new canon lens for wedding shoot

[mysticaldreamz]

Im going to be shooting a wedding in febuary and was after a new lens for the occasion.
can anyone recommend a suitable all round lens for shooting that sort of event.

both my cameras are canon eos's the 500D & 60D

so i wanted something that would be suitable for both.

someone suggested the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM ?

[Jules]

It would help to know what other lenses you already have. And a bit more about the wedding. It is indoor, outdoor, midday, afternoon or evening? Do you have speedlights and will be you allowed to use them during the ceremony? Are you the primary shooter or second shooting?

The 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 would serve quite nicely, with a fast prime if you'll be shooting low light. Depends on your budget though.

[kiwi]

Fundamental question regarding your experience regarding weddings comes to mind ?

That will help determine, and budget, and etc etc etc etc etc

[Roosta]

As Jules has mentioned the 24-70 and 70-200mm, depends on your budget aswell. What is your price bracket? It's no good us suggesting L lenses and you are looking at a kit style lens. The 50mm is a little on the shoeboxed size, fast yes, but are you shooting portraits inside in low light? The 50mm will limit you to where you position yourself throughout the proceedings, and also for any future use. I would use a zoom over a prime in the instance of a wedding.

I shot my friends wedding the other week, the 24-70mm f2.8 L was very rairly of the camera, but when it did come off, the 70-200mm f2.8 L went on.

For me the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L is the winner. Can't beat the build quality and IQ + it will outlast the bodies and be suited perfectly to a APS-H or FF body if you go that way in the future.

Sigma do a version of this lens, it's cheaper and still retains very good IQ, from what others who have this lens have told me.

Or if you want a little more reach, go for the Canon 24-105mm F4 L

[kiwi]

OK, if we are being serious about the gear you require to be a professional wedding photographer (if that's what you are)

Two pro bodies
Two speedlights
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
50 1.4
100 micro or similar
4 batteries
4 sets of speedlight batteries
at least 64GB of high speed CF or SD cards
Tripod
....
....

[mysticaldreamz]

By no means am i a professional far from it just a hobby , doing the wedding as a favor and will be the only photographer so the pressure is ON.

the wedding is been held in the tanawah botanic gardens at buderim on the sunshine coast of QLD at 3.30 pm and the reception will be indoors at the local golf club i believe.

my kit already contains

Canon EOS 500D

Canon EOS 60 D

Tripod

100mm EF 1:2:8 Usm Macro
18-135mm EFS 0.45m/1.5ft
18-55 mm EFS 0.25m/0.8ft
70-300mm EF 1:4-5.6 USM
200-250mm EF-S 1:4-5.6 IS


Im in the process of getting a battery grip and spare battery pack
I also need an external flash and still researching that so any help would be appreciated :)


my budget is prolly around the $1000 mark . one expensive hobby :)
hope this info helps with all your questions.

[kiwi]

Id say no unless you really have to do it, and you are confident and people photography (I cant tell as youve never posted any)

[Wayne]

Apart from your macro lens, you have nothing fast, so with any low light work sans flash, you may be struggling to keep shutter speed up. You will have larger DOF using those lenses (macro aside) so subject isolation may be difficult. I would be looking for either a 70-200/2.8 for versatility, or a prime 50/1.4 (maybe too short) or 85/1.2/1.4 (Not sure Canon do an 85/1.4 but fast 85mm in any case)

Speedlight 580 EXII, multiple battery sets and charger (I wouldn't be doing a wedding unless I had at least 2 strobes) because you will be screwed if your only one happens to fail, overheat etc. It's not common, but can happen to anyone, even when it's new.

[Roosta]

As a a question, you say 'favour', are these people very good friends? you have some usable gear, but as above, you will struggle in the low light conditions. Are you and the brife/groom able to get together for a couple of trial shots in an area/situation like you'll be in on the big day, use your gear and see what results you get. Camera settings and your capabilities will be tested, then you can make a better, more educated call on your abilities and your gear. If you all go alright, maybe look at hiring a speedlite and the 24-70mm F2.8 atleast. Your inbuilt camera flash won't cut it, and you'll need fill flash through out the day/evening.

