Hi Everyone,

So, I have my own ideas on this one, but, I could very well be wrong.

My wife and I will be shooting weddings together at every wedding we book. I was just wondering - which lens combinations work the best for those that always have two photographers present at weddings or events?

Right now, I am thinking we should use the 24-70 2.8 L Series & the 70-200 2.8 L IS lens. With this, one would be able to get tighter shots or take photographs from a distance. Then again, two 24-70s might be better. The only L series lens we have at the moment is the 24-70, so we'd be investing in the next one. (So you know, we also have an 18-55 standard lens & a standard telephoto lens 75-300 ... they are not nearly as good as our new L series lens)

Lets assume we'll both be shooting with Canon 5Ds.

The question is, which lenses make the best team(s) for weddings?

- Spencer Clark

While two 24-70s sounds nice, I recommend that you go for the variety (24-70 + 70-200) as the lenses are interchangeable. Maybe throw an inexpensive prime lens such as a 50mm/85mm/100mm in case one of the zooms malfunctions.

We use a 17-55 2.8 on one cam and a 70-200 2.8 VR on the other.

When we double up, we double up using the 70-200's.

Don't get stuck in the midrange... extremes are good!

This kind of question is best answered by analysing your own style. There really is no "best combination" here. Most people typically run with three basic focal lengths: wide, medium, and long.

My wife and I shoot together. I carry two bodies (one with a 16-35, the other with a 70-200). My wife carries one body with a 28-70. Quite often, however, we swap cameras depending on the situation. And, at times, we need to change out the 28-70 for a fisheye or low-light prime. Other times, we wish we had two wides or two long zooms.

One other factor is location. Again, depending on your working conditions, you may be limited in your use of certain lenses. For example: The event is taking place in tight quarters where a long zoom just cannot be used.

It's just makes to have most focal lengths covered from a preparation standpoint, but weighing the usefulness of certain combinations is really dependent on several factors.

But if you're simply asking what lens you should get next...I'd say go with a 70-200.

Cheers!

It depends on what you are both comfortable shooting with. I shoot more wide and my wife likes more telephoto. Go to your strengths and you will have a good variety of coverage.
Cory

I'd want both shooters to have equal coverage because you never know what you'll need in each scenario. I wouldn't want to limit each shooter to a certain focal length.

I think this would be the optimum FF 2nd shooter set up

5D (as you stated)
35mm 2.0
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8

inexpensive without losing quality and getting a good range of focal lengths covered

Not sure for two shooters, but I carry two 20D bodies 95% of the time. Usually one with a 70-200 f/2.8 IS L and the other with a Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6.

Occasionally, I'll swap the 10-20 for a Canon 28-70 f/2.8L or I'll grab a 3rd 20D body for it.

I use a Canon 17-40 F/4.0L and the 70-200 for the formals.