Here speaks a man who's been there and done it. Great, sensible, calm, factual video, and I really like the way you've split it into must haves and nice to haves. I liked your choice of words when you say two bodies are a must: irresponsible otherwise. And your comments right at the end nail it: Running around after them, sudden announcement of the cake, dance etc. Excellent info for anyone starting out, well done.
He really does such a great job. No BS, and he's not trying to sell himself as some wacky personality brand -- just a photographer sharing what he has learned in a straightforward way.
That's the key word : "anyone starting out". So for anyone that just starting out that would be a huge cost which they can't afford. Even buying a lense is too much for some people
@@Bampiss Right, but this video is about wedding photography. For other types of photography a beginner can definitely get by with one camera body... But for a wedding this would be so inappropriate. Imagine you've been booked for the big day, thousands spent and months of planning... And then you have to break the news that your camera is broken and you can't shoot the wedding. It's not just unprofessional, it's unacceptable to potentially put people in that situation, regardless of how little you may be charging.
When i used to shoot weddings in medium format i only ever used a 80mm, the equivalent of a 50mm on full frame, and it did the job. You cant beat a good prime.
For cheap kit lenses, get the 18-135mm and one fast lens 50mm, that will do it. 2 flashes for groupies and postnup. If you have the money get 70-200 2.8 It is really good specially when the bride walk in the aisle, And when you shoot on churches where there are some strict rule.
Good choice of lenses but i shoot 70-200 f2.8 over any other longer zoom. Practical for full wedding coverage: lenses with 2 photographers are these, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, and any macro for ring, detail shots, nikon or canon lens.
Hi Jamie, Nice lot of information for the guys that need to know all about what lenses to use for a wedding. I am not a wedding photographer but for some of my clients that were willing to pay for my work I have shot some. I know you video is about wedding lenses but I think the number one point I would make about shooting anything that you are being paid for is you can never have enough equipment for back up. You don't have to have all the gear on you, as you can put some things in a safe place just in the case! (Car 0r assistant). Nice clear video. P.S. I am from the UK and now work in LA. All the Best
Jamie, job well done ! Happened across your video while checking for info on a 35mm prime that I was looking at. Great job. I like your break-out of "Must have" and "Nice to have". Great way to make a point. I'm an old forensic photographer. Shooting live bodies is a treat. :) All the best ! Gil from Largo, FLorida, USA aka SemperFiGuy
Great info. I have two camera bodies that I use on every wedding, 24-70 on one and 70-200 on the other. Never in 25 years of shooting has a camera ever broken on me (now watch one break on my next shoot) so no use in having two expensive ones, I don't.
Two many prime lens, 24-70 & 70-200 both f2.8 , agreed 2 cameras, and 2 flash units. You've got to carry this round most of the day . P's love the tripod tip.
Agreed. Most versatility at less weight = good outcome. Primes would be better in the ideal situation, but it's best to cover yourself for every situation.
Having more or less given up professional photography due to too much stress and too little money, here's the Nikon glass I've chosen to 'retain'. It covers all the bases Jamie mentions here but stays within a modest budget: - A 28-105 f/3.5 Macro - The jack of all trades often called Nikon's 'swiss army' lens; a perfectly adequate all rounder that stays on the camera when I'm not feeling too arty. - An old 35mm f/2 AF-D that I favour over supposedly 'better' successors because its so compact and non-intimidating. - A 50mm 1.8 AIS pancake that goes everywhere my camera bag does, tucked away in a side pocket. - A 105mm f/2.5 AIS: the "Afghan Girl" lens - again because it's super compact and I'm done lugging about monster sized expensive glass that I daren't let out of my sight. Mine cost just 6% of a new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED - I use the 70-200 range so irregularly that I happily manage without the bulk and expense of pro glass. My ugly old 70-210 f4 AF is plenty fast enough and I perversely enjoy the sneers it gets. For nature work it focusses closer than any of the big boys in its range (and I've saved £2000 for stuff way more rewarding). I started my career with manual lenses and still consider AF a 'nice to have' indulgence I can happily manage without. I see pros faffing their zooms for just as long as it takes to focus an old school prime!
Excellent video. My favorite setup for events/weddings is 85, 24-70, and 70-200. I love primes and I've owned most focal lengths (14-300mm) and 85mm hits the sweet spot for incredible images.
Good video ! I shoot with two identical cameras and keep a third camera as a spare. I shoot with either a prime lens kit or a zoom lens kit. I keep the other as a spare. My prime lens kit consist of: 35mm f/1.4 (most used lens) 85mm f/1.4 105mm f/2.8 macro (optional) 180mm f/2.8 (optional) My zoom lens kit consists of: 20-35mm f/2.8 (most used lens) 28-70mm f/2.8 80-200mm f/2.8 (optional) 14-24mm f/2.8 (optional) I use two identical electronic flash units and keep a third as a spare. I also carry a tripod and a light stand.
Absolutely love your video and style at least you're not a pro that insist on shooting primes only. We all know how great prime lenses are but nothing is worse than missing the shots altogether and a 24-80 2.8 have saved my ass more than I care to remember. I also love candid photos so a 70-200 2.8 will do the trick every time. Lastly not all of us are pros so being respectful to the pros I usually stand to the side or further back to shoot, a fast zoom lens gives me more opportunities to get the shots. Bought your LR presets and sub.
