I was wondering what gear do most wedding photographers place in their camera bags. I usually just bring a long lens (70-200), a super wide (12-24) and my two camera bodies when shooting weddings.

So whats yours?:)

Hi Nino. Most wedding photographers carry 2 bodies (in case the other one malfunctions or if they dont want to get caught changing lenses during a "decisive moment". :Shock: ) You are off to a good start with your gear but I suggest that your next purchase should be a mid range lens.. one of my favorites a 24-70 mm 2.8.

Heres what I carry in my camera bag:

3 Bodies Canon 5d, Canon 20d Canon 10d with 10 batteries ( I hate recharging )
3 Flashes 580 Ex, 550 Ex, ST-E2
10 Gig worth of memory cards ( yes, I shoot in raw when I doubt the lighting condition or if its a major highlight of the wedding)

Lenses:
15mm
16-35mm 2.8 L
50mm macro 2.5
28-135 3.5-5.6
24-70mm 2.8 L
85mm 1.2 L
70-200mm 2.8 L

I use a pwerbook G4 for my slide shows but am drooling for the new
17" Mac Book Pro :Love:

Oh and while I am at it, if you do offer slide shows, I suggest you check out the new Lexar firewire. I am amazed at the speed it has. It can download 2 gig memory card at 6 mins tops. (normally 20 mins)

Now if I absoulutely had only 1 lens to choose for a full coverage, to cover most of my needs, on a full frame, it would have to be a 24-70 2.8, but I cant live without the other babies I have:Grin:

Hi Everyone,

Wow Ms. Tuason, I guess you have a very heavy camera bag. :)

I am using two 300Ds, a sigma 18-125mm, an EF 50mm f/1.8 and an EF 70-200mm f/4. I'm also using a Sigma EF500DG ST and a Sunpak Auto 555 for additonal lighting. I guess my camera bag is not so heavy.. :D

I don't do weddings professionally, but I've done a few for some friends. I would take my:
D70 with the 17-55mm DX 2.8
D200 with the 70-200mm VR 2.8
SB-800 with a LSPJ2
SB-800 (I borrow a friend's...) with a Sto-fen

The other lenses that would be next in line to be used :
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8
Lensbaby 2.0

Since Mimi and I shoot together, our gear is typically in 1 big bag, 1 small bag and 2 belt packs.

We bring 3 bodies 2 20D's and a D60 for backup.
3 flashes 2 sigma ef500 super dg and a Sunpak 120J (on a lightstand)

lenses include
Canon 17-40 4L
Canon 70-200 2.8L
Canon 50mm 1.8 II
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 100mm macro 2.8
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS
Lensbaby 1.0

accessories
2 stofens and 1 lightsphere
1 canon off cam shoe cord
2 circular polarizing filters for the 17-40 and the 28-135
2 pocket wizard plus transmitters and 1 pw plus receiver
reflector

laptop
12" Ibook

I bring a tripod, monopod and a step ladder which I usually leave in the car

Hi Everyone,

Wow Ms. Tuason, I guess you have a very heavy camera bag. :)

I am using two 300Ds, a sigma 18-125mm, an EF 50mm f/1.8 and an EF 70-200mm f/4. I'm also using a Sigma EF500DG ST and a Sunpak Auto 555 for additonal lighting. I guess my camera bag is not so heavy.. :D


Yes very heavy...which is why i have extra crew just to carry and watch my gear:Grin:

Hey lensbabies users,

I noticed that there are several of you who use lensbabies. Is it a worthwhile lens or is it something we can do in photoshop? Oh and is there only 1 focal length for it?

Thanks
Pilar:)

I was wondering what gear do most wedding photographers place in their camera bags. I usually just bring a long lens (70-200), a super wide (12-24) and my two camera bodies when shooting weddings.

