de_isaacs

<p>Although I truly do agree with the sentiment: “Whatever lens you take will work just fine if your vision is compatible with the lens. Very successful photographers do just fine with one lens.” Having grown up in California (and visited Yosemite a dozen or so times) – I would sugest you ‘expand your horizons’ in the following way - I would take the 70-200/f4 [leave this on the camera when “out on the trails”], 24/2.8, and the 40 mm (good ‘up close & personal) lens), I would be tempted to also take (rent) a 100-400mm f4.5/5.6 IS lens (great for “In the Distance” shots of Half-Dome, El-Capitan, and of course – Bridal Veil Falls). Take lots of Cards, Batteries, and backup your images nightly – you don’t want to miss a single inspiring image – Happy trails!!<br /> Derek</p>

<p>Canon 28-135 f/3.5 or Canon 24-105 f/4<br> Canon 85 f/1.8<br> Canon 70-200 f/4 IS and/or Canon 200 f/2.8 <br> YMMV but it all depends on what you have your eye on (photographically - not purchasing)</p> <p>Best regards -<br> Derek</p>

<p>One of my Father's Favorite flowers - the IRIS.</p><div></div>

<p>Not so much a Road as a trail over the Waves - I guess you might say the Seagull (Jonathan perhaps) was 'photo-bombing' my wave-break shot!<br> Derek Isaacs</p><div></div>

<p>I also think you should prioritize for fast glass – and a new body. Your primary passion is<em> "individual and family portraits, senior portraits and a few weddings." </em><em>For many years I too</em><em> "...wished I had a better quality lens in shorter lengths..."</em> None of us (Mr. Gates notwithstanding) can afford to have the latest greatest of everything.<br> In your situation I would pair a lightly used 5D2 (a significant improvement in IQ over the 60D, as well as FF for proper DOF) with a new Tamron 24-70/2.8 VC USD (as good or better than the 24-70/2.8L though not the II). The simple reason is that <em>for your photography passion</em>, f4 is too slow, and the crop not only lengthens your FLs, but it also lengthens your effective DOF - control of which is <em>extremely</em> helpful for portraiture and weddings. <br> You might afford a few primes to go w/ the 5D2 (depending on the deal), a 50/1.8 + 85 1.8; 135 f2 or 135 SF f2.8 would make portraiture a breeze!</p>

<p>+1 for the step-up ring concept - I also am a fan of the Cokin square filters (ND/Graduated/etc) when needed.<br> Derek</p>

<p>Focusing is difficult with either AF and manual focus. Whenever possible - I'd recommend shooting with f2.8 lenses (or better yet f1.8) at 6400 ISO using aperture priority. I keep an 85 f1.8 andna 135 f2.0 on hand for these opportunities. I second the noise reduction in Adobe provides in LR or Photoshop. Good luck.</p>

<p>Canon Service - New address - same phone 123 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa CA 92626 : 949-753-4200</p>

<p>Canon Service - New address - same phone 123 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa CA 92626 : 949-753-4200</p>

<p>again - I second the above Yes and yes.<br> Common name = Bearded Iris. Scientific Name = Iris hybrida.<br> More examples include:</p> <div></div>

<p>If only I was related to either Rockefeller, Getty, or Gates (Bill - not the Rubber Company folks) I too would stick with Canon L glass, but I too have difficulty to justify the cost of some of Canon's newest lenses<br> I have Tamron (90mm and 180mm) Macro lenses - and after renting the Canon Glass - I feel (for my ability anyway) they are more than adequate for my needs.<br> I don't think there is as much distance between Canon and Tamron as there used to be, except in price. And as a hobbyist, I find it really hard to justify the huge price difference for such relatively minor improvements in quality.<br> YMMV - but That's my story and I'm sticking to it!<br> Derek<br> As an aside - Bob Atkins - as always - Thanks for your GREAT lens and Camera Body reviews.</p>

<p>I would like to 2nd the comment:<br> "How much should I charge when I'm just starting out?" Nothing!<br />I have very limited experience with weddings (I've done 4 - 3 as the "Lone shooter") - all for 'free' (I did get a 'gift' from the Father's of the Brides) - but the families of the girls knew one another and they all liked the 'looks' I got with my images I did these as 'gifts' to the families - and they still rave about the pictures - but starting out - get experience - let the $$ come later (if at all).<br> Good luck -<br> Derek Isaacs</p>

<p>I give a +1 to the idea of adding a polarizing filter and a UV filter and praying for clouds, but not too many. Haze can make it hard to get exciting images at the Canyon. Be out before sunrise and after sunset to maximize your odds. Take some multi-image panoramas at medium focal lengths. I grabbed a set of Neutral Density Filters (both full and graduated) as well as some Blue, Red, and Orange filters to ‘bring out’ the natural colors of the canyon walls.<br> I too would suggest an extension tube (set of 3 is really inexpensive) if you think you might need closer-focusing capability than offered by your current lenses – and it never hurts to grab a good 1.4 Tele-extender. Have a GREAT time!</p>

<p>+1 to the sentiment:<br> +1 to the sentiment: "Rent a 2nd D810: don't muck around, particularly if it is a new-to-you camera" - concentrate on the Bride & groom - not your camera features. Also - prepare (and review with the Bride & Groom) a shot-list for the wedding (see other areas of this forum for details)</p>

<p>I'm not a wedding photographer either Bob - I mainly take Macro Photos (I think of them as Portraits) of Butterflies, Flowers, and Insects, so this is oonly my $0.02. My favorite(s) are my Tamron 90mm and 180mm Macro lenses - probably the sharpest lenses I own.<br />I also love the effects I get (sometimes at weddings as a Guest & sometimes with Roses) I get with a Mamiya 145mm Soft-Focus Lens. It has 6 'Softness' settings - and gives (me anyway) goosebump worthy images.Completely manual and heavy - but to my mind - well worth the (back) pain.<br />Derek</p>

