Lenses for 40D?

Again, not charging.

Again, I am replying to the responses I've received. No attitude.

Ashnicole331 wrote in post #6266012
Again, not charging.

so are you the main photographer for this event in a years time?

if so free or not you have a duty to the couple to give them your best, this means being prepared for the worst.

how long will you be friends if you get it wrong on the day?

I know my post won't help but this thread is going places.

To the OP. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. But the tone of your responses is what's making you sound like someone who takes offense way too easily. All this drama could have been so easily avoided/prevented. So what if anyone questions your skills? That's what people do. If Annie Leibovitz logged in and asked the same question, she'd probably get the same initial response.

People tend to assume. It's human nature. So when someone (being their very first post on a forum) comes asking for lens recommendations, you'll get a lot of people assuming you're new to DSLR photography.

You sound so combative.

And yes, I will be making the following remark based on what I read in these forums so I am most likely way off the mark. But from what I see here, it makes me wonder what your conversations would be like when a future potential client questions you.

85mm f/1.8:

I once shot a birthday party with only my 85/1.8 and it worked perfectly! It was mostly outdoors except for the birthday cake which was indoors. I had to be creative and closed up on the cake and focused on the birthday boy behind the cake (cake was out-of-focus). I even managed to get the candle sparks in focus with the boy and cake OOF. It helps having the 1D (MkI) at that time! I would recommend a lens hood because I had some pictures ruined by sun flare! This lens is perfect for portraits and candids. This lens could substitute for the more expensive 70-200mm f/2.8. It also works great for indoors sports (basketball, volleyball, gymnastics).

17-55mm f/2.8:

Most of your group shots and action shots will need to cover quite a lot of people. This lens is a great buy and also works as a walk-around lens. Maybe you may want to be very creative and use the super wide angle 10-22mm for some great looking close-ups!

I would recommend you to skip the consumer kit lens 18-55, 17-85, 28-135, etc. Maybe if you are on a budget, get the 18-55 IS kit lens until you can get the 17-55 f/2.8.

I can hear the lock rattling now

Yes I will be the main photographer for this event. No I am not charging. Yes I will have a 2nd backup photographer with me, who has her own professional camera.

She is a good friend and I will do everything I can to make her pictures everything she wanted. We have had long discussions, it's a very small wedding (talking less than 40 guests) by a lake. She wasn't even going to hire a photographer at all (they almost eloped, but her family put the kabosh on that) so she approached me knowing that I am her friend and knowing that I am building a portfolio and not charging, we discussed what's to be expected and we came to an agreement.

This is also an internet forum, not my client. Obviously I would handle situations differently. I work in finance and deal with clients and emotions on a daily basis...But, cmon...it's the internet! It's nothing to get worked up over.

You guys just don't seem to get it. I asked that we get this thread back on the topic of which lens you would recommend to the OP. I not a Doctor so I don't have any paitence. However, I am going to exercise some here. This is the final request: tone down ALL the replies and answer the question by the OP.

stoph wrote in post #6266058
I can hear the lock rattling now

Not if you stick to the subject. Just lens. No body. No lights. Nothing else. Just focal length. I suggest Nicole to ignore and not respond to responses that is not on topic. If you try to answer each and all, you'll burn out soon enough. POTN is a nice place to get your answers. Just pick and choose which one fits your bill.

Ashnicole331 wrote in post #6266074
Yes I will be the main photographer for this event. No I am not charging. Yes I will have a 2nd backup photographer with me, who has her own professional camera.

She is a good friend and I will do everything I can to make her pictures everything she wanted. We have had long discussions, it's a very small wedding (talking less than 40 guests) by a lake. She wasn't even going to hire a photographer at all (they almost eloped, but her family put the kabosh on that) so she approached me knowing that I am her friend and knowing that I am building a portfolio and not charging, we discussed what's to be expected and we came to an agreement.

cool

see we're not a bad bunch when you get to know us
i'll bow out and leave you discuss lenses and the other equipment needs.you're fortunate to have a year to get the bits together.
I sincerely wish you all the best for the future.

ebann wrote in post #6266089
Not if you stick to the subject. Just lens. No body. No lights. Nothing else. Just focal length. I suggest Nicole to ignore and not respond to responses that is not on topic. If you try to answer each and all, you'll burn out soon enough. POTN is a nice place to get your answers. Just pick and choose which one fits your bill.

This advice is good for all, not just for the OP. Please read everyone!

I think you would be thrilled if you purchased the 17-55 2.8 IS and the 70-200 2.8 IS. This is a perfect combination for weddings and events and I've seen many photographers use the 70-200 as a portrait lens.

There is a site called shootsmartertv.com that allows you to view training videos for a monthly or yearly fee and many of the photographers there use the 70-200 for portraits.

ebann wrote in post #6266089
Not if you stick to the subject. Just lens. No body. No lights. Nothing else. Just focal length. I suggest Nicole to ignore and not respond to responses that is not on topic. If you try to answer each and all, you'll burn out soon enough. POTN is a nice place to get your answers. Just pick and choose which one fits your bill.

Good advice.

stoph wrote in post #6266120
I think you would be thrilled if you purchased the 17-55 2.8 IS and the 70-200 2.8 IS. This is a perfect combination for weddings and events and I've seen many photographers use the 70-200 as a portrait lens.

There is a site called shootsmartertv.com that allows you to view training videos for a monthly or yearly fee and many of the photographers there use the 70-200 for portraits.

Thanks for the post. I went to the site you mentioned. I took a short look. It looks like there could be some good information there for visual learner (like me )

Checking that site out now...Thanks!