lens for weddings and portraits [Archive] - The-Digital-Picture.com Community

ksweets8

04-22-2009, 03:31 PM

Hi all,

I"m pretty new to photograpy and went through a series of classes. I love photography and will be doing some weddings and family portraits o the side. I have the cannon xsi with the kit lens, however I would like to invest in a better lens for the wedding mostly. I was thinking of getting the 70-200L IS f/2.8 however it is a bit pricy. Does anyone have any suggestions or a better lens that i should buy?

Thanks for all you help!

Joel Bookhammer

04-22-2009, 04:08 PM

Even though I dont own it the 24-105 f4 is a great lens, if you havent already, read Bryans reviews about it. Its a great lenz.

thanks

joel

devsalvi

04-22-2009, 04:15 PM

One of my friend does weddings. He carries 3 cameras to any event. He has 16-35 attached to one and 70-200 f2.8 IS attached to another. The third camera he usually keeps the 50 f1.4 attached. I have noticed he uses the 70-200 the most (70% of the times).

Hope that helps!

Fred Doane

04-22-2009, 05:00 PM

Youmight look into the non IS version of the 70-200 f2.8. That will save you $550 and still give you the wide aperature. I also own the 24-105 f4butwouldn't use it for portraits. I prefer the 85 f1.2L II but would choose the 70-200 f2.8 as a relatively close second. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you end up buying.

Fred~

Dallasphotog

04-22-2009, 05:29 PM

I use two lenses at most weddings; the EF24-70mm F/2.8 L USM and the EF70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM.

The 24-70 is a good lens for medium size groups and the 70-200 is excellent from the back of the church. The 50mm primes are popular as are some of the wider angle 17-40 size lenses.

Groundfault

04-22-2009, 05:47 PM

I was very impressed with the 100mm f2.8 macro from Canon. Bryan likes it a lot too for portraits ! Not too expansive either.

alexniedra

04-22-2009, 07:32 PM

I can easily the recommend the 24-70 L. It's the lens for wedding photography. Plus, the versitality will help you out greatly. It will also complement your 70-200 2.8 IS nicely when the time comes. :)

In terms of primes, I would suggest the 50 1.4 - which is dirt cheap (relatively speaking) - or the 85 L. The bokeh of the 85 L will blow you away. And although I don't own the lens, I can say that if you do your part right, you'll have images that will stand out nicely from the others.

Be careful though, and do plenty of research before the purchase. You might find 85mm a bit long for your needs. Maybe not - Think about it...

All in all I would highly recommend the 24-70 L. I think you'll like the versitality and love the images.

clemmb

04-22-2009, 09:07 PM

Colin

04-23-2009, 01:44 AM

I did some supporting shots at a friend's wedding. I had a 70-200 f/2.8 IS on my 30D, and an 85 f/1.2 on my 5D during the actual wedding. For the reception, I went 50 f/1.2 on the 5D. I was pretty happy with the results. My fiance got some pretty nice pieces on her 50 f/1.4 with her XSi.

If I was making money on it, I'd get a 24-70 f/2.8 for versatility, though, particularly if I didn't need the really wide apertures of a prime to deal with low light sans flash. I love the 85 f/1.2, but sometimes to get the shot, you'll need to back up, and you can't.

ShutterbugJohan

04-23-2009, 05:48 PM

If you are on a tight budget, I'd recommend the Canon 50/1.8 and Tamron 70-200/2.8. Otherwise, I'd recommend the Tamron 17-50/2.8, Canon 50/1.4 or Canon 85/1.8, and Canon 70-200/2.8 (IS or non-IS). I don't own any of these lenses, but when I photograph at weddings or do portraits, I take my 16-35/2.8L, 50/1.8, 100/2.8 Macro, and Speedlite 580EX II. Hopefully I'll be able to get a 70-200/2.8 (maybe IS) within a year. :-)

One other thing you'll need for weddings is a flash. If you don't already have one, I'd recommend the 580EX II.

SRPHOTO

04-26-2009, 11:53 AM

Take a look at the Canon 135 F/2 L USM. its really wide aperture for its length and very very sharp.

low light capabilities

and great portrait lens for headshots things of that nature.

Keith B

04-26-2009, 01:09 PM

16-35 2.8 L II is all you need.

DISCLAIMER: I just got this lens and really stoked on it. The above comment is based on my delusional bliss I am experiencing with said lens.

You may actually need another lens or two.

Brendan7

04-26-2009, 08:34 PM

The 70-200 is a great lens for weddings. If you can afford it, then buy it. (You might want to use a tripod)

Other excellent wedding lenses you might want to check out:

the 24-105 f 4 is (previously mentioned)

the 85mm f 1.2 (best portrait lens)

the 24-70 f 2.8 (my personal choice, has great image quality, has wide angle and some telephoto)

Good Luck!

Brendan7

04-26-2009, 08:43 PM

If you are taking portraits, and want only a person's face/body to show up on a photo, you should buy the 85mm f 1.2.

It's overpriced but its background blur capability is unmatched.

Generally it is agreed that the "bread and butter" wedding lens is the 24-70 f 2.8 . The 70-200 is more expensive, but has many more uses. (It can be used as a macro lens (with a 500d close up lens), a wildlife lens with a 1.4x converter, a portrait lens, wedding lens, and sports lens. The 24-70 and 85 are almostexclusivelyportrait/wedding lenses. So:

If you are doing weddings, get the 24-70.

If you are doing portraits, get the 85.

If you want to do everything possible with one quality lens, get the 70-200.

Madison

04-27-2009, 05:49 AM

PS: There are no right or wrong answers or choices. It completely depends on your style as a photographer. It's up to you. Seriously.

Your approach of the subject and your vision and skills (technical and social) will dictate your equipment, For example, if you shoot it docmentary style wide angle like the famous Jeff Ascough, you won't need any 70-200 at all. He shoots primarily with two lenses: the 16-35 II and the 35 prime. It does mean you're IN the scene and very close to your subjects but his work is amazing. So many different ways to shoot, means before you ask questions you will need a vision or at least a general idea of the WAY YOU are going to do this.

Good luck!

PS: Google Ascough and be amazed at his work. He is easily the best wedding photographer in the world. It's very inspirational :-)

Enrique

04-27-2009, 07:55 AM

I suggest you eliminate the - bit pricy - thaught pattern. You will allways be held to inferior equipment otherwise. Weddings equate to professionalism. Cheep advise is expensive. I feel you have chosen well for your zoom lens. However (for your second lens) I do recomend a smaller lens perhaps 20-50mm for close ups.