Lens For Wedding

[Killwilly]

I want to take some casual shots at my Granddaughters wedding later this month. I only have the two Canon kit lenses, 18-55 and 55-250, which would be the best for all round use? I should say they will be for my own use and not the official photographs.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[andy-xr]

Both of those would be fine I'd guess! Unless you're asking whether you should buy another one? If so, I think the question would be what are you looking to get from a new lens that your current ones dont have.

[tog]

They'll be fine, and if you only want to take one and not bother with changing lenses then take only the 18-55. I shot a wedding professionally at the weekend and only used two lenses all day, a 35mm and an 85mm. If I'm doing a wedding casually then I only use the 35mm.

[Killwilly]

Sorry for the confusion. No not getting another lens. I was wondering which out of the two would be most versatile, rather than keep swapping.

[andy-xr]

Ah...so you need a second body to put the other lens on? Gotcha...

I'd go with the 55-250 personally

[itsnotarace]

You need to get all up in their grills. Therefore 18-55

[Killwilly]

Thanks guys. I shall probably take both, but leave one in the car. Actually I haven't got the 55-250 yet, it's on order and should be here next week. That should give me time to have a play and get used to it.

[chrisga]

When we went to a family members wedding I took the camera with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 MkII lens on it (Canons cheapest i believe) and got these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/98882529@N00/sets/721...

Didnt change the lens very often and its nice and small. Some are rubbish but pleased with other shots. Only prob is no zoom so have to move around a little.

p.s. I'm no photographer!

[_dobbo_]

Which lens to use depends on what type of photographs you want to take. If you want people looking down the lens and to get up close and personal, then use the 18-55.

If you want to do a more "reportage" style where people aren't necessarily aware of you taking photos so you get more relaxed natural stuff, then use the 55-250.

Nice wedding photos (in my opinion) are all about bokeh. You'll get much nicer bokeh with a 250mm lens - so this is the one I'd use. I also happen to prefer more natural stuff when people aren't looking at the camera.

[RobDickinson]

_dobbo_ said:

You'll get much nicer bokeh with a 250mm lens - so this is the one I'd use. I also happen to prefer more natural stuff when people aren't looking at the camera.

Whist I agree with you he wont feel part of the do from across the road... Nifty fifty has to be 1st on the list if gear calls tho.

[Simpo Two]

Option A: Both (because you never know when you might need it)

Option B: 18-55mm. Whilst the longer lens is better for reprtage as stated, you won't get much of a group with 55mm on a 1.6 crop sensor!

[Killwilly]

A lot of very useful information, many thanks to everyone. Will raise a glass of bubbly to the forum.

[Busa_Rush]

The few family events I've been to recently I've found it better to focus on the personal, natural shots myself and leave the group stuff to the official photographer. The group stuff is great for 20 years later showing kids who granny jones was before she died, but when I look at photos of my Dad for example who died just a couple of years ago, I like the natural shots of him holding his grand children, just enjoying being with them, they are the shots which mean a lot to me.

Unfortunately years ago (30 +) they only did group shots so when I look back at my parents wedding and my christening there are 3 or 4 group shots plus maybe a couple of shots with a few key people and it's all posed . . . that's it.

So for that reason I'd take the longer reach lens, in fact I take a 70-300 along too if it's outdoors and there's good light. Very impressed with the 28-135 too which is reasonably good, even indoors.

[Killwilly]

Busa_Rush said:

I like the natural shots of him holding his grand children,

I don't think I would be able to hold my granddaughter any more..........Shes the one getting married.