Martyn Fox , Jan 17, 2012; 05:41 p.m.
I have been asked to shoot a few weddings and I usually turn them down, ive decided to give them a go. I currently have a 5D mk ii with a 17-40mm lens. I was thinking of adding the 70-200mm f/4 usm (non stabilised) and the 50mm 1.8 to shoot the day. I would consider hiring the 24-70mm 2.8. Will the f/4 lenses be fast enough without flash inside? I also wont have a back up body it will cost me too much. I have also read that alot of weddings are shot without the onboard flash, is this the route to go down. I am more at home shooting landscapes so it is a bit of a challenge for me, any help or advice would great.
Nadine Ohara - SF Bay Area/CA 
, Jan 17, 2012; 06:28 p.m.
You'd be better off asking this question in the Wedding Forum.
Will the f/4 lenses be fast enough without flash inside?
Depends on the ambient light level inside, but usually not without a tripod, and then you have to deal with subject movement. Even with high ISO and the fact that subjects don't move very fast during ceremonies (except for the processional/recessional), you will still feel the lack.
I also wont have a back up body it will cost me too much.
False economy. You NEED a back up body. Rent one.
I have also read that alot of weddings are shot without the onboard flash, is this the route to go down.
Most wedding photographers don't use the onboard flash. If a flash is used on camera, it is an external flash.
My personal advice would be to rent the 24-70mm f2.8 and a 135mm f2 lens, if unsure about light level and flash use during the ceremony. I'd still bring a tripod if it is an indoor, low light ceremony.
I would also rent a couple of 580EXs.
If you've never shot a wedding before, my advice would be the same as I'd give to any intermmediate shooter. Use Program, not AV (sets too slow a shutter speed indoors). Mind your ISO as you go from inside to outside and back. Understand how to compensate both flash and ambient, and use One Shot focusing.
If you are able, use manual camera mode for indoor shots with flash, so you can drag the shutter.
I would also start reading the archives in the Wedding Forum.
Steve Smith 
, Jan 17, 2012; 06:43 p.m.
You NEED a back up body
Hopefully you won't need a backup body... but it would be foolish not to have one.
Alan Bryant , Jan 17, 2012; 07:13 p.m.
The 5D II doesn't have an onboard flash.
Even just a Rebel would work as a backup. However make sure you know how to use the backup. Don't rely on unfamiliar or new equipment at a wedding.
And +1 to spending some time reading the wedding forum.
Nadine Ohara - SF Bay Area/CA , Jan 17, 2012; 07:43 p.m.
Perhaps by 'onboard flash', Martyn means the external flash. Many people not used to using flash hope to avoid using flash when shooting their first wedding. It is possible to not use a flash at all when shooting a wedding, but I'd say that would not be the majority of weddings. Even if by some good luck, your wedding happens in marvelous natural light, I'd still rent 2 flashes, mount them on the cameras, and at least have them ready to go when needed--the probability is that you will need them.
Josh Root 
, Jan 17, 2012; 08:17 p.m.
I'm moving this to the wedding forum.
Martyn Fox , Jan 18, 2012; 01:13 a.m.
I posted this late last night and I didnt realise there was a specific wedding forum, my appologies. I dont use flash photography so it is something I would need to grasp. By on board flash i actually did mean a speedlight, i know the 5d does not have a pop up. I would not attempt a wedding without the correct equipment, so your answers are very helpfull. at the moment it is all sounding a little daunting. I thought about using the programmemode on my 5D as the auto in aperture mode doesnt seem to set high enough in a dimmly lit situation. (but that could be down to me not fully understanding my camera.) I will read the wedding forum, maybe there is a course I could attend to gain a better understand of wedding photography.
Vail Fucci 
, Jan 18, 2012; 08:05 a.m.
Martyn, when is your wedding? Knowing your time frame for what you can learn would be helpful.
Richard Snow , Jan 18, 2012; 08:49 a.m.
Martyn -
As I encourage anyone wanting to start in wedding photography, try to find a local pro willing to hire you on as an assistant or second shooter - there will likely be little to no pay, but you'll gain experience.
The pace of a wedding is very fast - and you only get one chance to get the important shots - you don't want to mess them up. It's better to have some experience before going at it solo. There are some who have, but the experience of shooting with someone that has done this before is priceless.
RS
Martyn Fox , Jan 18, 2012; 09:35 a.m.
Hi Vail, the proposed date is April 2013. Hi Richard, that is what i was thinking. I have just met a chap who may be interested in forming a partnership. He has shot a few weddings and also shoots Canon equipment. He also tells me that he has access to lenses and lighting from the Uni he his studying at