So whats yours?:)
Ok bro, here are my stuff inside my camera rolling bag. (for wedding shoot)
2 Nikon D2X body
1 custom brackets (flash brackets for D2 series)
18-200vr 3.5-5.6
70-200vr 2.8
2 SB800 speedlight
36pcs nimh AA batteries
4 extra EN EL4
1 SD8A battery back (for quick flash recycling time)
2 6gb microdrive
2 4gb microdrive
1 lenspen
face towel

sureclix,

as much as you probably love your username, but we don't hide in anonymity here. we're all friend. if you read the rules and regulations during registration, it is actually required that the username is your real name.

thank you.

nino carandang

Hey lensbabies users,

I noticed that there are several of you who use lensbabies. Is it a worthwhile lens or is it something we can do in photoshop? Oh and is there only 1 focal length for it?

Thanks
Pilar:)
If I may, the Lensbaby is a cool thing to have. I especially like to use it for dreamy detail shots (bouquet, rings, etc) during prep shoots. However, the effect can be duplicated in Photoshop (I think most anything can be done in PS :D)

Also, the accordion design of the Lensbaby allows you to vary the focal length according to the distance of the subject.

Hope this helps :)

Greetings
wow you guys are packed, ready and loaded,
My camera bag has a Canon 20D and 300D for backup, a 550ex with stofen
my lens are
canon efs10-22mm f3.5-4.5
sigma 24-70 f 2.8
canon 35-135 f4-5.6
and I'm still planning to get my hands on a canon 70-200 f2.8 hopefully I can get it by June.
I have been comparing the shots the of canon 24-70 f2.8 with my sigma 24-70 f2.8 and I can see the big difference, the question is will it be wise if get a canon 24-70 or should I stick with my sigma and just get the canon 70-200 f2.8, any suggestions?
Thanks a lot.

Greetings
wow you guys are packed, ready and loaded,
My camera bag has a Canon 20D and 300D for backup, a 550ex with stofen
my lens are
canon efs10-22mm f3.5-4.5
sigma 24-70 f 2.8
canon 35-135 f4-5.6
and I'm still planning to get my hands on a canon 70-200 f2.8 hopefully I can get it by June.
I have been comparing the shots the of canon 24-70 f2.8 with my sigma 24-70 f2.8 and I can see the big difference, the question is will it be wise if get a canon 24-70 or should I stick with my sigma and just get the canon 70-200 f2.8, any suggestions?
Thanks a lot.

I would go for the 70-200 first since you already have 2 lenses that cover 24-70. Once you have the extra cash, get the 24-70 canon. :)

Thanks for the suggestion, will do that.

Hey lensbabies users,

I noticed that there are several of you who use lensbabies. Is it a worthwhile lens or is it something we can do in photoshop? Oh and is there only 1 focal length for it?

Thanks
Pilar:)

what are lensbabies?? sorry first time to encounter the term...

what are lensbabies?? sorry first time to encounter the term...

Lensbabies are these special lenses that have a "sweet spot" that is sharp while it keeps other areas blurred. You can have the sweet spot at any place of your photo because you can move the lens tube.

Here's their website where you can get more info about it: http://www.lensbabies.com.



Karl

Canon 20D, Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 EX DC, Canon 24-70mm F/2.8, Canon 70-200mm F/2.8, Canon 430EX

thank you so much karl... though i haven't actually seen one yet at least now i know what it is... the site really helped...

I would go for the 70-200 first since you already have 2 lenses that cover 24-70. Once you have the extra cash, get the 24-70 canon. :)

i use a 10D and a 300D... lenses include 28-135mm, 18-55mm, 85mm... given the choice between a 24-70 vs. 70-200, and assuming budget is not an issue but budget would only allow one of the two, which one would you advise me to acquire first?

i use a 10D and a 300D... lenses include 28-135mm, 18-55mm, 85mm... given the choice between a 24-70 vs. 70-200, and assuming budget is not an issue but budget would only allow one of the two, which one would you advise me to acquire first?


