If you could only have 2 lenses for a wedding...

[sb]

As a professional wedding photographer for 10 years, nothing makes me groan more.

Your post is of course entirely true, but I don't understand why this makes you groan. You know, as well as any other pro, that even a guest with identical gear and even identical skill level will not have pictures on par with what you'll produce. This is of course true because you are working hard at being ready for that right shot, whereas,  the other person is merely snapping at whatever happens to come their way. It's impossible to work and be a guest at the same.

I've had guests with sometimes better equipment than me but I couldn't care less because:

1) I get the prime spots whereas  they get the leftovers. If I had to shoot from where they are standing, I wouldn't even bother taking any shots (I'm not even kidding - if I have a choice between crappy angle and no picture, I choose no picture. It saves me the effort of filtering it out later). AND

2) I'm the one getting paid, whereas, they get to compete with iPhone pictures on facebook

So what I'm saying is - bring on the Leicas and Medium formats for all I care :-)

[kapanak]

I've only done six weddings all my life, so my opinion may be limited.

If you are going to use a full frame body, it is best if you get used to all its functions and can call them up without even thinking.

A 5DII or III and a grip are recommended. More than two batteries fully charged are highly recommended.

A good quality Flash is essential. Extra lighting and perhaps a light meter would also be very useful. Take gels too, if you know how to use them.

A TRIPOD is absolutely VITAL in many situations.

As for lenses, a 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4 with IS (I used 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II for all six) is THE must have lens, along with an 85mm f/1.2 II L or 135mm f/2.0 L are the basics that most wedding photographers take with them. A 24-70 is not necessarily essential, but it is recommended.

Some photographers like to take some wide angle primes or even a 50mm lens for the "crowd" shots and the group shots, especially during the reception, and also if space is limited.

Also, have patience, since you won't really enjoy the wedding yourself ... Be ready to receive some criticism for your photographs as well. And as a rule of thumb for me, ALWAYS shoot a photo twice ... at least twice.

[rhommel]

90% of my weddings:

70-200 F2.8L IS II
24-70 F2.8L I

 

[EYEONE]

If the light was good my current setup would work fine:
24-70mm f2.8L
70-200mm f2.8L IS II

But ideally I'd like this:
35mm f1.4L
135mm f2L

[wickidwombat]

for me the 16-35 f2.8L II and sigma 85 f1.4

both on their own 5D bodies works brilliantly
quite light  and compact

double rapid strap and you can shoot anything

[Dylan777]

Their current lenses to wedding are:
1. 24-70 f2.8 II

So you're saying they switched from the 24-70 mk1 to the mk2 asap - because they feel they have to have the latest gear, or does the mk2 really make a difference to them?

They always want and need the latest gear to help their daily job a bit easier. Two of them are my best friends since high school. All four placed pre-order right after the annoucment. One of them tried the new Tamron, but returned the lens back to BH, due to the bad AF.

Most of them own 4-5 5D III bodies &  1-2 1D X bodies. They always paired up for wedding to cover end to end. Kinda fun to see them in action at wedding.

[Rofflesaurrr]

So I took most of your advice and rented the 24-70 and 70-200. The gear should be here on Thursday. Wedding is on Saturday.

Also, I'm not just showing up as a guest with a camera. He specifically asked me if I could help. There's also some times when the other photographer won't be able to be in 2 places at once. I'm definitely not pro, or claiming to be. He can't afford to hire a real wedding photographer, so I'm doing what I can. I'm a fan of available light photographs, so we're hoping I can get some good shots that wouldn't be possible with her crop body, slow lenses, and flash.

I'll report back after the wedding with samples for you guys to critique lol. Thanks for the advice!

[Dylan777]

So I took most of your advice and rented the 24-70 and 70-200. The gear should be here on Thursday. Wedding is on Saturday.

Also, I'm not just showing up as a guest with a camera. He specifically asked me if I could help. There's also some times when the other photographer won't be able to be in 2 places at once. I'm definitely not pro, or claiming to be. He can't afford to hire a real wedding photographer, so I'm doing what I can. I'm a fan of available light photographs, so we're hoping I can get some good shots that wouldn't be possible with her crop body, slow lenses, and flash.

I'll report back after the wedding with samples for you guys to critique lol. Thanks for the advice!

5D III + 24-70 II and 70-200 f2.8 IS II = "SUPER COMBO"

If the locations are well lit, the gear you rented will do just fine. I'm not sure you will need flash, but it's better to have one on hand.

Since you are Nikon shooter in the past, make sure you give yourself plenty of times to play with 5D III - get to know all settings and button locations.

Stay away from "Green" & "P" mode...have fun and post some pics