What lens to buy?

[Elemobe]

I am going to a wedding next weekend. Of course I am taking my Canon EOS 350D (Rebel). I have the kit lens and a Canon EF70-200mm F4L.

I was thinking about getting another lens and would like some recommendations/guidance as to what lens to get that would be suitable/useful for this event.

I am in the UK and whilst we have had some wonderful bright sunny days recently, the chances are it will be wet and gray on the day (hope not, but a strong possibility). It's a big frothy wedding and they will have a professional photographer but I am looking forward to the opportunity of getting some shots to play with.

I have just spent a small fortune on an outfit to wear to this "do" so funds are presently limited, so I was thinking of a Tamron or Sigma lens.

I don't have a tripod at the moment and probably wouldn't take it with me anyway as it wouldn't match my new funky clothes (A tripod is on my Santa list).

Thanks for any advice.

[lexcell]

Hi Elemobe,

It depedns on what you are looking for in an additional lens. You basically cover 18-200mm with the lenses you already have. If you want something wider, the I'd look at something like the Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG or the Canon EF-S 10-22mm 3.5-4.5

If you want something that can shoot in lower light while handholding I'd look at something like the Sigma AF 24-60mm 2.8 EX DG or the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 XR DI for their wider aperture.

My first preference is sticking with Canon but, if your budget does not allow the expense, the lenses I listed above are excellent options.

[deedeeO]

Hi Linda....good luck with the wedding shots. My recommendation is to try and rent a low aperature lens....f/2.8 or lower. #1....flash is maybe not acceptable for the church wedding so having a lower f-stop will help take photos in low light conditions. But for starters to two lenses mentioned are good too. The Tamaron will give you wider range.... out of the two. But I've always stuck with Canon.

PS. If you use flash, diffuse it.....here's trick...wrap tissue paper around your flash....just as good as diffusing it....

[Elemobe]

Laurie, thank you, that is exactly what I needed to know. My gut feel is to wait and get a Canon lens, but the Sigma and Tamron prices are so tempting, but I know I will regret it in the long run.

I will do some more research and probably stick with Canon.

Thanks again

[Elemobe]

Thanks Denise. Lower aperture lens, that makes sense. This is pushing the limit of my knowledge, which is great, love to learn.

Really like the tissue idea, will definitely be trying that one - nice.

Again, a vote for sticking with Canon.

[Chuck S.]

Linda:

Another really nice lens for moderate wide angle to normal range is Canon's 17-40 mm f4L. Really fine quality.

And then, if you want to use available light only and are willing to move yourself instead of zooming, the very inexpensive Canon 50mm f1.8 II will give you nice portraits.

[deedeeO]

If you want to start out affordable, the 50mm f/1.8 is only $80.... and it makes a great portrait lens.....

[Chuck S.]

Originally Posted by deedeeO

If you want to start out affordable, the 50mm f/1.8 is only $80.... and it makes a great portrait lens.....

Denise, I do believe we have convergence on this issue!

[Elemobe]

The reviews of the 50mm f1.8 look good and certainly at an affordable price. Seems like a very good compromise. Amazon and a couple of other places have it in stock for next day delivery as well.

[Elemobe]

No time like the present and no easier to buy than Amazon "1 click" - In other words the deed is done, I bought the 50mm f1.8. It is such an inexpensive lens and with the ability to take photos in low light, seems ideal.

Of course I will post the results here in a couple of weeks, once I am back from the wedding.