[Wired]

I'm shooting my first wedding next Saturday and wanted to get some ideas on what I should or should not bring for my kit.

Currently my bag is packed with:
2 K5's
DA*16-50
DA*50-136
DA*55
FA77
DA10-17
DA40
AF540G flash
2 tripods (one for flash, one for a K5)
Pentax Q (as a backup for the backup)
4 32gb memory cards
5 K5 batteries (I still have time to get another 2)
laptop and external drive (for backup just in case)
32" reflector
18 batteries for my flash.

Problem is, I won't have my car with me as were' busing around as a group, so whatever my wife and I can carry....and the wife doesn't like to carry. there are a few different venues throughout the day (the house while the bride, birde smaid, and brides daughters get read, the bus, a beautiful japanese garden for photos, church, and a hall for reception)

I got a Sigma 30 1.4 on order that I hope *fingers crossed* will be here in time for the wedding. If the lens shows up on time, I got about $300 to play with for additional gear, including extra memory and lighting modifiers...of which I have none. I was thinking at least 1 class 10 64gb card for my main K5.

I would like to get the HONL speed strap, 1/8 grid and the effects sampler pack. but I don't know if thats going to be useful on a bright and sunny day (hopefuly) and might not work in the church very well. I also was thinking of the Manfrotto Midi-36 hybrid LED light/flash. Those will set me back $250 or so. I really like the idea of the LED light for the bus/house.

I got a bunch of len's I don't know if I need or not. I can fit at least one more in the bag, but it's already getting freaking heavy!
Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6
Tamron 90mm macro
M 50 1.7
M 28 2.8
M 135 3.5
M 200 4.0
M 75-150 4.0

What light modifiers would be benificial? Should I be looking at a honl speed snoot or bounce card? What about a puffer? omni bounce? mini-soft box?

What am I missing that i should have? Am I over packing? The 40mm 2.8 I find redunant, but if SDM fails on the 16-50 and the 55 at least I can cover that FL. I CAN do the whole thing with the 40mm and the 77mm if I have to, but would rather not.

[Ari]

Rent another DA*16-50. You and your wife should both have that lens (I'm assuming she's shooting with you). And if she's not, you need a backup lens with that focal range and speed. Do not risk using a prime lens as backup - this will be your most - used lens at this event. You also need another flash as backup and way (way) more batteries for both of them. Get something lighter for the flash instead of a tripod (your back and feet will thank you for it). The Gary Fong Lightsphere is excellent to use for both on-camera and off-camera flash as a diffusor. And it's small (ish). Choose between the DA*55, FA77 and FA40 and only bring one. My vote is for the FA77 - it has faster focus than the 55 even if it's a less flexible focal length. Leave all of the other lenses in your second list (starting with Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6) at home.
Also, take test shots with all of your cards in both camera bodies and then download them to your computer. Make sure they are reading, writing and transferring ok.
And most importantly (MOST importantly), after you've decided on all gear you're bringing, make a list of it the night before. And then check that list before you leave for your gig - twice!!!!!

[Wired]

Unfortunately renting anything locally right now just doesn't work. the only available gear for hire is Nikon, and even then only a D7000 and the DX 18-85 3.5-5.6. the big pro shop... I tried reserving a D800 or D700, or even a EOS mkii back in March and was told tough luck, they are all reserved already. Which is just ludicrous that they don't have enough gear to go around. So I'm stuck with what I got. Unless I can snag another DA*16-50 or comparable for under $800 locally. (which a quick check of kijiji says no)

I can opt for another 540 flash gun instead of the lens. I want a second one anyways. I think there is a few on Kijiji around here right now too. the tripod I have for the flash is stupid light too, its an entry level $50 jobbie from Manfrotto made for compact cameras and M4/3 units. I got an old AF220T flashgun as well, but its PTTL only with no manual control. Can't even use it as a control flash for the AF540. I'll also grab that MIDI light from Manfrotto as its got a flash mode as well and it appears will I can use the gel's from Honl in it as well. 2 birds, one stone.

