New Lens

[nkmaurer]

I am looking into buying a new lens. My current two lens I have are the 70-200 2.8 IS which I love! Especially during wedding ceremonies. But, in my small studio it is hard to use especially on kids and tough on my arms! So the lens I use mostly is the kit lens 17-85. Now that it is fall I am getting a lot of darker images outside and my family shots indoor at weddings are a lot darker. I have the 580 flash, but I am not always very happy with it. I am constantly having to lighten my pictures. I need to have it check out to see if it is working properly. I shoot raw so most of the time it isn't a problem, just annoying! But anyways I am needing to get another lens so I can hopefully use my kit lens for a backup at weddings. I like the 17-85 especially when doing kids and seniors so should I just look for a faster lens? Any suggestions?

 

[Digital Matt]

50mm f/1.8

 

[Don Simon]

Yes a nice prime like Matt suggested, or maybe a faster zoom to match your 70-200 if you can afford it...

By the way, from your description it doesn't sound to me like your flash is faulty, just fallible like any auto-exposure system... in these situations you could try switching to manual and taking control over the flash output, since it's generally better to start with a good exposure than to correct for underexposure later.

 

[peppies]

On top of all that has been said you could use in-camera custom curve according to your needs to get the results you're after.

 

[Big Mike]

Having your pictures too dark (or too bright) most likely isn't a lens issue...especially when using flash. Canon E-TTL flash metering is confusing to understand at the best of times. It's not uncommon for people to use positive FEC on a regular basis. I suggest spending some time to figure out if you can use your flash more effectively. HERE is a good place to start.

Still, it's a good idea to have a nice fast lens for weddings or even for studio shooting if you want to have a narrow DOF. The 50mm F1.8 is a good start but it's a rather cheap lens. If you can afford a better quality lens, I'd certainly suggest it. The Canon 50mm F1.4 for example. I have the Sigma 30mm F1.4 and it's a great lens...I haven't even looked at my 50mm F1.8 since I got the Sigma.

I also have the 17-85 IS lens...and it's just not fast enough for weddings.

The ultimate combo for Canon 'crop' cameras and shooting weddings is the 17-55 F2.8 IS and the 70-200 F2.8 L IS (which you have). If you want the best lens for the job, the 17-55 is probably it.

 

[sabbath999]

50mm f/1.8

The good thing about this lens is that you can just skip dinner and a movie and pay for it, you don't have to actually worry about the money since it is so darned cheap...

Buy it AND whatever other lens you want...

I don't know enough about Canon lenses to comment otherwise, except that the letter "L" is good.

 

[Iron Flatline]

Not sure what body you're shooting with (fill out your profile!) but you might also consider the 24-70mm L f/2.8, a fabulous lens.

 

[Deadeye008]

I have the Canon 50mm 1.8 which I agree is a must have for anyone that shoots Canon. You just can't beat this lens for the price. I also have a Tamron 17-50 2.8 that is a great lens. I got it because I couldn't afford the Canon equivalent. If you have the money, get the canon, if not, take a look at the Tamron. It's a great lens.