Which Lens(s) do you recommend?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JP Parmley on February 3, 2012 at 9:18pm

Nina,

I have shot over 150 weddings.  If there is one thing to know, it is many of the opportunities to capture...only come once.  Get it and you meet expectations, miss it and you look unprofessional.  Do not cheap out on the lenses.  I have seen some lenses that are less expensive than the 28-70L and the reviews of the image quality, sharpness, etc are very close. But in some cases they don't focus quick enough in low light.  I have used the 28-70L in every one of those 250 weddings and it NEVER misses a beat.  Add a 70-200L IS to your bag and you are set!  Both of these lenses focus quickly, give  2.8 aperture throughout the focal length for great low light exposure and the IS in the 70-200 gives you lots of flexibility in dimly lit churches.  I shoot with a 5dMII today but used the original 5D earlier. 

In my opinion, if you are going to shoot a hand full of weddings each year, get the 28-70L, you won't regret it.

Permalink Reply by Dragoljub Stefanović on February 4, 2012 at 12:36am

Nina, I can't see which camera you use. I have Canon 550D (APS-C sensor) and 24-70L 2.8 and it works perfectly well. As mr. Parmley said combination of these 2 lenses is all you need for weddings. And, yes, it is expensive, but it is good investment.

Permalink Reply by Nina_28 on February 4, 2012 at 3:22pm

Thank you so much. Hearing everyone say such positive things about the 24-70L makes it easier for me to make up my mind. :)

Permalink Reply by Ron Javorsky on February 4, 2012 at 1:30am

Try the Tamron 18-270.

Permalink Reply by Stephen Joe Payne on February 4, 2012 at 7:05am

What Cannon camera are you using?  I did not see the camera model mentioned in your message.  I have a Canon 7D and now a 5D Mark II (full size image).  I have used the kit lens 28-135 on the 7D.  The 5D has a suggested kit lens but it does not come with the camera in most cases so I added that, 24-105 mm and expensive.  I have a 70-200 mm lens now which was expensive but it's fast (f2.8) so I can shoot in what I would call lesser light without using flash.  I still use flash when I can, off camera if possible.  I hate to say this one piece but if you really want to become excellent, it does cost so you just have to make decisions about what you can afford now and will be able to afford later and make whatever sacrifice you need to get the lens.  You have several opinions here and I just listed lenses without really making a recommendation but I like the kit lens for one reason; speed.  I can't always predict where people will be and what they will be doing so I try to get the shots, as many as I can and with the best quality I can provide.  Three great shots with your best lens do not compensate well for several hundred photographs made as well as you can and some of the best shots you will make for making memories are the dumbest poses, the ones that bring the most joy and laughter.  Get many more opinions, read some of the books on wedding photography, Scott Kelby is always a good starting place and shoot a lot; shoot, shoot, shoot, and practice if you can.   Get a few friends to role play a wedding and learn your shots.  And last, remember that the bride will kill you if you botch her wedding.  Stephen

Permalink Reply by Nina_28 on February 4, 2012 at 3:17pm

Thanks so much for your help. I have a Canon 7D and a Rebel XT. I totally  appreciate your input. I just want to make sure its really worth the money because it is pricey. But hearing all of this truly helps me make up my mind about it. I definitely do not want to botch anyone's wedding, and ultimately that's why I asked. So thank you again.

Permalink Reply by Alex M. Souza on February 4, 2012 at 7:28am

Hello, Nina_28.

..."remember that the bride will kill you if you botch her wedding.", said Stephen Joe Payne.
He is absolutely right. I suggest you take the time to have a look at http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/avoiding-wedding-photography-law...

Regards.

Permalink Reply by Stephen Joe Payne on February 4, 2012 at 9:43am

Thank you Alex, for posting the site.  I took a first quick look at it.  I will revisit later.  I've never botched a complete wedding but I made the mistake of sharing a few bad photographs amongst the several hundred good and ten great photographs so I now try to look at all of them first and use a light saber on those I wouldn't want and show only the successes.  Some people think I am a great photographer.  I've become a better editor.  Photographs are, as Bela Lugosi said, "...our children." and we just hate to kill one of our own; but it's necessary if we want to be or become great in our field of artistic expression.  The camera doesn't lie but the photographer does.  Stephen.

Permalink Reply by Nina_28 on February 4, 2012 at 3:20pm

Thank you Alex. I will not use my rebel as my primary. It's simply for back up. This is very scary, I do not want to be that lady. But I don't even think it's the camera's fault. She may have still managed to take some decent full resolution sized shots.  She does not seem to know what she's doing. Thanks for sharing!  A appreciate your advise! :)

Permalink Reply by lee.Blam on February 4, 2012 at 10:43pm

Hi Nina,

I usually shoot for most of musical events and several weddings with CF Canon 50D, lenses 85mm1.8 and 70-200mm f4. Recently I have got a brand new Canon wide 15-85mm/4-5.6IS and it really satisfies me alot. For your consideration :)

Lee.

Permalink Reply by Nina_28 on February 4, 2012 at 10:55pm

Thank you Lee. I appreciate that. the 85mm 1.8 is one I've had my eye on for a while. I hear it delivers some really sharp & crisp images. I also will take the 15-85mm into consideration. I know a wide angle is a must for weddings! Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Charles Adams on February 5, 2012 at 12:56pm

For speed, resolution and versatility, I recommend the Canon 70-200mm USM, IS, f/2.8L.

The 24-70mm 2.8 is all you need to fill in for closer shots it can't accommodate. The glass

is everything. Hope this helps. 

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