p.1 #1 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
I have agreed to shoot a German relative's wedding in a couple of weeks (in Germany) and am deciding on what to take and use. I am going to carry-on my camera gear and will have limits... I have decided to take my 14-24 2.8 for the group shots and am weighing the pros and cons of taking my 28-70 and 70-200 or just taking my 24-120, along with the 14-24 to save weight. I am leaning 24-120, but I'm curious what the Nikon intelligentsia think. The camera is a Z8 and I will be bringing some flash gear as well.
p.1 #2 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
I have shot events and weddings, one in a pro capacity. The Golden Rule: bring your own light. The camera and lens is secondary. I even shot chunks of a wedding (with cavelike ambient) using a Contax film SLR and fisheye. A pro-grade flash that won't overheat is sufficient, although wiring the dance floor with strobes is also effective.
My favored rig to Get The Job Doneᵀᴹ, and sample results:
I would not use my Z6 due to Z focus handicaps (no red-grid AF flash assist, no cross-type AF points). If you do use a Z then a standard zoom covers all needed FL, and f/2.8 helps a bit to hit focus. I would, therefore, favor the Z 24-70/2.8S. You won't be using f/2.8 for group shots unless they line up against the far wall of a basketball court (no DOF).
p.1 #3 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
If I were shooting that wedding I would take the 24-120mm f/4 S as my main lens. It’s versatile, lighter and provides the flexibility needed for run and gun shooting at a wedding. Using the Z8 would lessen the need for the 70-200mm as well, since you can crop a Z8 image and still have plenty of resolution. That lens and a wide angle should give you what you need. I would also pack the 24-70mm as a backup. You’re traveling a long distance and your main lens failure would be catastrophic.
Regarding flash, as Rico said, get a pro flash that will not overheat.
p.1 #4 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
24-120 for versatility. If you want shallow DoF portraits, get a fastish f1.8 85. If you want to be able to squeeze a large group photo out of a smaller space, get a good 14-16 and learn how to hold your camera dead level. Finally, a faster 70-200 is great for ceremony shots from the sidelines. Or you could just start with the holy trinity of 2.8 zooms, 2 bodies and be done.
p.1 #6 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
Thanks for all the comments! It does help me think this through. I do have a couple of primes, 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8; so maybe the primes and the 24-120. That would lighten my carry-on significantly.
p.1 #7 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
Depends a bit on what type of shots you're supposed to get. When I shot some friends' wedding a couple years ago we also did some formal portraits before the ceremony & reception. I rented a 70-200mm for that and glad I did, but didn't use it much later. Would always prefer having one with me though, because some more compressed shots can be nice if there is enough space.
Took 90% of the images with the 24-70mm f2.8 and think I would give it the edge over the 24-120mm. If Nikon had a 28-70mm f2 like Sony & Canon, that would be the clear #1 choice imo.
Bring or rent a 2nd body. Mostly because you won't always have time to switch lenses (forget about switching between the 24-120mm and primes on the fly). But also just as insurance in case your Z8 stops working for some reason.
Flash is a maybe. Probably worth bringing along, but really depends on the venue. If you can get away with not using a flash that's preferable imo (unless you want to go full 1990s P&S look, some people can make that work )
p.1 #8 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
The 24-70mm will be fine for the group shots and the 14-24mm is overkill. The wide angle is good for venue pictures for the brid but not need for groups. I would want the 24-120mm for the reception or a 70-200mm f/2.8 if you have it. 85% of my wedding shots are done with the 24-70mm and fewer than 5% with a 14-24mm lens.
A 77mm Closeup filter +4 on the 24-70mm or 24-120mm makes a good macro lens for detail shots.
p.1 #9 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
All good food for thought. I haven't mentioned that after the wedding we are going to travel north to Lithuania and Latvia. I want to have my 14-24 for a trip to the dunes in Lithuania. I probably won't use it for the wedding, but the dunes are calling for it.
p.1 #10 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
Used to shoot weddings, and it depends on what they are looking for in terms of the images, the venue and ceremony, and lighting/time of day.
I’d recommend having two camera bodies, one with a 24-70 2.8 and the other a 70-200 2.8 for the ceremony. Make sure to figure out where you’re going to be standing and moving to during the processional and recessional. Make sure the officiant knows to step out of the way during the kiss, so they aren’t framed awkwardly between them if you’re shooting from the middle aisle. If you’ve never shot a wedding before and are the only shooter, you need to do a lot of prep work and know the angles and types of shots you’re making.
If you can only have one lens, and don’t have two camera bodies, then the 24-120 f4 would be ok, but it tends to not focus as fast in low light as the 2.8 zooms. Do not use the wide angle for the group shots. You’ll distort people in the shot. Find a place where you can ideally shoot around 85mm so you can get some telephoto compression.
The 24-70 2.8 would be good for the getting ready shots if you’re doing those, as those rooms tend to be a bit tighter size wise.