I would go for the 70-200 :) You already have a beautiful portrait lens the 85 for tight locations and you have the 28-135. You need a long lens for candids. When you have extra cash, I would still get the 24-70 2.8

Pilar

copy that... will do... :) thank you so much... i thought as much... i just needed the reassurance hehehe... salamat ulit

hmmm i dont even need a bag to carry my gear hehehe
ooppss :(

maybe one of these days pag wala itong trabaho that gets in the way :Grin:

oops... i replied to this thread already pala hahaha

uy aly bigat din niyan & you forgot the Flash :D

ay oo.. hahaha flash pa nga pala... gleng.. tipong si willy has a knack for detail... i think kanais nais na quality yan sa gustong maging magaling na photog ... this serves as a reminder for me to consider each and every small bit of detail.. it might just give me a good edge

Heres what I carry in my camera bag:

3 Bodies Canon 5d, Canon 20d Canon 10d with 10 batteries ( I hate recharging )
3 Flashes 580 Ex, 550 Ex, ST-E2
10 Gig worth of memory cards ( yes, I shoot in raw when I doubt the lighting condition or if its a major highlight of the wedding)

Lenses:
15mm
16-35mm 2.8 L
50mm macro 2.5
28-135 3.5-5.6
24-70mm 2.8 L
85mm 1.2 L
70-200mm 2.8 L

I use a pwerbook G4 for my slide shows but am drooling for the new
17" Mac Book Pro :Love:



Hi Pilar! Wow, you've got a lot of stuff in that bag... must be heavy to carry around.
What sort of bag do you use for all these stuff?

TIA.

:)

I am a newbie in photography and owns a 300d with kit lens, 50mm, and 75-300mm lens. I would like to cover wedding events and wish to buy an additoinal lens. I would like to solicit some advices as to what affordable lens should I buy for the purpose of using it during the wedding ceremony. If in case I dispose my 75-300mm, what is the recommended setr up?
Thanks!!

I'm not a full time wedding photographer

D70s (sold D100)
28-80 f2.8
80-200 f2.8
sb800
Flip-it with diffuser (sold Light sphere)
tripod

During Dressup (Wedding preparation):
Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro
Canon 50mm 1.4 + Kenkoo Extension Tubes set

During Wedding Event:
Canon 5D + 24-70 2.8L + 580ex + CP-E2 Battery
Canon 1d Mark II N + 70-200 2.8L IS + 580ex + CP-E2 Battery
plus Canon 30D + 17-40 4L + 430ex for my Assistant

Extras:
85mm 1.8
135mm 2L

Im guessing Iphoto? :)

Hi Pilar, What software do you use when creating a slideshow?

Dex

Use the PM function for that. There's also a thread regarding slideshow and gallery software.

Generally, I use the following:

20D
24-70/2.8
70-200/2.8
8mm Fisheye Sigma

When I'm bored
Another 20D with 30/1.4 Sigma
Lensbaby 2.0

hi dino, how's the Sigma 30mm 1.4? I've heard a lot of backfocus problems with that lens. :D

I like my sigma 30/1.4 very much. I don't experience much backfocus problem but there are some. Although I'm not sure if that problems was caused by camera, lens or me. :)

It's not fast as canon but good enough.

hi, dino i would like to buy a sigma 8mm fisheye for creative wedding shots but worried that the 1.6 crop factor won't give me circular looking images. can i see some sample pics?

i'm interested how that looks too dino..

You can see a lot of 8mm sigma shots in my blog.

http://www.dinolara.com/blog

I use it a lot during weddings.

Cameras:
Nikon D200
Nikon D70
Nikon F100 (yes its film based hehe)
Canon Powershot Pro1

Lenses:
Tokina 12-24 f/4 - I love shooting really wide :) (also usable with fim bodies)
Nikon 18-70 f/3.5-4.5
Nikon 17-55 f/2.8
Nikon 35-70 f/2.8
Nikon 50 f/1.8
Nikon 80-200 f/2.8

Flashes:
2 SB-800
1 SB-26
1 220 EX

CF Cards:
around 10 GB worth

FILM:
Kodak HD 400
Kodak Pro Image 100

Kodak 24 Disposables and a Nokia N73 camera phone..

@Tj
Is the lensbaby easy to use? Do they sell that here in the Philippines?

Canon 20D, Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 EX DC, Canon 24-70mm F/2.8, Canon 70-200mm F/2.8, Canon 430EX

Hi what do you find yourself using more in weddings the 18-50 or the 24-70 and why? Thanks :Grin:

Hi what do you find yourself using more in weddings the 18-50 or the 24-70 and why? Thanks :Grin:

hi vince! you can check out answers to a similar question here (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=635) :D HTH

Dex

Kodak 24 Disposables and a Nokia N73 camera phone..


sigh, wish i could use the same gear.

in my bag are 2 bodies, two main lenses, 2 flashes with stofens and 2 off camera flash cables. in it also are a 70-200 2.8, 50 1.7, and 24 2.8.

