Which lens for weddings

Phil Wood

Phil Wood

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Philip wood
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I am a Wedding and Portrait photographer and have canon 5D and 30D (24-105L IS USM) and various other non L lenses I very much like the feel and reach of the TAMRON 28-200 but it is not fast enoph for shots in poor light without flash. I would like help to choose the best lens for my shots in Church and other low light situations not using flash. Favourite seems to be canon (70-200 f2.8 IS USM) but your comments on this and other lenses would be helpfull. Thanks all
:thinking:
 
Canon 85mm f1.2L is a belter of a wedding lens so I'm told, as is a 16-35 f2.8 for a different perspective..

Are you looking to take traditional wedding shots?

Also, what's your budget?
 
I was reading a thread similar to this on another site a few days ago, the general consensus was that you are better with a couple of lenses, 50mm and 85/105mm both 2.8 or faster. I can't offer any other help, not something i would be brave enough to attempt at present.

Rob.
 
I would guess the f2.8 range wont be fast enough inside a church really. if your unsure perhaps hire a lens and see what you think before commiting to the expense?
 
Just so I'm clear here - you're a wedding photographer charging people and don't know what lens you need for what you shoot?

Have I got that right?
 
Have been looking at the 135 F2.0L and that seems good does anyone rate this or would the lack of flexibility be a problem ??
 
which camera will you be using this on?

where do you usually shoot from in the church?

if your going prime you need to look at the exif in your shots and see which focal length you use the most for this type of shot to see which is best suited for your needs
 
It's a fantastic lens for headshots and portraits, but you haven't said what you want to shoot with it other than 'weddings'. It's not much good if you want something in the 16-105mm range....and personally I don't believe f4 glass is fast enough for UK weddings anyway so would be looking very hard at the 24-105 for replacement.
 
Radiohead said:
Just so I'm clear here - you're a wedding photographer charging people and don't know what lens you need for what you shoot?

Have I got that right?
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Correct my head is not in the sand and I very much appreciate the opinion of many people on TP. I do of course know what results I am looking for. If a New better lens came along I may miss it for ever if I did not have my eyes wide open.
 
That wasn't a loaded question Phil - but the best person to decide what you need is you. If you're be paid to do this you must have an idea of what you're looking for. So far you haven't said - and in replacing a 28-300 you could be looking for anything.
 
fletch5 said:
which camera will you be using this on?

where do you usually shoot from in the church?

if your going prime you need to look at the exif in your shots and see which focal length you use the most for this type of shot to see which is best suited for your needs
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I am shooting at about 80mm in the church on the 30D which would put me something over 100mm on the 5D looks like I may be short of flexability. Thanks for your help.
 
an 85mm f1.2L would be perfect then by the sounds of it on the 30d. if that is a bit too expensive or big/heavy(it is supposedly massive and heavy, i know CT has/had one). the 85mm 1.8 is supposedly very good.

or a 135 on the 5d, i havent heard much about duff primes to be fair. but renting first if needed would make sure you got the right one for the job.
 
It's big, heavy and expensive but worth it. It's very slow to focus though and wouldn't be my first choice for ceremony use. The shallow DOD at f1.2 also takes time to master and won't suit a focus and recompose shooter.
 
Radiohead said:
It's big, heavy and expensive but worth it. It's very slow to focus though and wouldn't be my first choice for ceremony use. The shallow DOD at f1.2 also takes time to master and won't suit a focus and recompose shooter.
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It's certainly slow to focus, but once you're in the general area, it doesn't take too long to get there.

Definitely NOT one to focus-recompose with wide open, as you said.
 
but it would cope with a dark church, with really crap lighting;)meaning you would get a shot rather than none.

perhaps the 1.8 would be the better option then
 
the 1.8 on the 5D looks to be an easy option if it's fast enoph, I would go the extra £900 for the 1.2 if not. If anyone feels that 1.8 is not fast enoph or is happily using one in low light conditions I would appreciate your views. i'm happy with the 85mm focal length.
For groups etc. I am quite happy using the 24-105 with 580 speedlite and find the DOF OK at f4. I am only looking for the new lens to use where flash is not an option.
Thanks all for your much valued opinion.
 
If you're looking for a lens for headshots then I'd go for the 85/1.8. It's faster to AF than the 1.2, very decent wide open, much more affordable. Lots of wedding shooters use one.
 
Radiohead said:
If you're looking for a lens for headshots then I'd go for the 85/1.8. It's faster to AF than the 1.2, very decent wide open, much more affordable. Lots of wedding shooters use one.
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Thanks Radiohead it's the 1.8 Then and perhaps a bottle of Champayne for the Wife.
:clap::clap::clap:
 
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