Canon 50mm f1.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Macro EX DG for wedding portraits?

Hi, I just recently got into photography, and am doing a wedding for a friend VERY SOON - my first wedding. I have a Canon 50mm f1.8 and a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Macro EX DG available to me (on a 40D). For the posed group portraits, which lens would you recommend? A tripod will be available, as well as a flash if necessary. Thanks!

Sigma 24-70. Depending on the size of the group, 50mm will be way too long. My last wedding, I needed to shoot at 15mm to get the whole group in.

What's your experience in shooting (group or single/double) portaits? You should read up on perspective and working distances and how they relate to focal lengths.

I don't have much group experience... mainly just single families or kids, when it comes to portraits. I also don't know how much room I will have to work with - but what you said definitely makes sense. Thanks

That group shot I mentioned, we had the 24-70L to use, but 24mm would have required us to back up too much such that we'd have the first few pews in the shot (group shots at the altar) Luckily I had the Sigma 10-20mm in my bag so we were able to get the shot.

Good luck!

Ok thanks, that is really helpful. I feel kinda foolish for asking the question now Thanks again

Sigma 24-70 for the formals and as said earlier the nifty will be too long

I use my 17-55 on formals and once with 10 pairs of primary sponsors and the BG on one row and I have to shoot at 17 and back up a little to get them all in the altar

You might look into the Tammy 28-75 2.8. This is The Wife's primary glass for wedding shoots on her 50D, and it is a mighty fine lens. I've assisted her using a 50mm 1.8 prime, and while the 50mm is useful for candids and the reception, it's really too narrow on a crop body for many of the more formal shots you'd be expected to get. The Tammy has almost the perfect range.

jblaschke wrote in post #8919212
You might look into the Tammy 28-75 2.8. This is The Wife's primary glass for wedding shoots on her 50D, and it is a mighty fine lens. I've assisted her using a 50mm 1.8 prime, and while the 50mm is useful for candids and the reception, it's really too narrow on a crop body for many of the more formal shots you'd be expected to get. The Tammy has almost the perfect range.

Well the OP has a Sigma 24-70, so I believe they're covered in that department