Lens suggestions

[LastLusitanian]

Hello beautiful peeps,

Was wondering if I could get your advice. I have a wedding coming up for a family member and I wanted to pick up a lens for the event. I’m not the primary photographer at all, just want to have fun and take some stunning images (and make them wish I was the primary photographer with my little X-T5). What would be the best addition for me to add to the lens collection? I already have the XF33mm 1.4, 18-55mm zoom and the Viltrox 13mm 1.4. I’m thinking one of the XF56mm, the XF50mm? Or maybe upgrade my zoom? Or is another filters a better bet? I want something to take gorgeous portraits with yummy bokeh!

[George_P]

I like the bokeh from the 50f2. The 56 can be even more bokehy but at f1.2 the DOF is very narrow and at a wedding you will likely not have peace and time for careful shots. The 56 is also much bigger, heavier and more expensive. I have the 90f2 and that is a beauty but it needs space for a portrait.

You can use the 50f2 very well for travel, I use it a lot for landscapes etc. 

But you already have the 33 and in confined space that may be better. Maybe even shorter, the 23 f1.4 would be very useful for a wedding. Depends on the venue etc. 

 

[Blue Zurich]

The XF50 f/2 is underrated. It's only been in the past few years in the history of imaging that f/2 is not considered a large aperture (rubbish if you ask me) Great color, contrast,  and accurate  AF in a tiny package. Outside and tight indoor, this is the one iyam

[curthard89]

The Viltrox 75mm 1.2 would give you great results (I own this lens along with the 27mm 1.2), also super affordable too (if you can get hold of one), would be perfect for portraits.

[jchabalk]

Check out the 23mm 1.4. It's a great all around lens and could be the perfect fit for a wedding. There's a newer Weather Resistant version that's out. I've had the older one for about 8 years now and use it a lot.

[XrayArtist]

Is the official photographer a professional. If so then make sure they’ll allow you to make photos while they are. Most pros will not allow it. 
 

I was a commercial photographer and didn’t do weddings or work for the public but I can tell you from 55 years of experience that having other people hovering around especially with a camera or phone camera competing for your subjects attention is a HUGE PROBLEM. There can only be one photographer meaning only one director and one person demanding the subjects attention otherwise you have eyes turned, heads turned and bad photos just because someone wanted to make a few pix. 
 

I shot a huge amount of retail fashion for ads and catalogs and have used many many models from babies to o e foot in the grave. I instructed parents if they were going to be in the studio they had to stay back in the shadows, stay out of sight and no photos and especially no coaching the models. And yes I’ve had to run people out of the studio because the can’t resist “say cheese”, “look here” and “smile”. It’s impossible to get the models attention and get their focus on what you want with distractions going on. 
 

If the primary photographer is a professional be prepared to be told, no pictures and out of the room. 
 

A second reason is this is their profession and how they make their living. They don’t want or need uncle Bob or cousin Betty giving their work away bumping them out of sales. 
 

I only did commercial work and none for the public but have met people who went to their kids soccer or sports games that shot pictures for fun during the game and then took tons of prints to the next game snd gave them away. Some of the teams hired pros to shoot them and one parent destroyed their sales from that game. 
 

Most professionals require a contract and generally say absolutely no photos during their shooting. They work as though the bride and groom belong to them and demand their undecided attention.
 

Don’t be offended if you’re told no photos and consider the person they hired is trying to make a living. 

Edited January 31, 2024 by XrayArtist

[HC-110]

Less is more. As soon as you start changing lenses you will miss shots and you will disturb other people. Take the 33 mm you have and shoot discretely.