<p>Andrew -<br> I am recovering from a serious case of Canon Acquisition Syndrome (CAS) from my youth.<br> At one time I owened FD series: AT-1,AE-1P 2 * A-1, 2* F-1N, 2 * T-70 and 2* T-90. I then traded up to EOS Mounts and acquired 2 EOS Elan-2's, 2 * Elan-2E, Elan-7 and Elan-7N. I then TRaded those in for Digital and acuired 2* 10D, 2 * 20D, 1* 30D, 1 * 40D. I then (in an effort to cutail my CAS addiction) traded/sold/gave away and got a 7D and a 5D MkII - which is where I have reached a relatively stable point in my CAS habit.<br> Best of luck to you!<br> <br />I'm Derek - and I'm a (Former) CAS Addict!</p>

<p>Andrew -<br> I am recovering from a serious case of Canon Acquisition Syndrome (CAS) from my youth.<br> At one time I owened FD series: AT-1,AE-1P 2 * A-1, 2* F-1N, 2 * T-70 and 2* T-90. I then traded up to EOS Mounts and acquired 2 EOS Elan-2's, 2 * Elan-2E, Elan-7 and Elan-7N. I then TRaded those in for Digital and acuired 2* 10D, 2 * 20D, 1* 30D, 1 * 40D. I then (in an effort to cutail my CAS addiction) traded/sold/gave away and got a 7D and a 5D MkII - which is where I have reached a relatively stable point in my CAS habit. Best of luck to you!<br> I'm Derek - and I'm a (Former) CAS Addict!</p>

<p>+1 to Dan M.<br /> Don't buy anything yet - Figure out what you need a lens to do that your current lenses won't do.<br /> Find what you need and THEN get what you really need. I am merely attempting to give you the benefit of my experience - having bought (because I thought I needed them) 6 Camera Bodies and over 30 lenses - Then I had a large 'garage sale and Christmas gift extravaganza to pare down to only an APS-C sensor (7D) and FF (5D Mk II) and a smaller (and easier to lug around) stable of lenses.<br /> I agree with Dan, JDM and Wouter. People starting out are often 'seduced' by the internet that it's essential to get a full frame camera, but both formats have advantages, and often it makes no difference at all.<br /> Also - look at used lenses for the (recently OBE'd) EOS Film Cameras. As an example - I have a Sigma 18-125mm lens that works on both FF and APS-C sensor bodies that I bought for my Elan 7E - and it works great for my needs.<br /> Regards - Derek</p>

<p>Mr. Bhatia -<br> I agree that sometimes you should give things away for free to get experience.<br> I have taken 10 weddings in my life so far (with study from these VERY pages) and do the following:<br> 1) make a SIGNED written agreement with all parties spelling out my rights to USE any/all of the images for my personal/professional use and giving the B&G complete ownership of printing and other rights.<br> 2) I request/ask politely to be included in Pre-wedding events (lets me meet & greet the participants/customers Before the ceremony) and get an idea of what I am dealing with.<br> 3) I work ONLY for whatever 'Gratuity' they decide upon (most of my weddings have been for friends or work-acquaintances. (No specific amount - most give something - some - nothing - but I get experience.<br> 4) when I am 'done with Light room and some Photoshop (hat-tip to this sites Digital Workflows pages, Bob Atkins and Bob Bernardo's postings, etc.) I provide B&G (and BOTH Sets of Parents) with CD's/DVD's for Pre-Wedding Pictures and the Wedding Photos.<br> We all live Happily ever after. 3 Weddings have been for 1 family (a co-worker) and his kids decided after the first wedding that they wanted me to shoot all three!.<br> Yes - LEARN from your mistakes - and those who post knowledge on this site(you know who you are).<br /> My main purpose is to help out others (due to their circumstances) and as a gift for them (and experience for me). <br> Good luck - and use the force (of the knowledge at Photo-Net) to improve.<br> Derek</p>

<p>In addition to my previous post (and no - this is just a suggestion - not a 'plug') you might look at this classified posting from another Photo-netter :<br /> <a href="/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=1510013">http://www.photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=1510013</a><br /> Backup Body and 18-135 lens all in one shot!<br /> Regards -<br /> Derek</p>

<p>You might consider a 24-105 / 28-135 (mine is IS) lens. From the "Good old days" (film) I acquired a Sigma 18-125mm lens - Look for it in the used sections of many online stores.<br> Another suggestion for you would be the EF-S 17-85IS (or it's successor) in the lens lineup from Canon.<br> Picking up a used 40/50/60D or the like with another lens would be an alternative solution.<br> Best wishes -<br> Derek Isaacs</p>

<p>On my 5DMk II and 7D, I use both the Canon EF-28-135 IS Zoom, and I have (from my film days - God rest my Elan-IIE) I own and use a Sigma 18-125mm F2.8 (I think) lens.<br> There are lots of options for your dilemma - but I think that the items suggested by myself and others will see you through. Happy shooting!<br> Derek</p>

<p>Well said Marc - as we might expect from the younger set - It is a rather "Cheeky" under-taking <grin>!<br> Derek</p>

<p>It seems to me (IMHO) that there are two conclusions to be drawn from this trend:<br /> 1) None of these weddings played Cisco's "Thong Song"<br /> 2) the song - "I like big BVTT$ and I can not Lie" has been overused.<br /> Just my $0.02</p>