first wedding this weekend!

I'm new to the wedding photography scene and have been studying up on the do's and don'ts. I have information overload and need just a few basic things to remember. I have basic equipment for now, Canon 10D w/ sigma lens 28-135mm, Canon speedlite 420ex. Last weekend I assisted my first wedding to get a basic idea of what's expected of me and had a few problems. My shots at 28-50mm f8-11 were relatively sharp and anything else was rather soft. I'm wondering if it's my lens but I hear the same problems happen to other canon users when it comes to focus (both manual and auto). Also I need a brief refresher on fill flash indoors and outdoors because I think the photos would benefit from that. Any advise on what to remember the first time would be appreciated! I don't want to have out of focus photos on such an important day!

A great flash info website
http://www.planetneil.​com/faq/flash-techniques.html

You lens isn't great, that could be the problem. Try the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 for an inexpensive but good lens.

Hey thank you so much. Went out to test my flash yesterday and I'll take the time to look at the website you suggested. I appreciate the quick response...getting stressed!

I think it's definately my lens. I borrowed another Canon 10D from a friend that has a Canon lens 28-200mm and it's so much better than mine! I even switched the lenses between the two camera to make sure it wasn't me and my camera body to realize that my lens isn't great. I'll have to go check out the one you recommended and let you know! Thanks so much for the quick reply, the wedding is coming up. I just joined the forum and have found it helpful already!

That 28-200 might be better, but it won't be too hot either.

Get the Tamron 28-75 or a 50 f/1.4 ... you can't shoot a wedding with a soft lens, it's not fair to the couple.

Thanks. I realize it's not fair to the couple and I've only discovered my limitations with this lens. That's why I'll get a new one by the weekend. I appreciate your help!

Time is limited - I hope you're local stores stock 3rd party lenses, none of mine do and its a 3-5 week order process with me paying up front if I wanted to support my local shops. You might have to pick it up online. . . It is a lot cheaper to buy online for me, so maybe it is for you too! i.e. my local shop wanted $485 before taxes [about $520 with tax] for that very same Tamron, I pay up front and it should be arrive in 3-5 weeks. LOL! I would rather just drop $400 online and have it at my door step in the morning!

So if you don't have a good understanding of what your local stores will stock, you might want to stop by early this week and check them out, you might have to order online and get 2nd day air to have something by this weekend.

good luck!