Atleast with the 60D you could video some of their special moments from their big day, but you'll need a fast and large spaced card/s for that aswell.

[camerasnoop]

With a budget of $1000 and no speedlite, you're going to be a bit short of cash for a worthwhile lens. I'd go for a 430EXII first if I were you. Don't use the on-camera flash at a wedding. For a budget fast lens, you might have to look at an EF35 F2.0 or EF28 F1.8. That will take care of your entire budget. I'd be looking at the wide fast primes because you don't have anything fast and wide already. At least your macro lens is a 2.8, so long shouldn't be a worry with the APS-C bodies you have. Fitting the entire bridal party in a single frame is a bit of a must.

[Jules]

If your budget is $1000 you can rule out the 50L ($2000) and the 24-70L and 70-200L as well.

Forget the battery grip, but definitely get spare batteries. I'd suggest picking up the Canon 50mm f1.4 (should be ~$500) and a couple of speedlights (maybe Yongnuo, as the 580s will push you over budget).

Gear aside, what's your wedding/event experience like? If you haven't had much experience, I'd suggest spending the next couple of months doing lots of practice - pretend your Christmas day is a wedding and practice shooting people in different types of light, catching moments and expressions, and learning how to work quickly and efficiently. Practice shooting in low light and using your speedlights effectively.

Weddings can be a really tough gig. Make sure you're as prepared as you can be.

[KeeFy]

Im going to be shooting a wedding in febuary and was after a new lens for the occasion.
can anyone recommend a suitable all round lens for shooting that sort of event.

both my cameras are canon eos's the 500D & 60D

so i wanted something that would be suitable for both.

someone suggested the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM ?

The 50 1.2L on a crop sensor will be pretty hard to focus due to the slow AF and the even thinner dof due to crop. When i did my friend's wedding with the 50L on a 5D i had to MF more often than not to get the perfect focus.

Look at the Sigma 30 1.4. and a zoom like the 24-70, 17-55, 17-50.70-200 may be a little bit tight for indoors as well on a crop. 24-70 also will not get you wide angle shots and if the venue is small or cramped, may be an issue.

I'd highly recommend the 17-55 or if money is a little tight, 17-50 f2.8 non vc tamaron + Sigma 30 1.4 + a YN speedlight. That'll still keep you under your budget of $1k for 2 fast lenses and a speedlight. :)

[mysticaldreamz]

husbands relatives.. and we plan on going up in january to look at both locations etc , do a test run . thanks for everyone's input.

I was nervous before but terrified now...

never done anything like this before other than a formal or 2 .

[kiwi]

Yeah, well, I wouldn't do it unless you are absolutely certain you will do a great job, not a ok job, not a good job, but a great job, its not like they or you get two goes at it

There are plenty of very good and experienced photographers here who will not do weddings, so, nothing to be ashamed about admitting you're not ready

[JM Tran]

Im with Darren, I'd rather you not do it at all than to do it, and make another thread later and complain about how hard it was or what went wrong or could have been better:D

but, if you will do it - I'd rather rent stuff rather than put out a large amount of money to purchase equipment that you wont be using on a regular basis for professional work anyway, unless you have a lot of disposable income to burn.

if you do rock up on the day nervous as hell, please dont make it visible to the bride - as it will make her nervous and further stressed too. Put on a facade of confidence, and exude that at all times - even when she is having a hissy fit at something or someone or you, you need to be the rock in a raging river and maintain coolness. Because if you lose it too, everything goes down the drain from there, woot!

[andylo]

mysticaldreamz

Like yourself, I have been on that spot - not once, not twice but 3 times so far.

First thing first I HOPE your wedding gig is not happening tomorrow, Sunday or too near of the future!!!

In terms of equipment, you are quite under in that department but I am afraid this is not even what you should be worry about!

But this is a equipment forum so I will stick with equipment. If you need me to share my experiences I can do it in another thread.