A 35mm prime lens is a good place to start. You can get wide shots of the overall day as well as close up decor. It's perfect for group shots especially if it has autofocus but you can get them on Amazon for US $100 or less with manual focus.
thanks for the effort and the sharing. after enjoying your 5dmk1 reviews, i bought a used model and loving the canon color palette. i am now a subscriber. thumbs up!
I know this is an old thread, but I've only just stumbled on your work. And what a refreshing change it is. How very lovely, composed, educated and well addressed you are. I'm getting tired of all the dramatics and "clickbait" antics from over the pond. For some reason, their antics remind me of watching a re-run of Tom and Jerry as a child, constantly jumping, thrashing from one dilemma to another and ready to do it all again in the next cartoon. God forbid a newcomer entering into the world of photography now! I'd still be completely ambivalent after following all that so-called advice. All you see and hear, is this is better, that is faster, you must have this, that's dead now, move on! You're not a pro if you don't do this! You must do it my way. And the latest....... I was wrong about this! And so on and on! It's a shame they don't put as much effort into what really matters. But any photographer dedicated to the art knows what that is and from your educated videos, you certainly do. I Look forward to watching your other insights into this wonderful and subjective world of creativity and responsibility
Relieved to hear you recommend 35mm and 85mm as the main pair. I've been doing marketing lifestyle shoots on m43 for years, now moved out of London and will be doing weddings and events. I've covered a few of these casually for family in the past so had a loose idea that those two focal lengths were safe bets. Got back on the full frame bandwagon as backup should my ISO start getting uncomfortably high on my OM-1 and G100, and quite flippantly ordered Nikkor 35mm and 85mm f1.4Gs to go on my low light monster D4. Still pretty daunting to be out of the studio and recording real peoples lives.
I´d prefer prime lens for all shots where you can control the settings like the angle the distance, the lighting etc. Portraits etc. I´d prefer the zoom every time you go right into the crowd, where the surprising thing happen. You want to take the shot in the situation, not change lenses and miss the shot. If you have two bodies you can have the zoom on one and the prime on the other body or put one on the tripod for filming at a wide angle and the other for stills or for filming zoomed in.
This a really good video Jamie, I started shooting weddings a few years ago for friends and now have a small business shooting weddings and events. Totally agree with having 2 cameras, can you imagine if your only camera went down? Recently I was fortunate enough to upgrade my 6D (back up to my 5D MK3) to a 5D MK4, mainly because of the single card slot in the 6D. Really enjoying the MK4 but I have to say that if I already had 2 MK3's as you have I wouldn't spend the extra for the MK4 either. For me though, the jump from the 6D to the 5D MK4 was big enough to justify the outlay. Now I waiting around for the new Canon 85mm f1.4 IS USM to come out... That will be very interesting.
For now, I only have Nikon APSC cameras. So, I have to think in slight different terms and choose lenses with shorter focal length, e.g. instead of 24mm, I'll use 16mm, instead of 85mm, a 50mm and so on. I also prefer prime lenses, but I have zoom lenses if needed be such as 18-200mm, 55-300mm and 17-50mm. I also have a mirrorless camera with other lens kits such as 12-24mm, 16mm and 45mm. Great tips, as usual.
Until now i m using prime lenses like 28 mm for wide and reportage shots and the 50 for potraits and catching people during ceremony and reception. Zooms are very pratical lenses but if you really want to learn how to shoots i think primes get you the need to move your body, thinking and compose better.
Hi Jamie. I have been following you for a while now. I really love your content, the way you present and share your content. Your videos are amazing. Funny enough, I am watching your video literally the day after I bought a sony zeiss 35mm 2.8 and a sony 85mm 1.8. I had long hesitated between buying these two prime lenses versus buying a zoom lens like the tamron 28-75mm 2.8. But then I thought how having primes allows better quality, lighter setup, and fosters creativity. Also, I got used to shooting with vintage prime lenses and loved it. So that's why I ended up buying the 35 + 85 combo. *And I am so happy to see that is exactly what you recommend at the beginning of your video !
Totally agree about the upgrade from the mkIII to mkIV. I don’t do weddings but the idea of someone turning up with just one camera terrifies me. I noticed you left your macro lens out of your list and I'm sure I've seen you with it before. Another great video, you are so not "look at me and what I’ve got", you can tell each lens is an important tool. When you have a second shooter do they use your second camera to keep the colour pallet the same? And do you use a colour checker for both cameras?
Great advice for using tripod for getting group shots. Recently done a school shoot and it was a nightmare trying to get all the little ones to look at the camera lol.
Hi Jamie, great video. For those starting in this photography world who don't want (or cant) to invest that much at the beginning, if you had two choose only 2 of all these lenses to shoot an entire wedding, which 2 will you choose? 16-35mm & 70 - 200mm?. I've also seen amazing reviews and videos about the 135mm, would combine this one with the 16-35mm or the 70 - 200mm as your only two choices? Thanks in advance :)
Richard Brodie I would go with a 35mm and an 85mm combo (or equivalent focal length on cropped sensor cameras). But I like to shoot primes. For zooms, I think you can’t go far wrong with a 24-70mm.
