D3100 Wedding shoot suggestion

titaisme

New member
I am planning on doing a wedding shoot I currently have a NIKKOR 35mm 1:1.8G lens as well as the 18-55mm, but i'm needing suggestions as to what other lenses i could use. Maybe something that has a wide angle and a long zoom.

Thank you
 

ShootRaw

Senior Member
Honestly, If you have to ask I don't think you are ready to shoot a proper wedding...You really need two cameras....Normally a 24mm-70mm and 70mm-200mm 2.8 lens... extra batteries,sd cards,a couple of flashes and so on and so on...I would research what it takes as far as skill and gear before you venture to attempt one on your own...Good luck
 
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Philnz

Senior Member
I am planning on doing a wedding shoot I currently have a NIKKOR 35mm 1:1.8G lens as well as the 18-55mm, but i'm needing suggestions as to what other lenses i could use. Maybe something that has a wide angle and a long zoom.

Thank you
One word of advice Don't :sorrow:
 

aroy

Senior Member
The kit 18-55 is pretty wide for most situations, and the 35mm F1.8 will help in low light. Just ensure that you have fully charged battery (a couple of spares would help), and sufficient SD card storage - 2 x 16GB (or 4 x 8GB) should be enough.

As this seems to be your first wedding, these two lenses are sufficient. No need to complicate the issues. If you are not very confident, take a second shooter with you; some one who has done wedding before; if possible.
 

titaisme

New member
Thank you aroy and shootraw, not the others. Anycase, I already have spare batteries and sufficient memory and this is not my first wedding. I was hoping to see what other tech heads would have to say on the issue. I know I need a full frame camera to do serious work but finances have not let me get to that stage of my hobby. Granted, so far I've been fortunate that my weddings have been friends and family as is this one, but I wanted to venture into other gear for this shoot.

I went ahead and ordered a rental 24-70mm lens and sb-700 flash. I have experience with the flash and hope to do good with the lens.

If anyone has REAL suggestions for future use, I'm all ears.
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
I wouldn't shoot a wedding, as a primary, with just those two lenses, personally. I have worked a wedding as a 2nd shooter with just a 50mm prime before, but for the main shots (especially ceremony) you want something that will allow you get get a close view without being close and in the way yourself, i.e. a 70-200 2.8. Renting the 24-70 2.8 is a good move. A back-up camera so you won't miss shots while swapping lenses would also be a good decision, with the added bonus that you have something to work with in case your main camera goes down. Losing all those memories because of a camera failure... would be bad. As far as NEEDING a full frame camera to do "serious work", I'd have to argue slightly. I know a few VERY SUCCESSFUL wedding photogs that work with DX only, but I'd say... at least... a D7100 or similar. Something with a more pro setup on the controls and a bit better low-light performance. Full frame would be NICE, but not necessarily a NEED. GLASS is the more important need.

Make sure you've got some sort of diffuser or softbox for that SB-700! Sounds like you've used it before, though, so perhaps you already knew that.

BIG challenge with the equipment you've got, but... Good luck! (and sorry for the rambling approach)

Oh, and welcome to the forums.
 

titaisme

New member
Thanks Pretzel. Yes the SB-700 rental comes with a diffuser which is nice. I usually try and have a back up photographer with me but this wedding is smaller so I believe I can get it done on my own. I know I have a bit to go as far as equipment goes but I am working my way up. I'll see how this 24-70mm helps and go from there. The photography business is expensive and I want everything but I'm working with what I have. In time I believe I can "go pro" (Nacho Libre reference anybody? haha)

Anycase, thanks for the suggestions.
 

Pretzel

Senior Member
Thanks Pretzel. Yes the SB-700 rental comes with a diffuser which is nice. I usually try and have a back up photographer with me but this wedding is smaller so I believe I can get it done on my own. I know I have a bit to go as far as equipment goes but I am working my way up. I'll see how this 24-70mm helps and go from there. The photography business is expensive and I want everything but I'm working with what I have. In time I believe I can "go pro" (Nacho Libre reference anybody? haha)

Anycase, thanks for the suggestions.

Maybe it's time for me to get a better duty!
 

FastGlass

Senior Member
Yes I agree with Pretzel. Why the need for full frame. Any DX body will do the job. The lens you choose and how you add light to the scene is far more important. It's always better to nail the shot and have it a little soft than get a good sharp image of nothing. To me, the creativity coming from the photographer far out weighs the gear you choose. I also apologize for the short smart ass reply before. I don't know you or the talents you possess. Good luck in shooting this.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
I did my first wedding with a 3100, 18-55, 55-200 and a cheap flash. This was a make or break me shoot. My co-worker asked me to do it. I knew it wasn't the right camera for the job. But she just wanted some pictures. I was satisfied with about 75% of my work. I would say go for it others say not. If you're confident enough with the 3100 then do it. Where I shine is I get the shot that will make them smile. Be in charge and delegate if needed. It has taken me almost 3 years to get a 610 FF. My next wedding is next month and we will see how the 610 does.
 
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