question - family reunion shooting

Hi everyone, I know you have had these questions before from those of us who are new. So here we go again. I was asked to shoot a small family reunion (30ish people) at a local club. I would be filling in on short notice. The request is to take some group photo's, candids (smiling faces) etc. The reunion will last about an hr (at least the time in which they would like photo's is an hr). The normal photographer uses 80-200 lens and either a Nikon d70 or d3 (I think). I have a 30d and 5d (newer to me). I was thinking of using my 85 1.8 on my 5d, 70-200L on my 30d, periodically switching to the 17-40. I don't think my 50 1.8 will serve me well. I worry about the 17-40 and 70-200 because they are f4. I was told that there should be plenty of natural light (and some fluorescents, oh fun). But we are shooting between the hours of 7-8pm.

Any suggestions as to best assign my lenses, would be greatly appreciated and if I should assemble group shots in the beginning or at the end of the engagement. Actually any suggestions would be great.

Its surprising if the normal photographer uses 80-200, in my opinion, that is way too long for this kind of an event. Even your 85 may be too long. If I were in your shoes, I would not use the 70-200, and stick with 17-40 on the 5D, and 50 1.8 on the 30D. Boost the ISO up and definitely use flashes.

I put this thread in TALK and added more to describe what you need. As you are new, it is valuable to the members if you specify your question so the people who may have the answers for you can find your thread instead of ignoring it.

I shoot family reunions, and sometimes as a member, sometimes as the pro. It is not realistic to use only one lens through the day, the f4 is not a problem outdoors, as I use my 70-200 f4 in many situations, but the 17-40 is more valuable for such family events on the 30D. The 5D would be great with the 85, but the 30D can be used for group shots. People don't tend to sit or stand too close so, the wider the better, but stay away from anything under 25mm on the 17-40 due to distortion and no one looks flattering.

I have the best of both worlds, the 24-70 with the 5DII, and that combo is my bread and butter for such events. If I were you, I'd rent one for the event if it is that important.

SuzyView wrote in post #8101856
I put this thread in TALK and added more to describe what you need. As you are new, it is valuable to the members if you specify your question so the people who may have the answers for you can find your thread instead of ignoring it.


I have the best of both worlds, the 24-70 with the 5DII, and that combo is my bread and butter for such events. If I were you, I'd rent one for the event if it is that important.

Thanks! I will post in the talk section. I considered renting a 24-70 for this reason, but thought that I should be ok with the 85, 17-40. I appreciate your input. This has all happened on short notice and the event is tonight.