Jamie Windsor Thank you so much for your quick response and off course professional advice 😊 I will purchase these 2 for a start and take it from there
As a wedding photographer of 30 years experience, 2 cameras are absolutely essential! I’ve had all sorts of issues with malfunctions, fortunately not too often, but they do happen. Without question, it’s irresponsible to turn up at a wedding with just one camera body. A second camera body can be a cheapo if you can’t yet afford the ideal of two quality matched bodies. Yes quality lenses are essential, (you don’t want your big group to be soft at the edges) but 2 bodies or even 3 will help reduce the stress a tad. If you’re a pro, then your clients will be relieved too. Don’t take risk it!
Thanks. Well, yes if you want to shoot with many different focal lengths. If that's important to your photography, then a zoom is probably the best route to go down. For me, having a 35mm and an 85mm on 2 bodies covers me for 95% of my shooting needs at weddings. It also gives my set of photos a consistency that I like. But it totally depends on what is important to you. Even when I use zooms, I still find I'm switching lenses a lot. I'll need a longer zoom, then a wider zoom and then I'll need to maybe ditch the zoom in place of a prime for a bit because of the available light in a certain place.
Thanks for this great video! As I will capture a wedding as non professional, I did quite a bit of research. This confirmed a lot I found out, but gave a few very useful tips on top of that!! great thanks!
Great manner to teach people new things, very, very nice video indeed! :) Also I have a thing to ask about this topic: If I have 2 cameras - one full frame and one APS-C, would it be good idea to use 35mm on FF, and 50mm f/1.8 on APS-C, as it would be 80mm FF equivalent, which is very close to 85mm (and ~f/2.8)? I understand that shooting with FF with 85mm on it is a way to isolate a subject more. But are there any other things I should consider about FF 85mm versus APS-C 50mm? :)
Hey James, I have a question for you: my next step in photography is to take a ff camera wich has autofocus system (6D II). Wich lenses do you recomend for? USM or STM autofocus system? Thank you so much!
Thanks for this insightful video. I certianly agree with your pick of lenses. I can also recommend the Sigma Art series if your a little tight on the budget. My top 2 would also be 35mm and 85mm.
Jaime, new subs here, but I've been watching your videos, and you're one of my fave. I have a question, I take landscape photography but I'd like to try out wedding photography, I'm currently using Canon 7D right now, is those lenses are good for 7D?? Thanks
Having two cameras is also very convenient for obvious reasons. I was a backup fotographer/cinematographer on a wedding once and still got some decent shots with a 18-135 kit lens on a 700D. But I am nowhere near a professional.
Hey, I photo shoot not too long but want to purchase a good lens in range of $1200. My preferences are mostly taking pictures of landscapes, but I also want a good shots of close ups (people,indoor as well) so with would be your decision?can you recommend any?
Hi Jamie, I was wondering why you do not have the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L in this lineup, and what is your opinion on this lens in general? Thanks for all of your superb videos!
James A Photography co uk Thanks. I shoot wide open with the 35mm more than the 85mm. Both are good wide open, but I avoid it if I can. The 85mm’s DoF is so ridiculously shallow at f/1.2 so it’s easy to mis-focus when shooting at weddings. Depends on the light though. In some dark ceremonies, that aperture is a life saver.
Great vid! Gives me exactly the info i need - have been thinking for a long time about which primes to use for weddings as much prefer them to zooms. Thank you!
Stumbled on this as I have been asked to shoot a wedding and I am not a pro at all, in fact wildlife/birds is my thing. All totally alien to me but I got a year to sort it. Camera Nikon D500, lenses ATM Nikon 70-200 2.8 Sigma 300 2.8 (which I doubt very much I will be using) also have the Tokina 11-18 2.8. which I doubt I will use. Been looking at the sigma art lenses to go with the 70-200 am I on the right track?
Thanks Jamie for this great piece. You're the best. I do cover weddings but I find myself fighting to get it right with shutter speed and aperture. I use the canon 5d Mark ii. Please can you give some best settings. Secondly I will love to have some Lightroom presets...weddings . Thanks in advance.
Nicely presented and good advice........what worries me is the idea that someone who might be taking my wedding photos need advice on what kit to use lol
Start with a senior photographer, you'l learn not only shooting but business as well. My main concern with young people is that they only shoot and earn too little.
Thanks. I shoot with 2 bodies with a Black Rapid Yeti strap for all wedding jobs. I generally keep the 85mm on one camera and the 35mm on the other. I'll swap out some lenses for particular bits (16-35mm for confetti throwing, 135mm for speeches etc), but I'll default back to my 35/85 set-up. I find it a good option to use primes but having the ability to switch between zoomed in and wider shots.
I'm sorry I'm new to this. Does the 24-70mm almost replace the 35mm and 85mm because it has a wider range? Also, the best camera for weddings is a DSLR right?
The best camera is the one you feel most comfortable with. This video is several years old and mirrorless cameras have taken big steps forward since then. The 24-70 is an alternative to the 35mm and 85mm set-up, but each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Just letting everyone know that i successfully shot a wedding in the afternoon with a 16-50 kit lens and a F1.6 35mm prime manual lens without IBIS. It took some work brightening up the images in Lightroom and taking out a bit of noise when it got late. However it wasn't as hard as it sounded. You just need to be confident in your skills as a Photographer. I'm not the best but I'm far from the worst.
Great info. I totally agree with you. If I could design a lens for wedding photography, using a full frame camera, it would be a 35-105mm f/2.8 or an f/2 if there was technology to support this f/stop in a zoom of that focal range. Why 35-105mm ??? Well, IMO 35mm is a great focal length for photographing people with relatively little chance of distortion and 105mm is a super focal length for portraits. The 36mm to 104mm focal range in-between is just gravy...
