Note: Kirk is "the Affordable Full time Professional Wedding Photographer Winsdor, Ontario". Here is the Link to KW Masters Photography.
Introduction:
As a Canon shooter, I am going to look at the two Canon Zoom Lens offerings:
Both of these lenses are the EF format for full frame cameras. I believe that the C sensor is on the way out and don't recommend that you purchase EF-S type lenses as they do not work on the FF cameras. On the other hand, the EF lenses work on both bodies. Both of these lenses are Constant Aperture type lenses. That means as you rack the lens out, your exposure is NOT affected. As a side note, if you want a wider lens, then the Sigma 12-24 mm F4.5 -5.6 mm DG HMS II is your next choice. It is also for EF FF cameras. As it sits alone in this range, the price accordingly is high at around $1400.
Discussion:
One must ask the principle question, what is a wide angel lens to be used for? Typically WA lenses are used for Landscape, Architectural and group photography. I have posted in the past that WA lenses will produce distortions with people on the outer sides and that when shooting groups, 50 mm is best or the use of distortion correction software in post.
Generally there are 3 groups of lenses. Wide angle (below 50 mm), normal (50 mm) and Telephoto (above 50 mm). Wide angle lenses tend to take a bigger and wider picture and have a greater DOF. Telephoto lenses will help to compress the background and have a smaller DOF (depth of field).
DOF is also a factor of the F-Stop and the sensor type (FF or cropped). If I am using a WA lens, then normally I want a bigger DOF and perhaps a DOF that goes to infinity. One of my rules is to get the photo. That means in focus and proper exposure. For all of these stated purposes of using a WA lens, I normally want a F-Stop of at least 5.6 for group shots or higher. For the others, F-Stop of 8 and above at least if not 16 and above.
Then there is the artistic photographer. You can also use a WA lens here for dramatic effects. We try to do these shots as well. My F-2 100 mm lens and F 1.4 50 mm lens work well here, so I don't need a F 2.8 WA lens. So you may be sharing my confusion as to why anyone might choose the F 2.8 lens over the F 4.0 lens. Did I mention that the F 2.8 costs (list around $1700 +) as you would expect, twice that of the F 4.0 (list $870+)
When I was purchasing our EF 17-40 mm F 4.0, Sigma were still working out the bugs in their 12-24 model and Canon's 16-35 mm was not any where near as sharp as the 17-40 mm lens. The latest version of the 16-35 mm is now much better. I mention this in case you are looking to buy a second hand lens.
Summary:
There are many wedding photographers that love to shoot wide angle lenses. They are great at capturing more features of say the church in the background and adding that great effect to the image. If you want to go that route, then perhaps the Sigma 12-24 mm is a good or better choice. You can also use it for other types of photography which is a real plus. If on the other hand, 17-40 mm will work just fine for you and you can save a lot on the cost of your WA lens. I have mentioned in other posts, that F 2.8 is no longer a must have with the latest low light sensor cameras. Paying for something that you don't need or will ever benefit from is not the best way to build up your kit. In the end, the choice is yours. I have the 17-40 mm and find it to be an outstanding value lens. There are many times that it is the only lens that could have taken the shot with. You will find your back is against the wall or bulk head and you can not move any further back. Perhaps someday, I will add the Sigma 12-24 mm to our kit also. It is on my wish list.
You buy lenses for your life. You buy bodies every few years. So, buy things that will work either now or in the future is you don't have, but are considering getting a FF sensor camera. I find it much more difficult to shoot telephoto at a wedding due to time and space limitations. I desire to do so, but events many times prevent me doing so. Therefore, I use the WA lens more than I use the telephoto (70-200 mm) lens.
Kirk is a Professional Wedding Photographer in Windsor Ontario Canada. In appreciation if you would be so kind as to give a G+ and a Facebook Like KW Masters Photography on his Facebook page.
Vistek.ca for your professional camera needs.
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