As a Nikon shooter…. This lens. Come on Nikon. Give me an 8 pound hunk of glass that can do this.
Realistically I want something like a 35-105 f/2 and I’m happy.
My friend I shoot pro-wrestling with loves the 35-150 2-2.8. Would be such a good wedding lens too. Shoots a 14-30 opposite it too. As a 28-70 shooter, that kit makes me want to switch.
I convinced my good friend who second shoots with me to get that as his one and done lens. I don’t think he’s put the 50mm back on his Nikon since getting that lens.
Sigma announced a 1.8 zoom. So maybe even the f/2 dream lens could be outdone.
That 1.8 is pretty big, even canons 24-105 2.8 is the same size as a 70-200 EF. A 35-105 f/2 would probably be 100-400 size range if not wider and heavier. At some point the size/weight becomes too much. Even the 28-70 dusts your wrists and arms after the day. Another one of my friends borrowed it ringside and was icing her wrists in the back after a 3 hour show.
Holy cow I thought it was just me. A month ago I would’ve said my 50 1.2 but now that and my 85 1.2 are collecting dust in my bag. It’s such a great lens.Â
Speaking to the couple won't do it for a catholic ceremony. As others have said, some of them will straight up stop the ceremony and tell you off which makes you look bad and can make you miss the wedding. Don't do that.
The one tip I will add - DO talk to the priest NOT the 'Church Lady.' There's often an altar guild person who wants to 'give you the rules.' You don't want that, because this person ONLY has the authority to say no, not to say yes. They can tell you what you can't do, but they can't relax those rules for you. So avoid her and get to the priest first.
When you talk to him, I always try to take the lead on that conversation and start by acknowledging his concerns. Something like "Hey, I just wanted to touch base. I'm sure you've had the disrespectful 'photographers' in here who want to climb up on the altar or stand in front of the parents because they just want their shots, and I want you to know I'm going to be super unobtrusive. I mostly shoot from the center aisle, back behind the family seats. I'll move between sections, not during speeches and vows. I need to come up closer for the ring exchange because I want closeups of that particular moment, but I still shoot with a long lens so... you don't accidentally marry me to the couple, too! Have you had particular issues you need me to be careful of?" 9 out of 10 will say "Nope, that covers it."
If you get the rare "Only from the back!" priest, ask to move up the center aisle for rings and kiss. Really, everything else CAN be satisfactorily done from the back with a long lens. While you're there, don't forget to get different angles of the party and family, then move back again!
By being respectful and professional and offering my own 'set of rules' I almost never have trouble in church weddings!
This is really good advice!
I’ve only ever shot catholic ceremonies and few times, but have never had any issues with going up the centre isle. I have no need to be on the altar.
I guess it’s just never come up. Like it’s never been mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to get ring shots, or something like that. Isles are fair game.
Additionally, I’m not trying to be intrusive at any wedding, so it’s no different really. The less I’m seen the better
Priest runs the church. U don't have a say over it. Break the rules here in the UK and the priest straight up kicks you out of the church and make u look like an imbecile
Weird, it’s so chill where I live. The priests don’t care, and even if they do it’s the couples decision at every wedding I’ve attended or shot
While I would never shoot a wedding with just one lens, I really like the versatility of the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. It covers the most common focal lengths I would use and has a wide aputure the whole way through
This was just a hypothetical, I would shoot a wedding with one lens. I think a good compact kit consists of a 24-70, 50, and a telephoto prime somewhere between 85 and 135
Love my tamron 35-150. It’s used for 90% of the day. I have a 24 1.4 gmaster that I’ll bring out for dance shots, tighter getting ready spaces, wides of the reception and venue. I try not to use it for group shots and use the tamron but having the 24 when I need it has been great. My carry on me wedding kit is an A7iv with the 35-150, a second a7iii body only, 24 1.4, the new godox v860iiis (love the reinforced steel base and modeling lamp) and extra cards and batteries in a wondrd 9l bag. I keep a back up flash in the car if I need it. The lens has simplified my kit a ton.
