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Thinking of buying a new lens


9 years 3 months ago #422872 by graciek91
Hello! 
So this year in May i have my first wedding booked (a beach wedding!). Which i am super excited for! I have done a few portrait sessions and a bit of landscape photography up until now but still have just the basic kit lenses. I am considering buying a Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens for my Nikon D7000 from Digital Camera Warehouse online. So that i can photograph most of the wedding with the one lens and/or maybe use my 35mm Nikkor lens too. Is there anyone who has had any experience with this lens before or could recommend something similar? 

Would love some help as i am really trying to start my own photography business but just need a little guidance, 
Thank you in advance, 

Grace
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9 years 3 months ago #422874 by garyrhook
For that focal length, get the Nikon. That said...

Using a single body for a wedding carries some risk; you might want to consider a backup body. A "beach wedding" implies you will be outside, which means plenty of light as long as the sun is up. When the sun sets, that lens won't do you any favors as it's not very fast. You might consider renting a 70-200 f/2.8, as your proposed lens would not be considered an event lens.

Have you been a second shooter at a wedding? Do you have a mentor? Weddings are difficult and stressful jobs, and there are no do-overs for must-have shots. Good luck.
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9 years 3 months ago #422888 by effron
If you're going to rent a 70-200, rent a D750 or D4s right along with it.  The D7000 is a capable camera, but for weddings you are currently VERY under equipped. Grab as much experience as you can as well.  Try to get some second shooter gigs before the job date, believe me that will be more important than the gear....;)
Why so serious?
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9 years 3 months ago #422992 by graciek91
Thank you both for those great tips! I will definitely look into all of your lens and body suggestions. 

My husband and I were married in June 2014 and since then i have been receiving some mentoring from our wedding photographer (unfortunately she now lives in Maui and i'm in Australia). At the moment i have not had any second shooter jobs although i will continue to approach wedding photographers and see if i can get some gigs in the meantime. 
I have been informed that the bride and groom plan to do their whole wedding for under $5000, with only few guests. 

Although as a recent bride myself i understand the stress to have those 'perfectly timed' and 'must get' images. 
There is a first time for everything!

Thank you once again for help! 
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9 years 3 months ago #423446 by Danny Carson
BTW www.borrowlenses.com/  is the best place to rent IMO.  Largest selection.  
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9 years 3 months ago #423583 by Joves
Normally Danny I would agree with you, but she is in Oz, so I do not believe they rent there.
I have to agree with Ernesto, and Gary in that you would be better off if you could rent a second body, and lens combination. Your camera will do the job actually, but as said lighting is either going to be your friend, or curse you. Especially if you do not even have a Speedlight as alternate/auxiliary  lighting. That is because the sun, or where it is coming from does not work for good photos either. The popup flash is worthless for that. I suggest you do some online searching for sites to help you with effective wedding photography, and do a crash course. That and practicing at home. And if your budget is restricting you that much you can get by with the 18-200, but may need to adjust the ISO to keep faster shutter speeds.
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9 years 3 months ago #423589 by Hassner
If you are thinking of making wedding photography a job, you will never use the 18-200 again.
I know you have budget constraints, but because of that I do not want you to use the money on a lens meant for amateur tourists. As soon as you learn more, you will see the lens' constraints.

I hope you know the conditions on the beach. Is it very secluded? Will you have to dodge people in the background? Etc.
I would think of a 50mm 1.8 or if you can afford 1.4 for your couple shots to get the background out of focus.

Then rather save for the suggested lenses that you can hopefully rent now.
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