Lenses for first wedding

At least take a good P&S if you can't afford to rent. I would trust my G12 for some of the work.

hallfrisch wrote in post #14619391
I've had my canon 60D with a 18-200mm f/3.5 at 18 and f/5.6 at 200m telescopic kit lens since Christmas and i have been in love with it. the 18-200mm has been wonderful for everything I've done thus far. but I have been asked to shoot my sisters wedding <.<;. I have been reading up and the more i do the more i am being told I NEED a faster lens something at least f/2.8 or less.

advice?

edit*
So thus far most are suggesting a 17-55 or a 17-50mm the 17-55mm is a bit to expensive for me. but is really worth the $500+ more? also suggested is to rent but i would kind of rather have the lens so i have it for other events and for personal use. I have pirchased an inexpensice lens and softbox for it. any other sugestions?

edit* if i get either the 17-55 or 17-50 im going for the 17-50. please im still open to any advice though!

If I was you I'd go for an EF 85 f/1.2 L II and a EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II. You will get excellent portraits of your sister and groom with the 85 and the 16-35 will work a treat on group shots. Both are expensive lenses but will last a lifetime and you can use them when you decide to upgrade to full frame.

wow for that you would get a couple of photographers and change (3K worth of lens ) - maybe worth looking at renting those

SuzyView wrote in post #14620003
At least take a good P&S if you can't afford to rent. I would trust my G12 for some of the work.

Agree with this, my E-M5 is always in the car. I'd back my ability with that just as much as with my 5D

This is a silly question: Have you asked if you can use a flash at the ceremony ? That'll make a world of difference - as you won't need as expensive and numerous lenses otherwise. I agree with the sentiment of going to fast primes- the thin DOF is not going to help much- likely more of a hindrance. Flash would be the equalizer. Then, f/2.8 zooms are plenty.

If it were me, with a crop - Sigma 17-50 OS. Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 Or perhaps the Sigma 50-150 OS. two flashes- 430 ex ii or 580 ex ii. Oh, yeah, I'd one up the brother- go splurge- get a 5D III, and a suitable lens. OK, as far as the second body- take a P&S as a spare. You are not a pro- so make sure sis knows that- like that pro's usually have a lot more toys to play with ( bodies/lenses, etc ) plus experience and that you will do your best.

If you get a chance to- go to the place of the ceremony about the same time of day - beforehand- and take a test subject with you. Go see how your equipment is going to pan out.With a laptop. Do it especially with any new gear that you get...

For your flash, you will want high capacity NiMH batteries- I use 2700 mah ones with mine. I usually carry about 2 or 3 sets per flash- and a newish box of disposables just in case.

My view on a second body - at this point, let sis you should have one- but you are not a pro, thus not so equipped and cant really afford one- unless she wants to chip in.. Reality is that the first body won't quit.. Your brother has your back. If anything, a point and shoot would be - useful in some circumstances- and hopefully won't become your primary. good luck

@hallfrisch

I guess it will be more of a preference for me. Just before I got the 5DMKII and 24-105kit I owned a 17-55, and truth be told I never enjoyed that lens at all. I found myself wanting a bit more reach at times.

From what I hear the 24-70 is a very nice lens, never used it myself but I'm sure the results will be pleasing.

24-105mm and 85mm 1.8 would be good choices if you're on a budget.

@Bond_Savingsbond
Although not the 17-55, I have a 17-50 Sigma OS- similar range- and I always thought it was too short. The only time I really appreciate it is when I am indoors. for example, on the 7D, I prefer the 18-135 when conditions lend it to it ( outdoors and brighter conditions.) So, in reality, you aren't the only one that feels that way.

Oddly enough, your 24-105 on FF translated to a similar crop lens on a crop body- would be a 15-66- not really much more range than the 17-55.

highly recommended.....85L

For every lens I have owned there is a learning curve. Whatever you get, practice with it in lighting conditions similar to the wedding. Take photos at the rehearsal to see how the equipment works and to get a feel of where to be for the shots you want.

Your 18-200 will be fine. Just get a flash, shoot RAW and use high ISO (with proper exposure) in low light situations.
If you need to get a lens, Tamron or Sigma 17-50 f2.8 will suffice but don't forget the flash.

And also, make a checklist of your shoot, ie. ring, dress, shoes etc.

Six months of experience and one week before the wedding -- this is no time to try and get used to a new lens. If I were you, I would make sure that the venue and/or officiant allows flash. If so, pick up a 430EX II and start practicing as much as you can. If not, the 17-50 or 35 f/2 are great places to start if you cannot use the 18-200.

Either way, try to scout out the location a couple of days earlier and start thinking about a plan of attack. Finally, don't forget to bring plenty of memory and plenty of batteries.

Tamron 17-50 2.8 non vc.
Sigma 50-150 2.8 OS
Canon 85 1.8

The above will run you around $1400 - $1800 depending on how good a deal you get and will cover most situations well enough. A flash would be extremely handy too.

I am a wedding photographer and I highly recommend you invest in a flash. Especially with the slow lenses that you own. Is the ceremony In a church? Have you talked to them about where the formal family portraits will be taken? Off camera flash is a must for good family portraits. Maybe take them outside? Also the reception is usually very dark. Please bounce your flash if this is the situation. Also maybe invest in some cto so you can match colors. Im sure your sister will be happy with the photos especially if she doesn't want to pay for services. If you end up enjoying wedding photography please invest in having all the equipment to tackle all the situations. You don't want a bride complaining about crappy photos. Oh and if you don't think it's stressful then you might be in for a suprise on the big day. Good luck to you.

Kind of ot but still related. I am going to my first wedding shooting this weekend. With only 5d and 50L. No flash no pther cameras/lenses. Am i goong to be in the deep shiet?