:<)

hello to all,

i'm relatively new here,
i have a 350d with 18-55 II, 580ex
i'm planning to buy a new lens these sept.
what's your recommendation
choosing between sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 24-70 L 2.8 & s4 - 105 4 is
or is there a better one
i will use it at a wedding
ill get the 50 1.8 II too

tnx,
john john

hello to all,

i'm relatively new here,
i have a 350d with 18-55 II, 580ex
i'm planning to buy a new lens these sept.
what's your recommendation
choosing between sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 24-70 L 2.8 & s4 - 105 4 is
or is there a better one
i will use it at a wedding
ill get the 50 1.8 II too

tnx,
john john

hi, just a suggestion, if your on a tight budget get the 24-70 sigma but if your pocket is a little deeper go get the canon 24-70 f2.8L.
good luck.:)

Hello everyone I am new here and these are what I usually carry in my bag.

2 Bodies 20D and 350D with 2 batteries each
Canon 580EX and Sigma 500DG Super
8 sets of rechargable batteries and 8 sets of Alkaline batteries
Gary Fong Lightsphere II and 2x Omni bounce diffuser
WhiBal G6, Kodak Grey Card, and ExpoDisc
Sekonic Flashmate L308s
Digimate II enclosure with 80G Harddisk & Apacer Steno 211 with 40G Harddisk
4x 1G CF card
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
Tamrom 28-75mm f/2.8
Canon 50mm f/1.8

:)

Here's mine.

20D and 350D with spare batts each
580EX, 420EX, ST-E2, with stands and umbrellas
4 sets of NiMH 2500 MAh Energizer batts
2 sets of 2CR5 batts
4 1 Gb CF Cards

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8
Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4
Tamrom 28-75mm f/2.8
Canon 50mm f/1.8

2 Card Readers
Laptop

I usually work with a partner to man the other cam, and an assistant to watch over the gear. :)

You can also try a tamron 28-75, or even a 17-50 :)
The 17-55 area is a great range for events.

hello to all,

i'm relatively new here,
i have a 350d with 18-55 II, 580ex
i'm planning to buy a new lens these sept.
what's your recommendation
choosing between sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 24-70 L 2.8 & s4 - 105 4 is
or is there a better one
i will use it at a wedding
ill get the 50 1.8 II too

tnx,
john john

hello to all,

i'm relatively new here,
i have a 350d with 18-55 II, 580ex
i'm planning to buy a new lens these sept.
what's your recommendation
choosing between sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 24-70 L 2.8 & s4 - 105 4 is
or is there a better one
i will use it at a wedding
ill get the 50 1.8 II too

tnx,
john john

John,

If you have the budget spring for the 24-70L or the 24-105L. It is a matter of preference and temperament. Many like the 24-70 f2.8L for it's

If you go 3rd party, consider also the tamron 28-75 Di. It is not as wide but I owned this lens and used it for over 2 years in weddings and I can vouch for it when I say it is on par in IQ with an L. And you save yourself a lot of money to boot.

If you opt for a 24-70 sigma. Just make sure you get it from JT Photo and you test, test, test, test it well, because there are some problems in QC and you don't want to keep returning it or whatever.

2-3 years ago, there were no 17-55 IS or 17-50 or 16-50 f2.8s. Now you have the sigma 18-50 f2.8 (again, test test test test test!). If you have the money (about P55k I think), get the ef-s 17-55 f2.8 IS. That will replace your kit lens effectively. If you are on a budget, get the tamron 17-50 f2.8 Di-II. I think that's around P24-25k whereabouts. I haven't checked, but it should be in that ballpark. Then get a decent prime for the savings such as a 85mm f1.8 or in my case a 100 f2 usm. Or add a bit more and get yourself a wider lens in the form of a ef-s 10-22.

