Is a 50mm f/1.4 lens right for a wedding?

[OK_to_Point]

I'm going to be shooting my daughter's wedding in about two months and I was thinking, is a 50mm f/1.4 lens the right one for the formal shots? I've been reading alot about these lenses and I'm pretty sure this is the lens I need for the reception. Any thoughts out there on this?
So far, I only have the kit lens that came with the camera...Canon Rebel XS.....Thanks

[Carl911]

Im certainly no expert here but I have been in a similar situation trying to decide in my case whether to go for the 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8.
I borrowed a 50mm f/1.8 (the cheaper version) and got some really good results.
If you are after lots of background blur then you will need to get in pretty close which could feel a little intrusive at a wedding. If you are going to use a smaller aperature then you can stand back to a reasonable distance but then it kinda defeats one of the best aspects of the lense which is getting that lovely boquet around faces etc.
This was the reason that swayed my decision on the 85mm as this gives the same lovely effect but allows a little more distance, not a great deal more but just enough as to not be so invasive.
I guess all said and done, its a personal choice but I am happy with mine.
Either way, the 50mm is an excellent lense and I have heard nothing but praise for it.

Just my pennies worth.

carl

[kirbinster]

My advice is that it is totally the wrong lens. The only lenses to use at YOUR DAUGHTER'S are the ones that are part of your eyeballs. Why do you want to be behind a camera? Take the time to enjoy the event and let someone else be behind a camera!

[OK_to_Point]

I appreciate the fact I know it seems I should be enjoying the day and not the one shooting the photos. Fact is, they don't have the money to spend on a pro and I did my other daughter's wedding last year. The photos came out very good, but now I have a much better camera( a Kodak to a Canon) and I don't mind doing the shooting at all. I know there will be some shots I will miss, like walking her down the aisle, etc. I'm going to have to depend on someone else for those shots and they know that.This is my hobby and I look forward to it.
I've read plenty of stories where a wedding is best left to a pro and it usually is. However, they trust me to get alot of great shots and I believe I can deliver to their expectations. That's why I'm doing my homework now to prepare myself. I have one under my belt and I know I can improve in many areas. I believe the only way to get better is to keep shooting to get the shots the way you want them.
I know the lighting in churches is not the best and that is why I'm inquiring about the best lens to use for the formals.
I think it's best not to use flash for the formals, Correct?

[Trader]

I don't do weddings but a 50mm prime lens is not what I would take to a wedding shoot. I have one and I would not even bother to drag it along. That lens is often referred to as a normal lens or a nifty fifty. It is supposed to give you an image that is equivalent to what your normal eye's vision would see. To me, that is WAY more than what I want in a wedding shot. I want shots that are in tight and close ups of the people there. I would suggest you look into a 105mm prime or a telephoto like a 70-200mm. Might want to look at a Tamron 18-270mm telephoto that is a 15x zoom. It is not a fast lens but bang for the buck it will cover a lot of bases and different type of shots. That's my opinion and like I said I don't do weddings.

[Austin_HXC]

I actually just got my 85mm 1.8 yesterday, but I already love it!
It lets you stand far away enough to make the subject not self concious, but still close enough to direct them. And the bokeh is beautiful. Highly recommend it!

[anthonybeard]

I've only done one wedding, but my 50mm 1.4 is ALL i put on my camera, the whole day, period. its very versatile. my only beef was doing informal party shots indoors... since i am on a DX camera, its a bit of a squeeze.

if anything else, make sure you at least bring it along.

[sk66]

IMO, the 50 is WAY overrated...I would probably choose something in the 70-200mm range...for a fixed lens, something around 100mm and FAST is what you need... I personally would use my 80-200 f2.8. I'd recommend something faster if you can get it, the 85 f/1.8 would be about ideal for fixed lens and most shots.

[TerryL]

50mm 1.4 would be a great lens for a wedding on a 1.6 cropped frame is a 80mm and think about renting a 70-200 2.8 IS and you would be fine, shoot the 50mm 1.4 at 2.0 and up for super sharp pictures, just my .02 cents worth.

[kencaleno]

Yes you can cover a whole wedding with a 50mm prime, but if you have an 18-55mm kit lens that's handy for group shots. After 48 years of wedding photography,I can say go for it, you won't be disappointed. regards, Ken