2lenses only for a wedding shoot

kin2son wrote in post #16729703
I like challenges therefore I'd go primes.

35mm + 85mm.

Having said that the model answer for your question is 35mm (either the L or Sigma) + 70-200II.

That's exactly my setup.

2 zooms, 24-70/70-200
2 primes 50/135

I'd want 3 zooms 16-200mm f/2.8

MFG wrote in post #16730100
Question for op is: why 2?
getting 2 of the 24-70? consider backup lenses? if you drop the 24-70? u seriously cannot take photo of people closer. I can see that you do have lots of lenses.
I learnt that different part of the wedding, slightly different lenses come into action.
learnt to know your gear and the amount of space available.

hope I am able to help with your thinking here.

here is my small blog post on the subject (similar).
http://scottgohphotogr​aphy.com.au …-for-wedding-photography/

The reason 2 is they are on the cameras at all times. I have the spare primes with me just in case..
I have had the 50mm 1.4 and the 70-200mm to date.. but find myself stepping backward with the 50mm to much for group shots so looking to get the 24-70.

Nice to see others suggestions here.. Really interesting !

kin2son wrote in post #16729703
I like challenges therefore I'd go primes.

35mm + 85mm.

Having said that the model answer for your question is 35mm (either the L or Sigma) + 70-200II.

Is the 35mm wide enough? do you not struggle with group shots? the reason I ask is because a fast prime might also be an option instead of the 24-70

For weddings, I can use the 24-70 II all day long on full frame. I don't use my 70-200 all that often, but there are times that a longer lens is needed, especially during the ceremony. I also use the macro lens occasionally for close-up detail shots. With two bodies, I keep my primary lens on one camera and rotate a few other lenses on the second.

I used to use the 35 L and 70-200 combo, but I found that I greatly prefer the 24-70 at weddings for the versatility that is needed for weddings.

When it comes to group shots, I've rarely shot at 24mm or even 28mm...only at those really big group photos which include nearly everyone in the church. During the reception, I usually end up shooting group shots at ~35mm or so because there's usually ample space between me and the couple's table where the guests stand for group photos.

35L+85L2

That is my setup for the vast majority of my weddings. I used the 100L for a few details, but often only used those three lenses for entire weddings.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #16730755
35L+85L2

That is my setup for the vast majority of my weddings. I used the 100L for a few details, but often only used those three lenses for entire weddings.

What aperture do you shoot at?

24-70 and 70-200.

Sigma 35 + 85LII for me.

But I am using my 17-40L and 70-200LII on all weddings as well. But I could do everything with the two primes.

Is there really a right answer for this? I know a guy who shoots weddings with a 20mm and 85mm, and a different guy who shoots a 17-40mm and 135mm. Personally I would shoot with a 24-70 and 70-200 for the versatility of coverage within that huge focal range. I like the idea of a fast 35 and 70-200 though.

I think it all comes down to personal taste and style. But I also think it's smart to have additional lenses in the bag ready to go if you need them.

24-70 f/2.8, a lot pf people use it for wedding, got a MK1 two days ago, and LOVE it.
Its great.

As for the other lens, I think a 70-200 is sometimes just too big.
The 16-35 is also way too wide (in my opinion)

So maybe something like a 135 f/2 L as a prime, for really beautifull portraits.

rivas8409 wrote in post #16731502
Is there really a right answer for this? I know a guy who shoots weddings with a 20mm and 85mm, and a different guy who shoots a 17-40mm and 135mm. Personally I would shoot with a 24-70 and 70-200 for the versatility of coverage within that huge focal range. I like the idea of a fast 35 and 70-200 though.

I think it all comes down to personal taste and style. But I also think it's smart to have additional lenses in the bag ready to go if you need them.

That's why I said it depends on your style as well as your requirements/preferenc​es. We'll all give different answers but there will probably be some common answers that come up.

16-35 and 70-200 2.8.