Hello all, i'm the new guy. Short time reader first time poster....

As a bit of background i'm a CPA w/ many hobbies one of which has, for some time, been photography. I enjoy shooting at car shows and such but recently found out just how fun it is to shoot people! My D70 is a joy to shoot and the instant gratification of digital makes it all the more fun.

So, down to business eh? This past weekend i shot a coworkers wedding with my D70, kit lense and SB600. Had a backup D40 (NIB) just in case but fortunately didn't need it. Anyways the bride is pretty pleased and i am quite happy myself with the results. I learned a few things for myself however:
1-Fast lenses are near mandatory for dark churches with high ceilings.
2-200mm zooms can come in handy during weddings when you don't want to be right on top of the bride/groom.
3-Flash cycle time is a BIG DEAL. Particularly when you don't own a 1.8 for inside church shots and need to use flash for the entire dimly lit ceremony.
4-Lower aperture values really help when the background is less than perfect (ie church stages with cords and other clutter).
5-a specific shot list is MANDATORY.
6-attending the rehearsal is MANDATORY.
7-video guys are like really short state cops, just pissed at the world, and best avoided.

I had a fantastic time, lost some weight (my legs still ache; worked from 1:30 to about 9pm) and really would like to do more of this. I think my photos will get me more work though i'd like to do some time as a 2nd shooter for a pro.

I have ordered the Nikon 50mm 1.8 and am giving strong consideration to the Tamron 17-50 2.8.

Q's:

1-How do you handle the need for zoom vs. low light during the ceremony (assuming dark church)? I'd think '70-200 2.8 on one camera and 17-50 2.8 on the other while using the 50 1.8 for formal shots?
2-Is a D300 a wise choice for a main body (moving the D70 to backup/2nd lense status)
3-Any tricks to getting the flash to cycle quicker?
4-Is the D3 the only Nikon with dual memory cards?
5-Is the SB800 THAT much better than the SB600?


Thanks in advance for your input!!

Erik

I have very little experience, but i'm a Nikon guy.

1. Two bodies is pretty accepted, one w/ wide zoom, one with tele, both fast glass. I have the tammy 17-50 and love it. I shot a wedding w/ the D70s w/ no flash and it sucked. had to run noise software on everything. Images from my D50 were A LOT better (noise-wise).

2. The D300 kicks arse. Not full frame, but i'm REALLY happy w/ high ISO performance with mine. 1600 no problem, 3200 is about 50-50.

3. Shoot manual, set power to 1/4 or 1/8, or get a battery pack (Quantum comes to mind)

4. I believe other Nikon pro bodies have dual memory card slots but i can't confirm.

5. Yes, the SB800 is that much better than the SB600. I've had both, sold the 600 to fund a second 800.

just like realestate.. lenses, lenses, lenses.. oh wait.

I think this post would be more appropriate in the Nikon forum