Wedding - which lens with which body?

**The Kellyboy** · 04-11-2012, 02:44 AM

I'm doing a wedding soon (not my first, it's about my 15th) and I'm just curious for an opinion -

I have 2 bodies - K7 & GX-10 (basically a K10D)

I have 2 lenses - Pentax 16 - 50mm 2.8 & Sigma 70 - 200mm 2.8

The K7 is what I want to use primarily, but which lens do I put on it?

For every wedding I've shot so far I've used the 16-50mm on the K7 and just shot candids with the 70 - 200mm.

My question is should I use the 16 - 50mm as the main lens or try the 70 - 200mm for a change? It's got a better focal length for portraits but not a wide angle needed for group shots,etc. There wont be any time to change them over repeatedly and using a different focal length might inspire my creativity!

What do you think?

cupic · 04-11-2012, 02:48 AM

I believe that the 2 body option is the only way to go.The GX-10 with the pentax lens and the K7 the 70-200 way.
To have them both with you ,and change at will.

cheers

**The Kellyboy** · 04-11-2012, 02:57 AM

Thanks for the advice - I was erring towards the 70 -200 as well.

Also, I do use a 50mm 1.9 for the ceremony, unless light allows for 2.8.

But, a vicar recently said to me that he didn't want guests using cameras during the service, and he didn't mind what I did - move around, use flash, whatever I like. He said it will make the pics better, give the couple happier memories and, of course, make his church look its best! If only all providers had that opinion!

bdery · 04-11-2012, 05:25 AM

I beg to differ, but it will depend on the shooting location and how much you can move around. If you can move freely, get near the couple and use your 16-50. If you can't, then by all means use mainly the 70-200. Use your primary lens with the K-7, obviously.

Rupert · 04-11-2012, 06:29 AM

At my upcoming wedding shoot....my first as the primary shooter...I plan to use the Tamron 28-75 2.8 on the K5 and the DA*50-135 on the K20D. It will be a fairly close working area, and I will have full access to roam freely...otherwise, I would want a 70-200, which I don't have......but would probably go for the Tamron?
The 28-75 will arrive in a day or two....I hope it meets my expectations. At 2.8 it should be plenty fast on the K5...even slow lenses are plenty fast on the K5 where ISO is seldom a 2nd thought if there is any light at all.

Good luck!......you will probably need it less than I will!

Regards!

stevereidlrps · 04-11-2012, 03:02 PM

I'm doing a wedding in September (family ) and I've been thinking about the same thing with my kit and I was planning on using my K7 with the 17-50 f2.8 and the GX10 with the 70.200 f2.8 as I'll be able to get in close for most shots with the K7 at the venue

SOldBear · 04-11-2012, 04:45 PM

I use K-7 + DA* 16-50 and K10D + DA* 50-135.

The K-7 + DA* 16-50 combo is responsible for about 80% of the shots.

okcameradude · 04-11-2012, 06:04 PM

If you have done 15 or so weddings with the 16-50 and K7, I would not change what has been obviously working so well. Switching to a 70-200 as your primary changes everything from technique to positioning. You can crop with K7 and 16-50 to get a tighter frame, but you can't ever go wider if you switch. Just my 2 cents.

**BigDave** · 04-11-2012, 08:11 PM

I have shot a number of weddings over the years and find the 28-70 range a perfect lens for such occaissions. You generally don't use an extreme W/A during weddings except for some overview shots of the church interior. The 75mm is a great FL for short telephoto portraits and the 28 works well for groups without causing problems with excessive lateral distortions. Having the longer zoom will also be great for long shots during the service so you can remain unobtrusive while still getting nice tight shots. I even prefer manual focus lenses for weddings, as I find I can pick the focus point more accurately and not worry about focus shift problems associated with auto focus. Remember, you only have one chance to get the shots of the ceremony!

good luck and make certain you keep the bride and her mother happy!

regards,

Barnster · 04-11-2012, 09:52 PM

I agree with BigDave as for the 28-70, or for my wedding,I used 28-80.For me,it covered a whole range of shots like group,close portraits etc.Having the K7,if you can't get in too close,you still have the opportunity to crop the image without much quality loss,providing the focal point isn't the size of a fly.

