Nice results.
I guess you used a flash for these shots given the dark shadows behind them. Some people don't mind, but I don't like those shadows. What really helps in these conditions (from experience, but no web-ready samples) is a Lumiquest Ultrasoft (not a sock thing, but a huge bounce dome on your flash with a diffuser) or similar on your flash. Makes the shadows less dark and more scattered. I was very happy with the results I got, but a bit tricky with the exposure on a S602Z. Just a suggestion.
Good investment? This brings me to my budget of 2k including shipping. I plan on using this for wedding photography. Any changes or recommendations?
Do you already have or taken into account:
* tripod that can support the weight of a dSLR and lens
* powerful flash with diffuser and power source
* slave flash(es)
* filters to protect your lenses / creative filters
* second and third battery / battery grip
If it is for commercial wedding shootings:
* second camera body, 10D or 300D, film?
Yeah, Paul, I agree with a lot of what's been said here. A couple points in particular:
- If you are doing wedding photography, a good flash and diffusers will be important. Lighting is critical, no matter what lenses you've got in your bag.
- If you are looking for, as you say, "good investment", and also trying to stay within a budget, I might recommend that you drop the body down to perhaps a Digital Rebel 300D, save a few hundred bucks, and then put the money into better lenses. Remember that a solid quality piece of glass will last a lot longer and hold its value a lot better than a digital body, especially these days with the digital body market changing so rapidly. I would be curious to know what features you need on the 10D that you can't get on the Rebel? In particular, if you are using the built-in flash, the rebel gives more clearance, less harsh shadows and red-eye.
- As far as lenses go, I've got a 17-40L/4.0 that I love for close conditions (goes to 35mm equivalent of 64mm on the Canon digital bodies). I really like that lens for the money (about $700), but it might be out of the price range, and not give quite enough coverage.
- Finally, remember that the faster lenses don't just give you better options in low-light conditions, but also they give better background blur, which is a must for stunning wedding portraits.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll be thrilled with any of the setups being considered here.
Good investment? This brings me to my budget of 2k including shipping. I plan on using this for wedding photography. Any changes or recommendations?
Do you already have or taken into account:
* tripod that can support the weight of a dSLR and lens
* powerful flash with diffuser and power source
* slave flash(es)
* filters to protect your lenses / creative filters
* second and third battery / battery grip
If it is for commercial wedding shootings:
* second camera body, 10D or 300D, film?
I agree, all sensible recommendations that will enhance your photos.
Also, no mention of extra CF cards?
Heh....well, this could be debated at length. But the bottom line is that only you can decided if it would be just as good. Some people find the different features important, and are willing to pay the extra price. Some people don't. You probably ought to do a little more research about the differences before making a final choice.
A few sites to check out to help you on that decision, I can't necessarily say I agree with all the assessments, but then again, what do I know? :)
Keep in mind that the IS is only going to help you out in low light situations where the subject is still. It does not reduce motion blur by the subject. You will need a fast lens. $400 is not pricey for such a high quality lens. The Tamron lens is a top notch lens.
I was also considering the Canon 28-135 IS on the recommendation of a friend, and this response caught my eye. I will be photographing children (read: lots of motion blur). My question is this: what controls the speed of the lens? Is there a good high speed lens with a fair amount of zoom? Any education is appreciated. Not intended to thread hijack, I think these questions are equally applicable to weddings.
