Best lens for weddings
Jun 3, 2012 03:30:14 #
Hi everyone,
I own a 400d with the standard kit lenses but my nephew has asked me to take photos at his weding, I have told them no but they can't afford a professional. My question is what would be the best and the most affordale lens to use. I have been told a quick lens like the Canon 24-70 f2.5 but they are very expensive. Any idea?
Thanks in advance
I own a 400d with the standard kit lenses but my nephew has asked me to take photos at his weding, I have told them no but they can't afford a professional. My question is what would be the best and the most affordale lens to use. I have been told a quick lens like the Canon 24-70 f2.5 but they are very expensive. Any idea?
Thanks in advance
Jun 3, 2012 11:03:59 #
Rent the lens and if you don't have a flash, rent or buy one of those as well. Just because you can get a properly exposed image without flash doesn't mean it will look good. If you don't know how to use a flash, don't learn on the job. A pro knows his camera and settings like second nature. A back-up camera, flash and spare batteries are also recommended. Divorce and re-marriage aside, you don't get do-overs.
Weddings are the thing that makes me the most nervous and I've been a pro for..30+ years. I hope that makes you nervous too. It's a lot of work and a big reponsibility to shoot weddings. These threads always generate a lot of "don't do it" responses which I agree with for first timers.
Rental recomendtations:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22823-1.html
You might pool your money between relatives and hire a professional.
Back to the good-cop response: at 2.8 the 24-70 is a fast lens. It will help the camera focus in lower light. Some of the slower kit lenses have trouble with lower light levels.
Weddings are the thing that makes me the most nervous and I've been a pro for..30+ years. I hope that makes you nervous too. It's a lot of work and a big reponsibility to shoot weddings. These threads always generate a lot of "don't do it" responses which I agree with for first timers.
Rental recomendtations:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22823-1.html
You might pool your money between relatives and hire a professional.
Back to the good-cop response: at 2.8 the 24-70 is a fast lens. It will help the camera focus in lower light. Some of the slower kit lenses have trouble with lower light levels.
Jun 3, 2012 11:06:32 #
Jun 3, 2012 12:55:06 #
Everything I have read points to 2 bodies with a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8.
The suggestion to rent is good, but you'd want a day or two to play with them before hand. You'd also want to be able to do some test shots in that actual venue before hand.
If the pro zooms are not an option, pick up a fast prime and prepare to do a lot of walking.
You can get good images with the kit lens, but your lighting has to be great.
The suggestion to rent is good, but you'd want a day or two to play with them before hand. You'd also want to be able to do some test shots in that actual venue before hand.
If the pro zooms are not an option, pick up a fast prime and prepare to do a lot of walking.
You can get good images with the kit lens, but your lighting has to be great.
Jun 3, 2012 13:03:06 #
hlmichel wrote:
The suggestion to rent is good, but you'd want a day or two to play with them before hand.
The suggestion to rent is good, but you'd want a day or two to play with them before hand.
Good point. A year would be even better. Especially with the flash.
Jun 4, 2012 06:33:44 #
Thanks for the advice, good cop and bad cop. I have spoken to the family and they still want me to do it. I will have assistance but yes I am nervous.
My kit lenses are 18-55 and 70-300. I do have a flash (speedlite 430ex ii) and have used it a fair amount, I understand about bounce, power settings and that it is also better to use a softbox as well.
My kit lenses are 18-55 and 70-300. I do have a flash (speedlite 430ex ii) and have used it a fair amount, I understand about bounce, power settings and that it is also better to use a softbox as well.
Jun 4, 2012 07:09:31 #
I have done many weddings as a bsuiness along with other things. I have found that a fast lens is the best and one that goes from 24 to 70 is fine but if possible one that goes to 100 or 120 is even better. Some shots may be farther away and little extra is needed and a big help. As far a money I like the Nikon but found that Sigma has some really good lens that work fine and fast and clear to. I have talked to many pros that now have to money to buy the top lens but have back ups that are other brands which are the ones they started with.
Jun 4, 2012 07:26:27 #
That 430exII is a small flash, but it is better than nothing. Renting is the way to go, that's good advice. I would be leary of doing this wedding for them for one simple reason. Are thier expectations (bride and grooms)going to exceed your capabilities?? By that I mean, has the bride been looking at wedding photos in magazines and websites, and expecting her photos to look like those? If so, I'd have another long talk with them.
I always find it interesting that couples spend $$ on a venue, food, dress, tuxes, flowers, cake and decorations and then say they have no money for professional photography to remember this important day,,and want someone to do it for free or a greatly reduced price. Photography should be as much a part of the budget as anything else. This may or may not be the case here, but it happens often.
I did my nephews wedding for free as a wedding gift, but I do them as a living. I will say I would've rather had the opportunity to have fun and visit with family I hadn't seen in years instead though. Best of Luck to you, I hope it goes well.
