Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? at DVinfo.net

James Bishop · April 23rd, 2013, 06:48 AM

Hey everyone,

I've recently decided to finally switch and go all DSLR (atm I use one EX1 and one 550D).

I'm going to get either another 550, or a 650, but my main concern is what lens would be best to capture both close ups and wide (ish) shots during the ceremony. I don't wana be switching lenses during the service..

Would the Canon 18-135mm do the job OK?

Cheers,
James

Jeff Harper · April 23rd, 2013, 07:21 AM

I would expect that the lens will be too slow, especially at the long end.

If you decide to try it, or any lens, remember you can order, test it, and return it if it doesn't work out. If you are currently using faster lenses with your DSLR, this zoom will probably be slower than you might expect.

I've used a similar lens and after one use I sold, it just didn't work out for me in low light.

Long Truong · April 23rd, 2013, 07:35 AM

I usually have a camera on tripod with a 70-200 f2.8 IS on centre aisle as my main camera and I would position it at a distance that will allow me to get a fairly wide shot at 70mm and tighter close-up at 200mm

As for the other cameras, I don't mind changing lenses during the ceremony as long as I know that my other cameras are rolling when I need to switch. I also don't mind hiring an assistant for 1-2h only for the ceremony to help me man a camera. It doesn't cost me way too much and makes my life so much easier.

Robert Benda · April 23rd, 2013, 08:35 AM

Types of shots (tight, medium, wide), distance, and lighting will all matter.

On our crop factor DSLRs, our rear camera is usually at 200mm for a modest wide shot. From the side aisles, we find ourselves at about 135mm for nice tight and medium shots. Lighting can be an issue with these, because of ISO noise.

Last week, I shot with a full frame (mark 2) and found my 28-135mm, I had to be much closer than usual, and crouched in front of the 1st pew to get my shots. For us, any camera down front, we aren't usually going for wide shots.

James Bishop · April 23rd, 2013, 06:31 PM

Thanks for the responses. When I said it would be needed for wide shots too, I guess I only really mean for the shot of the bride's entrance/walk down the isle..

I do have a 70-200, which I have at the back, but I like being able to get a reasonably close up shot of the brides face during the vows, from where i stand at the front/side. Is there a better/faster option than the 135mm out there?

If not, i think i will look into renting, just to see if it is good enough in low light..*

Thanks again

Nigel Barker · April 24th, 2013, 06:37 AM

No constant aperture zoom lens is better than 3X. Your 70-200mm is wasted at the back where all you need is a wide shot down the aisle it would be much better to operate it for for close-ups at the front.

April 23rd, 2013, 06:48 AM	#1
James Bishop Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: London UK Posts: 88	Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? Hey everyone, I've recently decided to finally switch and go all DSLR (atm I use one EX1 and one 550D). I'm going to get either another 550, or a 650, but my main concern is what lens would be best to capture both close ups and wide (ish) shots during the ceremony. I don't wana be switching lenses during the service.. Would the Canon 18-135mm do the job OK? Cheers, James

April 23rd, 2013, 07:21 AM	#2
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? I would expect that the lens will be too slow, especially at the long end. If you decide to try it, or any lens, remember you can order, test it, and return it if it doesn't work out. If you are currently using faster lenses with your DSLR, this zoom will probably be slower than you might expect. I've used a similar lens and after one use I sold, it just didn't work out for me in low light.

April 23rd, 2013, 07:35 AM	#3
Long Truong Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto & Montreal Posts: 188	Re: Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? I usually have a camera on tripod with a 70-200 f2.8 IS on centre aisle as my main camera and I would position it at a distance that will allow me to get a fairly wide shot at 70mm and tighter close-up at 200mm As for the other cameras, I don't mind changing lenses during the ceremony as long as I know that my other cameras are rolling when I need to switch. I also don't mind hiring an assistant for 1-2h only for the ceremony to help me man a camera. It doesn't cost me way too much and makes my life so much easier.

April 23rd, 2013, 08:35 AM	#4
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? Types of shots (tight, medium, wide), distance, and lighting will all matter. On our crop factor DSLRs, our rear camera is usually at 200mm for a modest wide shot. From the side aisles, we find ourselves at about 135mm for nice tight and medium shots. Lighting can be an issue with these, because of ISO noise. Last week, I shot with a full frame (mark 2) and found my 28-135mm, I had to be much closer than usual, and crouched in front of the 1st pew to get my shots. For us, any camera down front, we aren't usually going for wide shots.

April 23rd, 2013, 06:31 PM	#5
James Bishop Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: London UK Posts: 88	Re: Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? Thanks for the responses. When I said it would be needed for wide shots too, I guess I only really mean for the shot of the bride's entrance/walk down the isle.. I do have a 70-200, which I have at the back, but I like being able to get a reasonably close up shot of the brides face during the vows, from where i stand at the front/side. Is there a better/faster option than the 135mm out there? If not, i think i will look into renting, just to see if it is good enough in low light..* Thanks again

April 24th, 2013, 06:37 AM	#6
Nigel Barker Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK Posts: 3,531	Re: Good lens for front of Church - 18-135mm? No constant aperture zoom lens is better than 3X. Your 70-200mm is wasted at the back where all you need is a wide shot down the aisle it would be much better to operate it for for close-ups at the front.