For Photographers: What I Shoot With – 2014 Update

For Photographers

June 2, 2014

Last year when I wrote about the three lenses I use to shoot every wedding, I was shooting with the 35 1.2, 50 1.2, and 135 2.0. Since that time I’ve changed up the way I do things, so I thought I’d share some updates to how I’m shooting and why!

The biggest change to how I shoot weddings has been swapping out the 135 2.0 for the 100 2.8L Macro! At first glance you might think, what the heck is she shooting ceremonies with without the 135?? The MACRO! The 100 2.8L Macro is not only great for getting incredible detail shots, but it’s also perfect for ceremonies. (For me) I’m all about keeping it simple (let’s face it, the more stuff I have, the higher the chances are that I’ll accidentally lose something) so having a lens that is literally only used for 20 minutes or so on a wedding day is not really practical for me. I also noticed that with the 135 (and the Mark II, I haven’t ever tried one with the Mark III) it was much more difficult to get crisp, super sharp ceremony images in darker spaces. The macro actually has image stabilization which makes it super helpful in dim churches. I actually don’t shoot in dark churches very often, but when I do, I’m super happy with how the IS on the 100 2.8 handles! As far as focal length, it’s been just perfect for me as I tend to attract and shoot more outdoor weddings than indoor cathedral types. But, if I had a wedding like this, I would rent a 70-200 for the day. I’m not a fan of that lens enough to own one outright.

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I also LOVE this lens for jewelry shots. I’m able to be so much more creative with my shots than I was before! Shooting jewelry is one of my favorite parts of the day now, thanks to this lens.

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The second change to how I shoot each wedding? I blogged previously that I use the 35 1.4 for a huge percentage of the day, including portraits and the processional/recessional. Now that my main shooting body is the 5D Mark III, which has a hugely improved focusing system, I use the 50 for a much bigger percentage of the day. I can finally trust that thing to nail focus, and when it does, it’s a BEAUTIFUL thing! I exclusively use the 50 for processionals and recessionals. I use the 35 in tight spaces, for big groups, bridal party, and 75 percent of the dancing at the reception.

Another new addition to my bag is the 85 1.8. I contemplated getting the 85 1.2, but honestly, I am only using this lens for one thing, toasts and important dances (bride and groom, father/daughter, etc) and I couldn’t really justify the cost of the 1.2 to shoot for ten minutes at each wedding. This lens has been perfect because I no longer have to be close to get great, tight shots of the toasts and dances!! This lens is sharp as a tack and is super quick to focus. It’s probably the best non L lens I’ve ever used…maybe the 50 1.4 comes close, but I have to say, the 85 1.8 gives it a run for it’s money!

85 1.8 Canon_0001Well, that’s what I’m using as of 2014 to shoot weddings! If you’re curious, I typically shoot sessions with just my 50 1.2 and 35 1.4! My motto is keep it simple!

Leave a Comment

  1. ashley link says:

    i LOVE my macro! and my 35! i used to solely shoot my weddings with those two lenses and would just have my 50mm sitting in my bag. so, i decided to sell my 50 (since i was having focusing troubles even with my markiii :(). i got the 85 since i love the compression of the images and the cool watercolor/bokeh look in the background since it matches my brand more. it was hard to let go of my 50 since that was my first real lens, but i’m glad i did! i just have to back up a lot more with my 85 haha! a mini-workout! 🙂 LOVE your creative jewelry shots, btw! 🙂

  2. That 100mm is an awesome lens – we used it for portraits for the longest time too(and still do from time to time).
    Thanks for sharing!
    xoxo

  3. The 85mm is my absolute FAVORITE lens to shoot with and love seeing how it varies from photographer to photographer as it is typically 50/50 with the 85mm and the 50mm! Gorgeous detail shots by the way! 🙂

  4. Caitlin says:

    awesome!! i find that i use my 50mm the most out of all my lenses! love all of your jewelry shots with the 100- so pretty

  5. Nicki Metcalf Pliodzinskas says:

    Thanks for sharing lady! You are super talented, love your work!!!

  6. Erin Schrad says:

    That 85 has become one of my favorites!

  7. Stephen says:

    Loooooove my macro lens. I take it on engagement shoots for longer focal length portraits and it is awesome!

  8. Karis says:

    Thanks so much for sharing! I would love to see some ceremony shots with your macro! 🙂

    • Katie Nesbitt says:

      Haha! I’m so sorry I totally didn’t think to include any!! But most of my ceremony shots are with that, or the 50 1.2!

  9. Debbie M says:

    It’s great to see what’s in photographer’s bags

  10. We are hoping to get the macro next!! However, I love the 50 1.2

  11. Sarah Elizabeth Nice says:

    I use the 100mm 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4 and I’m about to trade my 35mm f/2 for the 85mm 1.8! I like knowing someone else shares my opinion about the 100mm macro, too. I love that thing. Does yours have trouble focusing in extreme heat, however? Mine does for some reason. Not sure why. It makes me nervous.

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