I always find it interesting that couples spend $$ on a venue, food, dress, tuxes, flowers, cake and decorations and then say they have no money for professional photography to remember this important day,,and want someone to do it for free or a greatly reduced price. Photography should be as much a part of the budget as anything else. This may or may not be the case here, but it happens often.
I did my nephews wedding for free as a wedding gift, but I do them as a living. I will say I would've rather had the opportunity to have fun and visit with family I hadn't seen in years instead though. Best of Luck to you, I hope it goes well.
Jun 4, 2012 07:29:01 #
I have done a few weddings I never use kit lenses the 2 lenses I use are Canon EF-S 18 - 135mm f3.5 - 5.6 IS £250 and for close portraits Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro £366 this is a superb lense.But to take on wedding photography is a great responsibility if you get it wrong "Don't do it leave to the professional's".Best to look up the protocal of order of pictures when I do them usually ask one of the guest's to help me to get groups together.Also use speedlite 430exII.
Jun 4, 2012 07:49:05 #
Robbie59 wrote:
Hi everyone,
I own a 400d with the standard kit lenses but my nephew has asked me to take photos at his weding, I have told them no but they can't afford a professional. My question is what would be the best and the most affordale lens to use. I have been told a quick lens like the Canon 24-70 f2.5 but they are very expensive. Any idea?
Thanks in advance
I own a 400d with the standard kit lenses but my nephew has asked me to take photos at his weding, I have told them no but they can't afford a professional. My question is what would be the best and the most affordale lens to use. I have been told a quick lens like the Canon 24-70 f2.5 but they are very expensive. Any idea?
Thanks in advance
We do weddings....what drives me nuts is when I hear, "they can't afford a photographer." Ask her what the rehearsal dinner and reception room/dinner cost, the dress, the honeymoon and on and on.....truth is, they don't want to pay for something they may be able to get for free.
Unless they are running off, and you are getting pics of the couple in front of the Justice of the Peace, I would do everything I could to get out of this wedding. It is a lose lose for you, if the pics turn out ok, you paid the price of stress, time in post, time taking pics, cost of the lens and no money. If they turn out bad, you will never hear the end of it.
For the bride, this may be the most important day of her life, it should be recorded by someone who has been there and done that, over and over again.
At least, have them buy the lens or pay the expense for renting it.
We have AT LEAST two shooters at a wedding, one female and most of the time one additional newbie photographer who is responsible for gear, holding lights or modifiers. We have 6 or more camera bodies, 6 plus flashes, 10 32 gig cards, ladder, stands, modifiers, steadycam, and on and on. I cringe at the thought of you showing up with a 400d and slow kit lens. Oh me!
We get calls from newlyweds who want to know if I can fix their wedding pictures. They show up with JPEG's on a CD and end up paying anyway and the pictures are so so most of the time.
I realize it is your nephew but tell him you value this day too much to risk using your limited gear and lack of experience. You could better help him by assisting them in financing a photographer.
My prayers are with you!
Jun 4, 2012 08:32:21 #
whenever i get invited to any event everyone thinks wow she's going to take some awesome shots so they always "remind" me to bring my camera..what ends up happening is that i don't enjoy the wedding ..end up spending loads of time editing...processing etc..and while everyone else is sitting down enjoying their dinners etc ..i end up feeling as if I'm one of the workers instead..
sure i get loads of praise about the photos..but i didn't get was to enjoy the time with my friends and family ..felt as if i was working the entire time..and many times i don't even get properly thanked..and they get a freebee
i shot loads of photos at my husbands daughters wedding mostly for my husbands sake ..sent the photos ..never received a thank you from the stepdaughter and have never even seen the gallery from the pros shots that she had hired..that we were promised ..and that was almost 2 years ago..
since then i have not brought my camera to any event..i refuse to do "jobs"now for anyone....i am a guest ..not an employee...bring a p and s for photos of your own just like all the other guests..if some come out good then send them as a token ...i liked that suggestion above where you get a group of family members and chip in to get another pro to do the job...
sure i get loads of praise about the photos..but i didn't get was to enjoy the time with my friends and family ..felt as if i was working the entire time..and many times i don't even get properly thanked..and they get a freebee
i shot loads of photos at my husbands daughters wedding mostly for my husbands sake ..sent the photos ..never received a thank you from the stepdaughter and have never even seen the gallery from the pros shots that she had hired..that we were promised ..and that was almost 2 years ago..
since then i have not brought my camera to any event..i refuse to do "jobs"now for anyone....i am a guest ..not an employee...bring a p and s for photos of your own just like all the other guests..if some come out good then send them as a token ...i liked that suggestion above where you get a group of family members and chip in to get another pro to do the job...
Jun 4, 2012 08:49:49 #
Thanks everyone, good advice allround, I will definatly try and get out of it. My p&s will be the only camera I will take with me.
