Questions about shoot an evening wedding on the beach

I will be attending a wedding for my coworker this coming Saturday. She has already hired a photographer but has asked me to bring my camera as well because she likes my photos. I have never shot a wedding and she does not expect me to produce important photos, but she has asked that I capture the fun stuff that may go on during the reception as I enjoy the evening.

Now, my question is what lens should I bring? My 24-70, 85 1.8 or rent a 50L? Should I bring my 580 for extra light? As stated in the title, it will be on the beach starting at 5PM with a reception to follow. I'm currently leaning towards the 24-70 and 580 for extra light as sunset is getting earlier as each day passes (currently around 6PM). Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

If you're just grabbing "fun" shots I would just bring the 24-70 and the 580. Grab candids at the reception.

24-70 with a speedlite.

tim wrote in post #15150526
24-70 with a speedlite.

I would do the same.

Yup, 24-70 + flash + get out if the way.

nicksan wrote in post #15152253
Yup, 24-70 + flash + get out if the way.

I second Nick's reply above..!

24 - 70 and flash (with cable). Get the bride and groom out on the beach at sunset. Get a meter reading on the sky for the setting sun, use a cable to get a slightly off camera flash feel and blast away with the flash. Use the lens closer to the 24 end. its also nice to do the same with other couples.

icemonkey wrote in post #15165328
24 - 70 and flash (with cable). Get the bride and groom out on the beach at sunset. Get a meter reading on the sky for the setting sun, use a cable to get a slightly off camera flash feel and blast away with the flash. Use the lens closer to the 24 end. its also nice to do the same with other couples.

you gotta read the thread, man...

OP's just going to be a guest. He shouldn't have any business taking the bride and groom out anywhere at anytime; that's the hired gun's job.

With that said, just bring your 24-70 and flash. You can also take your 85 with you, it's not a big or heavy lens by any stretch. Rent? Nah; unless you want to experiment and want to take the opportunity to build your "portfolio".

24-70 forget hiring 50L, but I found 24-70 not enough reach if you shooting candid, 70-200 is better for my style

Thanks everyone for the advice. Ended up taking just the 24-70 and flash. Will post up a few photos later after I get through them all!

24-70mm would be the lense to use during the reception. You will need to zoom in and out quickly to get grab shots.