot.

On the 60D;

17-55, and 70-200 2.8 IS if the venue(s) are any appreciable size.

The 18-200 is excellent for what it is but far too slow at 200mm (F/5.6) if any part of the day is indoors.

Also rent/beg/borrow/steal a 2nd body. It's a must.

SOK wrote in post #14619681
Also rent/beg/borrow/steal a 2nd body. It's a must.

my brother and I are the only ones that i know in the area with cannon EOS bodies no one to bed/borrow. ill look in to renting but i feel as if it will be fine with two photographers, however this may be just my naivety.

Just out of curiosity, when is the wedding?

kMatt wrote in post #14619723
Just out of curiosity, when is the wedding?

a week my sister is has had a long engagement yet is still waiting last minute on so many things.

alright I've made my decision to get the 17-50mm while talking it over with my parents and sister. and for $400 i can't complain and if really don't like it i can always return it within 30 days.
Thanks everyone

I'd still be asking the family/sister more questions but good luck with it. I'm sure it'll work out fine between you both

hallfrisch wrote in post #14619736
alright I've made my decision to get the 17-50mm while talking it over with my parents and sister. and for $400 i can't complain and if really don't like it i can always return it within 30 days.
Thanks everyone

Which one? I would recommend the Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS over the Tamron... the Sigma's AF is quicker and quieter, plus it has OS.

Remember to take lots of AA batteries(at least 8 fully-charged, and rechargeables are best) for the flash(s), a couple good sized memory cards(per camera), any spare lenses you can get your hands on.. just in case something unexpected should happen. Also clean all camera bodies( sensors) and lenses, beforehand, and leave any filters you may use... at home(except for a CPL for outdoor shots).

Good luck.

SOK wrote in post #14619681
Also rent/beg/borrow/steal a 2nd body. It's a must.

I wouldn't say two bodies is a must, if you know what your doing and how weddings work. A handy shoulder bag to switch lenses quickly is handy however.. and cheaper
70-200 f/2.8, a 2.8 wide/standard zoom, fast prime and a flash its really all you need to get good results.

A tip that hasn't been mentioned here, make sure you have a lot of memory.

I only take half the gear I own to weddings, this is my bag contents for a wedding:
5D2, 70-200 f/2.8, 17-40L, 50L, 85 1.8 and 580exII flash. Unless I want to try something in particular which with the knowledge I have of the location beforehand, I wouldn't bring two bodies, two flashes or radio triggers.

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tupper wrote in post #14619812
I wouldn't say two bodies is a must, if you know what your doing and how weddings work.

What is critically important is not how weddings "work", but how Mr. Murphy "works".

It's critically important to have backup equipment - camera body, lenses, meter, flash equipment, etc. - for a wedding. A wedding is something that cannot be put on hold while you go out and get another body when yours broke, for example.

SkipD wrote in post #14619928
What is critically important is not how weddings "work", but how Mr. Murphy "works".

It's critically important to have backup equipment - camera body, lenses, meter, flash equipment, etc. - for a wedding. A wedding is something that cannot be put on hold while you go out and get another body when yours broke, for example.

That's fine and all, but the guy is shooting a one off wedding for a family member? Surely can't expect him to go out and buy a truck of glass and a new body just for that.
For reference, I've never had a camera fail on me. Knock on wood.

this may not help with lens choice
In my early days, i was asked to be the only photographer at family members wedding, on film , simply because they wanted a simple wedding and had seen some of my work and did not want or could afford the additional expense of the wedding - if I did not do it they planned just to ask some friends to take a few snaps

so my 2P worth

One make sure they understand your limitations - do not assume that - have a direct conversation with both bride and groom and ensure they understand that, what you can or cannot do - they may have seen the kit and think you have Pro equipment - this is a common assumption, the number of times i have been confused with a pro - just because you have a big lens on a big body

happened with the 60D and a tamron 17-270 i orginally had -before changing to 18-200 canon - i was at a diamond anniversary in a hotel and at the bar taking some shots - when a wedding party also at the bar - asked if i was the pro and could i take .... blablabla

Also make sure you get an idea of the shots wanted - i make a list and also had someone from the (in your case) grooms family who knows the guests on that side - so they can act as a herder and get them into the formal group shots - they may have there own ideas and expect as a brother you to pull the rabbit out the hat - you need to stay in charge during the event and not be lead by your sister then

I shot with 2 bodies a eso5 and eso600 (and you have your brother as a backup anyway - with the same setup - correct?)

I used a 50mm 1.8 a lot - and that was on a FF body , and had a kit lens 28-105 / 28-80
So the 17-50 would be a good choice

the service in both cases where at a registry office - and dark with wood panelling - so used flash a lot

i also like using a tripod for the formal group shots - you can set it and then focus on getting everyone organised and pay attention to detail on how people look and adjust flowers, children etc and also I felt it allowed you to move into the group and take control

I recently started into digital and have a 60D and 18-200 + 50mm macro ( i sold the 50mm 1.8)
and with film i only had 100 or 400 asa material
Now with the 60D I see some good results at 3200ISO

I would test out all the ISO settings with the lens,and try some portraits, and if possible goto the event and sort out some locations - go at the same time of day and see what the light is like , where the sun is

My other wedding at a registry office, also had a park just 100yrds down the road with some excellent backgrounds - and so we went off to that and did a lot of the shots there - had I not gone to the location first i would not have known about the park - i usually also check for locations for bad weather

since that i did about 15 weddings for friends and family and friends of friends

Is your brother useful as a photographer

i'm sure you and your brother will have fun, espcially if everything is very clear with your sister and the groom , i would also include parents into that equation/discussion

as had already been said - batteries - spare for the 60D and for flash - get some high nimh for the flash - I had used 1600mAH and they lasted awhile - now i'm trying out 2900mAH batteries -

For one event, I'd rent or borrow a 35L. I know we are sometimes set on a zoom, yet, on a 60D, that lens would shine and won't require a lot of light issues. The 50 1.4 is fine, too, but a little long.

I am a pro and it took a "first wedding" to get me started, but now I look back, I would have been wiser to ditch the 28-135 and use my 50 the whole time. Sharper images and so much better indoors.

tupper wrote in post #14619938
That's fine and all, but the guy is shooting a one off wedding for a family member? Surely can't expect him to go out and buy a truck of glass and a new body just for that.
For reference, I've never had a camera fail on me. Knock on wood.

He should rent or borrow the required spares. Just because it's a family member's wedding does not make it any less important and equipment failures do occur, usually at the worst possible time.