Hey everyone I am about to shoot my first wedding and basically I'm wondering if I need a lens that is wider than 17mm cropped. I have a 17-50 2.8, 30 1.4, and a 50-150 2.8. I think this should be sufficient. I also have a 15-30 but indoors it probably wont be fast enough. Bottom line is I'm thinking about a wider lens or another body (40d) so I can have two bodies with two different lenses. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do?

I'm confused...the 40D won't make your lenses any wider!

I currently shoot weddings with a 30D with a 24-70L and a 40D with a 70-200 F4L IS on an OP/TECH reporter strap (takes 2 cameras) for my wides I have a Tamron 17-50 2.8 which does ok, but I'm planning to swap it for a Tokina 12-24 F4 in the very near future, partly for the extra wide stuff, and partly so that I have 12-200 covered in 3 excellent lenses with no overlaps.

As ever though, there's 1,000,001 different answers to the question, only you can decide if 17mm (or 27.2 depending how you view it) is wide enough for YOUR style of shooting.

As an aside, if you're planning to charge people money to shoot their wedding you must, must, MUST get a 2nd body, what are you going to tell your bride if your one and only camera malfunctions/gets dropped/has a drink spilled on it?

Chris

Thanks for your answer that is what I was asking if I should get a second body or a lens that goes wider than 17. You answered it perfectly thanks.

You'll be able to shoot a wedding with 17mm as your widest lens, but you won't be able to shoot a wedding if you're only body goes down! Get the 2nd body, then when the money starts coming in with more bookings maybe look at a UWA lens.

Best of luck, it's not the easiest profession in the world, but it's so rewarding when a couple gets your images and thank you honestly for helping them remember their special day for years to come, corny but true!

Chris

rent a second body. These guys have been great for me: www.borrowlenses.com

Get a 5D or the 10-22 for your cropped body. It'll be more than wide enough for most applications

I recommend the Tokina 12-24 for the wides, that's the one I'm planning on buying in the next month.

Sam Hassas wrote:
rent a second body. These guys have been great for me: www.borrowlenses.com

Thanks much for the mention, Sam. Nice to see you around