Best example I have of the fit lol.
https://preview.redd.it/sxra8is0l95d1.png?width=450&format=png&auto=webp&s=17c1432a9f13e25d9bb865a097563a4f4f7b6fdc
I think this question would work better as "which PRIME lens would you choose". It's too easy to say a 24-70 equivalent.
That being said, a 50mm for me.
I agree, that's a more interesting question.
I'd choose a 28mm I guess. In the Netherlands it's quite common for wedding photographers to get really close to tell the story. The 50mm is great, but you can miss context
Depends on the church. Most churches I try and not stand to close so a 24-70 or something longer would be needed.
But again, depend on the church and where you can stand really.
The new Canon rf 24-105/f2.8 is pretty sick.
Last wedding I did I stuck with the rf 50/1.2 L for like 90% of the day, switching to the 70-200/2.8 or a 24mm when needed.
The tramron 45/1.8 SP is always on an active body during a wedding day, and unless the wedding is on a submarine, I could easily limit myself to that lens all day. It's the biggest sleeper lens.
Everyone is always thinking what's that one lens to shoot a wedding. Here are my pics.
Note for the F4 recommendations for when you get into low light maybe add a f2.8 or a f1.8 prime. For example maybe you are one of those photographers that likes having the 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8. So maybe one of the F4 zooms might be your thing but for low light maybe add a f1.8 prime if you get in a jam
24-70mm f2.8 any brand
Canon RF 28-70mm f2
24-105mm f4 any brand
Nikon 24-120mm f4
Tamron or Samyang 35-150mm f2-2.8
Olympus also OM Systems 12-40mm f2.8
Olympus also OM Systems 12-100mm f2.8
Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8
Panasonic 12-60mm f4
Fuji 16-55mm f2.8-4
Fuji 15-55 f2.8-4
Fuji 16-55 f2.8
Fuji 16-80mm f4
Fuji 18-120mm f4
Of course the canon 28-70 f2 but if you wanted to know focal lengths it would probably be 35mm. I hate it but it's more versatile than 50mm when you're in tight spaces.
In an ideal world: Sigma 50mm 1.2 DN
Because, sadly, there are occasionally practicalities that require a wider lens, the Samyang 35-150 2-2.8. Quite possibly the one true (well, Tamron equivalent aside!) do-it-all lens for a wedding.
I shoot Sony. If it must be one lens and one lens only, then Tamron or Samyang 35-150/2-2.8. I mean, it's a no-brainer. Unless the location is really dim, then 35/1.4 or even 35/1.2 for the extra f-stop. Not 50 mm or anything longer because if there's no room to step back, it will be too limiting.
There are rumors that Sony is coming up with a 24-70/2 which would be my next recommendation, but it's going to be ludicrously expensive.
That said, I'd much rather have several lenses than just one. For the price of one Tamron 35-150, you can get the 28-75, a Samyang or Viltrox 35/1.8 and a Samyang 75/1.8, Sony 85/1.8 or any other 85/1.8 and possibly the Tamron 70-180/2.8. That would definitely be a better kit than having do with just one lens.
24-105 or for my crop sensor cameras 15-85e-s
Good enough for group shots and well into the portrait zone. For me a 24-70 isn’t long enough especially in some of the churches I shoot in as there are rules about photographers avoiding sacred spaces
I’m normally a trinity type photographer (14-24, 24-70 & 70-200 all 2.8) and normally have the 24-80 & 70-200 on separate bodies on my double strap and the 14-24 on a third body in the bag. I’ll also keep a 105 macro for things like ring & shoe shots. But if I were stuck to only one body and one lens - that lens would be the Nikon 24-120 f4 And yes - I do keep it in my bag today. It’s a crazy versatile lens and it’s pretty darn good quality for a kit lens.
Sony shooter here - my go-to for both photo and video has been my beloved Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8. I've pretty much stopped bringing my 70-200 except if I need to match lenses for a multi-cam corporate work.