The wife wont be shooting. shes a good assistant for ideas and what not, but the DSLR's scare her. She even gets intimidated by all the buttons on my Q. I'm trying to break her, but its been a few years in the making.

I'll grab another whallop of batteries for the flash for sure. I don't think thats a bad idea in the least bit at all. Should 36 be enough? I also got my studio strobes that I can lock in my car which will be parked at the hall.

The lightsphere looks like a great tool, I'll pick one up tomorrow.

thanks for the assist!

[Ari]

You can never (ever) have enough batteries. I would bring a minimum of 40 (ten full changes for the flash). You will need to change them (no matter how much juice you think is left) before the first dances, cake cutting and anything else you cannot miss. Also, in lieu of another DA*16-50, I would look at picking up an 18-55 kit lens. Since it's only going to be for backup, it is a good way to cover any emergencies. You will really need to have that focal range without having to change lenses. There will be a lot of images you'll be taking on the fly and you do not want to miss anything because you are swapping out glass.

[Wired]

You can never (ever) have enough batteries. I would bring a minimum of 40 (ten full changes for the flash). You will need to change them (no matter how much juice you think is left) before the first dances, cake cutting and anything else you cannot miss. Also, in lieu of another DA*16-50, I would look at picking up an 18-55 kit lens. Since it's only going to be for backup, it is a good way to cover any emergencies. You will really need to have that focal range without having to change lenses. There will be a lot of images you'll be taking on the fly and you do not want to miss anything because you are swapping out glass.

exactly my thought, w hich is why I plan on 16-50 on one K5, 50-135 on the other

I'll go grab a kit lens if I need to. Or the 18-135.

[Dave]

Wired-

I would recommend either a way to back up your cards (the laptop), or more smaller cards... nothing worse than busting 32gb worth of data! I bring 40gb+ worth of 4gb cards, but I'm paranoid about loosing a huge chunk of irreplaceable data, and feel its better to diversify and change more frequently. :/

I would also suggest you snag a second flash, either so both of you can run and gun or so if the first goes belly up you've got a spare. Plus batteries batteries batteries!! You might want to look into these:

http://amzn.com/B004YG7JXW

A combination reflector/diffuser is a very very important piece of kit, especially if you are shooting outside. Hey instant cloud! Echoing what others have said I use a monopod with an umbrella stand on the end for an instant light mod, plus the monopod can be used to steady the camera in a pinch as well.

I have couple of these and one lives in my car, the other in my kit: http://amzn.com/B002ZIMEMW

If you can swing it, bring a macro. Good for flowers, rings, favors, portraits, details etc.

Finally add a small roll of gaffers tape and a few pieces of stiff card stock to your bag. For next to nothing in weight you can create all sorts of on the spot light mods from snoots to reflectors. It may look tacky, but it will get the job done. Gaff is also handy for all sorts of other odds and ends.

Just my thoughts on this end!

Dave

[Ash]

I wouldn't bother with MF lenses.
You could do away with the DA 40 (since the 16-50 is more versatile) and the DA* 55 could do a similar job to the FA 77 (you could share these two amongst yourselves).
You probably each need a flash but if one of you likes more ambient light photography, then you could get away with just one, but having two means there isn't any limitation to the photography that can be undertaken under difficult lighting conditions.
If you are both doing dedicated aspects of the photography, one of you should have the 16-50 and the other the 50-135 (don't bother with the kit or 18-135lens options - just won't cut it), keeping the fast 55 and 77 for more specialised shots at closer distance.

All the best.

[Allison]

I agree with not bring the MF lenses because you arent going to use them. Keep the fisheye because it is good for a few speciality shots during the ceremony and it also takes fun dancing shots at the reception. I would go with the fa77 and I would bring the macro. You can do weddings without the macro, but the flowers, rings, program, detail type shots are just screaming for macro.

