24-70 f/2.8 or 24-105 f/4 IS

I already have a 24-70 f/2.8 but am thinking ahead to a wedding I have agreed to shoot.

What would you use? Should I even consider sacrificing f/2.8 for the sake of IS?

I wouldnt, f2.8 is always f2.8. IS only corrects camera shake

That's how I think about it, but I can't help worrying about it (the shakes!).

I just need the lighting to be right. Or bump the ISO into the stratosphere.

Thanks mate. I'm full of questions at the minute and I still have 14 months to go before the wedding I'm shooting.

Always go one step more in ISO than you are comfortable with as a sharp picture sells whereas a soft one goes in the bin. Ask away, I have one in two weeks time in between event photography

Some might, but I never would. The 24-70 is key to my wedding photography.

I have 24-70 2.8 I really like it.

borderfox - yep, you are right mate. in fact I am recovering, from ISO-phobia!

bnearle - god to hear you like this lens too! do you mostly use it on the 1D?

rodolfocorona - glad you like it oo - i take it you mostly use it on the 1Ds?

Have a read of the FAQ and do a little search, this topic comes up most weeks, usually more than once. I use a 17-55 F2.8 IS but that won't work on 5D or 1 series.

tim wrote in post #4129337
Have a read of the FAQ and do a little search, this topic comes up most weeks, usually more than once. I use a 17-55 F2.8 IS but that won't work on 5D or 1 series.

Sorry
I appreciate how boring the same old questions are to regulars! (I work in IT Support.)

It's a great FAQ ,Tim. I've been there many times.... I have just ordered a couple of books recommended there - and read Al Jacobs 'Bridezilla' - which I really enjoyed!

I know that EF-S lenses don't work on '5' and '1' series bodies

Although you seem to have all missed the announcement of the new EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS.

....... yeah right.... dream on everyone

I switch it up a fair amount. It's equally good on my MKIIN as it is on my 40D. Definitely go with the 2.8

I must I must increase my ISO!
I am trying...
I shot this at ISO3200 in ambient light indoors, 30D, 70mm, f/2.8, 1/80, the night before last, while watching Scream 2. didn't have a bride handy... but I ran it through neatimage in CS2 (default settings) and it looks OK to me.

dsc_1972 wrote in post #4129389
Although you seem to have all missed the announcement of the new EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS.

That'd be great for 5D/1 series people, too long for 1.6X crop bodies

tim wrote in post #4129907
That'd be great for 5D/1 series people, too long for 1.6X crop bodies

you know, I think I'd cope... even before I get my 5D next year!

OK I have prolonged this thread too much already and I know the answer - stick to the 24-70! Slap me on the wrists!

3200 ISO on my 30D would make me scream too.
That shot looks pretty decent cleaned up though. While I love my 24-70 I wouldn't trade it for a f/4 that has IS. If IS is calling your name then look at the 17-55 2.8 IS. By many accounts a great lens. I believe Tim and many others on the wedding forum use it and love it.
If you know the venue I'd practice there if at all possible. Ideally with a person or two in white and black. Practice in challenging low light (worst case scenario) with no flash. Get a feel for how the lens may hunt in low light and at what point going with higher ISO has diminishing returns.
With 14 months to go I'd get real intimate with your 24-70 and really understand its strengths and weaknesses on your 30D. Who knows you may find yourself looking at a new body that handles higher ISO's better than your 30D.

EDIT: Oops, I see you are looking at a 5D...scratch the 17-55 recommendation...

@ Greg
thanks mate - I like the idea of checking out the venue... it's in Ireland and I'm in Scotland, but I'll search for photos on the net. Definitely need to know the layout - ceiling height, colour, etc, protocol for photos during ceremony and all that.

I was at a catholic wedding in sicily last month - surprised to see full flash allowed throughout (bare bulb stands used by the pro).... but who can say what those mad Irish folk will say!

god yeah 17-55 IS would be a godsend---- if it wasnt EF-S!

P.S. This is the bride and her sister. This shot was heavily photohopped to remove a bright white projection screen behind them.