Wedding Lens Lineup

The 85 on the 5D will be perfect for some portraits. Paired with the 40D, you have some great zooms to cover the whole event. The 15 is good for some overall, unique shots. Just do not use it too much, as the distortion can be overdone in photos.

If I had those lenses I would just take the 16-35 / 24-70 / 70-200.

If you plan on doing some available light indoors take the 50 1.4 on the 40D. The 85 on the 1.6 body is way too long (at least that's how I feel when I have it on).

Keep the 70-200 on the 40d. Rotate between the 16-35 (for the architectural shooting and some abstract super wide angle) and mainly stick with the 24-70 on the 5D.

At a wedding most times less is more.

Edit: Just saw most of the action is outside. I would just take the 3 zooms if it's mostly daytime / early evening

cjcastan wrote in post #5727065
At a wedding most times less is more.

A wedding is about parts though. There is an action time and there is a still time. During the formals, you do not necessarily need zooms. You can be more creative and have certain poses set up. You can also play with small DOF's with a prime.

I use the 5D and 24-70 almost all through the after ceremony time. The ceremony itself, if I can't be near the action, will be the 70-200 2.8 IS. It's the perfect lens, but outdoors, even the 100-400 is wonderful. I doubt you'll use anything other than the 50 or 85 for formal portraits, but the 24-70 is what stays on my 5D almost 90% of the time.

SuzyView wrote in post #5727145
I use the 5D and 24-70 almost all through the after ceremony time. The ceremony itself, if I can't be near the action, will be the 70-200 2.8 IS. It's the perfect lens, but outdoors, even the 100-400 is wonderful. I doubt you'll use anything other than the 50 or 85 for formal portraits, but the 24-70 is what stays on my 5D almost 90% of the time.

What aperature do you find yourself using on that 24-70 most of the time? Or do you vary it widely?

Just curious. Thanks.

Conditions change so often, even indoors. If the room has windows on 3 walls, which has happened many times, you have to do spot metering, ignoring the sunlight coming in so strong and actually, have to use a flash with diffuser to compensate for shadows. I find myself using f2.8 a lot indoors without flash, though. Otherwise, I think outdoor shots, about f8. For tight shots, I take out my 85 1.8. I've been shooting Manual a lot lately, which takes a little time, but I like to get the right exposure right off. And did I answer your question, or are my drugs working funny?

You have an impressive lineup of lenses and bodies. A 28/1.8 would probably complete it for anything that comes your way.

I'm usually second shooter at weddings, I've shot other events solo. I've found lens changes to be too much of a hassle. Luke has the right idea of having the 70-200/40D for church (especially where you can't use a flash) and 24-105/5D for everything else.

You may have an opportunity to experiment with different lenses at the bride's house in the morning and where ever they decide to go after the church ceremony.

you have a great lens lineup
do not stress on the equipment, if not, you will be thinking too hard on that day on what lens to use.

weight is another factor to consider on that day
you will be running around shooting on that wedding day, a heavy set up may hold you back.

SuzyView wrote in post #5730141
Conditions change so often, even indoors. If the room has windows on 3 walls, which has happened many times, you have to do spot metering, ignoring the sunlight coming in so strong and actually, have to use a flash with diffuser to compensate for shadows. I find myself using f2.8 a lot indoors without flash, though. Otherwise, I think outdoor shots, about f8. For tight shots, I take out my 85 1.8. I've been shooting Manual a lot lately, which takes a little time, but I like to get the right exposure right off. And did I answer your question, or are my drugs working funny?

Thanks.

And the drugs seem to be working just fine.

i would love to have your lens lineup and am sure it will be fine.

i have shot weddings with much less than that with stellar results.

Thanks again guys. Great advice. I am used to working with 2 bodies, and will just keep my pelican close for quick changes when needed. My 23 year old son may be on hand to assist me and if so will really help out in that area. Suzyview thanks for the info about spot metering...I wouldn't have known that.

Shot a Wedding last Saturday with a 24-70 f2.8L (most used) 70-200 f2.8 IS L and an 85mm f1.2L two 580exII's (one cp-e4) and a 1dmk3 and a 5d. to be honest even at this it was a lot to carry around but I was grand for the day.

This was me getting ready for Saturday with everything cleaned and ready to go

Borderfox wrote in post #5732599
Shot a Wedding last Saturday with a 24-70 f2.8L (most used) 70-200 f2.8 IS L and an 85mm f1.2L two 580exII's (one cp-e4) and a 1dmk3 and a 5d. to be honest even at this it was a lot to carry around but I was grand for the day.

Out of all my lenses, when I am in the line of fire and there is enough light and distance the 24-70 has been in my hands most, closely followed by the 70-200. I just got the 16-35 recently and I guess it's my latest "trophy lens" but, I do love it and even though not really acclimated to it am just blown away from what I get with it on the 5D...The 5D, (Bad Dog! that one) making me even consider shooting a wedding!

I do a lot of event shooting and a Wedding is so calm for me.