Which lens?

DalyanJC

DalyanJC

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John
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I have a D5100 with the 18-55 VR kit lens, and a 70-300 VR lens, I am looking for a lens that has better lower light capabilities than my kit lens.

I have been asked to shoot at my sons wedding (the one and only time I will be doing this) and initially was looking at the 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8 (leaning towards the 35mm) but then the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 DC OS Lens came up on another thread and having looked at it I think this may be the one I should go for.

My thinking behind this is that if I got the latter I could sell the kit lens as

a) It would be a better walkabout lens than the kit one.
b) It also gives me the macro option (I like shooting bugs, flowers but also landscapes general stuff really)
c) It would complement my other lens in focal length.
d) It would give me the lower light capability I wanted/need (or would it?)

as I am just an enthusiastic amateur what would you advise?
 
Hi there.

As an enthusiastic amateur and a dad myself, would you not enjoy the day more if you weren't responsible for the photos providing memories of the day? Will there be another photographer there?

That said most of the people I know who have shot weddings use a 24-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8. There are however lots of different ways to skin the beast so I'm sure there'll be lots of different advice to follow.

Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy the day!

S
 
Unfortunately the wedding is being done on a very tight budget for them. The wedding ceremony and meal afterwards is only 20 people so I have got roped in. No other photographer I know of but some of the guests may bring their P&S cameras.

I don't shoot portraits so I would rather invest in better glass than the kit lens that has a range of functions.

Thanks for the kind wishes.
 
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Agree with Adam, your much better off hiring the 24-70 for the £50, but if you don't want to I would suggest the Tamron 17-50 as pretty much the same price as the sigma 17-70 but the Tamron has constant 2.8.

I have a sigma 17-70 and it's a pain in the back side, when in f4 or 4.5 at 50/70mm this will make your life hard in the church or inside with low light,you will be using the flash all the time.
 
I had thought about hiring but I do like the idea of replacing the kit lens with something better.
 
Hi Dalyan

I would rent for the wedding.. and upgrade later!

The Tamron 17-50 (Non VC!)
Or Sigma 17-70 Non-OS or OS

it must be then! My thoughts from the other thread:

I have used both extensively and they are both fantastic in their own way

Sigma:
For: 20mm more length, HSM, cheaper, OS version is more expensive but better than the Tamron VC option
Against: variable aperture (2.8-4.5 or 2.8-4 on the OS) (but so are your other considerations), you need to make sure you get a sharp one but in my experience a sharp one matches the tamron

Tamron:
For: fixed f2.8, normally ultra sharp
Against: Pricier, noisier, the zoom ring goes the wrong way (or the right way as you're nikon!)
 
Just to add the wedding itself is not in a church it is in a small room in an old gatehouse that belonged to King Henry VIII, the blurb on it says

The Anne of Cleves Room -
Situated in the oldest part of the building, the Anne of Cleves Room features timbered beams. A tapestried lovers pew takes pride of place within the period fireplace. This charming room allows for up to 30 guests.
 
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