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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Top picks for lenses.

Jenn M
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Jun 21, 2006, 8:21 PM

Post #1 of 21 (2159 views)
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Top picks for lenses.	Can't Post

Hi all,

Let's say you had to pick only 3 lenses to shoot weddings - keep in mind most are indoor, dark venues.
What would be your top 3 picks? Canon or Tamron...

scotthayes
Veteran

Jun 22, 2006, 4:24 PM

Post #2 of 21 (2132 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you want to save cash w/zooms

17-50f2.8 Tamron
70-200 Sigma EX DG HSM

If you want to spend BIG money
Canon 17-55 EF-IS
Canon 70-200f2.8 IS USM

For Primes:
Sigma 30F1.4
Canon 85f1.8 (or f1.2 if you have $$$)
Canon 135f2

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 22, 2006, 6:38 PM

Post #3 of 21 (2126 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I'm feeling pretty covered for an entire wedding right now.
I started the year with a Tamron 28-75 2.8 and a Sigma 70-200. Both are very good lenses.

I sold my Sigma and added the Canon 70-200 2.8IS and just purchased the Canon 17-55 2.8IS.

The Tamrons are very good, but I just decided that if I could get a few extra keepers from having an IS lens then it was worth it too me.

scotthayes
Veteran

Jun 22, 2006, 7:24 PM

Post #4 of 21 (2120 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

I love my Tamron, except I am selling it because it is for Nikon, and
also, just not wide enough. I bought the Canon 24-70, but
I know I am going to be missing the wide end, so at somepoint,
a 16-35 will be in my bag :-).

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 22, 2006, 10:45 PM

Post #5 of 21 (2116 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Okay -
I have it narrowed down to the following:
70-200
24-70
17-55
and maybe 10-22

How does that sound?

scotthayes
Veteran

Jun 22, 2006, 11:53 PM

Post #6 of 21 (2111 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

drop the 24-70 and go with 10-22. If you feel like you need the 70,
take about 5 steps closer

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 12:21 AM

Post #7 of 21 (2108 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Okay Scott,
I'll be honest. All these freakin' numbers are making my head spin...

What would be the best lens to slap on the camera to play with it and learn your way around the functions. If you could only have one (to start with), what would it be?

I thought that would be the 24-70, but you're saying no...

I'm a video geek thru and thru, but when it comes to stills - I'm still on a learning curve. It's been a while since I've worked with lenses, etc. My last "serious" SLR was a Nikon N80 35MM. Figured I'd brush up on the digital photography and sharpen my skills.

RustyB
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:06 AM

Post #8 of 21 (2105 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

I haven't shot any weddings, but it would seem you'd want image stabilization on your lenses for weddings, since its run-n-gun and you wouldn't want to drag around a tripod all night. When I watch wedding photogs at receptions, I don't know how they can pull off so many handheld shots, even with IS. Practice I guess...or the IS really does work that good.

I may give weddings a shot with my Olympus gear, despite it having more noise at higher ISO's than Canon, and not having image stabilization on the lenses. Otherwise, the Olympus/Zuiko lens range I currently have would seem to work well for weddings...

50-200 f2.8 (100-400 35mm equiv.)
14-54 f2.8 (28-108 35mm equiv.)

And my next lens will be a 7-14mm f4.0 (14-28 35mm equiv.), which would as well probably be good for weddings, albeit not very fast.

Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc

Jeko
Enthusiast

Jun 23, 2006, 1:22 AM

Post #9 of 21 (2099 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jenn,
You need to consider the camera base. Full frame (5D and up) or partial frame (20D/30D)....

The partial frame bases absolutely need a better wide view like the 16-35mm (f2.8)... lets you be closer to groups for photo sessions (critical in tighter or darker venues). Then the 70-200 f2.8 (yes, IS if you can afford it), an d a 24-70 f2.8 to cover the mid-range.

On a full-frame base, you can get away with a 24-70 though I still enjoy it.

I have both 20D and 5D now, and find that the 20D is used more with the telephoto lense while the 5D lives with the 24-70 on it.

