Need advise for upcoming wedding - Lens recommendations

[kazank]

So I’m going to be a photographer at my friends wedding. I’m not getting paid but all expenses are covered. So I’m getting free travel, food and accommodation. I just upgraded to a Canon R6 last year and haven’t been able to buy that many lenses. The lenses that I own atm are:

Canon RF 24-105mm F4 Canon RF 50mm F1.8 Sigma EF 70-200mm F2.8 Tamron EF 24-70mm F2.8

I really want to take special photos with lots of background separation so a lower aperture is favoured. My EF glass is not especially sharp and don’t feel that I can really rely on them that much. They become very large too with the EF adapter.

My question is, would you go and shoot the wedding with what I have or should I add any new RF lenses? Thinking about selling my 24-105 for a 28-70 or maybe the new 70-200.

I’m mostly taking pictures of my family and friends, I do some street photography and journalistic work. I don’t have unlimited money so I can only get one lens atm. And I have to sell my 24-105 if I’m getting the new RF L glass. I also prefer L series lenses since they are weather sealed. I don’t want to baby my gear if it starts to rain.

I know that I’m going to use both the 70-200 and 28-70 later on so it wouldnt be a single use purchase. And I will be getting them both eventually. Feel like this might be a good time to get one at least.

[p4pictures]

I have the RF 28-70mm F2L it's amazing, but large and heavy. I did select it over both the RF 24-105mm F4L and RF 24-70mm F2.8L after a few test shoots with rental kit. Many wedding photographers choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM as it's lighter and smaller plus a little wider for group shots. 1-stop of ISO on the EOS R6 makes little difference in quality. Then add the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and you'd be covered for most things. Perhaps sell the RF 24-105mm F4L and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 and put that towards the other two lenses.

I do suggest you try the kit before you buy if possible so that you are sure it's the right item for you, rental is an option for these kind of pro lenses.

[ebiggs1]

"Canon RF 24-105mm F4 Canon RF 50mm F1.8 Sigma EF 70-200mm F2.8 Tamron EF 24-70mm F2.8"

You have all you need. I shot weddings professionally for 30+ years and a 24-70mm was on the camera 80% of the time I had one. In the beginning we didn't have a zoom like the ef 24-70mm f2.8L but when it came available it was the very best thing to happen to wedding photographers. Match it up with the ef 70-200mm f2.8L and you are good to go.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Whatever lens or lenses you decide on, one thing I would do, is switch to Canon RF glass.  I know you can get great images with EF glass, even glass from 3rd party vendors.  I own/ed a few sigma art and contemporary lenses, and they were and are great.  I don't miss the adapter but in a pinch it works.  One of the reasons for this was my carry bag.  I couldn't get my body and a mounted 24-70 into my sling pack.  Other than that, using adapted EF was fine. 

For your shoot (and lens selections moving forward), you'll want to have as much FL coverage with the least amount of overlap.  For every day photography, having a faster lens isn't always needed.  you can do most everything with f4.  They are also much lighter.  Wedding and indoor venues can be a little more demanding.  You also said you are looking for maximum subject isolation.  Your R6 should be perfect for this.  Many churches don't allow flash and you also don't want to be remembered as the guy who "flashed" everyone if you can help it.

If I were going to replace one lens in your line up, it would be the Tamron.  Its the oldest EF of the bunch.  I'd replace with a RF 24-70 f2.8 or RF 28-70 f2.

Next of course would be the Sigma.  Although released in 2023, the RF 70-200 f4 or 2.8 is shorter, lighter, more narrow,, etc.  If you ever wanted to use a TC with the 70-200, you'll have to wait for the internal zoom version mkII (which is not announced) and still just a rumor at this time.  I personally would not use a TC with this zoom either way. Its one of my favorite lenses and while not super light (f2.8) this zoom in EF or RF remains one of the sharpest highest performing lenses Canon has ever made.  My tag line for this lens is "magic happens" when its mounted. 

Other than that, have several batteries, several cards, camera set to relay record and swap your cards out frequently.  If they have a wedding planner, have them help coordinate photos.  If not, get a list from the bride/groom and ask one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen to help wrangle the guest for photos.  These are things you can announce at the rehearsal.  That way family and friends don't bolt when you are trying to get photos of particular groups.  I'm sure there are plenty of wedding photographers here which can provide good advice.  I am not one of them. 😃  Good luck.              

[ebiggs1]

I will offer another bit of advice. There has been a trend to more and more outdoor weddings. If that is the case I always took along my Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. Of course this is a very limited need since the 24-70mil and 70-200mil do almost all the work even outdoors.

I have also encountered priests that were open to whatever I needed and I could go anywhere in the church. But a few that said if I see you or you flash or I am aware you are there I will kick you out. So I stand as far back in the church as possible and stick my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens on my Bogen 3046 heavy duty tripod and shoot the ceremony.

 

[Tronhard]

Both Ernie and Rick offer good advice.  You might find it interesting to view some of the videos from Vanessa Joy for idea on both gear, preparation and technique.  She is a highly-regarded wedding and event photographer and Canon elite photographer: (55) vaness joy - YouTube