This is the type of article the “9th with Nathan” was made for! Not only do I love reading about what gear other photographers use, but I just plain like geeking out about it. :) Since I don’t really know how to start this, I’m essentially listing out our gear, extolling upon our favorite lenses, and sharing a few pretty photos along the way. So sit back, read (or just look), and enjoy! And yes, we’re just going to ignore how late this piece is. ;)
Hands down, this has been our best investment over the years! It was our first “big lens” purchase over 3.5 years ago and we’ve gotten an incredible amount of use from it at each and every wedding. (That 200mm reach really helps during ceremonies, whether they’re in churches or out on the beach.) And the 2.8 max aperture with image stabilization provide a great deal of flexibility, especially when working in low light! If you’re debating the IS/non-IS or 2.8/4.0 versions, don’t bother. Go for the 2.8 IS. You’ll thank yourself over the years!
While it’s not my favorite lens any more, it’s still something I wouldn’t dare go into a wedding without. I’ve grown used to shooting at f/3.5 or 4 to ensure a sharper shot. However, since we just got it back from CPS, maybe I’ll be flying at 2.8 again!
1/2000th at f/4, ISO 500 @ 200mm
Canon 15mm 2.8 Fish-eye
We may not use this lens all that often (especially since we upgraded to full-frame 5D Mark IIs), but it’s still fun and has its moments! :) The fish-eye lens, in my opinion, should really just be reserved for scene shots since it can distort people so easily. Sure, it’s fun to goof off shooting self-portaits six inches from your nose, but what bridal party wants to be distorted extra wide in a group shot? (Not many.) Since the 15mm is extra fish-eye-ee on full-frame cameras, we often turn to the 24-70mm or 35mm lens if we need a wide shot without distortion.
1/60th at f/2.8, ISO 1000
See? Fun for self-portaits!
1/60th at f/3.5, ISO 1600
Canon 24-70mm 2.8L
Again, I don’t really like shooting with this lens any more, but the flexible zoom range is hard to beat on a day to the parks. :) (I promise I’m just saving our best lenses for last. I don’t hate half of our camera bag!) Just like the 70-200mm, the 24-70mm was an early purchase for us and served as my work-horse lens for a few years. The 2.8 max aperture is good for low light, and the wide 24mm range can provide some striking scene photos. While I’ve always appreciated the zoom range, I’ve rarely had the sharpest of shots from it. (That honor goes to our prime lenses, up next.)
1/100th at f/3.2, ISO 1600
Canon 35mm 1.4L
Woohoo, my personal favorite as of May 2009! The 35mm has fast become my go-to lens for a handful of reasons… it’s compact, it’s sharp, it’s amazing in low light, and it’s “natural.” (By that, I mean the focal length feels very similar to what your eye already sees, not too wide or too long.)
1/160th at f/2, ISO 1000
As you can tell, I like using it for detail shots. :)
1/160th at f/1.8, ISO 640
I also love this lens for travel. If there’s a chance we’ll be out at night, I often bring the 35mm over the 24-70. That, and I just like the clarity of images from it more. (The image below blows my mind at 21 megapixels!)
1/1000th at f/5, ISO 640
Perfect for capturing raw reception moments without altering the scene with flash.
1/30th at f/1.4, ISO 1000
You didn’t think we’d have a personal post without Huck Finn making an appearance, did you?
1/1250th at f/2, ISO 640
These last two photos are some of my favorites! For bridal prep shots, the 35 is a perfect fit in most any hotel room and it shines with natural light flowing into the room. And unlike many lesser lenses, it can shoot directly into a bit of bright light and not completely lose its focus.
1/250th at f/1.4, ISO 1000
1/80th at f/1.4, ISO 1000
Jensey’s Canon 85mm f1.2L
I preface this lens with Jensey’s name because it’s been on her camera body for nearly 2 years straight. Or should I say, it’s hardly been on my camera in the last two years. ;) (As such, all of the below images are Jensey’s.) We purchased this lens from Lens Pro to Go‘s yearly used lens sale. If you’re looking to update your bag, start checking the For Sale page in mid-October. Of course, if you need to just rent a lens, Paul’s service is top notch too! :)
But enough about how we got it, you probably want to know why we love it. After all, it’s a bowling ball of a lens and not exactly subtle. But it’s also the most consistently sharp lens we’ve ever owned. (I’m sure that’s not hurt by Jensey’s ability to always nail the focus.) :) It doesn’t focus the fastest of all our lens, but it’s not too slow either. And c’mon, can you really argue for a 1.2 max aperture at 85mm?! In my opinion, all of Canon’s L lenses have been worth every premium penny we’ve paid for them. (To those that don’t know, the L lenses from Canon have that little red ring around the front. And they’re awesome.)