My recommendation below is assuming that you are just looking for a solution that:
1) strictly $1000 budget
2) You value your mate's wedding more than your investment/equipment HOing
3) related to #2, you need stuff that works within a budget!
4) You value "hit rate" (successful, usable images) more than anything else.

Ok, you got 2 bodies (good), no extra flash light and the only fast enough lens is the macro. And you got $1000 budget to toy around.

A few really good photographers here have mentioned the fact here - they won't do wedding photo unless they have a backup speed light. It is true, but due to the fact that you only have a limited budget + both of your cameras have a pop-up flash. You probably can get away for using the pop-up as backup (although they probably only have guide number like 1). But you still need at least 1 external flash, but at least it helps your budget.

Yes, you need fast lens(es) (large aperture lens) With $1000 you are really pushing even for a 2nd hand. So I won't even look into the L if I am in your shoes.

You also need a lots and a lots of memory mate! My first wedding has gone thru 4.5K photos, in RAW!

First - what to bring/not to bring in your list (and why - IMO):


100mm EF 1:2:8 Usm Macro
18-135mm EFS 0.45m/1.5ft
18-55 mm EFS 0.25m/0.8ft
70-300mm EF 1:4-5.6 USM
200-250mm EF-S 1:4-5.6 IS


You need the 100mm f/2.8 - it will serve the purpose of fast telephoto as well as close up shots for rings and watch etc... (if you into that kind of thing)

18-135 IS - it has IS, it got a good range in terms of focal length and good range is important to 1st time wedding photographer - because it's forgiving! 18-135 doesn't have as good image quality as 18-55 IS but 18-55 (in my opinion) is just not as dynamic and flexible.

IMO, getting the flexibility so I can get higher chance to capture usable images, is more important than individual image quality - in a wedding.

70-300 USM IS - I believe it's the better lens than the 75-300? (I never use a 70-300 and I only seen sample pics and read about it on forum - sorry) From what I read and heard it has a fast USM, good IS and good IQ. Since it already covered pretty much your 55-200 IS and you 18-135mm covers the shorter range, you just need 2 zooms.

Both the 18-135 and 70-300 (I assume - factoring what you have described) will be good for the outdoor activities that starts around 3pm. But you will start really, really struggle once it pass the 4:30/5pm mark, OR indoor!

With indoor, you need light, lot of light - and you need large aperture!

You will need (at least) a lens with f/1.4 aperture, and you need speed light and preferable with some sort of difusser.

With $1000 in budget, I have the following suggestion:

Speed light:
Yongnuo YN-565EX SpeedLite Flash $179 something in Fotogenic, AP's sponsor! And they are doing a 10% discount! (I never have used it, but again I read it on paper) It is the newest and latest and best Speedlite from Yongnuo. On paper it has the same output power as the more expensive 580EXII. Only 3 things it is lacking is the Master wireless, HSS and Big Price tag! (don't worry about wireless and HSS, you very likely won't need it to survive the wedding) With this price, you probably can buy 2!

A Sigma 30mm f/1.4 - again AP sponsor "AndrewDCG" (sorry, don't know the company name) I think it's at high $300/low $400 mark. I used it :) (if you are on a budget) GREAT at low light, fast AF, and the color rendering is good (if you don't screwed up the white balance - because indoor lighting color temp. can be funny)

A 2nd hand Canon 85mm f/1.8. (I have used it) Great lens! Good at low light, FAST AF, image are sharp - 2nd hand priced at around mid-$300 and they are everywhere!

I hear someone say Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 -- I have used it - I hate it! I hate both 3 copies I came across! Slow AF would be my 1st complaint but we will just leave it at there

Get 3 16GB SD cards, don't be stingy and get a class 10 card, and on a good brand like Lexar or Sandisk. Trust me it will pay off in the long run (during the wedding). CheapChips (another AP sponsor) can help you.

I guess with above (YN-565, Sigma 30mm and 2nd hand Canon 85mm) should be well within your budget of $1000.

