kiva Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I have read many many recommendations for the use of the 70-200 IS lens. As I look through the lens and I review the locations I've been at for weddings and receptions the thought occurs to me that all the locations are rather tight quarters. So, can you please share the locations where you find the 70-200 IS to be helpful and most useful. What percentage of the time might you use your 70-200 IS lens during a normal wedding? I've had the opportunity to use my brand new 70-200 IS lens just last weekend for a few minutes in a rather large church setting (I wasn't the "paid" photographer so out of respect I held myself back) and I was a bit taken aback at how tight everything was and how much I missed shots that were Not long range in a contained area like a church or even a larger reception hall. When do you use it and how often? Any tips are most welcomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etan_lightstone Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 William, I find your question a little strange. You seem to state when to use your own lens quite clearly. "Tight quarters", wider lens. Larger room, longer lens. If you find you're missing shots, switch lenses. The 70-200 will be of no use to you if the subject you're shooting is a few steps away. That said... you can always back up a little and shoot at 70mm if you're in a jam and don't have time to change the lens. This idea that buying a lens of any kind will make someone take better pictures is just false. People are convinced that all they need is a particular lens, and it will fastly improve their photography. It just really isn't the case most of the time. It's just a tool. Use it when your wide angle isn't working for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstrutz Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Some "wedding chapels" are larger than others.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelmowery Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I use mine when i want tight shots or if i am in a very large room or outdoors and have over 20feet plus. I hardly use my lens except for the portraits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Lightly when I had it ... mostly for shots from the back of the church. Never after I sold it. I use a 135/2 now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonsmith Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 William I dont use my Nikon 80-200 F2.8 all that often. Often with outdoor weddings I will cover part of the ceremony with it and go in for some tight headshots. It allows you to capture a lot of emotion on peoples faces without getting too close. With the 1.6 conversion factor it becomes a 300mm lens so I use a monopod with a swivel head.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medina photography cherry Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Like mentioned- Portraits and distances over 20feet when I want a nice tight image. It is a tool. How many construction guys use right angle drills? Few, but when it is needed, you got to have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etan_lightstone Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Marc, you don't find you're missing opportunities running around with a 135 prime lens? A zoom I would think is essential for getting those "moments", when you don't have time (or ability) to run up.. or run back from what your shooting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darice michelle Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Marc, why did you sell yours? Just curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedding-photography-denver Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I too like the 135/2 best, but frequently use the 70-200 IS and VR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedding-photography-denver Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 What I want is a 70-200/2 IS with better bokeh than the current Is version. I would gladly pay for such a beast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 The Nikon 70-200 has incredibly good bokeh, it completely changed my perception of the importance of bokeh. But it requires a Nikon body to be really useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiva Posted March 26, 2006 Author Share Posted March 26, 2006 The responses are appreciated.The use in portraiture is interesting to me; just getting started and i bought the 70 - 200 is usm for the long range wedding shots but I had not considered it a portraiture lens. Any feedback on those who have used it as a portraiture lens ... when, where, how many people, what circumstances would be helpful. I'm experienced enough to "guess" but actually Real Life experience is always such a helpful step along the road. Thanks to all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Darice, in answer to your question: because it is a huge lens. There is nothing wrong with the images, it's one of Canon's best Zooms. However, at the short end I'd rather use a 85/1.2 (which is also huge, but much faster) and at the long end I prefer a 135/2 which is much smaller, also faster... and perhaps Canon's best longish lens, second only to the 200/1.8 (I carry a little 1.4X for the 135/2, but have never needed it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfr Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 I agree. You can only use it in a busy crowd, otherwise people will hide under the tables as soon as you take the lens out of the bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think27 Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 I use mine a good 60% of the time for weddings. Ceremony - Great for super close ups without having to be on top of the couple. Great for large churches when you are forced to stay towards the back of the church. Great for balconey shooting. Cocktail hour - Great for candids from the sidelines. Getting ready - Great for zooming in close for expressions and I don't have to include the messy room in the shot. Couples - They're not as aware of me and therefore - less self-concious. Reception... Same as for Cocktail hour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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