Please help, new photographer question?

Question:i am very new at photography and am doing mostly babies and kids right now.
I am going to be doing a small wedding in a very small church/chapel in August and I am curious which of my three lenses would be ideal?
50mm F1.8
28-80 3.5-5.6
75- 300

I am figuring on using the 28-80.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i am very new at photography and am doing mostly babies and kids right now.
I am going to be doing a small wedding in a very small church/chapel in August and I am curious which of my three lenses would be ideal?
50mm F1.8
28-80 3.5-5.6
75- 300

I am figuring on using the 28-80.

Use the 28-80 - you'll need the flexibility - but I'd much prefer a wider aperture if I was doing the shooting! Forget the 75-300 as a moderate tele (80) will be fine for headshots and portraiture.

i'd say the 28-80. it's got a good range and fast enough aperture.

Of course, it depends on how close you can get - they can really all be used. Since it will be an inside wedding though, I recommend you use the f1.8 for anything that you want to get super sharp (like a closeup of the couple kissing or something like that). I am assuming that you're using a digital camera, and if that's the case, you can zoom in a little more when editing to crop in. The f1.8 lens, even though it's fixed, will give you the absolute best chance at "freezing" the shot with super clear results. Practice shooting stuff in your house first - anywhere that's inside - and see which one you prefer. Definitely bring all three though and practice switching out the lenses quickly! :) Good luck!

Inside the church I would use the f1.8 unless they allow flash, but for those shots where they take their vows, use the fast lens.

For all other shots the 28 - 80 will be fine, with a larger aperture you could use it nearly all the time.

Chris

Before anyone can truly answer this question, can you please confirm the film format or sensor size. Do we assume you are shooting on 35mm film?

ADDED: Ah, a Canon Rebel. I believe the sensor size is what, about 15 x 22 mm? Standard focal legth will therefore be somewhere between a 30mm & 40mm lens. I would definitely take the 50 mm as this will give you a comfortable telephoto and what a fast lens it is too. It's also more compact than the 28-80 lens and I just somehow prefer fixed focal length lenses.

I'd take the 28-80 along as well in case I need to take a wider shot! I can't see how you would need the 75-300mm lens unless you want to look close up at the moon on your way to the chapel.

Since you'll be in a variety of shooting situations from groups to the bride and groom to portraits and everything in between, I'd go for an 18-55 kit lens.

None of the lenses you have listed goes wide enough, especially with the crop factor.

Your biggest challenge will be lighting. Rent a big honkin' flash like a Metz and put a Garry Fong Lightsphere on it.

And please...if you don't have experience shooting weddings, back off and tell the couple to hire a seasoned pro.

Hope this helps.
V

I personally would suggest using the 75-300 during the ceremony to allow you to stand farther away and take photos. But for when the ceremony is over (or before it has begun) use the 28-80 to take photos of the guests, and of course the bride/groom and such.

The 50mm 1.8 is a good for some situations however you will require more focal range. Your best bet is to hire a lens but make sure it is a pro 2.8 lens if you are going zoom. Please don't tell me you are going to shoot a wedding with only one camera though, I assume you have a backup. I will also assume that you have at least two flash units and alot of experience. None of the othere lenses are suitable, at least not if you are charging for your services.

One thing to consider is what will the church allow. Photographers will call the church well in advance to understand their rules. Some do not want a photographer near the ceremony, in which case putting the 75-300 on a tripod well away from the couple will get you some pictures. Consider scoping out the church during a wedding in advance to get an idea of the lighting and perhaps what the photographer is taking for that wedding.

You may not be able to use flash, so figure on the 1.8. Churches are not known to be well-lit when it comes to photography.

Do you need to take pictures of the bridal party at the church as well? Often times you can take those outdoors, but if it is raining you will need some lighting equipment indoors.