If I'm gonna shoot a wedding with two bodies (2X D750) all I need is a SIGMA ART 24-35MM f/2 and a SIGMA ART 85mm 1.4 .... these two can double as a pseudo Macro lenses due to their close focusing capabilities as well
Hey love your video, I’m a wedding photographer, and want to upgrade my kit, i have only 24-105 kit lens, 50m 1.8 and 85m 1.8, Is sigma 35m 1.4 is worth buying for me? I want a low budget lens, which also work as a multipurpose lens. Please reply :)
I got a Sony A6000 with the 50-210 kit lens, but I will start shooting people more, portraits and events so I was thinking of Canon 40D + 50mm f1.8 + 35mm f1.8, I believe I can get that for the same amount of money after I sell my A6000, what do you think? is it worth trading newer sensor with 24 mp + kit lens vs old sensor 10mp + primes? thanks very much, I really respect your work and I appreciate. Regards Bob.
Just trade the 50-210 for sony prime lenses! There's no need to go back to the really bad image quality you're going to struggle with with the Canon. Trust me, once the light gets low even the A6000 is going to be pushed to the limit at f/1.8, so you do not even want to think about what the Canon is going to dish out. Of course if you use your flashes well then you could get away with it. But reallly.....!
Everybody knows the best lens for a wedding is the one you left at home
TortillaChip521 hahaha! Precisely 😂😂😂
Or for me, its the one i sold. Fuck!
😂😂😂
CAn I know ? Which lens
Lol
Here speaks a man who's been there and done it. Great, sensible, calm, factual video, and I really like the way you've split it into must haves and nice to haves. I liked your choice of words when you say two bodies are a must: irresponsible otherwise. And your comments right at the end nail it: Running around after them, sudden announcement of the cake, dance etc. Excellent info for anyone starting out, well done.
Tom Hardwick That’s a really nice comment. Thank you.
Your comment is as nice and thoughtful as this video. I enjoy watching and reading.
He really does such a great job. No BS, and he's not trying to sell himself as some wacky personality brand -- just a photographer sharing what he has learned in a straightforward way.
That's the key word : "anyone starting out". So for anyone that just starting out that would be a huge cost which they can't afford. Even buying a lense is too much for some people
@@Bampiss Right, but this video is about wedding photography. For other types of photography a beginner can definitely get by with one camera body... But for a wedding this would be so inappropriate. Imagine you've been booked for the big day, thousands spent and months of planning... And then you have to break the news that your camera is broken and you can't shoot the wedding. It's not just unprofessional, it's unacceptable to potentially put people in that situation, regardless of how little you may be charging.
When i used to shoot weddings in medium format i only ever used a 80mm, the equivalent of a 50mm on full frame, and it did the job. You cant beat a good prime.
Extra batteries and memory cards.
Lens cloth.
100mm macro L lens.
Step ladder.
Business cards.
Little helpers / minions.
You don't need business cards anymore you can do it all on the phone
@@alex8stevens you’d be surprised how much a business card can help!
For cheap kit lenses, get the 18-135mm and one fast lens 50mm, that will do it. 2 flashes for groupies and postnup.
If you have the money get 70-200 2.8
It is really good specially when the bride walk in the aisle,
And when you shoot on churches where there are some strict rule.
Good choice of lenses but i shoot 70-200 f2.8 over any other longer zoom. Practical for full wedding coverage: lenses with 2 photographers are these, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, and any macro for ring, detail shots, nikon or canon lens.
Do you use the 2.8 with stabilizer or the older one without. Just wondering because the on without is a lot cheaper then the newer one with VC.
me : canon 700D with extra batteries and memory card
him : canon 5D mark III with another extra canon 5D mark III
Same but I have a 7d XD... Two cameras is nuts
ÎI’m
You're doing weddings on a 700D? Lol. I hope you aren't charging much.
and here i am using 18-55mm
Me too
As a Wedding photographer?
Just got a late 90's Nikkor 35-70mm f2.8
Bruh, you can't shoot a wedding on a kit lens lmao
@@TrymBraathen Who made the rules about wedding photography
Thank you so much!!! I’m a new to weddings and you have helped me more with this video then the last 10 videos I’ve watched
Cant go wrong with the 35 85 combo. Ive been debating the 16-35 and think you might just swayed me. Nice straight to the point no BS content
Love the 'group shot / tripod' idea. Yes, it's so tough to get EVERYONE 'just right' for a group shot.
The best lens is the one you keep looking at on Amazon saying" really whos getting married my camera or the client"
the 135 is an incredible lens. Super super sharp even when wide open at f/2. I love this lens.
Just shouting down the echo chamber of praise for your work, but in all honesty, thank you for your sound advice.
CZSurfrider Thank you.
Here I am, using 23 1.4 and 56 1.2 in fuji. Perfect setup 💪
Hi Jamie, Nice lot of information for the guys that need to know all about what lenses to use for a wedding. I am not a wedding photographer but for some of my clients that were willing to pay for my work I have shot some. I know you video is about wedding lenses but I think the number one point I would make about shooting anything that you are being paid for is you can never have enough equipment for back up. You don't have to have all the gear on you, as you can put some things in a safe place just in the case! (Car 0r assistant). Nice clear video. P.S. I am from the UK and now work in LA. All the Best
Jamie, job well done !