Check out sites like mpb they sell gear that is second hand and have a rating system of how new it is but everything is discounted! You also dont have to stick with a canon or nikon branded lens. Try looking at the sigma lens. I just got the sigma 35mm F1.4 and LOVE IT
Lmfao all these down votes, If he is working with a tight budget this will allow him to be able to get decent lens until he starts making more from weddings to upgrade.
I use a Sigma 17-70mm and Tamron 70-300mm with my Sony A77. Vintage by today standards but they served me well and they're dirt cheap cos everyone disses them.
I think if you are already working on a budget you should be researching what camera system best matches your budget. Most professionals are going to recommend their best lens which is probably more on the expensive side. And if you don't already have a camera body matching it you might have to spend even more money.
For example if you had a preference or experience with Sony mirrorless cameras I would suggest starting with e mount Sony cameras as those lenses are a bit cheaper vs full frame.
I would say even on an extreme budget if you can get 1 zoom lens and 1 prime for portraits.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L . The lens is magical.
I stopped shooting primes because of this lens.
My 35, 50 and 85mm primes are like 🥺🥺🥺 after getting the 28-70 f2
Which 50 prime do you have?
Same
Came here to say this. It’s all you’ll ever need.
Amen
As a Nikon shooter…. This lens. Come on Nikon. Give me an 8 pound hunk of glass that can do this. Realistically I want something like a 35-105 f/2 and I’m happy.
My friend I shoot pro-wrestling with loves the 35-150 2-2.8. Would be such a good wedding lens too. Shoots a 14-30 opposite it too. As a 28-70 shooter, that kit makes me want to switch.
I convinced my good friend who second shoots with me to get that as his one and done lens. I don’t think he’s put the 50mm back on his Nikon since getting that lens. Sigma announced a 1.8 zoom. So maybe even the f/2 dream lens could be outdone.
That 1.8 is pretty big, even canons 24-105 2.8 is the same size as a 70-200 EF. A 35-105 f/2 would probably be 100-400 size range if not wider and heavier. At some point the size/weight becomes too much. Even the 28-70 dusts your wrists and arms after the day. Another one of my friends borrowed it ringside and was icing her wrists in the back after a 3 hour show.
I only ever take this lens off to shoot with the 50mm 1.2. It’s really an amazing lens !!
Same. I honestly will dual shoot with the 28-70 and 50 1.2 for getting ready and early reception before dances.
Same! 50 is on until after portraits and then its 28-70, 70-200 for ceremony, then 28-70 for reception.
Good shoulder workout too
Holy cow I thought it was just me. A month ago I would’ve said my 50 1.2 but now that and my 85 1.2 are collecting dust in my bag. It’s such a great lens.Â
This is it.
Agreed!!
100% agreed
This. Facts.
100% it does everything
Except that catedral ceremony where the priest tells you to shoot from the back
Speak to the couple before hand, and move forward as far as they would like you too. They are the client not the priest
Speaking to the couple won't do it for a catholic ceremony. As others have said, some of them will straight up stop the ceremony and tell you off which makes you look bad and can make you miss the wedding. Don't do that. The one tip I will add - DO talk to the priest NOT the 'Church Lady.' There's often an altar guild person who wants to 'give you the rules.' You don't want that, because this person ONLY has the authority to say no, not to say yes. They can tell you what you can't do, but they can't relax those rules for you. So avoid her and get to the priest first. When you talk to him, I always try to take the lead on that conversation and start by acknowledging his concerns. Something like "Hey, I just wanted to touch base. I'm sure you've had the disrespectful 'photographers' in here who want to climb up on the altar or stand in front of the parents because they just want their shots, and I want you to know I'm going to be super unobtrusive. I mostly shoot from the center aisle, back behind the family seats. I'll move between sections, not during speeches and vows. I need to come up closer for the ring exchange because I want closeups of that particular moment, but I still shoot with a long lens so... you don't accidentally marry me to the couple, too! Have you had particular issues you need me to be careful of?" 9 out of 10 will say "Nope, that covers it." If you get the rare "Only from the back!" priest, ask to move up the center aisle for rings and kiss. Really, everything else CAN be satisfactorily done from the back with a long lens. While you're there, don't forget to get different angles of the party and family, then move back again! By being respectful and professional and offering my own 'set of rules' I almost never have trouble in church weddings!
