Lens for Nikon D3000 - Wedding

[gpanos2]

Hi everyone,

I would just like to first say I'm not very experienced in photography, so that is why I am asking these questions!

I'm renting (or if the budget allows, purchasing) a new lens this coming May. I want a good lens that I can use for a variety of things. There are two main events that I have been asked to photograph, one a wedding and the other a charity dance show. I am looking for a lens for my Nikon D3000, something not too expensive since I am a student and still have to pay for school. I have an old Russian Zenit tele-zoom lens that I use with an adapter on my Nikon, but that really won't cut it. I already have a SB600 flash and a kit lens.

Which lens would you suggest I buy?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and help.

[candleman]

ooh.

how close will you be during the dance show.

for a wedding i'd suggest a 24-70 f/2.8
24mm is often not wide enough, so something like a 17-55 f/2.8 would be a good alterative if it's a small venue.

[autofocus]

I hope you, and the people that asked (hired) you to shoot these events know that you, as a novice photographer, have considered taking on a monumental task. Limited knowledge, and limited equipment do not paint a rosey outcome. Sorry to say, but you may not be quite ready for this.

[gpanos2]

I forgot to mention that I'm not the official photographer of the wedding. They have already hired a photographer, I'm just doing this for my friend for free. I just want to do my best, that is why I am asking help for a lens since mine is not very versatile. Unfortunately I know I'm not ready or a big task like this!

Thanks candleman, I'll look into renting the lens!
I'm going to be very close to the stage as far as I know.

Thanks again everyone.