Happened across your video while checking for info on a 35mm prime that I was looking at. Great job. I like your break-out of "Must have" and "Nice to have". Great way to make a point.
I'm an old forensic photographer. Shooting live bodies is a treat. :)
All the best !
Gil from Largo, FLorida, USA
aka SemperFiGuy
Great info. I have two camera bodies that I use on every wedding, 24-70 on one and 70-200 on the other. Never in 25 years of shooting has a camera ever broken on me (now watch one break on my next shoot) so no use in having two expensive ones, I don't.
Two many prime lens, 24-70 & 70-200 both f2.8 , agreed 2 cameras, and 2 flash units. You've got to carry this round most of the day . P's love the tripod tip.
Agreed. Most versatility at less weight = good outcome. Primes would be better in the ideal situation, but it's best to cover yourself for every situation.
O Have been watching photography chanels for a wile and i can say the way you deliver the information is just Gold, practical , on point no bs
Having more or less given up professional photography due to too much stress and too little money, here's the Nikon glass I've chosen to 'retain'. It covers all the bases Jamie mentions here but stays within a modest budget:
- A 28-105 f/3.5 Macro - The jack of all trades often called Nikon's 'swiss army' lens; a perfectly adequate all rounder that stays on the camera when I'm not feeling too arty.
- An old 35mm f/2 AF-D that I favour over supposedly 'better' successors because its so compact and non-intimidating.
- A 50mm 1.8 AIS pancake that goes everywhere my camera bag does, tucked away in a side pocket.
- A 105mm f/2.5 AIS: the "Afghan Girl" lens - again because it's super compact and I'm done lugging about monster sized expensive glass that I daren't let out of my sight. Mine cost just 6% of a new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED
- I use the 70-200 range so irregularly that I happily manage without the bulk and expense of pro glass. My ugly old 70-210 f4 AF is plenty fast enough and I perversely enjoy the sneers it gets. For nature work it focusses closer than any of the big boys in its range (and I've saved £2000 for stuff way more rewarding).
I started my career with manual lenses and still consider AF a 'nice to have' indulgence I can happily manage without. I see pros faffing their zooms for just as long as it takes to focus an old school prime!
the having 2 cams and using tripod for groupshots are excellent tips that only highly experienced pros can tell you. nice!
Awesome tips... I appreciate your tutorials Jamie. Be well and stay encouraged!!!
After hours and hours of googling, I finally found the video that made me choose the lens I need. Thank you from Manchester, UK. LIKED AND SUBD
Excellent video. My favorite setup for events/weddings is 85, 24-70, and 70-200. I love primes and I've owned most focal lengths (14-300mm) and 85mm hits the sweet spot for incredible images.
Good video !
I shoot with two identical cameras and keep a third camera as a spare.
I shoot with either a prime lens kit or a zoom lens kit. I keep the other as a spare.
My prime lens kit consist of:
35mm f/1.4 (most used lens)
85mm f/1.4
105mm f/2.8 macro (optional)
180mm f/2.8 (optional)
My zoom lens kit consists of:
20-35mm f/2.8 (most used lens)
28-70mm f/2.8
80-200mm f/2.8 (optional)
14-24mm f/2.8 (optional)
I use two identical electronic flash units and keep a third as a spare.
I also carry a tripod and a light stand.
This video just helped me for my wedding gig tomorrow 🥺🥺❤❤. Thank you
Absolutely love your video and style at least you're not a pro that insist on shooting primes only. We all know how great prime lenses are but nothing is worse than missing the shots altogether and a 24-80 2.8 have saved my ass more than I care to remember. I also love candid photos so a 70-200 2.8 will do the trick every time. Lastly not all of us are pros so being respectful to the pros I usually stand to the side or further back to shoot, a fast zoom lens gives me more opportunities to get the shots. Bought your LR presets and sub.
Could you please upload a video for beginners getting into Wedding photography on a budget, please! Thanks.
A 35mm prime lens is a good place to start. You can get wide shots of the overall day as well as close up decor. It's perfect for group shots especially if it has autofocus but you can get them on Amazon for US $100 or less with manual focus.
thanks for the effort and the sharing. after enjoying your 5dmk1 reviews, i bought a used model and loving the canon color palette. i am now a subscriber. thumbs up!
I know this is an old thread, but I've only just stumbled on your work. And what a refreshing change it is.
How very lovely, composed, educated and well addressed you are. I'm getting tired of all the dramatics and
"clickbait" antics from over the pond. For some reason, their antics remind me of watching a re-run of
Tom and Jerry as a child, constantly jumping, thrashing from one dilemma to another and ready to do it all again in the next cartoon.
God forbid a newcomer entering into the world of photography now! I'd still be completely ambivalent after following all that so-called advice.
All you see and hear, is this is better, that is faster, you must have this, that's dead now, move on! You're not a pro if you don't do this!
You must do it my way. And the latest....... I was wrong about this! And so on and on! It's a shame they don't put as much effort into what really matters.
But any photographer dedicated to the art knows what that is and from your educated videos, you certainly do.