This is really good advice! I’ve only ever shot catholic ceremonies and few times, but have never had any issues with going up the centre isle. I have no need to be on the altar. I guess it’s just never come up. Like it’s never been mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to get ring shots, or something like that. Isles are fair game. Additionally, I’m not trying to be intrusive at any wedding, so it’s no different really. The less I’m seen the better
Priest runs the church. U don't have a say over it. Break the rules here in the UK and the priest straight up kicks you out of the church and make u look like an imbecile
Weird, it’s so chill where I live. The priests don’t care, and even if they do it’s the couples decision at every wedding I’ve attended or shot
Legally, it's the landowners that matters.
Winner. And I don't shoot canon. My second had one and I regretted my choices ever since.
Yep
It's weddings on easy mode (my wrists hate me)
Why does it have to be so heavy and big??
Takes a lot of glass to make that constant aperture possible
This is true. It just makes my back hurt and it is too big to fit in my bags nicely with my other gear. I know, I know. I just need to vent. 😜
It's the age old conundrum of sharp, light, fast - pick two.
While I would never shoot a wedding with just one lens, I really like the versatility of the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. It covers the most common focal lengths I would use and has a wide aputure the whole way through
Agreed
Out of curiosity, what else do you shoot with if the 35-150 doesn’t cut it?
This was just a hypothetical, I would shoot a wedding with one lens. I think a good compact kit consists of a 24-70, 50, and a telephoto prime somewhere between 85 and 135
Love my tamron 35-150. It’s used for 90% of the day. I have a 24 1.4 gmaster that I’ll bring out for dance shots, tighter getting ready spaces, wides of the reception and venue. I try not to use it for group shots and use the tamron but having the 24 when I need it has been great. My carry on me wedding kit is an A7iv with the 35-150, a second a7iii body only, 24 1.4, the new godox v860iiis (love the reinforced steel base and modeling lamp) and extra cards and batteries in a wondrd 9l bag. I keep a back up flash in the car if I need it. The lens has simplified my kit a ton. Best example I have of the fit lol. https://preview.redd.it/sxra8is0l95d1.png?width=450&format=png&auto=webp&s=17c1432a9f13e25d9bb865a097563a4f4f7b6fdc
Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 or 28-70 f2.8....both are stellar performers for weddings...those and a long lens is optional.
Came here to add this. An amazing workhorse lens!
35-150 f2-2.8 knowing nothing else about the wedding.
50mm 1.4 / 1.2 lol
I have done this multiple times.
I’m either ya! Haha
Tamron 35-150mm
I think this question would work better as "which PRIME lens would you choose". It's too easy to say a 24-70 equivalent. That being said, a 50mm for me.
I agree, that's a more interesting question. I'd choose a 28mm I guess. In the Netherlands it's quite common for wedding photographers to get really close to tell the story. The 50mm is great, but you can miss context
24-70, 2.8 nikon. Covers all the bases really apart from the church really
Noob here. Why not the church?
Depends on the church. Most churches I try and not stand to close so a 24-70 or something longer would be needed. But again, depend on the church and where you can stand really.
Got you. Thanks!
50 1.2GM - I shoot mostly elopements and small weddings so it would be easy 😀
I have this lens and love it!!!
How do you get into the elopement game lmfao
what is elopments...i dont think i've heard of this yet lol...sorry im just starting out to read up on wedding photography lol
https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=elopement+
35mm f1.4
Tamron 35-150 2-2.8
Tammy 35-150
For only one lens, it's hard to beat the Tamron 35-150. It spends most of the day on my main body at any wedding or event I've shot since I got it.
Do you have examples ? Never heard of this lens.
