Lenses!!

DR_Malibu · Jul 21, 2011

Ok people I need help on choosing a lens for a upcoming I am doing. It's my first one and I'll be devastated if they look like crap. I have a canon 60d with a 18-55mm lens. The wedding is inside in a restaurant so I am guessing lower lights and I'll tale some outside too. I want to rent a lens first before I buy so please any info would be great on a lens for this.

IgsEMT · Jul 21, 2011

If you're shooting a wedding and asking a Q as such, Lens is the least of your problems, you just aren't ready to shoot a wedding.

You need (minimally)
a back up body
a back up lens. Faster lens is nice but not necessarily since you can raise your ISO to 800-1000 at 6.3 and get plausible results w/ your camera.
At least 2 flash units, one as a back up &/or second light (but still need a back up).
2 batteries per every camera and charger w/ you.
number of memory cards, depending on your shooting style,
2-3 sets of flash batteries per each flash, and charger (if batteries are rechargeable).

This is a ballpark of minimal gear you need to shoot a wedding.

DR_Malibu · Jul 21, 2011

I have all of that except back up body which I don't need. This is a small wedding maybe 25 people. And we all have to start somewhere right? Kind of rude to assume I am not ready. I thought this forum is to help people not tell them what they can or cannot do ;(. Have a nice day!

Fleacz · Jul 21, 2011

DR_Malibu said:
I have all of that except back up body which I don't need. This is a small wedding maybe 25 people. And we all have to start somewhere right? Kind of rude to assume I am not ready. I thought this forum is to help people not tell them what they can or cannot do ;(. Have a nice day!

is a "back up body" another camera? like just in case the other breaks? this forum is very helpful, dont give up on it because you saw a comment you didnt like. as a photographer you NEED to be able to take criticism and/or rude comments so you know where to improve ect.

IgsEMT · Jul 21, 2011

Never say you don't need back up, cause you neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeVer know when gear decides to go or when an idiot drunk guests accidentally pushes you thus causes damage to the gear.
I'm not assuming... just stating a fact that this and many other forums are faced on weekly bases "my first wedding, what lens do I need".

Another thing you need to do is contact the Venue and see what their requirement are for staff/crews. Some don't care, others have a bible-sized list of DOs and DON'Ts.

Good Luck

Patrice · Jul 22, 2011

In a small venue such as you describe a mid range zoom might be more useful than a telephoto zoom, and you already have one (18-55). Since you are familiar with that focal range and if you like it then you might rent a top shelf f/2.8 in the same range. A 35 mm f/1.8 or a 50 mm f/1.8 might also be worth a try.