Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L II USM - Rent for a wedding

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it. I hadn't given much thought to a prime lens (or two), though my brother in law lent me his 85mm prime lens recently which is great (though I've not had time to indulge in full). The prime lens is definitely worth consideration.

I have an additional motive for the zoom in that I don't really carry a good portrait lens, not a standard zoom anyway. I've managed photographing my family (inc. kids) and other events with a 50mm prime and a 70-300mm IS USM, but have an interest in purchasing (longer term) a decent lens that I can use for family pictures before my kids get too old. I don't carry any L Series Lenses. And so I was interested in hiring something that in the longer term I might consider purchasing.

That said, the 24-70mm F2.8 || USM is a little out of my budget, hence my question about the first version of the lens. I need to appreciate the enhancements that come with the second version of the lens so thought I'd ask before researching. I should acquaint myself with a browser as well as seeking answers in a forum.

Thanks for your help. I'll give the primes further consideration.

ButtersUK

diness wrote:

ButtersUK wrote:

Hi Everyone,

My brother in law is getting married in October and has asked that I, along with a few other guests, capture some photos to supplement the photos taken by their photographer.

I'm therefore looking at hiring a lens. Whilst I this not a requirement I'm also using as an opportunity to give a lens a try. I've read that the Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L II USM (or first version) would be good.

I think the wide aperture will help in the darker parts of the day too (given it's an October wedding). I'm also considering taking my 70-300mm IS lens though I'd hope not to use it much. I'll also keep my mid range flash on the body through out the day.

So to my question. Is this the best lens for a weddding? Will I or the bride/groom be able to see the difference between the II or I version of the 24-70mm lens (i.e. will the first version of this lens be adequate?).

Is there a better lens and if so what is it?

Finally, my body is inexpensive. I carry a Canon 400D (Rebel in the US I think), so it's not like I'm carrying a body with a full frame sensor. I presume the lens is completely compatible?

Yes, it's compatible (although it is a wide/normal lens on full frame and a little more of a normal/mid tele on a crop camera)

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

Regards

ButtersUK

First of all, it's a fantastic lens. Super sharp and it is a pretty standard wedding lens along with the 70-200 2.8. Most often wedding photogs would use this combo on a full frame camera though.

the 24-70 would do a great job on your camera, but if I were you I would at least consider a different route..

Because there is a professional photographer and multiple other photographers, you do not need to worry about missing the important shots (this is one of the reasons pros often carry these two zooms because you can't miss a shot as the main photographer).

Because you don't need to worry about missing a shot, I would try and make your shots stand out by carrying two primes with you. You could use a 35 f2 IS and an 85mm 1.8 or carry a 35mm 1.4 and a 135L or something like that. If you use these two lenses correctly, you will be able to get some incredible shots that you can't get with a 2.8 zoom. And because there's other photographers, you won't need to worry about missing a shot because they'll cover it anyway.

Consider that thought at least, but the 24-70 would do great.