I Look forward to watching your other insights into this wonderful and subjective world of creativity and responsibility
Relieved to hear you recommend 35mm and 85mm as the main pair. I've been doing marketing lifestyle shoots on m43 for years, now moved out of London and will be doing weddings and events. I've covered a few of these casually for family in the past so had a loose idea that those two focal lengths were safe bets. Got back on the full frame bandwagon as backup should my ISO start getting uncomfortably high on my OM-1 and G100, and quite flippantly ordered Nikkor 35mm and 85mm f1.4Gs to go on my low light monster D4. Still pretty daunting to be out of the studio and recording real peoples lives.
I´d prefer prime lens for all shots where you can control the settings like the angle the distance, the lighting etc. Portraits etc. I´d prefer the zoom every time you go right into the crowd, where the surprising thing happen. You want to take the shot in the situation, not change lenses and miss the shot. If you have two bodies you can have the zoom on one and the prime on the other body or put one on the tripod for filming at a wide angle and the other for stills or for filming zoomed in.
This a really good video Jamie, I started shooting weddings a few years ago for friends and now have a small business shooting weddings and events. Totally agree with having 2 cameras, can you imagine if your only camera went down? Recently I was fortunate enough to upgrade my 6D (back up to my 5D MK3) to a 5D MK4, mainly because of the single card slot in the 6D. Really enjoying the MK4 but I have to say that if I already had 2 MK3's as you have I wouldn't spend the extra for the MK4 either. For me though, the jump from the 6D to the 5D MK4 was big enough to justify the outlay. Now I waiting around for the new Canon 85mm f1.4 IS USM to come out... That will be very interesting.
For now, I only have Nikon APSC cameras. So, I have to think in slight different terms and choose lenses with shorter focal length, e.g. instead of 24mm, I'll use 16mm, instead of 85mm, a 50mm and so on. I also prefer prime lenses, but I have zoom lenses if needed be such as 18-200mm, 55-300mm and 17-50mm. I also have a mirrorless camera with other lens kits such as 12-24mm, 16mm and 45mm. Great tips, as usual.
Awesome. I recently shot my first wedding and learned a great deal about my kit. This vid cleared a few things up for me.
Until now i m using prime lenses like 28 mm for wide and reportage shots and the 50 for potraits and catching people during ceremony and reception. Zooms are very pratical lenses but if you really want to learn how to shoots i think primes get you the need to move your body, thinking and compose better.
Hi Jamie. I have been following you for a while now. I really love your content, the way you present and share your content. Your videos are amazing.
Funny enough, I am watching your video literally the day after I bought a sony zeiss 35mm 2.8 and a sony 85mm 1.8. I had long hesitated between buying these two prime lenses versus buying a zoom lens like the tamron 28-75mm 2.8. But then I thought how having primes allows better quality, lighter setup, and fosters creativity. Also, I got used to shooting with vintage prime lenses and loved it. So that's why I ended up buying the 35 + 85 combo.
*And I am so happy to see that is exactly what you recommend at the beginning of your video !
Shot my entire first wedding using nothing but a 7D1, one flash and the 18-35mm F1.8, and nailed it.
the sigma 18-35 f1.8 is a master piece! Pratically an 24-70 for fullframe
Love the info in this video, Jamie and your work throughout as well... stunning work. (And I like the new background music, too.)
Jamie Delaine Photography Thank you
Jamie is a cool person
Totally agree with your lens choices
Cool shot where you shifted focus to the different focal length labels.
I agree with everything you said except the need for a tripod. I shot 30 wedding and never needed a tripod. I preferred the freedom to move around.
Totally agree about the upgrade from the mkIII to mkIV. I don’t do weddings but the idea of someone turning up with just one camera terrifies me. I noticed you left your macro lens out of your list and I'm sure I've seen you with it before. Another great video, you are so not "look at me and what I’ve got", you can tell each lens is an important tool. When you have a second shooter do they use your second camera to keep the colour pallet the same? And do you use a colour checker for both cameras?
I've been watching your videos for like a week and the are really good. I love the video essays. those are my favourite. But this is so helpful
I just purchased your Lr presets. Thanks so much for all you do, I think you're an amazing photographer! I hope to shoot with you someday. Cheers,
DnG The1 Thank you.
How to buy
Lr presents hmm
Thank you for posting this video. It was really helpful. I don't yet have all the gear I really want but doing great with what I have for now.
Great advice for using tripod for getting group shots. Recently done a school shoot and it was a nightmare trying to get all the little ones to look at the camera lol.
I really wanted to be a photographer and my dream is to have my own dslr camera. Btw, good job sir thanks for sharing you knowledge to us.
Hi Jamie, great video. For those starting in this photography world who don't want (or cant) to invest that much at the beginning, if you had two choose only 2 of all these lenses to shoot an entire wedding, which 2 will you choose? 16-35mm & 70 - 200mm?. I've also seen amazing reviews and videos about the 135mm, would combine this one with the 16-35mm or the 70 - 200mm as your only two choices? Thanks in advance :)
Richard Brodie I would go with a 35mm and an 85mm combo (or equivalent focal length on cropped sensor cameras). But I like to shoot primes. For zooms, I think you can’t go far wrong with a 24-70mm.
