I've had to often shoot at churches where I was not allowed in during the ceremony, so I would have to either shoot from the very last pew, or the doors (not to mention flash was prohibited). From experience, I will tell you, even the 200mm on the 70-200 is not long enough sometimes. Here's an example of a wedding I had to shoot from behind the last pew (on the choir section up top) with a 70-200 2.8 IS + tripod.
On this church, the 200 was just long enough to reach them (with a 1.6crop ), but I have been to some where it wasn't. However, I still needed a tripod, and even with one... I was getting around 1/60th at 1600 ISO.
In my opinion, I would say get both, as they are both useful. If you can't get both right now, get the 70-200 first, as it's very versatile. Besides the 50, it is my 2nd most used lens, and it always delivers. If you esp. like the 24-70, then I think it's more along your alley. It is much heavier, and after a long wedding, you will def. feel it. However, I think it's a really nice lens. Esp. since there is an updated version coming out, I wouldn't think twice about it. Now if you want something for portraits, or a situations where you have more control (where you can walk around and not restricted to one area), I'd say go for the 135. Just my .02.
Limon-- the photos were especially helpful. I actually checked out the rest of your set-- amazing, and really I think you rocked this lens. I've shot one wedding with the "staying behind the last pew" pew rules, rough times.
I lived off of the 135L and 85/1.8 my entire wedding career, until I upgraded the 135L to the 200/2L. Never saw a need for a zoom at these FL's. If 85 is too short, just crop!
Limon-- the photos were especially helpful. I actually checked out the rest of your set-- amazing, and really I think you rocked this lens. I've shot one wedding with the "staying behind the last pew" pew rules, rough times.
Thanks! I'm thinking of maybe picking up a 300mm as well, just incase I deal with more of these strict guidelines. Whatever lens you go with, I'm sure it will serve you well, and you'll get some great pictures along the way.
Hmmm this one seems pretty straight forward to me. If you have enough money to buy a 70-200IS then buy the 135L, a great tripod and head combo, a Pelican 1514 case to lug the gear and use the rest of the leftover money to rent the 70-200 for 5 weddings to build up the cash to buy it again . Honestly I'm struggling with the exact same thing right now, but need to remember cash flow is important in a business, so never drain the taps to the bottom. You can rent the lens almost 30 times before you pay enough to have bought it. Sounds like a deal to me.
i was in a similar situation, where i could not afford the 70-200 2.8 is, instead i got the 135L and i could not be happier Perhaps borrow or rent and then make the call, either way your shooting style will adjust to whichever you choose.
My guess is you would be happier with the 135 2.0, but it really depends on your personal shooting style. I'm a zoom guy - always have been. I love the 135 but would not consider buying it because I shoot with the 70-200 2.8 IS.
there is Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II .... yes, 2nd version is coming out. if you look at canon website, it already there (but not released yet) no selling price either.
I understand your concerns about being small with the 70-200 2.8, however most of that comes from people exaggerating about the heaviness of it , I am 5/5 128 lbs and I carry mine up to 6 hours at a time during events , have never experienced a problem due to the weight of the lens, my advice forget about all the heavy comments get the 70-200 you will love it.
My 135L came in today and I must say... I'M IN LOVE!!!!! I am also selling two lenses that I don't use as much and that along with one more wedding deposit will get me the 70-200IS used. Did I mention I'm in love with the 135? Seriously! Thanks for all your advice, friends!
deepbluejh wrote:
To be honest, about the only thing I find a 70-200 good for is the wedding ceremony. All other parts of the day can be served just as well with some sort of prime.
This is the only time I've used it.....
One of the most expensive lenses I own and gets the least amount of shooting time, HOWEVER when I do use it magic happens!
To me the ceremony is the most important thing they want captured. The 70-200 is just so versitile that you can get the shot no matter where you are in the church (unless uncle bob decideds to jump in front of you)
. Honestly I'm struggling with the exact same thing right now, but need to remember cash flow is important in a business, so never drain the taps to the bottom. You can rent the lens almost 30 times before you pay enough to have bought it. Sounds like a deal to me.