Lens choice for a wedding

[Swisstony10]

So I'm doing a wedding in March, and although the lenses I have are fine for me for the time being (I'm going to get me some L glass soonish), I'm going to hire decent glass just for the weekend of the wedding - partially because I want better results on the day, and partially to try a couple of really expensive lenses out and see just how much better they are.

The thing is, now I can't decide on what to hire. I'm torn between a Canon EF 28-300 f3.5-5.6 L IS and the EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS..

Although I'm sacrificing a little speed with the 28-300, I'm gaining width for group shots, and both lenses have IS which will help. I'm going to check out the church (I'm allowed to shoot inside, apparently, although I should ask if I'm allowed to flash) and see what it's like in a couple of weeks, so I'll know how dim it's going to be, but I'm thinking the majority of my shots will be either outdoors, in the reception venue, where I'll be using studio flash, so the only place I might need the extra f-stops will be the church.

How about renting the EF 70-200 for the speed and L-ness, and chucking my halfway decent Sigma on my other camera (18 at the widest, and also has IS) for doing the groups?

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Russ.

[RichardTaylor]

This may help.

Canon Wedding Lens Recommendations

[Swisstony10]

Thanks for the link - I think I'm going to refer to that one again and again.

Gah - there are times when I really hate researching things on the internet. The Canon 24-70 f2.8 L lens is £1019 from my cheapest kit supplier here. From B&H in the US it's $1099, which works out to £672.

If only I knew someone from the US who was planning to visit the UK any time soon!

Russ.

[natek313]

The first lens that came to my mind is the EF 24-70 f/2.8L USM lens. Absolutely wonderful lens!

Personally, I would think a telephoto lens on the cropped sensor would be a little too long for a wedding. I'd stick to the wider end of the spectrum; but that's just me.

Instead of buying a lens, why not rent one?

[Swisstony10]

Originally Posted by Swisstony10

...I'm going to hire decent glass just for the weekend of the wedding - partially because I want better results on the day, and partially to try a couple of really expensive lenses out and see just how much better they are...

I'm doing a 2-day workshop at the end of this month, so I'm hiring the 24-70 F4 IS to see how I get on with it, and if it works for me, then I'll hire it again for the real thing in March.

I'm hoping to be visiting Hong Kong later in the year, so I'm anticipating a bit of "L" purchasing to occur then, where the prices are considerably better than here..

Russ.