With weddings, you will find that 17mm is not going to be wide enough for certain situations. And you will encounter them a lot. So, some econo lineup can be made by combining lenses. These are just my preferences if it were me.


lineup 1:

- ef-s 10-22 P35k
- tamron 28-75 Di f2.8 P23k

lineup 2:
- ef-s 10-22 P35k
- tamron 17-50 f2.8 P25k (?)



Then you can add a sigma 50-150 f2.8 or a tokina 50-135 f2.8 later when they are available and you have the money.

When I was able to save money for my lineup I went this route:

ef-s 10-22
ef 24-105L f4L IS

My old lineup was:

tamron 17-35 f2.8-4.0 Di
tamron 28-75 f2.8 Di
50 f1.8 mk2
100 f2 usm and a 1.4x TC

I also got a 50-200 f3.5-4.5L as a backup and my long lens just in case. But I hardly use this at all. So, it's just there in case I need longer reach and my 28-75 conks out.

I will likely go for the 70-200 f4L IS later on. Or suck it up and go for the f2.8L IS. Pero matagal pa ito. I'll keep an eye on the 50-150 f2.8 and the 50-135 f2.8, but without IS it's tough. So, I will go for the IS even if f4 is 1 stop slower.

Again, it is a matter of preference. My lineup now is slower than it was with the tamron's BUT my current lineup now is more versatile. With IS, I can shoot slow shutter speeds at 1/6-1/8 sec at 105mm assuming subjects are not moving much. In weddings, they aren't moving that much, so it is good for me. I couldn't do that with my 28-75 f2.8 tamron. So, IS is very important now to me.

If I need blur or bokeh or shallow DOF, the 2 primes are always there.

You also notice that I am covered from 10mm to 105mm in 2 lenses with my new setup. I don't need IS on the wide end, as you can handhold the lens at 1/8 -1/15 sec without blur at 10mm. So, it may be a slower lineup but it is more versatile and better due to the range, and IS.


I also suggest that you hold off the 50 f1.8 mk2 till you get to use the 24-70 or 28-75 Di, or whatever it is you decide. The reason is when I got my 28-75 Di, it was as good as the prime at f50mm, f2.8. Unless you are sure about using the prime at f1.8-2.0-2.2 often, see if the zooms will be enough for you.

Again, this is just playing around with figures and ranges. But you will find that these are the basic staples of a wedding shooter. You will find that the 24-70 range is most used (about 85-90%). But you will find that you will need a 10-17/20/22 range for those tight rooms or when the entire barangay is on the altar for group pictures. That's when 17mm isn't going to be enough unless you back off a lot. But then, you weaken your flash, and you bring in other elements into your frame, like the flowers on the pew and other guests shooting. If you had a 10-14mm lens, you wouldn't have to backup.

What you need to decide, if you have the money, is whether you will go 24-70L or 24-105L IS knowing you gain IS but lose a stop with the 24-105L. Both are good choices, but it may boil down to your style or preference.

hello to all,

i'm relatively new here,
i have a 350d with 18-55 II, 580ex
i'm planning to buy a new lens these sept.
what's your recommendation
choosing between sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 24-70 L 2.8 & s4 - 105 4 is
or is there a better one
i will use it at a wedding
ill get the 50 1.8 II too

tnx,
john john

I love my 24-70L. I suggest you save for it. But if i"m in your case, I'll buy 70-200/2.8L first to complete the range. At the same time, get the 50/1.8 but if you can stretch it further, get the 50/1.4.

just want to revive this 4 year thread... lets see the difference of the gears today and gears 4 years ago...

ill start.
Nikon D700 + grip
Nikon D300
3 Batteries and charger
Nikkor 24-70 F2.8
Nikkor 80-200 F2.8
Nikkor 35mm F1.8
SB-600
SB-900
3pcs Portable SIMA LED light
Monopod
Radio trigger
Sandisk cards 4gb 8gb 16gb.
Macbook 13" and external Seagate HD

4 bodies:
d700
d300s
d90
300d full ir

several lenses:
nikon 24-70 2.8
nikon 80-200 2.8
nikon 50mm 1.8
tamron 17-50 2.8
tamron 90mm 2.8
canon kit with fish eye adapter

flashes:
sb 600 x 2
di 866

etc.
2 spare batt for d90
2 spare for d700
2 spare for d300s
memory cards


all inside a tough tenba bag........

