What Nikon Lens' should I use for a wedding

[JWJ]

I'm assuming that I'll be working with low lighting, I've never done a wedding. What lens' would you recommend as being essential?

I have a nikon d60

[JWJ]

Also, should I get an external flash as well?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by JWJ

Also, should I get an external flash as well?

Yes..an SB900

If money is no object here are the lens choices to consider:
Fixed Focal lengths:
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4GQuick View
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4GQuick View
AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8DQuick View (good value)
AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4D IFQuick View (older model, but ~$400 less than latest 85mm)

Zooms:
**AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G EDQuick View (great choice, but $$$$)
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR IIQuick View (very pricy $$$$$)

** if you can only buy one and can afford this one, it would be my suggested choice, but ~$1900 US. It's a very well rated mid zoom with a fast fixed F/2.8 available throughout the full zoom range.

The above are all fast lenses, and if you are going to do weddings you will need to own some of these. But don't forget to look at third party fast lenses also..like Tokina, Tamron, and Sigma. You'll save some money, and many are rated right up with the Nikons in many areas, but there may be some autofocus issues using them on a D60

[sk66]

Originally Posted by JWJ

I'm assuming that I'll be working with low lighting, I've never done a wedding. What lens' would you recommend as being essential?

I have a nikon d60

I'd suggest hiring a second shooter.. One with the right gear.

[ravncat]

be careful with that sb900 - it`s a great flash, but if you aren`t ready for it, you`ll have issues. It shuts down when it overheats - and the overheat warning is at a temperature lower than it probably should be, so it may end up shutting down on you right when you need it - I`d either disengage the safety, and be careful - or give it a bit more cooldown time between shots so that you know it will be ready to fire....

[Almond.Butterscotch]

I should preface by saying I honestly don't think the gear makes the photographs.

That said, weddings are one of those things where if you have to ask what gear to use, you're probably not ready to shoot a wedding. For one thing, your D60 lacks the ability to go up in ISO when it needs to. Also, the basic wedding setup includes a 70-200mm f/2.8 and a 24-70mm f/2.8, often on two separate full-frame bodies. That's a $8000 setup, minimum.

Seriously- what sk66 is a good option.

[JWJ]

Thanks for all the answers guys! The groom is actually planning on renting the gear for me. I know I'm way under qualified to do a wedding, the groom just wants me to be the photographer for some reason. I appreciate the help, so I'm definitely seeing that I'm gonna need the 70-200mm f/2.8. Do you think I can get by with just that one or do I definitely need a seperate camera body with the smaller lens?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by JWJ

Thanks for all the answers guys! The groom is actually planning on renting the gear for me. I know I'm way under qualified to do a wedding, the groom just wants me to be the photographer for some reason. I appreciate the help, so I'm definitely seeing that I'm gonna need the 70-200mm f/2.8. Do you think I can get by with just that one or do I definitely need a seperate camera body with the smaller lens?

The 70-200 is a great lens, but on the long and heavy side, and in my opinion it should not be your general purpose lens. On your camera the 70mm is really 105mm, and it would eliminate all of your wide angle options. Once again, if only one lens were to be had, I would stick with the 24-70. I recently shot a wedding and had the Canon 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200mm lenses at my disposal. (all f/2.8's and borrowed from a friend) I'd say that 95% of the job was shot with the 24-70 and the 16-35mm. This was an outdoor wedding service, however, so there was no need to shoot from 100+ feet away in a church balcony.

[easyrider]

So the groom is going to rent you some equipment...what is the budget? Also, give us some of the wedding details because the answers you are looking for will vary depending on what and where you will be shooting.

There are a couple of things that are a must for a wedding...

1: The ability to put light where there is none...a flash. Hopefully you know that your on camera flash is near crap and should only be used at a birthday party or Christmas morning to capture those family moments...and even then it should only be a last option.

If you want one light, an SB-600 will do just fine. I have two and I've shot about 20 weddings in the past two years and I haven't had a problem with needing more light. If you can get two lights that's a good option, get an SB-900 so that you can use it as a master, and an SB-600 to use as a slave then you can do some off camera stuff, but make sure you practice before the wedding day or you will be overwhelmed.

2: A good-fast zoom. Since you are shooting with a crop sensor I'd suggest the Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8. I like to use prime lenses, but if you are looking for an all around lens to use get that one. You are going to need to go wide at times: processional. recessional, wedding party, bride and groom location, and at the reception. You can always get closer, but with a 70-200 you can only go so far back, and your angle of view will not be the same.

A backup body is nice, but if your camera isn't that old, and you've never had any problems with it I would say you are alright.

Make sure all your batteries are charged. I have 3 camera batteries, and 20 - AA rechargeable batteries.

Good luck.

[RandyRich]

Originally Posted by ravncat

be careful with that sb900 - it`s a great flash, but if you aren`t ready for it, you`ll have issues. It shuts down when it overheats - and the overheat warning is at a temperature lower than it probably should be, so it may end up shutting down on you right when you need it - I`d either disengage the safety, and be careful - or give it a bit more cooldown time between shots so that you know it will be ready to fire....

Good advise. I took my first wedding shots a few weeks back with sb900 and got a little crazy shooting multiple shots of each pose. Then it happened... no flash. It cooled down quickly but it was a lesson learned the hard way. Try to limit your shots to 2-3 for each pose if you are changing poses quickly.