I would not get a 64 card. I had a 32 fail on me once and I was able to recover some, but not all of the getting ready shots and I missed a few of the processional. Worst feeling ever! Now I only shoot with sandisk 8gb. I have a wallet labeled with each phase of the day and I only shoot each part on the specified card.

I use lithium batteries in the flash and they last much longer than standard alkaline. I take 12 to a wedding and I have never needed more. I have the Honl speed strap, all of the gels, and the traveller 8 softbox. I also have the rogue flash bender. I like the rogue a little better, but the 540 will not stay up with either of those two on, so be prepared to hold your flash in place if it is on the camera. If you are using it on the tripod, some gaffers tape would be handy to keep it exactly where you want it. I love the Honl gels and this is still my go to if the ceiling is white and not too high.

Oh, buy a cute umbrella if the forecast looks like rain. Mine is black with white polka dots. The clients love it and it makes for sweet, romantic shots even when the weather stinks.

[Wired]

I agree with not bring the MF lenses because you arent going to use them. Keep the fisheye because it is good for a few speciality shots during the ceremony and it also takes fun dancing shots at the reception. I would go with the fa77 and I would bring the macro. You can do weddings without the macro, but the flowers, rings, program, detail type shots are just screaming for macro.

I would not get a 64 card. I had a 32 fail on me once and I was able to recover some, but not all of the getting ready shots and I missed a few of the processional. Worst feeling ever! Now I only shoot with sandisk 8gb. I have a wallet labeled with each phase of the day and I only shoot each part on the specified card.

I use lithium batteries in the flash and they last much longer than standard alkaline. I take 12 to a wedding and I have never needed more. I have the Honl speed strap, all of the gels, and the traveller 8 softbox. I also have the rogue flash bender. I like the rogue a little better, but the 540 will not stay up with either of those two on, so be prepared to hold your flash in place if it is on the camera. If you are using it on the tripod, some gaffers tape would be handy to keep it exactly where you want it. I love the Honl gels and this is still my go to if the ceiling is white and not too high.

Oh, buy a cute umbrella if the forecast looks like rain. Mine is black with white polka dots. The clients love it and it makes for sweet, romantic shots even when the weather stinks.

thanks so much, everyone really.

I'll go grab a couple of smaller cards. the smaller cards don't seem to be as fast, I find the 32 600x cards from Lexar seem to perform best in my K5. So I really like those, I got 3 already. I'll go pickup a few of the 16gb 133x cards as well.

I'll for sure pickup the honl kit and a gary fong light sphere cloud. and I got a guy I'm meeting up with this weekend to grab a used AF540G on the cheap. I'm going to hold off on purchasing the Sigma lens until after the wedding.

It may give me enough money left over to get the Lastolite 6x7 lightbox background which would be awesome for portrait sessions I've been asked to do @ the reception. It's a pretty penny tho....

[Ari]

exactly my thought, w hich is why I plan on 16-50 on one K5, 50-135 on the other

I'll go grab a kit lens if I need to. Or the 18-135.

It's a good move, to have both of those lenses mounted and ready to go. But I can't stress enough how important it is to have a backup in the 16-70mm range. I remember before I had a backup, I would carry a T2I with a tammy just as a backup in my bag in case I had any issues. You can't use the 50-135 for the cake cutting or the dance shots.

[Wired]

Got my second AF450G today. the tilt head is a bit loose and doesn't support the Gary Fong cloud very much, so i have to keep it vertical or full face forward. I didn't pay much for it so I'm okay, it will be strictly backup work or my secondary flash in a dual mode setup. Then went and picked up the previous mentioned Gary Fong cloud and some Honl toys. I canceled my Sigma 30 1.4 order as well. Think I'll save up for my 31mm limited anyway instead.