Jun 4, 2012 08:50:44 #
You didn't say how big the wedding was going to be. If it is small you can use what you have. I think what you need to do is make a plan on the order you will take pictures and how to pose them. The "formal" group shots are the ones that are hard to get if you don't plan beforehand and make sure everyone will be there. For the casual shots have them tell all their guests that bring their point and shot and phone cameras to give them the best shots. Good Luck - Dave
Jun 4, 2012 09:24:13 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I don't understand why you feel obligated to buy or rent equipment as a favor? Go with what you have or suggest they hire a professional.The results will be what they will be. Your 430 flash is enough for most weddings. Consider a point & shoot for your back up.
Take plenty of fresh batteries and shoot jpg to save memory. An 8gb card with a 2 or 4 gb back up will be enough. If you feel the need to buy another lens, consider a 50mm f/1.8 or the 1.4 version for under $400. Personally, I would look at the 50mm f/1.8 IS. It will be enough for most indoor low light shots, especially for bride/groom only or as a couple for head or head and shoulders shots.
There simply is no substitute for fast lenses. The 1.8 while not a racehorse, will allow 4x the light of a standard kit lens. Good luck
Take plenty of fresh batteries and shoot jpg to save memory. An 8gb card with a 2 or 4 gb back up will be enough. If you feel the need to buy another lens, consider a 50mm f/1.8 or the 1.4 version for under $400. Personally, I would look at the 50mm f/1.8 IS. It will be enough for most indoor low light shots, especially for bride/groom only or as a couple for head or head and shoulders shots.
There simply is no substitute for fast lenses. The 1.8 while not a racehorse, will allow 4x the light of a standard kit lens. Good luck
Jun 4, 2012 09:35:05 #
the photographer is the MOST important part of the wedding..just below the preacher!!
you will forget what food you ate, what the flowers looked like, what the band sounded like, etc........and it's the photos that are the memories.
i have done a few weddings, but mostly pass on them. the expectations are always that of a professional photographer, even when they say they have to cut costs. and they do see the photos in the bridal magazines and from their friends and relatives pro-shot weddings. i have done about 6 weddings and the stress and pressure i put on myself made them not worth the money i was paid...they came out pretty good..and every time i keep swearing that i will never do that again until i am ready.
i have been in your same spot a number of times.
one of the girls here at work got married last september and had a pro photographer do her wedding. she just now received her wedding album book. she paid a lot for this photographer. she has been picking apart some of the photographs..like they are bad or something. i saw the photos.....i would give anything to be able to take photos of that quality. i sure am glad i turned her down last year..i could not have taken photos like that...and i do pretty decent..but not to the level of the photographer she hired.
you can buy or rent all the lenses there are out there...but you do not have the experience to go along with it.
i mean no disrespect to you...but you, my friend, are really in a spot. i wish you all the luck.
an experienced photographer will make a photographic memory, while an inexperienced photographer will make snapshots. i have great equipment and i know my cameras inside and out...and i have taken more snapshots than pro level photographs. i am getting better and better every day. i take at least 200 photos every single day, trying to hone my skills. i have a long way to go to get where i'd like to be. family all tell me how good i am.....but if they were paying for the photos, i don't theink they would say the same thing.
i spend a lot of time turning down jobs until i have worked and earned the confidence to shoot an event as good as any other.
shooting the picture is only 1 part of it.....posing is another big part.
good luck my friend!
you will forget what food you ate, what the flowers looked like, what the band sounded like, etc........and it's the photos that are the memories.
i have done a few weddings, but mostly pass on them. the expectations are always that of a professional photographer, even when they say they have to cut costs. and they do see the photos in the bridal magazines and from their friends and relatives pro-shot weddings. i have done about 6 weddings and the stress and pressure i put on myself made them not worth the money i was paid...they came out pretty good..and every time i keep swearing that i will never do that again until i am ready.
i have been in your same spot a number of times.
one of the girls here at work got married last september and had a pro photographer do her wedding. she just now received her wedding album book. she paid a lot for this photographer. she has been picking apart some of the photographs..like they are bad or something. i saw the photos.....i would give anything to be able to take photos of that quality. i sure am glad i turned her down last year..i could not have taken photos like that...and i do pretty decent..but not to the level of the photographer she hired.
you can buy or rent all the lenses there are out there...but you do not have the experience to go along with it.
i mean no disrespect to you...but you, my friend, are really in a spot. i wish you all the luck.
an experienced photographer will make a photographic memory, while an inexperienced photographer will make snapshots. i have great equipment and i know my cameras inside and out...and i have taken more snapshots than pro level photographs. i am getting better and better every day. i take at least 200 photos every single day, trying to hone my skills. i have a long way to go to get where i'd like to be. family all tell me how good i am.....but if they were paying for the photos, i don't theink they would say the same thing.
i spend a lot of time turning down jobs until i have worked and earned the confidence to shoot an event as good as any other.
shooting the picture is only 1 part of it.....posing is another big part.
good luck my friend!
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