1/1600th at f/2.8, ISO 800
Being able to shoot into sunset and still come away with a tack-sharp image is just as important as a great max aperture.
1/1250th at f/3.5, ISO 640
1/6400th at f/2.2, ISO 800
1/800th at f/1.4, ISO 1250
1/160th at f/1.2, ISO 1250
Canon 50mm 1.2L
This guy has been on our wish list for years and finally joined the family on Christmas 2009. While I love the width of the 35 and the reach of the 85, it often felt like something was missing. And so here we are. :) (Again, thanks to Lens Pro to Go!) When we’re on an engagement shoot, Jensey and I will often trade between the 85 and 50. And if I was doing a shoot on my own, I’d feel completely comfortable using this lens by itself.
1/640th at f/1.6, ISO 1600
I’ve also grown to like shooting group photos with this lens. (It used to be the 24-70, but with proper location scouting, I much prefer the 50.) I know the focus will be accurate and the image quality will be consistent across the board. (If the group is any larger, I’ll usually grab the 35mm or maybe step back farther with the 85mm.)
1/1250th at f/2.2, ISO 500
1/2500th at f/1.8, ISO 500
Like the 35mm, it can handle shooting into light decently well. It seems to focus hunt a bit more often, but when it does lock on, it’s just as sharp.
1/2000th at f/1.4, ISO 320
We don’t shoot at 1.2 all that often, but when we do, the background just goes all beautiful and buttery.
1/5000th at f/1.2, ISO 500
I also love how this lens can make singling out details very easy.
1/1600th at f/2.2, ISO 500
Thank you so much for sticking through the whole article. :) I’ve never put together anything like this before, so please feel free to continue with questions/discussion in the comments. I honestly do love talking about this stuff, so don’t hesitate! See you all next month.
In case you missed my past articles, here are my first two:
Great post! Can I ask what kind of camera bag do you use? Do you have a favorite for going around the parks with just a few lenses? Thanks!
Hi Jenn!
For weddings and larger travel trips, we now use the ThinkTank Photo : Airport TakeOff bag. ( http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx ) It’s incredible! It rolls, it can be used like a backpack, it doesn’t look like a camera bag, it’s durable yet super flexible with layout. I’m in love. :)
For smaller trips and engagement sessions, we often bring along the Tamrac bag ( http://www.tamrac.com/5374.htm ) If we really try, we can fit two camera bodies (including battery grips) and two to three smaller lenses. (50mm, 85mm, and 35mm.) When it comes to bags of this size, we just pick what feels sturdy and what looks best. :) We picked this one up at a random Ritz Camera store in California.
So when you are shooting weddings, do you use a bag to carry around other lenses? I have the smaller version of the tamrac bag and I love it! And I love the fact that the discreet tamrac bags don’t scream “I’m a photography bag!”
For weddings, we just bring along our large primary bag. (The ThinkTank roller.) With the two of us, we have the benefit of two different lenses by default. :) And if need be, I’ll bring a third lens on the spare 40D.
Thanks, Jen, I was going to ask the same thing!
Request for future 9th with Nathan- a tree climbing and contortionist how-to :) We need to know how you get your awesome perspectives!
Do you guys have a specific reason why you shoot with cannon over nikon or sony? Or opinions on the other two brands? I currently have a sony, and am trying to go somewhere with it, but it seems industry standard leans towards cannon or nikon. Forgive me if I’ve asked you this before…I’m kind-of-way-too-scared-and-such-a-baby to really talk to professional photographers for tips, opinions, advice etc on trying to start a photography business and its sink or swim time on this dream of mine so I’m trying to get more advice and be less intimidated by the people who do this for real, and I might have had the guts to ask it to you in the last couple weeks, or it could have been another photography team who’s work I regularly swoon over. WAY TO GO RUN ON SENTENCES! Sorry for the novel :)
Hi Anna!