I also noticed my local shop got in 3 different AF lenses on trade that I went to go look at.
$70 SMC Pentax-FA 28-90mm F3.5-5.6
$60 SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5
$40 SMC-Pentax FA 28-105mm F4-5.6

The 35-70 was terrible. When my K5 and the shops K30 locked focus it was just lost, ultra soft, and just wasn't rendering very well. Contrast wasn't bad, and AF speed was very quick, but I don't think it was locking properly.
The 28-90 felt very cheap for Pentax... It was sharper than the 35-70, but lacked any contrast, very flat in it's color rendition.
The 28-105 was actually quite sharp and had some good color too it. AF speed is quick, but power zoom is...unfortunate. I ended up taking this lens as my backup lens for both of my DA* zooms. Took a few test shots today, I'm not impressed, but I'm not disappointed either. not bad for $40.

How come I haven't been able to find an F or FA (exception for the limiteds) lens that I like I've tried many, but I find the optical quality of them very poor compared to M and DA series lens.

Then went and picked up 2 16gb Lexar x600 cards and another 32gb Lexar x600 card (they no longer carry 8gb versions) so I will have a total of 4 32 gb cards and 2 16gb cards between two K5's.
I got 4 battery packs. Should I grab another 2?
I also picked up 100 pack of Best buy brand alkaline batteries ($20) and 2 packs Energizer Lithium, as well as my box of 16 ultra power Duracell batteries. I'll leave the 100 pack @ the reception hall as thats probably where my flash will see the most use, the other 24 batteries will be with me for fill flashing during the day and the morning. not including the set of Duracells that I'll load in them before. So hopefully I'll be covered there!

don't know what else I need....

[Ash]

4 batteries will last you about 2,000 photos - even more without flash use. But if you have grips, always carry an extra battery outside the body/grip just in case.

The 28-105 is quite slow and will make things difficult under low lighting. But all the best in your job. Let us know how it goes.

[Ari]

I think canceling the Sigma 30 and waiting to get the 31 is a very good idea; you will be extremely happy with that lens. The build, IQ and bokeh on that lens is absolutely second to none. Ash is right; if you are using a vertical grip on either one or both bodies, you should have one battery outside for each camera as backup, just in case. And hopefully, you won't need to use the 28-105 (I am not a fan of any of the FA zooms, they aren't quite up to snuff) but, in a pinch, it's still better to have that focal length as a backup.
Good luck! Please post some pics!

[Wired]

tomorrows the big day




think I'm ready?


so current gear status:
K5 #1, cracked screen (we knew this already)
K5 #2, hasn't even had 100 shutter releases yet
Q, smoothly operating and happy as a clam
DA* 55mm - all cleaned up, everything moves smoothly
DA* 16-50 - a little stiff in the zoom ring. its making me nervous
DA* 50-135 - going to be leaning on this one heavily, shes running smooth
DA 10-17 - threw some shots through her, looks great!
FA 77 - got rid of a nasty thumb print
FA 28-105 - in the bag to be used in a pinch of the DA*16-50 fails me. power zoom, operating nicely!
Tamron 90 - the rings await your focus mr. macro
Sigma 70-300 - going in the backup bag. don't want to be stranded
AF-540FGZ #1 - got some new batteries in there, recycling fast, and all functions A.O.K.
AF-540FGZ #2 - whats with the smoke?! Flash discharge on full power and close zoom = smoke. everything else seems to be okay. Will we put you on reserve duty for now
Hama hot shoe sync adapters - got 3. just in case
Elinchrom speed recievers - receiving transmissions loud and clear!
Elinchrom ECO transmitter - transmitting all the stories. But maybe i should go get a spare battery for you.
Elincrhom Dlite 4 - you could be useful...
Reflector dish - picking up radio signals from a distant planet and reflecting them into my brain
stands? yea we got some
tripod yup
memory cards? 7 of them totalling 160gb all of which are writing very well. only one glitch file on one of the new 8gb cards.
got me some gels
got me a gary fong cloud
can't leave home without the camera straps
an umbrella for a sunny day
some filters, including a variable ND for the 50-135. go some UV filters...don't know why they ain't on the lenses....
and enough bags to carry it all

wheres my Sherpa?

[Ash]

Where's your caddy?