If you are just starting out and only want to get one lense to begin the journey, I'd recommend the 24-70mm f2.8. It is most versatile and useful on either type of base.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:26 AM

Post #10 of 21 (2099 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks for the input Rusty.
Yeah, I think I'm going to commit to the 70-200 with IS

I'm really psyched to delve into this adventure... but I just wish I could work with someone I trusted and respected - someone whose approach I like. I recently dropped hints to one of my favorite photog buddies and his response was, "Oh, no - I don't trust you - I'll teach you all my tricks and you'll undercut me." He said it with a smile on his face, but I know he was serious. So, that's what I'm up against.

Competition is fierce - they view a new photog as immediate competition and start worrying about their own numbers. Even though I know any bride that would consider their services for photography would never settle on me. We are opposite ends of the spectrum. But I guess they're all feeling the heat, with the uprising of the weekend warriors and their shiny new digital cameras. Not to mention videography eating into the bride's budget. Wink

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:32 AM

Post #11 of 21 (2097 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jeko,

I appreciate your input.
I was reading your other post to Bill a few days ago. Good stuff.

I'm looking at the 20D or 30D to start.
Several people have recommended the 5D, but IMO, for me, that would be like giving a teenager a sports car. Too much too fast - gotta learn how to drive safely first. Wink

Besides, I'm starting with one body to "learn" my way around the camera. I'm more experience with Nikons, so I have to learn a Canon and get used to it, first. Then I'll add to my collection - probably another 2 more bodies and this first one will become the back-up.

Being a videographer, I'm a huge fan of back-up equipment. Besides, I would feel irresponsible going into a paid job without plenty of back-up equipment, not to mention knowledge and practice, which I plan on doing a lot of.

scotthayes
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:44 AM

Post #12 of 21 (2090 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

the 5D isn't harder to learn than the 20D. There are a ton of
20Ds up for sale on fredmiranda.com. You can find anything
you need on that board. I am a wide angle guy, always have been.
my standard lens back when I was shooting for the paper, was a 24mm.
I shot a wedding a couple weeks ago with a 17-55. I think i used
the 80-200 for maybe 30 shots. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Jeko
Enthusiast

Jun 23, 2006, 1:46 AM

Post #13 of 21 (2090 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you aspire to provide photo-coverage for pay, then do get a good wide-angle for the 20D. Especially for the photo-sessions with larger groups. If you have two bases, leave the wide (16-35mm) or mid (24-70mm) on one during ceremony with a flash, and the telephoto (70-200mm) on another to get tight shots. This set-up works well at the reception too...

What are you targeting for output?? Prints and such, traditional albums or fine-art albums? Try to develop your shooting style to suit that goal.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

RustyB
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:59 AM

Post #14 of 21 (2089 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

...his response was, "Oh, no - I don't trust you - I'll teach you all my tricks and you'll undercut me." .. ....they view a new photog as immediate competition and start worrying about their own numbers. Even though I know any bride that would consider their services for photography would never settle on me.....

I don't worry about that stuff too much. First of all, I doubt you need another photog teaching you any tricks about shooting a wedding. Just learn how to take pictures. Then learn how to take pictures of people...quickly in candid situations. That's the hard part for me...I'm not quick, and I find it very hard to take pictures of people, and have them come out appealing to me.

I also think that any photog worried about noobs undercutting their business, are insecure in their own abilities. Just like video, the low-buck guys will produce what they produce, and will pass or fail. There's a market for high priced stuff...and simply raising prices won't get you there. I know that first hand. Crazy

Any seasoned wedding photogs shouldn't be worried about my mediocre photography skills taking away their business. What they should be worried about, is what I'm willing to do with a disk full of wedding photos, an NLE, and my DVD authoring capability.....and know that I'm used to editing for days for very little money. Laugh

Clients LOVE photography, and they LOVE photo montages. Cool

Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 10:53 AM

Post #15 of 21 (2075 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, I've been popping up on fredmiranda.com
Very helpful peeps over there - kinda like here. Smile

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 10:59 AM

Post #16 of 21 (2074 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

What are you targeting for output?? Prints and such, traditional albums or fine-art albums? Try to develop your shooting style to suit that goal.