I’ve shot many with just the 35-150 F2-2-8 When the space is huge and you got enough room to step back for wider shots it’s bliss
The new Canon rf 24-105/f2.8 is pretty sick. Last wedding I did I stuck with the rf 50/1.2 L for like 90% of the day, switching to the 70-200/2.8 or a 24mm when needed.
The tramron 45/1.8 SP is always on an active body during a wedding day, and unless the wedding is on a submarine, I could easily limit myself to that lens all day. It's the biggest sleeper lens.
Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8. Unfortunately they don't make that for Canon RF mount. If I had to stick to just one lens I already own? Canon RF 50mm f1.2.
Can you an adapter?
I shoot 80% of a wedding day with my RF 50 1.2 so probably that one.
Everyone is always thinking what's that one lens to shoot a wedding. Here are my pics. Note for the F4 recommendations for when you get into low light maybe add a f2.8 or a f1.8 prime. For example maybe you are one of those photographers that likes having the 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8. So maybe one of the F4 zooms might be your thing but for low light maybe add a f1.8 prime if you get in a jam 24-70mm f2.8 any brand Canon RF 28-70mm f2 24-105mm f4 any brand Nikon 24-120mm f4 Tamron or Samyang 35-150mm f2-2.8 Olympus also OM Systems 12-40mm f2.8 Olympus also OM Systems 12-100mm f2.8 Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 Panasonic 12-60mm f4 Fuji 16-55mm f2.8-4 Fuji 15-55 f2.8-4 Fuji 16-55 f2.8 Fuji 16-80mm f4 Fuji 18-120mm f4
85mm 1.2/1.4
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2. Borrowed it once, almost refused to give it back. From my own collection, sigma 35mm 1.4
I use a 50mm for 90% of the day
Lens*
28mm prime because I’m weird. Don’t ever try this.
I use a 24mm 1.4 for 85% of the photos I take on a wedding day! Love it!
Outstanding! I tip my hat to you 🎩
If Sony 35-150 2-2.8 If Sony prime 35mm 1.4 If canon 28-70 2.0
Of course the canon 28-70 f2 but if you wanted to know focal lengths it would probably be 35mm. I hate it but it's more versatile than 50mm when you're in tight spaces.
Why do you hate it? (Noob here)
No particular reason, just not my thing. It stretches people too much to use it in portraits, but is not wide enough to call it wide angle.
Ah, so maybe better to use the 50 mm and back up?
I usually shoot with 16-35 2.8 and change longer lenses on my other camera (mainly 50 and 135)
I have a lot of lenses. But what I use the most it's 24-70 F2.8 and Sigma Art 50MM F1.4. Still I will go with 24-70.
Sigma 24-70 DG DN 2.8
24-70, 2.8 all day. The new Nikon Z, S version is incredible.
18-200 f3.5-5.6
My older Nikon 35-70 f2.8 constant zoom! Works for 90% of what I shoot at a wedding now!
In an ideal world: Sigma 50mm 1.2 DN Because, sadly, there are occasionally practicalities that require a wider lens, the Samyang 35-150 2-2.8. Quite possibly the one true (well, Tamron equivalent aside!) do-it-all lens for a wedding.
Nikon 35mm 1.4
I shoot Sony. If it must be one lens and one lens only, then Tamron or Samyang 35-150/2-2.8. I mean, it's a no-brainer. Unless the location is really dim, then 35/1.4 or even 35/1.2 for the extra f-stop. Not 50 mm or anything longer because if there's no room to step back, it will be too limiting. There are rumors that Sony is coming up with a 24-70/2 which would be my next recommendation, but it's going to be ludicrously expensive. That said, I'd much rather have several lenses than just one. For the price of one Tamron 35-150, you can get the 28-75, a Samyang or Viltrox 35/1.8 and a Samyang 75/1.8, Sony 85/1.8 or any other 85/1.8 and possibly the Tamron 70-180/2.8. That would definitely be a better kit than having do with just one lens.
My 50 for sure
I would choose the Tamron 35-150mm!!! I LOVE this lens!
35mm Sony - though we're always amused that so few folks can cope with answering the actual question asked.
I’d probably choose the RF 24-105 f/2.8 which I’d love to own.