Jamie Windsor
Thank you so much for your quick response and off course professional advice 😊 I will purchase these 2 for a start and take it from there
I think a 35mm and a zoom lense, say 24-70mm
As a wedding photographer of 30 years experience, 2 cameras are absolutely essential! I’ve had all sorts of issues with malfunctions, fortunately not too often, but they do happen. Without question, it’s irresponsible to turn up at a wedding with just one camera body. A second camera body can be a cheapo if you can’t yet afford the ideal of two quality matched bodies. Yes quality lenses are essential, (you don’t want your big group to be soft at the edges) but 2 bodies or even 3 will help reduce the stress a tad. If you’re a pro, then your clients will be relieved too. Don’t take risk it!
Your comment is such a dissapointment for beginners
@@toshiyanthankonyaksumi7859 It would be a much bigger disappointment for the couple who’s wedding you messed up!
@@NigelHarperPhoto nobody is rich like you to start a career in a wedding photgraphy with 2 cameras.. Stay humble.
Really comprehensive and concise overview. Thanks.
hi jamie. doesn't prime lenses mean a lot of time consuming lens swapping? great content btw!
Thanks. Well, yes if you want to shoot with many different focal lengths. If that's important to your photography, then a zoom is probably the best route to go down. For me, having a 35mm and an 85mm on 2 bodies covers me for 95% of my shooting needs at weddings. It also gives my set of photos a consistency that I like. But it totally depends on what is important to you.
Even when I use zooms, I still find I'm switching lenses a lot. I'll need a longer zoom, then a wider zoom and then I'll need to maybe ditch the zoom in place of a prime for a bit because of the available light in a certain place.
One body with a 24-70 f2.8 and a 2nd body with a 70-200 f2.8. What eles do you need more??
Paulo Parreira That’s a popular wedding set-up for zoom shooters. It depends what you’re into.
Thanks for this great video! As I will capture a wedding as non professional, I did quite a bit of research. This confirmed a lot I found out, but gave a few very useful tips on top of that!! great thanks!
Great info on this video. Which lens do you recommend for a group picture in a small space?
Great manner to teach people new things, very, very nice video indeed! :)
Also I have a thing to ask about this topic:
If I have 2 cameras - one full frame and one APS-C, would it be good idea to use 35mm on FF, and 50mm f/1.8 on APS-C, as it would be 80mm FF equivalent, which is very close to 85mm (and ~f/2.8)? I understand that shooting with FF with 85mm on it is a way to isolate a subject more. But are there any other things I should consider about FF 85mm versus APS-C 50mm? :)
Informative, clear, reasonable, articulate video. Instructive, straightforward. Thank you. I’m so glad I subscribed.
Hey Jamie. Did you take down the videos where you talked about the 35 and 85 and why you love them? 😥
Hey James, I have a question for you: my next step in photography is to take a ff camera wich has autofocus system (6D II). Wich lenses do you recomend for? USM or STM autofocus system? Thank you so much!
Thanks for this insightful video. I certianly agree with your pick of lenses. I can also recommend the Sigma Art series if your a little tight on the budget. My top 2 would also be 35mm and 85mm.
I am doing wedding photography with only 35 and 85, sometime with the 100mm macro, not every focal like you!
I like your explanations. It's obvious you speak on experience. Thank you for sharing :-)
nice One! very informative and Objective! Though i admit, I Prefer the combo of 35 and 135 instead of the 85 :)
Josia Wiegand why is that
35 saved my life at a wedding. Never underestimate it.
Jaime, new subs here, but I've been watching your videos, and you're one of my fave. I have a question, I take landscape photography but I'd like to try out wedding photography, I'm currently using Canon 7D right now, is those lenses are good for 7D?? Thanks
Having two cameras is also very convenient for obvious reasons. I was a backup fotographer/cinematographer on a wedding once and still got some decent shots with a 18-135 kit lens on a 700D. But I am nowhere near a professional.
Very good video and great advice. Thank you.
Thanks for this video Jamie!
Hey, I photo shoot not too long but want to purchase a good lens in range of $1200. My preferences are mostly taking pictures of landscapes, but I also want a good shots of close ups (people,indoor as well) so with would be your decision?can you recommend any?
This was so helpful, thank you!!
I shoot weddings and events. Do you think I should get this 85mm f/1.2. Considering it's slow focus problem... I shoot 5dmiii body...
Hi Jamie, I was wondering why you do not have the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L in this lineup, and what is your opinion on this lens in general? Thanks for all of your superb videos!
Jack Colver Hi Jack. I’ve had it a few times. It’s just not a lens I like and i feel with a 35 and 85 that it’s unnecessary.
Good video. Im thinking of the switch to 35mm and 85mm from 24-70mm and 70-200mm for weddings, do you shoot wide open with them most of the time?
James A Photography co uk
Thanks. I shoot wide open with the 35mm more than the 85mm. Both are good wide open, but I avoid it if I can. The 85mm’s DoF is so ridiculously shallow at f/1.2 so it’s easy to mis-focus when shooting at weddings. Depends on the light though. In some dark ceremonies, that aperture is a life saver.
Subscribed coz of this. Great video :)
Great vid! Gives me exactly the info i need - have been thinking for a long time about which primes to use for weddings as much prefer them to zooms. Thank you!
This sounded like alternatives to wedding rings.
Stumbled on this as I have been asked to shoot a wedding and I am not a pro at all, in fact wildlife/birds is my thing. All totally alien to me but I got a year to sort it. Camera Nikon D500, lenses ATM Nikon 70-200 2.8 Sigma 300 2.8 (which I doubt very much I will be using) also have the Tokina 11-18 2.8. which I doubt I will use. Been looking at the sigma art lenses to go with the 70-200 am I on the right track?