**BigDave** · 04-12-2012, 04:34 PM

Ditto on the 28-80. A 28-105 is even better! The Pentax A 35-105 is a nice sharp, semi wide zoom that can do great, though the wider the lens aperture, the better! I wonder if they are ever goi ng to come o ut with a 28-135 F2. THAT would be a great lens, FF or Crop!

ishino · 04-13-2012, 06:38 AM

I say ditch the GX10 and get yourself another K7, or even better a K5. That's the BEST option.

Rupert · 04-13-2012, 07:12 AM

Update: I received the Tamron 28-75 yesterday and took it down to the wedding site (outside wedding) and shot a few. After making many comparisons with my old Tokina 28-70 ATX AF 2.8, I am sending the Tamron back. It is an excellent lens, sharp even wide open, but is only slightly better than the Tokina, and once you stop down, no better at all. The Tokina is all metal and focuses as fast and accurate. No point in having two such similar lenses.

I went to Photozone last night and did a lot of comparisons in this general range....I was surprised at how close all the models were, regardless of brand. I have a Sigma 17-70 HSM OS 2.8-4.0 and I might even be tempted to use it. It is lightning fast and deadly accurate, and renders a little richer color.
It is not as important to have a super fast lens on the K5 as it once was in the past. The added ISO abilities can make a slower lens plenty fast for all except the lowest of light conditions.....I keep forgetting this!

Regards!

**BigDave** · 04-13-2012, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by Rupert

The added ISO abilities can make a slower lens plenty fast for all except the lowest of light conditions.....I keep forgetting this!

That is true, but having a constant aperture, especially when shooting fast (like a wedding) is the way to go. YOu certainly have that with the Tokina.

Regards,

**The Kellyboy** · 04-13-2012, 01:44 PM

Thanks for all the advice & will be using Ishino's most of all - ditch the GX-10 & get a K5!

I used the 16-50 on the K7 as usual and the pics came out really well.

The GX-10 is great in good light and I'm very pleased with the candids, but very hit and miss in poor light (SLOW too!).

On a slightly different thread...there were only 2 DSLR's being used by the guests - both Pentax and another guest was telling me how he was looking to get himself a Pentax. I used all of my persuasiveness to convince him we're better than Canikons any day!

Cheers Big Ears!

04-11-2012, 02:44 AM	#1
The Kellyboy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pembrokeshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 86	Wedding - which lens with which body? I'm doing a wedding soon (not my first, it's about my 15th) and I'm just curious for an opinion - I have 2 bodies - K7 & GX-10 (basically a K10D) I have 2 lenses - Pentax 16 - 50mm 2.8 & Sigma 70 - 200mm 2.8 The K7 is what I want to use primarily, but which lens do I put on it? For every wedding I've shot so far I've used the 16-50mm on the K7 and just shot candids with the 70 - 200mm. My question is should I use the 16 - 50mm as the main lens or try the 70 - 200mm for a change? It's got a better focal length for portraits but not a wide angle needed for group shots,etc. There wont be any time to change them over repeatedly and using a different focal length might inspire my creativity! What do you think?

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04-11-2012, 02:48 AM	#2
cupic Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia-NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,824	I believe that the 2 body option is the only way to go.The GX-10 with the pentax lens and the K7 the 70-200 way. To have them both with you ,and change at will. cheers

04-11-2012, 02:57 AM	#3
The Kellyboy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pembrokeshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 86 Original Poster	Thanks for the advice - I was erring towards the 70 -200 as well. Also, I do use a 50mm 1.9 for the ceremony, unless light allows for 2.8. But, a vicar recently said to me that he didn't want guests using cameras during the service, and he didn't mind what I did - move around, use flash, whatever I like. He said it will make the pics better, give the couple happier memories and, of course, make his church look its best! If only all providers had that opinion!

04-11-2012, 05:25 AM	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I beg to differ, but it will depend on the shooting location and how much you can move around. If you can move freely, get near the couple and use your 16-50. If you can't, then by all means use mainly the 70-200. Use your primary lens with the K-7, obviously.

04-11-2012, 06:29 AM	#5
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	At my upcoming wedding shoot....my first as the primary shooter...I plan to use the Tamron 28-75 2.8 on the K5 and the DA*50-135 on the K20D. It will be a fairly close working area, and I will have full access to roam freely...otherwise, I would want a 70-200, which I don't have......but would probably go for the Tamron? The 28-75 will arrive in a day or two....I hope it meets my expectations. At 2.8 it should be plenty fast on the K5...even slow lenses are plenty fast on the K5 where ISO is seldom a 2nd thought if there is any light at all. Good luck!......you will probably need it less than I will! Regards!