Just another thing:
I never used a 60D but I had a 500D! I hate the 500D for the high ISO performance. I wouldn't use anything above ISO1600 - BUT that is just me. (and I have been scold many time re this)

Since you will be doing a lot of high ISO photos, (assuming it would be a sunny day - I would use ISO 400-800 outdoor, and 1600-3200 indoor), and I also assume the 60D has significant improvement on high ISO performance - I will stuck the fast lens on the 500D and the teles on the 60D. In this case the 500D can use the lowest ISO possible and the 60D can afford to go higher.

Try to shoot raw - for the forgiveness

Don't worry about shutter count - it will be a biatch when post process, but if you values your friend's important moment more, why not?

Personally I wouldn't use Auto White Balance on wedding. But if unsure, use AWB (and shoot raw will help eliminate this problem anyway)

[andylo]

mysticaldreamz, on the side note, I have some materials (written/online) re wedding photography, they are coming from some true masters like Jerry Ghionis.

I dunno where is "Lockrose", but I am in Brisbane. If you happen to drop by Brisbane in on of these weekend, I am more than happy to show you these information so you know what kind of monster you will be encounter.

[William W]

Im going to be shooting a wedding in febuary and was after a new lens for the occasion. can anyone recommend a suitable all round lens for shooting that sort of event. both my cameras are canon eos's the 500D & 60D so i wanted something that would be suitable for both. someone suggested the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM ?


Tamron 17 to 50F/2.8
Better EF-S 17 to 55F/2.8 IS USM

The EF50F/1.2L is a totally inappropriate suggestion as an answer to that question.

***

As for other advice:

1. Use the Tamron (or Canon) on the 60D as your main working lens.


2. Take the 100/2.8 as your telephoto lens and have it on the 500D.


3. Take the 18 to 55 as your spare lens.

4. You need a Speedlite: better you should have two (just like you are taking the kit lens as a spare lens) - I suggest a Canon, this will work on the60D with the main zoom lens.

5. If funds are tight one can do adequately the favour of recording the wedding with the speedlite and the 18 to 55 kit lens and use the 18n to 135 as your spare – and by knowing how to use the speedlite.
For creative available light: Good knowledge of DoF combined with generally half shot or tighter framing will allow Shallow DoF at F/5.6 across the longer range of the kit lens.

6. Most importantly you need to know the fundamentals of how to use the Speedlite as the Key Light and also as the Fill Light (outdoors).

To achieve this knowledge and experience: the sooner you get a Speedlite and begin practicing and seeking specific answers to the questions that will no doubt arise - the better.

You also need to KNOW the RULES of PHOTOGRAPHY during the Ceremony (Flash and Movement Rules).


WW

[Cadnium]

mysticaldreamz - listen carefully to what William W says regarding the speedlight. Everyone has agreed that you need one, but more importantly you need time to learn how to use it and the different functions. I have had mine for about a year now and I am pretty comfortable with my ability to bounce flash but I still find myself lacking a bit in outdoor fill light when under the pump. It takes practice and can be harder than you think to get it right as it is basically adding another dimension to the typical aperture/shutter/iso decision.

[Bennymiata]

I think Andylo has hit the nail on the head.

Either that, or hire some good fast zooms and speedlights to use on the day.

[andylo]

mysticaldreamz

I am sorry but I forget to mention you need truck loads of extra batteries too, for you cameras, and the speedlites (or anything that runs on batteries)

Edit: only just saw the OP has mentioned about the batteries herself, so all good :p :D

[Arg]

Hey mys, don't get too nervous. These guys are posting advice as if you are going to BE THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. On that basis, their advice is right.

Make it clear to the rellies you are not a professional photographer and you are not going to produce the same standard as a pro. If they are going to demand "dream come true" photos from you then tell them to pay for a professional, AND cross their fingers. Tell them your photos will be in between the standard of the shutterbugs and the pros. Tell them if both your cameras don't work on the day then that's that and it's not your fault; you will revert to guest and enjoy the wedding like anyone else there. There are good reasons why it's a job for experts.