I plan to start very simple. CD and online proofing - so mainly just prints. Then we'll see how it goes. I know what you mean though - one guy we work with shoots for the layout. He offers those fancy-smancy coffee table books so I noticed he shoot things quite a bit off center, etc. for backgrounds, etc.

For me, however, the plan is to offer photography as a supplimental service for those couples who are really into their video. However, I'm aware that it could flip as more people may eventually be calling for the stills over video. That's just the way it goes, it seems.

RustyB
Veteran

Jun 23, 2006, 1:58 PM

Post #17 of 21 (2065 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

.....I'm aware that it could flip as more people may eventually be calling for the stills over video. That's just the way it goes, it seems.

Do what earns you the most profit...the most earnings per hour. I'd LOVE for video to become a hobby again....I used to love making videos. Work is work...fun is fun. Cool

Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc

Toogy
User

Jun 26, 2006, 9:43 PM

Post #18 of 21 (2015 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've shot my last two weddings with a 30D with 17-55 F2.8 IS mounted on it and a 20D with the 70-200 F2.8 IS mounted on it. I really haven't needed to go any wider than 17mm.
It's great to not have to take a bag or anything, just two camera bodies, two lens and two flashes. With some backup equipment in the car, just in case.
The best part is that around here, you hardly ever get hired to cover the full reception, so you are done by 6pm.
I am no longer officially offering video, as photography is MUCH more profitable and EASIER to book.
------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
Digital ISO

http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 27, 2006, 12:21 AM

Post #19 of 21 (2005 views)
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Re: [Toogy] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hmmmmm ... sounds familiar. Wink

I shot a wedding this weekend with the same setup except for the bodies. I'm using two 20Ds. I also took a Digital Rebel along and let my daughter shoot with me. I moved my Tamron 28-75 to the Rebel and I used the 17-55 and the 70-200. I shot the entire day with the two.

I did find that I missed the additional length of the 28-75. My next wedding I'll probably leave the 17-55 on from the beginning through the cake cutting. After that I'll probably trade lenses with my daughter so that I have a bit more reach for the dancing. We have small venues, so the 70-200 isn't an option.

Between these three lenses I feel like I've got it covered. I'm not into the fish-eye look, so I'm not worried about that.

I can see that I'm going to have to purchase another body, but hopefully can wait till next year. My daughter is doing much better than I expected. Even though I just showed her how to set the ISO and put it on Program ... she's gotten some great shots for me. However, the Rebel is just way too inconsistant for my tastes. BTW ... this is the first D Rebel ... not the 350 or whatever the last one was.

Jenn M
Veteran

Jun 27, 2006, 12:20 PM

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Re: [Sparky] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Sparky,

Where do you normally shoot the vows from? Front center aisle, middle, or rear? I'm anxious to see how all these focal lengths will translate in the field.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 27, 2006, 4:51 PM

Post #21 of 21 (1979 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] Top picks for lenses. [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hey Sparky,

Where do you normally shoot the vows from? Front center aisle, middle, or rear? I'm anxious to see how all these focal lengths will translate in the field.

It's a real mix. I would have to say that the vast majority of churches that I work in (all denominations) are pretty lenient. I will go to either side to get some shots of the parents, I will wander half way up the center isle and of course shoot from the back or balcony.

Last Saturday I was relegated to the back of the church and could't come up more than half way on the sides. Also, no balcony. It was not one of my finest hours. There's only so many shots that you can get of the back of the bride and groom.

Overall, I would be lost during a ceremony without my Canon 70-200mm 2.8IS. I used to have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and it's a fine lens as well. I may or maynot have fallen into a trap that the IS is so much better. So far I haven't seen it, but if it lets me get a few more shots in at long range that are crisp ... then it's worth it.

I would say that 90 to 95% of my ceremony shots are with the 70-200.

Scott