I always bring the following;

3 Camera Bodies with extra batteries

Lenses

35mm 1.8
50mm 1.4
85mm 1.4
17-55mm 2.8
24-70mm 2.8
70-200mm 2.8
60mm 2.8 (Macro)
10mm 2.8
12-24mm f4
200mm f2.0

Flashes: SB-600,800,900
Tripod
Monopod
2pcs AB-800
2pcs Folding Softboxes
4pcs Pocket Wizards
Explorer Portable for Strobes
Reflector
Laptop

Wedding duration: 8-10hrs

i only have 2 gears in my bag...

1 d2x
1 28/2.8 AFD nikkor

now i just got an 85/1.8 nikkor to go with the duo

no more flashes here. :P

i only have a nikon d3000 dual lens kit, 35mm f1.8 and an sb600. i'm hoping that i would someday have a future in wedding photography (even if it was just to be a sideline) but i still have to finalize the system that i would be using before i invest further :(

2 Nikon D90 (one with batt grip, 3 batts in total)
2 SB800
Nikon 60mm 2.8 (for detail shots)
Sigma 30mm 1.4 (my bread and butter lens)
Sigma 85mm 1.4 (my telephoto/portrait lens)
Sigma 10-20 (for my wide shots)
Sigma 70-200 2.8 (to be used by my assistant)
4 sets of eneloops batts
la crosse charger
Spectralight Diffuser
Hoya CPL
Color Gels
15" MSI GX640 laptop with power brick
Lowepro Phototrekker

1 Pentax K-x w/ 85mm f1.4 MF
1 Lumix GF-1 w/ 20mm f1.7
1 Canon 20D w/ 50mm f1.8
Pentax DAL 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens
1 generic speedlight
2 sets of eneloops

i'm planning to buy these 2 lens can70-200 f4 is and tam17-50 f2.8. what should i buy first, considering i'm on a tight budget and with my current lens line-up (28-135 is, 50 f1.8 & kit lens)

sorry for the ot. will be adding this to my wedding camera bag once i complete my lens. :D

updating my gearlist inside my bag

1. nikon d300 body
2. nikkor 85/1.8 AFD
3. 4 GB CF card
4. spider holster

on another bag (be.ez)
17" mbp and accessories
blank dvds
extra dvd writer(USB)
ratesheet

Has anyone tried just using two prime lenses such as the 35mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4 with two full frame bodies? It looks like a decent and light weight alternative. This guy has done it but it was more suitable since it was held outdoor.

http://www.guycollierphotography.com/?p=6575

sir glenn,

i have tried 2 primes on 2 DX bodies though. 28/2.8 on d2x and 85/1.8 on d300..

I primarily use a 30 1.4 and an 85 1.4 during weddings.

D7000 with 4 extra AA batt, 24-70 and nissin di622 inside my comet bag.

2 bodies
d90 as primary and d60 as back up

18-55 kit lens
55-200 telefoto
sb600
double q strap
2 sets eneloop
2 sets batt for d90
2 sets batt for d60
flash diffusermemory cards
lens pouch

Canon 5d + EF 24-70mm 2.8 + 580exII
Canon 7d + EF70-200mm 2.8

EF 16-35mm 2.8
EF 85mm 1.2
Speedlight 430ex II
3 sets of AA batteries
2 batteries for 5d
2 batteries for 7d

-Canon 60D + EF-S 15-85mm + 580 EX II
-Canon 60D + EF 70-200mm 2.8 IS II USM
-Canon EF 50mm 1.8
-Sony W5 PS Camera

-20 pieces AA Eneloop Batteries
-2 BG-E9
-4 LP-E6 Batteries
-Lots of SD Cards
-HP laptop
-WD Passport 500G
-Flash Drives
-op/tech usa strap
-hanson fong bounce card
-omni diffuser
-led flash light
-cleaning kit
-acknowledgement receipt
-ballpen
-calling cards
-contract
-chocolate