Wedding lens

[Lee_Maryland]

Use flash outdoors for balanced fill flash for backlit subjects

hahaha thanks, Well, time to pick up a SB-600 then. Do you think its enough, or I should step up to a 800?

 

[IgsEMT]

I need a flash to shoot wedding outdoor? I mean I can see myself using it indoor, but under what circumstance would I need to pop out the flash?
sorry, this might sound like a stuipd question.

beat me to it
I use flash (on and off-camera )99% of the time both outdoors and indoors. If I'm outdoors, ambient light paints the general scene, but my subject is painted (so to speak) with flash(es).
The only complaint I hear why some people don't like to use flash is b/c its too harsh. Which also means that these folks don't know how to use it properly: First of all with a little practice its possible to find balance b/n flash output/camera settings to have well exposed image as well as not harsh shadows. Second, there are probably hundred of light modifiers on the market (from bounce cards to milk-containers, etc etc) and these have optimal usage for them as well.
In X amount of years in this business I can count my one hand the amount of time I used built-in flash at work (unfortunately all of that since I went digital): Once, it was a shot I needed and lumedyne battery died so pop-up flash worked - it was nice snoot-like effect. Another time, speedlite's batteries died and in those 15 seconds I NEEDED specific shot (again snoot effect was nice). Three weeks ago, I packed all my gear. My cart in one hand out the door, as one of the guests came up and asked me for a pic of her w/ the bride - so pop up flash did the job. Reasons above why I always looked into my bodies (digital) to have pop up flash. Back w/ Bronica, I wish I had pop up flash. My assistants would probably not loose as much weight running around

 

[ph0enix]

The lenses of choice for weddings are the 24-70 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/2.8. If I had to have only one of those I'd go with the 24-70 f/2.8.
If that's going to give you sticker shock Tamron makes a 28-75 f/2.8 that is superb for around $500 somewhere, although I'd prefer the Nikon first and foremost.

MLeeK couldn't have said it better! The 24-70 f2.8 is very versatile. Now, I know the Nikon 24-70 is a little more than what us Canon guys will pay, but its worth it. I currently own the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, and its wonderful. Not as good build quality as the Nikon or Canon of course, but the image quality is great, especially if you need the lens now. Its $400-$500 depending on where you buy it from. Good luck!

Why do you prefer a shorter focus lense? care to explain?

Let me answer the questions with a question: do you think you're ready (skill-wise) to shoot a wedding?

 

[Lee_Maryland]

MLeeK couldn't have said it better! The 24-70 f2.8 is very versatile. Now, I know the Nikon 24-70 is a little more than what us Canon guys will pay, but its worth it. I currently own the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, and its wonderful. Not as good build quality as the Nikon or Canon of course, but the image quality is great, especially if you need the lens now. Its $400-$500 depending on where you buy it from. Good luck!

Why do you prefer a shorter focus lense? care to explain?

Let me answer the questions with a question: do you think you're ready (skill-wise) to shoot a wedding?

Honestly, probably not! I have done some company events as backup shooter(FREE), and was using other photographer's equipment. But I am willing to give it a shot, and I am doing it for free as well (well, some free food). LOL!

 

[IgsEMT]

Honestly, NO!

Honest - good for you!!! :thumbup:

 

[cannpope]

The 70-200 would make for some nice shots without being so intrusive.

 

[IgsEMT]

The 70-200 would make for some nice shots without being so intrusive.

Especially on the crop body

 

[Robin Usagani]

Seriously.. you are just helping out. Just shoot and have fun. It sounds like you really just starting out. To be honest... if you dont know what you are doing, flash can hurt you as much as not having a flash.

 

[Lee_Maryland]

Seriously.. you are just helping out. Just shoot and have fun. It sounds like you really just starting out. To be honest... if you dont know what you are doing, flash can hurt you as much as not having a flash.

Point well taken. But you learn from mistakes, if you don't even try it then how can someone improve? Reading book is not going to cut it.

 

[Robin Usagani]

All I was saying was... learn to take good photos with what you got.

 

[CCericola]

You can rent what you like then will be better informed of what you want to buy. Borrowlenses.com will rent lenses, bodies, flashes etc.. I have also used LenGiant (they were a bit cheaper, but no camera bodies to rent)

I LOVE my 70-200 2.8 especially when you get THAT shot of Dad with a tear in his eye or the bride looking at the groom when she thinks no one is paying attention to her. The 24-70 is a great lens for the getting ready pics and reception photos when you want to get the whole scene. I also use an 85mm for formals and a 16-35 for some large group shots, 50mm for the groom getting ready shots (for some reason I just love the 50mm look on men) Oh and a 100mm macro for the details (shoes, dress, cake, rings, table settings, etc...)

But since you are the second shooter ask the main photographer what he/she wants you to cover and choose a lens based on that info. I'm thinking the 70-200 though. Get those awesome pics of the bridal party laughing in between formal pics!.

 

[Lee_Maryland]

All I was saying was... learn to take good photos with what you got.

Kool. I think u r right, i should learn about my camera and lenses first before spending thousands.

 

[greybeard]

I'm guessing tha you will be backing up a pro who will be doing all the set ups etc. Best thing about this is to watch and learn from the pro. I'd pumped about getting to hang and learn from him/her. Don't bring anything you arn't totally familiar with. I think all you will need lens wise is your 18-105. I wouldn't even worry about another lens. (jmho)

 

[BlairWright]

The lenses of choice for weddings are the 24-70 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/2.8. If I had to have only one of those I'd go with the 24-70 f/2.8.

I agree 100%