Which lens the Canon 16-35 2.8 or 24-70 2.8

[Kevin Fotovich]

I was asked to take wedding pictures this summer.
I have been looking at these two lenses the
Canon 13-35 f2.8 or the 24-70 f2.8
I have read reviews on them both, they both have
good reviews. I asked my wife if I could get both of
them, I knew she would say NO. But I tried.
Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks Kevin

 

[D. Robert Franz]

I would imagine the 24-70mm would be a much more useful range for wedding photography..

 

[Tim Dodd]

On a 1.6X crop the 17-55 f/2.8 IS and 70-200 f/2.8 IS are often the favoured weapons of choice. That's the combination I use for weddings, and I use the full spectrum of focal lengths from 17mm to 200mm (= 27mm to 320mm in full frame terms).

On full frame the top choice would usually be 24-70 f/2.8 L and 70-200 f/2.8 IS. That is, unless you are into primes.

There is certainly a place for the 16-35 but if you have only one lens and you're on full frame then I would choose the 24-70. If you're going to be on a 1.3X crop then it's a tough call. Personally I'd err towards the 24-70, but it really depends on the venue and the size of the party, especially for formals. If you can't move back far enough to get everyone in then you will be stuffed. If you don't have quite enough length then at least you can crop afterwards.

Are you intending to be the "Pro" for this gig, or just an interested guest? If the former, you need to consider a backup body, lens and you should probably have a flash (or two!).

Here is a breakdown from my last four weddings of focal lengths used (converted to 35mm equivalents) for the shots that remain after culling....

 

[Michael Pancier]

the 24-70 2.8L is one of their sharpest zooms ever. It's just heavy for outdoor nature work compared to the 24-105L, but for portraits and indoor, it's outstanding.

 

[Kevin Fotovich]

I have the 70-200 f/2.8 and I have two cameras and flashes. The only other lens I have is the 28-135IS.
I do want a better lens, not just for the wedding but for taking pictures at my daughters dance recitles.

 

[Tim Dodd]

I've just checked your profile and see you have a 40D listed. To be perfectly honest, unless you have a pressing need to maintain full frame compatibility I would get the 17-55 f/2.8 IS. It's the natural choice for weddings, or general photography, on a cropper. It will be **** near as wide as the 16-35 (but add IS) and will get you a good way towards the 70 end of the 24-70 (again with the pleasant addition of IS), and will be cheaper than either one of those.

I would be concerned that 24mm on a 1.6X crop camera does not give you enough room for manouevre in tight spaces, or to generate creative perspectives, and the 16-35 is somewhat of a niche lens, being really very wide indeed on full frame. On a cropper it might work well for your intended use, but why pay more than you need for a lens that is not really long enough, lacks IS and costs more than the right tool for the job?