04-11-2012, 03:02 PM	#6
stevereidlrps Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sheffield Photos: Albums Posts: 28	I'm doing a wedding in September (family ) and I've been thinking about the same thing with my kit and I was planning on using my K7 with the 17-50 f2.8 and the GX10 with the 70.200 f2.8 as I'll be able to get in close for most shots with the K7 at the venue

04-11-2012, 04:45 PM	#7
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	I use K-7 + DA* 16-50 and K10D + DA* 50-135. The K-7 + DA* 16-50 combo is responsible for about 80% of the shots.

04-11-2012, 06:04 PM	#8
okcameradude Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 8	If you have done 15 or so weddings with the 16-50 and K7, I would not change what has been obviously working so well. Switching to a 70-200 as your primary changes everything from technique to positioning. You can crop with K7 and 16-50 to get a tighter frame, but you can't ever go wider if you switch. Just my 2 cents.

04-11-2012, 08:11 PM	#9
BigDave Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,626	I have shot a number of weddings over the years and find the 28-70 range a perfect lens for such occaissions. You generally don't use an extreme W/A during weddings except for some overview shots of the church interior. The 75mm is a great FL for short telephoto portraits and the 28 works well for groups without causing problems with excessive lateral distortions. Having the longer zoom will also be great for long shots during the service so you can remain unobtrusive while still getting nice tight shots. I even prefer manual focus lenses for weddings, as I find I can pick the focus point more accurately and not worry about focus shift problems associated with auto focus. Remember, you only have one chance to get the shots of the ceremony! good luck and make certain you keep the bride and her mother happy! regards,

04-11-2012, 09:52 PM	#10
Barnster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid North Coast,Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,016	I agree with BigDave as for the 28-70, or for my wedding,I used 28-80.For me,it covered a whole range of shots like group,close portraits etc.Having the K7,if you can't get in too close,you still have the opportunity to crop the image without much quality loss,providing the focal point isn't the size of a fly.

04-12-2012, 04:34 PM	#11
BigDave Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,626	Ditto on the 28-80. A 28-105 is even better! The Pentax A 35-105 is a nice sharp, semi wide zoom that can do great, though the wider the lens aperture, the better! I wonder if they are ever goi ng to come o ut with a 28-135 F2. THAT would be a great lens, FF or Crop!

04-13-2012, 06:38 AM	#12
ishino Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma, USA Posts: 47	I say ditch the GX10 and get yourself another K7, or even better a K5. That's the BEST option.

04-13-2012, 07:12 AM	#13
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Update: I received the Tamron 28-75 yesterday and took it down to the wedding site (outside wedding) and shot a few. After making many comparisons with my old Tokina 28-70 ATX AF 2.8, I am sending the Tamron back. It is an excellent lens, sharp even wide open, but is only slightly better than the Tokina, and once you stop down, no better at all. The Tokina is all metal and focuses as fast and accurate. No point in having two such similar lenses. I went to Photozone last night and did a lot of comparisons in this general range....I was surprised at how close all the models were, regardless of brand. I have a Sigma 17-70 HSM OS 2.8-4.0 and I might even be tempted to use it. It is lightning fast and deadly accurate, and renders a little richer color. It is not as important to have a super fast lens on the K5 as it once was in the past. The added ISO abilities can make a slower lens plenty fast for all except the lowest of light conditions.....I keep forgetting this! Regards!

04-13-2012, 10:53 AM	#14
BigDave Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,626	Originally posted by Rupert The added ISO abilities can make a slower lens plenty fast for all except the lowest of light conditions.....I keep forgetting this! That is true, but having a constant aperture, especially when shooting fast (like a wedding) is the way to go. YOu certainly have that with the Tokina. Regards,

04-13-2012, 01:44 PM	#15
The Kellyboy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pembrokeshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 86 Original Poster	Thanks for all the advice & will be using Ishino's most of all - ditch the GX-10 & get a K5! I used the 16-50 on the K7 as usual and the pics came out really well. The GX-10 is great in good light and I'm very pleased with the candids, but very hit and miss in poor light (SLOW too!). On a slightly different thread...there were only 2 DSLR's being used by the guests - both Pentax and another guest was telling me how he was looking to get himself a Pentax. I used all of my persuasiveness to convince him we're better than Canikons any day! Cheers Big Ears!