lens for getting good images in the rain?

I'm shooting 2 weddings this weekend, both outdoors, and both probably in the rain. I rent a backup body

and was thinking adding a special lens might be a good idea. I use a Canon 20D & alternate between

28-200mm & 18-55mm lenses, depending on what I'm shooting, style and content wise. Any suggestions

for a great lens to help me get trhough this rainy weekend and still get some good shots?? Thanks!

I can't see how a lens is going to make a difference unless you are talking about an L lens that is more weather resistant, but since the camera isn't, it won't make that big a difference. Use a plastic bag to protect the camera and lens, or an umbrella and the lenses you already have. Be prepared with lens cleaning material to wipe raindrops off.

Use a hood. I see so many photographers neglect using a hood... it helps with difraction and can help keep rain off the front element of the lens.

Like Nadine mentioned, "L" lenses are built better than non-L and should be better at being weather resistent, but not to be confused with fully water resistent. Unless you get underwater housings, nothing is truly water resistent, others (like L) tend to resist water better than others.

Ditto the Hood, the tube design will work better than the petal style with the one on my 24-70L being the best hood design ever made.

I suggest using thin depth-of-field to blur raindrops in front of subjects. Longer focal lengths and larger apertures do the trick. I use this technique to capture skiers when it's snowing.

I did quite a few weddings in the rain. I also refused to shoot outdoors in heavy rain. In light rain I got someone to hold an umbrella over me while doing formals and other outdoor pictures. I also used plastic bags to cover the cameras when not in use. Assume that if you don't protect your cameras and lenses rain will ruin them. I got some great softly lit pictures in light rain. I also lost an A2 body from rain damage.

get a real one <grins>

 

Although it is very doable to get great work with the lenses you have, it will be harder than with say a 17-55/2.8is or the Tamron version in an f2.8.

 

Otherwise, my choice would be the 85/1.8

"Any suggestions for a great lens to help me get trhough this rainy weekend and still get some good shots??" ... a dry one ;-) Seriously, as Nadine mentioned, there's no "rain" lens.

Just a thought - http://www.umbrellahat.net/