I am shooting a wedding this weekend and will be my first, want advice on lens for Canon EOS 20D

Question

I have currently EF 55-200mm 4.5-5.6, 18-55mm EF-S 3.5-5.6, and i am renting a EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, I have no flash, but the internal one, it should be a nice day, I am in Vancouver BC., calls for sun!

Answer 1

As someone else said you will need a good flash. I recommend the 580EX. A flash bracket would be a good idea as well. Also you need a faster lens than the ones you listed. The 100-400mm is way to big. If you are the photographer you should be able to get up close. A good choice would be the 24-70mm F2.8L. You really don't need the long telephoto zooms. With the 2 lenses you own and the 24-70 F2.8 you should be o.k.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/26...

I would also pick up a flash diffuser. This will help soften the effects of the flash.

Answer 2

Hmm...outdoor service?  Something faster than those might be nice if you're doing anything indoors.  Maybe an f/1.4 50mm.

Answer 3

Sun demands that you have an external flash to fill in shadows. The internal will not do. Rent a flash too and a diffuser for it.

I repeat...internal flash will not do!

Please assure me that you will not be the only photographer on this shoot!

Edited to add...glad you decided on the flash and will practice. Email me if you have any questions, perhaps I can help.

Professional Photgrapher for over 30 years.

Answer 4

Please take heed of the suggestions the first four posters have offered!

It's your call, but I can think of absolutely no reason to take a 100-400 to a wedding shoot.

You DEFINITELY need that 580 flash.  And an off-camera bracket. And a diffuser.  AND the knowledge and experience to use them effectively.

You're not doing this professionally, are you?  I only ask this because your questions make it clear that you have no experience with  this sort of thing.

That's why Capnsnuf said "don't forget the weber."  That's the name of the barbque grill the bride will use to cook your backside if you s***w up her wedding photos!

Answer 5

All I can do is agree with Jim M. I sure HOPE there is going to be a real pro there doing photos also, because it is painfully obvious you are in dire need of knowledge and equipment. Just as a for instance, you are happy that it calls for a sunny day... in reality, that is one of the worse things you could wish for. It will cause harsh shadows on faces with black eye sockets.. (that is why you need a powerful flash to fill in the shadows). Also, you will likely have exposure issues with extremes of shadow and highlights on a sunny day. What happens when the bride and groom want a photo done and the sun is shineing in their eyes? Do you have a scrim to put up to get the photo? I know, you do not know what that even is... I rest my case.

I realize everyone has to start somewhere, but a wedding is NEVER the place to start. You need experience working with another pro photographer, or at the bare minimum taking lots of photos at weddings just as an observer and comparing them to pro shots. When you are as good as the pro... then you can start thinking about doing it all on your own. Even then, you better have backup equipment because sooner or later, you will have something fail or get broken. Don't forget liability insurance too. Someone trips over a camara case, and your up s..t creek without a paddle.

At least for now get the 580 flash and learn to use it, and forget that 100-400 lens which is useless at a wedding. That is an effective 160-640 focal range on your camera. What are you wanting to do... get close up shots of sweat on the bride's face???

PLEASE get someone experienced to do the shoot.

steve

Answer 6

don't forget the weber.

Answer 7

I just want to wish you good luck this weekend.  Sounds like your friends couldn't afford a professional photographer, and I think it is very nice of you to do this for them.   I'm sure you will do the best job that you can.  

I have the 430EX flash and it has a diffuser built in.  It's in the top, and I can just swing it down in front of the flash.   I haven't had a chance to use it yet though!  

So just relax at the wedding and shoot lots of pics.   I'm sure there will be a lot of good ones that they can choose from.  And again, good luck!