We shoot Canon because that’s what I first purchased in 2003 and I’ve been happy ever since. :) The wedding industry definitely relies mostly on Nikon and Canon, though. Not to say there’s anything wrong with Sony, but I think you’ll find much more support (places to buy, available repairs, advice, etc) for the bigger two names.
More than anything, they’ll have the variety of gear and accessories that might help you in any situation. Honestly, though, if you can get the job done with what you have, then more power to you!
And please don’t hesitate to ask any questions whenever! Drop us a line via the website and maybe we could even setup a consult someday. :) Best of luck to you!
Anna – I shoot with Sony and LOVE it. While Nikon and Canon are standards, when doing my research I found most unbiased reviews score Sony just as high quality, and in some instances better. Their equipment also tends to be cheaper for comparable equipment. But Nathan is absolutely right that you’ll find more places to purchase and rent Nikon/Canon equipment and find more support resources for them.
That said, the Sony online community is fantastic and most third-party lens and accessory makers have products for every type of mount out there. Keep in mind that Sony’s DSLR is basically the continuation of the Minolta line, so you can find GREAT deals on older Minolta equipment that works just fine with the new Sony gear.
The only limitation I have found is finding lenses to rent. I use lensrentals.com (just a customer – I have no affiliation so if Nate or Jensey have a problem with me posting the link, you guys are free to remove it). Most rental outfits only cater to Nikon/Canon users, but I like to rent lenses I’m considering buying before I plunk down the cash. I actually have only found one piece of equipment I wanted to rent that wasn’t available anywhere, so it hasn’t been that big a deal.
I urge you to check out the equipment reviews and forums at dpreview.com for more info on the different equipment. The Sony Alpha folks there are great resources and will give you an honest opinion.
Thank you so much for the informed input, Kim! :)
My pleasure! I found the blog entry really helpful myself. Lens information is universal! :)
Ok, you guys have been my favorite for a long time now….since I was a baby on dA (mom-the-bomb), and you always knock my socks off with your talent….Now, I am so glad to hear the pros and cons of the lenses….I took your advice on the 70-200 a year or so ago and have loved it!!! Thanks Nate4…
btw, did you realize your 9th article is on 8/9/10? Corny I know, but cool, nonetheless.
Thank you! This is a great article! Thank you for going into detail on why you use each lens. This is perfect. Also, my camera, who is affectionately named Shakira, thanks you for some possible new lenses in the near future.
this post was so helpful for new photographers! I loved seeing an image with each lens description. you guys are great!
LOVE this article! I’ve been following you two for about a year after a mutual friend – who was a CP with Jensey – told me about your site. I’ve wanted to know what you shot with for a while, and definitely go to your site for inspiration before a shoot. I recently purchased the EF 85mm f/1.8 and use it often. Looking forward to the next article!
Wow! This article was so great! I just got a switched from nikon to canon, so I was very excited to read this!
What’s your favorite lens for the cheapest price tag?
So glad to hear it, Lydia! :) That’s quite a tough question you asked, though. The 35mm is probably my favorite lens, but I wouldn’t exactly call it cheap. Perhaps the Canon 50mm 1.4? (We owned that prior to the 1.2 and it was a solid piece.)
Great information! I think the 35mm is next on my list :)
It’s kind of awesome!
Exactly what I needed!! Thank you so much.
So glad to hear it Colleen! :)
Very nice work. I’ve been looking at getting away from zooms and sticking to primes for my wedding work. Do you miss working wit zooms?
Thanks Nick! We still keep the 24-70 and 70-200 around and busy so I don’t have to miss them. (A good zoom lens is hard to beat for most ceremonies!) For bridal prep, some group shots, and reception details I love the 35, 50, and 85 trio.
Thanks for the reply. I’ll probabbly still keep the 24-70, it’s nice to have around, it’s so versitle. Though it would have been nice to sell it and use the funds to get the 35 1.4
Great website, I stumbled on it while looking up the 35 1.4 Im thinking about pairing it with my 85 1.4 and I think you just sold me on it. Really nice work here.
So great to hear, Matt! :)