Advice on 5D3 capabilities

First off, I am not a wedding photographer. I have a friend who is getting married in a few weeks, and they want me to take the photos. They understand I am not a wedding photographer, and are not too picky. They apparently do not have the funds to hire a reputable wedding photog. Since I am a friend, I want to help them out.

I have access to a 5D3, with the 24-105mm f/4.0 kit lens...but the camera has no flash, and I do not have access to one. I know a faster lens would obviously be more desired, but with the 5D3's high ISO capabilities, would the 24-105mm do a satisfactory job? The church is of average lighting- not extrememly bright, but not overly dark either.

I can rent a faster lens, but it is $35 to rent, and I would need to rent it twice- one to take some test shots in the church prior to the wedding, then again on the day of the wedding. I don't think they want to go that route.

So, again, knowing this is not the most optimal setup, do you think it would at least work?

Thanks for any advice.

Greg

It should work but be limited. I understand that they can not afford a really expensive photographer, but they really should re-think about the $100 rental for a nice, fast prime lens for the event. A 35L would be perfect. I think with a 35L and 24-105L you should be OK.

But the 24-105 by itself, depending on light, may be pushing it without using extremely high ISO (12,800, 25,600).

I shot an event which was much like a wedding reception... An f/4 lens would have required me to be at ISO 25,600... I used my 24-70 II and 70-200 f/2.8 II lenses at ISO 6400 and 12,800 most of the night and it did quite well. But that one stop would really have pushed me to the limits of nice, clean photos. I had a flash with me, so I also did some bounced flash as well at lower ISO which worked well. But since you don't have access to a flash, I would highly recommend a f/2.8 lens, or faster. Especially for a wedding. Once and a lifetime (usually).

Spend the $70 on a flash and be done with it. There are several 1/2 decent flashes that can be had for about that cost. Look for one that has a tilt head so that you can bounce the flash. Might want to pick up a diffuser as well.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …X_Digital_SLR_C​amera.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Dedicated_Flas​h_for.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_286_Flash_for_​Canon.html

Yea definitely spend some money on a flash and if you have the time and will I would strongly recommend some bed time reading about flash bouncing to improve the quality and direction of light.

you really need to get your hands on a flash in my opinion. a fast lens will be nice but not as nice as a flash. with a decent flash, your 24-105 should work quite well.

Buy a flash, buy a flash, oh wait, buy a flash!!!! Even if the lighting was sufficient with the F4 zoom (it likely wont be), you still have issues of light quality. Ideally you would have a fast lens and a flash but since 80% of a wedding day is non ceremony get the flash and learn how to use it.

gjl711 wrote in post #15598799
Spend the $70 on a flash and be done with it. There are several 1/2 decent flashes that can be had for about that cost. Look for one that has a tilt head so that you can bounce the flash. Might want to pick up a diffuser as well.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …X_Digital_SLR_C​amera.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Dedicated_Flas​h_for.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_286_Flash_for_​Canon.html

What gj says here.

For years I did weddings and events with the 5Dc and Canon flash in conjunction with the 24-105. It's a wonderful combo. I also have some pretty fast lenses, but they won't help you when the light is almost nonexistent or it's UGLY, non flattering light. This is where fill flash and bounce flash can really make your images shine and keep you away from having to use hight ISO.

That being said I just got the 5D3 and recently used it at an exhibit reception with the 24-105 and 580ex. All the flash work was bounced - overhead, back wall, side wall, corner walls - and I was using ISO 800 and 1600, with the camera in Manual, dragging the shutter. I was very pleased with the results.

Being a gallery there were a lot of down spots and wall floods so lighting was a bit ugly in some areas. The flash evened things out though.

A YN-568EX flash can be had for about $175, giving good power and on camera ETTL with High Speed Sync. With a set of 622c radio triggers ($90), you can have an off camera ETTL flash and focus assist beam.

On the other hand, a Yn-560II can be had for $70, but is manual only. That means you will have to correctly judge exposure your self. That may be difficult without some practice.

Hello everyone. First, I want to apologize for not responding to this thread. I am not one to make excuses...long story short, I lost my grandmother on Feb 14 (of all days) due to complications with a hip replacement. Luckily, I have a large and very tight-knit family most within close proximity. Her funeral is at 11:00 am today- less than nine hours away.

No condolances necessary, but maybe just keep in mind how quickly we can lose a beloved family member, friend, etc..

At any rate, I am leaning toward the flash, and have a friend I can borrow one from, but I don't have much experience with anything other than a pop-up flash. I will feel a lot better if I can get to the church for some test shots- which I was going to do anyway. Now, I'll just have to take a lot more with different flash settings.

Thanks again for the advice and suggestions.