OTOH in my experience some people aren't super nuts about their wedding photos. If you are clear on that, and have made it clear and they agree to stick with you, then go ahead.

[kiwi]

With respect, if you engage a photographer to photograph your wedding your expectation re standard is high. Joe public don't understand the differentiation in my experience.

[William W]

Hey mys, don't get too nervous. These guys are posting advice as if you are going to BE THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

No.
I did not.


But rather I answered the question about lenses and then gave advice as best to be commensurate with a Novice using the gear at a Wedding for the first time and for doing "a Favour".

In summary: to keep it as simple as possible.

WW

[andylo]

Mine's just a "survival guide on equipment" that I build from my experiences in the near pass.

[KeeFy]

Hey mys, don't get too nervous. These guys are posting advice as if you are going to BE THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. On that basis, their advice is right.

Make it clear to the rellies you are not a professional photographer and you are not going to produce the same standard as a pro. If they are going to demand "dream come true" photos from you then tell them to pay for a professional, AND cross their fingers. Tell them your photos will be in between the standard of the shutterbugs and the pros. Tell them if both your cameras don't work on the day then that's that and it's not your fault; you will revert to guest and enjoy the wedding like anyone else there. There are good reasons why it's a job for experts.

OTOH in my experience some people aren't super nuts about their wedding photos. If you are clear on that, and have made it clear and they agree to stick with you, then go ahead.

Maybe some people treat their hobbies more seriously than others, understands what it takes to make the day memorable, as uneventful as possible and in addition does ensure that they do their best if they do promise to help rather than a shady job. :) The OP is taking the place of a professional photographer and in that aspect IMO is taking the right steps to ensure that he's up to the job and that the special day is immortalised. I absolutely agree with the bit of setting their expectations.

In my experience there i've only come across a handful of people who don't appreciate good photos. Most people do and can spot the difference between good photos and crappy ones, but it doesn't matter what other people are like in regards to photos as it's the OP's friends who are the ones requesting the service. It boils down to if they are picky or not, so experience with other people is moot really. It's can't be generic, the client/friend/relative's taste must be catered for.

[LJG]

With respect, if you engage a photographer to photograph your wedding your expectation re standard is high.

Yep, and there lies the problem. They think enough of you and your work to photograph their wedding, so don't be under any illusion to the contrary, they will expect good results. The fact you are a relative and a novice with wedding photograhy will mean very little when it comes to seeing the finished product. There is plenty of good advice already given. You need to think about this while there is time to get out of it, or if you are willing to commit you need to take some of the advice already been mentioned, plus study up and practice. The more practice you get in the better your chances. You certainly do not want to walk into that or any wedding without doing what William W suggests re the speedlite knowledge. Never underestimate, plan and practice until you know exactly how your gear will behave and what results it will give you in just about any situation.

[mcmahong]

I just recently finished my first ever wedding photography. Fortunately it was for friends who had very little expectation, and just wanted a few good shots from the day. However, I did take it as a full project and went for the wedding journalism style (photographing everything from morning to late).

The gear I ended up using:

Canon 50D
Canon 7D (borrowed from a friend)
4x 8Gb memory cards
Canon 24-70 L -- This lens was used for about 80% of all photos.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 -- I used this mainly to isolate subjects and photograph trinkets and other small items (instead of using the macro)
Canon 18-200mm kit -- this is the longest lens I owned so only used it for distant headshots where I couldn't get close. I also gave it to my partner to take any random shots that she came across. She's not a photographer, but she actually managed some good shots that went into the album.
Canon 10-22mm -- I definitely needed this for the big group photo, and the occasional 'setting' photo
Canon 580EXII speedlight (with diffuser) -- I only had one flash so it was a bit of a risk.

I also had 2 strobes but reserved this for the photobooth at the reception (which is worth thinking about - people love it). However the strobes can be placed around the dancefloor and pointed to a reflecting wall/ceiling which allows an even light as you scout the room. You can pick cheap ones up with stands for under $500.

