Wedding Lens Lineup

I am going to shoot my first wedding solo next Saturday (quick ceremony at with Justice of Peace and outside casual reception at groom's fathers house in mountains of Front Royal).and am wondering if my lens collection is enough. I have been seeing some great shots with the 135L and am thinking about getting it. Here is what I have, please let me know what else would be recommended.
50 1.4
85 1.8
15 f2.8
16-35 II
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8 IS
I am going to order a circ polar for the 16-35 which flared some when I first used it.
I have a 5D & 40D and 2 PW II, bracket (which I don't really like using) and quantum battery. Since the main action is going to be outside, not sure about taking any lights.

That line-up looks absolutely fine to me.

I would do the wedding with these - and only spend more money on glass when you feel you have a need.

TJ

Very nice line up IMO. i'd think about the light carefully given in a garden and consider what style to shoot given the conditions. Sounds like an informal, candid style will work great and any more formal group shots positioned and timed for when light is best.

If its outside and you aren't worried about flash then can't you get away with using the zooms instead of all of the prime lenses?

Thanks guys. That is a relief. I was thinking of having the 16-35 on the 5D mostly and probably switching mostly between the 85 and 70-200 on the 40D. I just picked up the Macro for the ring shot. They are going to release some butterflies as soon as they are married, and I am going up the day before and would love to try and get a ring shot with the butterflies if possible.

How many gig do you all shoot at a wedding? I have 40 gig and shoot RAW.

I'd have butterflies in my stomach on the wedding day.

Yes. True that. I assisted once about 5 years ago, and didn't think I wanted to do weddings, but since then have shot so many events and sports and have much better equipment, and am wanting to shoot more creatively, I decided to accept when asked to shoot. I have shot the groom and his family many many times as he is a boxer, so I am very comfortable with the client.

Don't mess up with the pics or he'll come and punch ya!

Just kidding! good luck with the wedding! Your lens lineup looks just fine to me. Might want to toss in a Speedlight for flash fill, however.

Your lineup is fine.

I usually start with "safe" lenses (in your case I'd begin with the 5D + 24-70 and 40D + 70-200) and swap in fast primes if I can't get enough light at ISO1600 or just want the f/1.X effect (and if things are moving slow / predictably enough to work with primes). If you're more comfortable with primes, start there and pull out the zooms when you need the versatility.

With the lenses you have, you should be able to shoot with available light all day. The more I shoot, the less interested I am in using flash at all (except off-camera).

If it were me, I think I'd slap the 70-200 f2.8 on the 40D for candid shots and carry that around with me. Then use the 24-70 and 18-35 on the 5D for tripod/formal shots.

If you're planning to do some seperate formal portrait shots of the bride/bride & groom etc.., then the 85 prime on the 5D would be my choice. It's probably a bit less intimidating for the sitter(s) than the 70-200.

All that said, I'm not a wedding photographer, so my suggestions are only based on 'snapping away' at the occasional wedding where someone else has all the responsibility.

I agree with Zansho on the speedlight suggestion, you may also be able to get someone to hold a reflector for you to throw some soft light in.

Good luck

I have a 580, and 580 II...just forgot to mention them. they will be on both bodies for when I need them. Should I get a reflector?

I have piece of space blanket that I carry with me as a fold-out reflector. Don't use it much, but I have from time-to-time. Our pro photographers at work have the circular or square-type spring wire reflectors like these. I think they can be very useful, the gold ones can throw in some warm light on a cool day..

I had a quick look on t' web and came up with this link..

http://www.profilmgear​.com …/Reflectors/?sc​k=11058365

Geejay wrote in post #5725178
I have piece of space blanket that I carry with me as a fold-out reflector. Don't use it much, but I have from time-to-time. Our pro photographers at work have the circular or square-type spring wire reflectors like these. I think they can be very useful, the gold ones can throw in some warm light on a cool day..

I had a quick look on t' web and came up with this link..

http://www.profilmgear​.com …/Reflectors/?sc​k=11058365

Thanks much Geejay! I have been thinking of getting some. will place order tomorrow.

I have the same lineup and im very sure youll have all you should need as far as the body/lenses go. Now, lighting... well that all depends.

I think thats ALOT of glass to carry around... Typically, I make due with my 24-70, 70-200, 85L (formal portraiture only), and 15mm fisheye... I bring my other stuff but keep it locked in another case in case of an emergency...