Originally Posted by Joel Bookhammer
The nifty fifty (f/1.8) is a good deal at $100, but I've never tried to use it for a wedding. I prefer the 50mm f/1.4. (I shoot all primes at weddings. 20mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 100mm f/2) and one zoom (70-200 f/4 IS).
I wouldn't be without at LEAST the 50 1.8 for weddings - great DoF for the little detail shots (dresses, settings at the reception, sand pouring or candle lighting, signing of the registry... all sorts of stuff) and great for low light just in case. I use a 1.4 now but no one's ever complained at the shots the 1.8 took
I WOULD suggest that if you're doing weddings professionally (aka getting paid) you should definitely invest in a second body... I have three, and even though one is my junky old amazing-at-the-time 300D, I still keep it around just in case.... I don't even know the last time I used it (though I've been lending it to my assistant who is looking to become less voice activated light stand and more photographer for certain things, like concerts, and I'm actually amazed at how well it holds up all of these years later) but I always have it with me (and all of my old glass, 50 1.8, 70-200 f/4L, shit kit lens.... you just never know, right?). I still use a 20D as my second body (can't get ahold of a damned 5D2, they're gone before they're even in stock), and ignoring the fact that I'd dread going back to shooting with one (or starting I guess, I've always shot with two), if your camera craps out on a paying gig then you is sca-rewed :S
In other news, the 1.8 is $100. Just go buy it :P
And as for a backup body, hell, go get a used rebel or something... but just make sure you have one. It sucks if a lens breaks or your flash dies but at the end of the day if your camera ain't working then no amount of glass or light will help (plus I promise that after working with two bodies for all of 30 seconds you'll swear by it :P)
If I were you I'd either save for a Full Frame camera or if you're dying for a lens go for the 50 f/1.4.
Daniel
Do you use multiple cameras or just change lenses a lot?
I take two cameras and lots of lens changes (plus the second photographer), but I've seen other high end pros do it with one.
I take two cameras and lots of lens changes (plus the second photographer), but I've seen other high end pros do it with one.
I admire that. I use to have that mentality, but the stuff I shoot, I'd show up and have very little time to plan shots so I'd start shooting and decide I needed a different lens and after a couple changes I'd find my subject were losing patients and faith. So now the only prime I own is the 50 1.4. if business picks up I'm going to get the 35 1.4.
There is a COLOSSAL difference between 2.8 and 1.4... ie two full stops, which can make the difference between a picture blurred from subject motion or not pretty easily.
Planning ahead helps a lot, but I've never had a problem with subjects losing patience. In fact, I find myself purposefully going slow as I change lenses because it takes the attention off me for a while so I can think about how I'm going to approach the next shot.
I can see that
Planning ahead helps a lot, but I've never had a problem with subjects losing patience. In fact, I find myself purposefully going slow as I change lenses because it takes the attention off me for a while so I can think about how I'm going to approach the next shot.
I can see that working. I unfortunately photograph the rich and snooty business tycoons in the area and they always act like I'm keeping them from making their next million. It is nice when I get to shoot someone that gets it.
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