Finally, some post-processing wouldn't go astray. Especially if you don't have the skills to nail the shot perfectly each time, every time.

If I could change anything, I'd add a good quality long lens (up to 200mm-300mm) and another flash.

Finally (and I really wish I did this), if you are using 2 bodies, make sure you date/time is set accurately on both. That way, when you download your photos, they will list together in the right order on your computer.

[mysticaldreamz]

appreciate all the suggestions and feedback, I will do the best I can on the day and they tell me they will be happy with that, its been a very daunting experiance thus far, was nervous before but i have 2 months to get ova the nerves and get to it..
so thanks to all, I really appreciate all your help.

[simonw]

I am not going to tell you not to do it, but make sure they realize your shots will not look like the ones in the bridal mags. maybe do an engagement shoot with them, Good practice for you and sets the expectation for them.

As for gear, what post software do you have? This is where the magic happens, and having lightroom and some nice presets (free download) will make all the difference.

As for lenses, I would think a Sigma 24-70 2.8, Canon 50mm 1.8 (incase its really dark) and a cheap chinese speedlight would do just fine, I think you are better spending your cash on entry level gear that gives you options, than one lens, especially when it is just a favor and you are not planning to go pro.


Watch some videos on youtube, read up, find some models to practice on, scrub up your skills in post and you will do just fine

[mysticaldreamz]

I just purchased the Canon 50mm 1.8 and a cheap chinese speedlight yesterday
as for software i have just about everything.

adobe photoshop elements 10

adobe photoshop cs5

coral paint shop photo pro x3

paint shop pro x4

photo impact 12

panorama make 5

lightroom 3.2

so i think i have the software covered , been experimenting and learning some of it.

thanks for you input i really appreciate it..

[mysticaldreamz]

well the wedding day has come and gone, personally i think i got some lovely shots, a lot of work involved but it ran quiet smoothly.85467854688546985470

[William W]

If the B&G are happy and you are happy and the day went smoothly then that is good.

They all appear a relaxed: and that comes across in your photos.

WW

[kiwi]

they all seem very soft to me, sorry, and the white balance seems out on the last two unless she her dress is a lilac blue

Glad you had a good time, but I think these pics need work still personally, the shutter speeds look very slow, 1/30s ? iso100 ?

[camerasnoop]

Using the Auto camera modes was probably not a wise choice, but too late now to do anything about that. If you get to do another one of these, I'd stay well away from those and shoot in RAW as well. Now you're just going to have to get to work on them in your editor and make the best of them.

[KeeFy]

^^^^ A lot of good points. There are a lot of good angles other than standing and shoot as well. Looking at the photos it feels as if you were inadequately prepared for the wedding in terms of experience, how long have you had your camera and how often do you use it? Don't be shy to pose the people and have a look at other wedding photographers photos to get some inspiration, the 2nd photo is very unglam for the bride. There's still work to be done with the photos and it can be made better like in the last photo i reckon a little bit of cropping may make the photo better.

Glad you had fun! It is a wonderful experience and should you wish to take more in the future, i'd recommend you to get to know the fundamentals of photography better and shoot more often + grab better gear. :)

[Bubbleyboy]

You had a go , thats the main thing . From what I see sure there can always be room for improvement but we all have to start somewhere . One step at a time we learn .

Bubbleyboy.

[rodw]

You had a go , thats the main thing . From what I see sure there can always be room for improvement but we all have to start somewhere . One step at a time we learn .

Bubbleyboy.

Good on you for having a go. I still vividly remember the sheer terror I faced when my sister asked me to do what you have done at her wedding and that was over 20 years ago! Back then it was film so it was a nervous wait till Monday morning to see the results but it all turned out in the end. The modern wedding photos are much more creative today than in my era which had a lot more formal shots. I had somebody who really cared about the print quality when the films were processed and took his advice on the film etc before I started.

Before I did this wedding I always took a lot of photos at every wedding i attended and once one pro lost a roll of film at the lab and the people would not have had an album without my shots. After that I told people I was their insurance!