Using:
24-85 f/3.5-4.5
50 f/1.8
85 f/1.8
macro shots extension tubes with any lens.
Full frame camera
Two flashes Yongnuo
Two softboxes
...and Happy
I used to go 35/85 for ceremony and 35/50 for reception. It was just phenomenal. But I've changed back to zooms for philosophy's sake.
I mean, I'm switching to simpler equipment. It's totally a personal choice. I do miss the sheer image quality of primes. It is just brutal.
What do you mean philosophy's sake?
Thank you! Great Advise straight to the point!
brilliant video!
what lens you use when taking groom and brides accessories?
Thanks Jamie for this great piece. You're the best. I do cover weddings but I find myself fighting to get it right with shutter speed and aperture. I use the canon 5d Mark ii. Please can you give some best settings. Secondly I will love to have some Lightroom presets...weddings .
Thanks in advance.
Love love love your video thanks so much
Nicely presented and good advice........what worries me is the idea that someone who might be taking my wedding photos need advice on what kit to use lol
Hey, we’ve all got the start somewhere!
Grahame Jenkins vgjhj
Start with a senior photographer, you'l learn not only shooting but business as well. My main concern with young people is that they only shoot and earn too little.
Also how about control ? Meaning 1,000 photos for 500 keepers , no need to get a picture of you every movement the happy couple makes .
Very nice video!!do you shoot two bodies with lenses on both camera?or u just one body and then change lenses if needed?i know u hve back up camera.
Thanks. I shoot with 2 bodies with a Black Rapid Yeti strap for all wedding jobs. I generally keep the 85mm on one camera and the 35mm on the other. I'll swap out some lenses for particular bits (16-35mm for confetti throwing, 135mm for speeches etc), but I'll default back to my 35/85 set-up. I find it a good option to use primes but having the ability to switch between zoomed in and wider shots.
Jamie Windsor thank you so much!!it helps a lot specially for those new into wedding photography!u are such a good mentor!:)
Jamie Windsor cc4#
GREAT VIDEO THANKS
Do you prefer 10-30 and 24-35 f2? Instead of using 24prime n 35prime... Will it better to use 24-35 f2 Sir?
Would you recommend the two cameras be the same, or would it be "ok" to shoot with different model cameras? Obviously same brand, but different model?
I'm sorry I'm new to this.
Does the 24-70mm almost replace the 35mm and 85mm because it has a wider range?
Also, the best camera for weddings is a DSLR right?
The best camera is the one you feel most comfortable with. This video is several years old and mirrorless cameras have taken big steps forward since then. The 24-70 is an alternative to the 35mm and 85mm set-up, but each have their advantages and disadvantages.
@@jamiewindsor Thanks very much for replying. Its difficult to simply walk in stores and try stuff out with everything closed down.
Just letting everyone know that i successfully shot a wedding in the afternoon with a 16-50 kit lens and a F1.6 35mm prime manual lens without IBIS.
It took some work brightening up the images in Lightroom and taking out a bit of noise when it got late. However it wasn't as hard as it sounded. You just need to be confident in your skills as a Photographer. I'm not the best but I'm far from the worst.
Only had 1 camera and did short videos as well. Was using the sony A5100 no flash as the low light performance was decent enough.
Great info. I totally agree with you. If I could design a lens for wedding photography, using a full frame camera, it would be a 35-105mm f/2.8 or an f/2 if there was technology to support this f/stop in a zoom of that focal range. Why 35-105mm ??? Well, IMO 35mm is a great focal length for photographing people with relatively little chance of distortion and 105mm is a super focal length for portraits. The 36mm to 104mm focal range in-between is just gravy...
Nice set of gear. You're the man.
Do you recommend 6d ii for wedding photography? 26ds ii maybe?
Love your videos, keep it up.
If I'm gonna shoot a wedding with two bodies (2X D750) all I need is a SIGMA ART 24-35MM f/2 and a SIGMA ART 85mm 1.4 .... these two can double as a pseudo Macro lenses due to their close focusing capabilities as well
Hey
love your video, I’m a wedding photographer, and want to upgrade my kit, i have only 24-105 kit lens, 50m 1.8 and 85m 1.8,
Is sigma 35m 1.4 is worth buying for me? I want a low budget lens, which also work as a multipurpose lens.
Please reply
:)
Sigma works well enough. Just make sure to test multiple copies in the shop before you commit.
And here I am using a 1200D and 18-55mm kit lens for events. Not bad for me..
Great video. What brand are the lenses in this video?
I got a Sony A6000 with the 50-210 kit lens, but I will start shooting people more, portraits and events so I was thinking of Canon 40D + 50mm f1.8 + 35mm f1.8, I believe I can get that for the same amount of money after I sell my A6000, what do you think? is it worth trading newer sensor with 24 mp + kit lens vs old sensor 10mp + primes? thanks very much, I really respect your work and I appreciate. Regards Bob.
Just trade the 50-210 for sony prime lenses! There's no need to go back to the really bad image quality you're going to struggle with with the Canon. Trust me, once the light gets low even the A6000 is going to be pushed to the limit at f/1.8, so you do not even want to think about what the Canon is going to dish out. Of course if you use your flashes well then you could get away with it. But reallly.....!
Nice video, Jamie. Thanks a lot.