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

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?

Fully compatible, yes, no worries there. I doubt if you would see much difference between the 24-70/2.8 II and the original version, or even a more modest lens, with your 400D's 10MP sensor, especially if you have to bump up the ISO speed. Also a big heavy lens like the 24-70/2.8 (it's over 800 g) handles best with a larger, heavier body so you may not get a true impression of the lens wrt your future purchase.

I tend to agree with BAK that a longer lens like the 70-200/2.8 might be better suited to your role. It would be no good for groups but then will you be shooting groups? Do you have a decent quality standard zoom which you could have with you in case you need it?