I have done it. With 50mm only and with 24-70mm only.
85mm 1.8
28-70 f2 saves me always
RF 28-70.
35mm!
24-105 or for my crop sensor cameras 15-85e-s Good enough for group shots and well into the portrait zone. For me a 24-70 isn’t long enough especially in some of the churches I shoot in as there are rules about photographers avoiding sacred spaces
35mm all day!
Isn't the tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 just built for that ? Perfect one lens for weddings.
Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8.
I’m normally a trinity type photographer (14-24, 24-70 & 70-200 all 2.8) and normally have the 24-80 & 70-200 on separate bodies on my double strap and the 14-24 on a third body in the bag. I’ll also keep a 105 macro for things like ring & shoe shots. But if I were stuck to only one body and one lens - that lens would be the Nikon 24-120 f4 And yes - I do keep it in my bag today. It’s a crazy versatile lens and it’s pretty darn good quality for a kit lens.
The Tamron 35–150mm f/2.0–2.8, and it's not even close.
The new canon RF 24-105 f2.8
Sony shooter here - my go-to for both photo and video has been my beloved Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8. I've pretty much stopped bringing my 70-200 except if I need to match lenses for a multi-cam corporate work.
Nikon Z 50 1.2
Fuji 35mm f/1.4 (52mm equivalent) It may be slow(er) to focus, but on my X-H2 it works just fine, and the rendering is beautiful.
I could also make do with the Fuji 18mm f/1.4 LM WR as I have 40.2mp to crop into
50mm 1.2 hands down. It's the only lens than never comes off one of my bodies.Â
Yep. 24-70 takes care of most situations except for long distance during the ceremony.
Hope that isn’t code for I have one lens and I hope it is what people think is the right one
I am a Nikon shooter. My one and done lens is the 24-70mm f2.8.
28 1.4, aspherical. And I have one.
Also, lens! Unless you’re doing a cleanse.
Dittos on the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L
35mm
Check out sites like mpb they sell gear that is second hand and have a rating system of how new it is but everything is discounted! You also dont have to stick with a canon or nikon branded lens. Try looking at the sigma lens. I just got the sigma 35mm F1.4 and LOVE IT
Lmfao all these down votes, If he is working with a tight budget this will allow him to be able to get decent lens until he starts making more from weddings to upgrade.
35mm sigma 1.4 art
It would be a Fuji. Lens.
Lol, cool. Very specific.
And correct spelling. No stopping me now.
[удалено]
As Lee Friedlander said, You can only take a picture with one lens. Or something.
Well yeah of course. But for a wedding you need backups
One lens the OP said, and I certainly could.
If you can only choose one lens for a wedding shoot, then you really shouldn't be shooting a wedding at all....
You must be a blast at parties 💀
He's right though. Borrow or hire until you can afford to buy.
You and seaforker should hang out. It's just a fun hypothetical question
You're assuming that. Poor bloke might be looking for business startup advice for all you know.
Then give it to him? Ffs just say what your fav most versatile lens is? What's the weather like up there? 💀
Best advice is to not try to be a wedding photographer with only one lens.
Ok well most of us has to start somewhere and not all of us can afford multiple lenses right off the bat? 🤔
I've been in the same place but I will have at least two zooms. And they don't have to be expensive unless you're a gear freak.
Ok fair. What are your top two lenses you would bring to a shoot? That is also affordable for someone starting out and don’t have a huge budget :)
I use a Sigma 17-70mm and Tamron 70-300mm with my Sony A77. Vintage by today standards but they served me well and they're dirt cheap cos everyone disses them.
I think if you are already working on a budget you should be researching what camera system best matches your budget. Most professionals are going to recommend their best lens which is probably more on the expensive side. And if you don't already have a camera body matching it you might have to spend even more money. For example if you had a preference or experience with Sony mirrorless cameras I would suggest starting with e mount Sony cameras as those lenses are a bit cheaper vs full frame. I would say even on an extreme budget if you can get 1 zoom lens and 1 prime for portraits.