Originally posted by BigMackCam I believe - or, at least, suspect - this is one of the reasons why the classic, fast ~70-200mm zoom is so beloved of wedding photographers, not just during the ceremony (where distance to the couple may be a factor) but before and afterwards when candid shots might be taken...
Yes, it's one of the reasons.
I personally tend to avoid the 70-200mm f2.8 for indoor events because to me it seems a distraction in certain situations because the f2.8 version is very big and once the people see it, they look at you with the photo face with fake smile.
I got used to 85mm f1.4 for candid shots and sometimes I shoot in live view, from waist level... I use the 70-200mm when I know that I shoot from a dedicated spot (I had 2 corporate events where I wasn't allowed to move and having the 70-200mm f2.8 rented was a necessity).
---------- Post added 02-12-20 at 07:40 PM ----------
I often try different approaches than the photographers who are shooting next to me when we go out to have fun. If they shoot with 50mm or 85mm I'm happy because I can go to places that they can't and shoot at 200mm from angles they can get with the 85mm lenses.
Here is an image from the same shooting with the girl on the bridge. I saw the fence which was placed on the left of the bridge and it was perfect for shooting somehow at the level of the bridge. 70-200mm lens gave me enough reach to get a few images that no 85mm lens would give me due to distance between me and the model (with water between us).
That's why for shooting outdoor portraits I vote for flexibility.
For the ones who have money, an 85mm lens will also be a good addition for different look and for the fast aperture.
---------- Post added 02-12-20 at 07:52 PM ----------
One last thing...
Having a 70-200mm f4 lens doesn't mean you have to shoot only at 200mm f4 to get some subject isolation. Below are 2 example with me not moving from the place you can see in the behind the scenes image.
The behind the scenes image
The first image, taken at 1/160s, f4, ISO 125, 93mm (there is enough subject isolation even with a not so clean background)
And here is a different framing, taken from the same place at 1/160s, f4, ISO 125, 144mm