michelle_osche

Wow, thank you all for you thoughts/opinions. Alot to think about and consider. Alot of information on the 70-200 that I didn't consider (tripod, which I have but may not be sturdy enough. Flash, which I still need to work on learning manual settings better) It sounds like I should just rent a telephoto lens instead of buying at this time. Which I think I agree, see if I like it before I buy it. I may just rent a shorter telephoto lens though. I may not need the 200 focal length, since it is a fairly small church. I just want to be able to get close intimate shots from a distance unnoticed. I may still be able to get using a shorter focal distance. I feel the camera may be the way for me to go. I've been wanting a new camera since before I knew of the wedding. Plus if I buy the camera then I can use my xsi as a backup.

Wow Bob, thank you for all the information. You got me thinking about flash and long distance shooting which I have learned a little bit about. I have some knowledge on using the flash but I am not well versed with manual settings yet. I definitely need to work on it. (luckily I have almost a year to practice and learn) I was hoping to only use the flash when absolutely needed. I like natural lighting better. I'm thinking I should rent the telephoto lens or something a little smaller/lighter with a small aperture to help with low light situations. I feel the telephoto I have won't do well at a reception without flash. I do have a tripod with a quick release but it's not very sturdy. Might not hold the weight of 70- 200 (I did not think of that. Thanks for pointing it out) I was thinking of carrying two cameras on my shoulders, one with the 17-70 and the other with the telephoto. Or would this get too heavy to carry around all day? Less lens switching, trying to keep as simple as possible. Orlando- I like your idea of maybe using the 50-150 f/2.8 instead of the 70-200. Lighter and probably long enough to shoot a wedding with a crop sensor.

Thank you Bob. I do have access to an extra flash, but not a camera. That's one of the reasons I was looking into buying a new camera so I could use my xsi as a backup. Alan- I have read that the 70-200 is a heavy lens. I think I agree that maybe I should just rent it for the wedding. See if I like it before I buy it. Thank you both for your input. So far it seems like I should get a new camera.

<p>Hello all,<br> I'm new to the site but have followed for a few years. Here's a little information about me to help me make a decision. I would consider myself an intermediate hobbyist. I like to photograph a range of things, not really specializing in one area. (Portrait, landscape, macro, event) I have been asked to do a wedding for a friend's sister that I know cannot afford to have a professional photographer. I am not charging her as this will only be the 2nd wedding I've ever done (Before anyone gets upset, I understand this should be left to the professionals and I usually do say no, but she has a ton of hospital bills that need paid first and 2 small children. She cannot afford to hire a professional)</p> <p>Equipment I have:</p> <p>Camera: Canon XSi (450D) crop sensor</p> <p>Lenses: Canon Kit Lens 18-55 IS (which I never use)<br /> Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6IS<br /> Canon 50mm f/1.8 II<br /> Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 DC (Which is on my camera majority of the time)</p> <p>Accessories: Canon Speedlite 580EX II <br /> Omni Bounce Flash Diffuser<br /> wireless shutter release<br /> Off-Camera Flash Cord</p> <p>With that all being said, here is my dilemma. I can't decide what to purchase next. I have a budget of ~$1000</p> <p>1. Do I upgrade my camera?<br />I've been looking at the Canon 70D. I like the flip out screen (for low angle shots), the higher ISO than what my camera has, in-camera HDR (for landscapes), Video (which my camera does not have, though I rarely would take video anyway)</p> <p>2. Do I upgrade to a 70-200 f2.8 lens?<br />I was planning on renting one for the wedding, but I think it would be great to have for my everyday use too. Questioning putting the money into it though. Canon is out of my budget range. Might be able to afford a Sigma or Tamron (are they comparable to the canon?)</p> <p>3. Do I sell my Sigma 17-70 and buy a Canon 17-55 f/2.8?<br />I like my Sigma but the the 17-55 I believe would have better low-light quality though. The 17-55 doesn't have the longer focal length but I don't feel that would be a big issue.</p> <p>4. Or do I buy the Canon T5i and Sigma 17-50 f/2.8?<br />Cheaper than the 70D with the same features that I'm looking for and buy the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8</p> <p>Decisions, decisions. I keep going back and forth with my options so I decided to turn to you all for help<br> Thank you for your thoughts on the matter,<br> Michelle<br> <br> </p>