Photographing destination weddings can be a lot of fun. I took this in Conchas Chinas Mexico a while back
With smaller venues, you can get away with just a 24-70 2.8 for the whole thing. I always have a 50 1.8 in my bag just in case, so the shots have some variety. I was worried about the direct sun on the wedding party in these but it looked lovely and dappled through trees that ringed the ceremony area.
I love a good overcast day for a wedding though. I believe this was with the 105 1.4E. It's definitely more challenging and you need to have more than one body, but the 28/58/105 trinity is wonderful for weddings.
p.1 #11 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
An awful lot of answers given without asking the fundamental question:
What's the light going to be like? Is this an outdoor daytime event, or a midnight candlelit affair?
The 24-120/4S has the quality to do anything. Whether it's bright enough for your style only you can know. Personally, my minimal "one bag" wedding kit for unknown/unpredictable lighting conditions would be the 14-24/2.8, 50/1.2, and either Plena or 70-200/2.8. If I could pack the 35/1.4 in a pocket, and the AD100Pro in another, I'd do that, too.
This also assumes two bodies. Never risk someone's permanent memories to a single point of failure.
p.1 #12 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
I love the enthusiastic responses... I probably should clarify this is not a pro wedding or wedding shoot; it's all being organized by volunteers. And it's in Germany. This is my wife's nephew who asked me to shoot the wedding. Obviously I'm not a pro wedding photog. I do have experience shooting events and marketing collateral focusing on people in public spaces. I also have shot family weddings before.
The marriage ceremony will take place at the local City Hall and the celebration party on a largish boat on a lake, with shots of the couple taken in the morning, most of which will also be shot outdoors. I am bringing a profoto flash (and some defusers) I can put on my camera or on a tripod. I'm only bringing one Z8 cause I am also bringing a Q3 and a Q2M. That should be enough cameras. My wife will be a second shooter using the Leicas. Regarding lenses, I'm leaning towards the 24-120mm f.4 and a 50 f1.8. I'm also bringing the 14-24mm for the Baltic Sea and dunes. We have put together scenes with shot lists. I think it will be fun... After two nights in Essen, this is mostly going to be a two week vacation in the Baltic Sea region with a couple days in Berlin to visit a cousin.
p.1 #13 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
I wouldn't use the 14-24 for people photography for the reason stated before: The persons - especially near the edge of the frame - are horrible distorted.
I would prefer the 24-70/2.8 plus a 70-200/2.8 or maybe a fast longer prime.
p.1 #14 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
W.W. wrote:
I wouldn't use the 14-24 for people photography for the reason stated before: The persons - especially near the edge of the frame - are horrible distorted.
I would prefer the 24-70/2.8 plus a 70-200/2.8 or maybe a fast longer prime.
Not planning on shooting people with the 14-24; I am taking it to shoot dunes.
The problem with taking a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 (and I have both) is how much they weigh. I will be taking my camera gear with carry-on and I have a weight limit of 16 lbs for carry on.
p.1 #15 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
MattStevens wrote:
Not planning on shooting people with the 14-24; I am taking it to shoot dunes.
The problem with taking a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 (and I have both) is how much they weigh. I will be taking my camera gear with carry-on and I have a weight limit of 16 lbs for carry on.
I'd opt for the Z8 and 50 1.8 and Q3 with the 28mm if they're doing a courthouse/city hall wedding. The 24-70/70-200 combo is for when you might have to cover a lot of ground but in a courthouse/city hall type environment you'll likely be a bit tighter quarters, and not great lighting so the fast glass will help. Then have the 24-120 f4 in reserve to cover everything else, and use the profoto speedlite to help clean up the lighting a bit.
p.1 #16 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
I'd opt for the Z8 and 50 1.8 and Q3 with the 28mm if they're doing a courthouse/city hall wedding. The 24-70/70-200 combo is for when you might have to cover a lot of ground but in a courthouse/city hall type environment you'll likely be a bit tighter quarters, and not great lighting so the fast glass will help. Then have the 24-120 f4 in reserve to cover everything else, and use the profoto speedlite to help clean up the lighting a bit.
p.1 #17 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
MattStevens wrote:
Not planning on shooting people with the 14-24; I am taking it to shoot dunes.
The problem with taking a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 (and I have both) is how much they weigh. I will be taking my camera gear with carry-on and I have a weight limit of 16 lbs for carry on.
In the first post you wrote: I have decided to take my 14-24 2.8 for the group shots
THis led me to the assumption you want to shoot people with it.
p.1 #19 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
MattStevens wrote:
Yes, I was thinking about that... But my thinking has evolved through the dialogue in this thread.
If the city hall has some nice steps in front, it'd be great to get that classic walking down the steps shot, and the wide angle might be a good choice there as long as you keep them pretty center framed.
p.1 #20 · Z 24-70 f2.8 S (v1) vs Z 24-120 f4 S for wedding
sungphoto wrote:
If the city hall has some nice steps in front, it'd be great to get that classic walking down the steps shot, and the wide angle might be a good choice there as long as you keep them pretty center framed.
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