What’s In My Camera Bag – 70 – 200 2.8
Next up in my camera bag is my essential wedding lens. The 70 – 200 2.8 IS lens. I don’t know about you, but I cringe when I see a wedding photographer (or even more likely, the videographer) who feels it’s necessary to be in the couple’s private space all day. They walk in front of the guests and stand right in front of the bride’s mom and dad to get “the shot”. They feel they have to stand right in the middle of the aisle to get the kiss. They practically dance with the couple during their first dance. A wedding day is filled with so many intimate moments. It should be the bride and groom experiencing those moments together. Not the bride, groom, and the photographer. With a telephoto lens, like the 70 – 200 2.8, I can be out of the way and still get “the shot”.
One of the biggest compliments I’ve received was when a couple came to meet with me about shooting their wedding. They had been guests at a wedding that I shot. They didn’t even realize I was there until the reception. They were so impressed that I had gotten such great shots without even being seen by the guests. That’s my goal! Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes if you’re in a big church or it’s a huge wedding you will have to get a little closer even with the 70 – 200, but you still don’t need to be totally intrusive.
I have this lens on my camera for the ceremony and during the reception for toasts and first dances. The lens is very versatile since it’s a zoom lens and it covers a good range. The “IS” in the lens stands for image stabilization. If you’re going to invest in this lens, I wouldn’t try to save a few (hundred) bucks and go without the image stabilization. With a telephoto lens like this you will need it! The IS will help a lot in getting a tack sharp image. Especially when shooting in low light situations and no flash (like a church).
A lot of photographers will use a lens like this for their family and engagement shoots. I choose not to because, well, I’m lazy and I don’t like to lug it around. It’s a pretty big and heavy lens. But, the results for any type of shoot with it are great.
Here are some moments captured, very non-intrusively, with the 70 – 200.
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Loving these posts! Thanks Drew!
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Jazmyns Senior Shoot =-.
I’m loving this “What’s in my camera bag?” series!! As a new, aspiring photographer it helps me to read about how and when you use each lens and piece of equipment – for example, you use this lens during the ceremony, toasts, and the first dance. I wouldn’t really know that unless I went through the trial and error first myself…and that won’t be for awhile.
So, thank you!! I look forward to more : )
Thanks so much for these great posts Drew! I was wondering, do you use any extenders with this lens? The reason I ask, is I’m buying this lens used from a family member and it’s coming with 2 extenders. It seemed like a little overkill for doing family portraits and I was thinking of selling the extenders. I was also thinking that handholding the camera in low light with the extenders on the lens might be tricky.
Thanks again for these great posts!
Beautiful images – I love how you capture the true emotion of the moment! Boy would I LOVE this lens, but since I don’t do weddings I guess it’s not really a necessity right now. Thank you for sharing about your lenses – I’m really enjoying reading about them!
.-= Mindy´s last blog ..I Heart Faces – Shades =-.
These camera bag posts are amazing.. and also making my list of lenses I want, longer!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Addison Sings Again =-.
Seriously Drew, You are like the smartest person ever! I mean ever!! I don’t know if you realize how helpful you are!
.-= Erica S´s last blog ..Meet Ambra and Kyle =-.
I rented this lens a few weeks ago and I was in love!!! This lens is great and my pictures came out tip toe sharp!!!
Thanks Drew for this post! And your shots are priceless!
.-= Lauren R.´s last blog ..The Love of JesusThe Wiggins Family =-.
I did a “tag-a-long” for a wedding with another photographer…she told me not to rent a 70-200mm because she said it’s a waste and you don’t use it much. BUT I agree with you in being discrete…Next wedding I will have one!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Newborn Shoot- Tyler =-.
always enjoy your tips. thank you!
You don’t use it that much, but for the time you do use it, it is invaluable! And your couples will appreciate you not being in their face constantly!
I didn’t even know that there were extenders
Nope, just the lens!
Sigh. I want this lens SO very badly. Sigh.
Carey´s last [type] ..surprise!