Three month's ago I reserved equipment for an upcoming wedding. I agonized over what equipment I might rent, the possibilities being endless. I wanted LensRentals's entire catalog. I knew I needed to supplement my current equipment with lenses that stayed consistent with my style of shooting. But I also knew that this was my chance to try out equipment that I will look to invest in next. Decisions, decisions! Below is a combination of my current equipment as well as what I rented.
These two beauties below are the staples of my equipment. Mr. Versatile (24-105mm, f4) on the left was my very first "L" series lens. O.M.G. The clarity of the images shot through the "L" series glass is unparalleled. It is well worth the investment to opt for the luxury line. The lens on the right is my Baby (50mm, f/1.2). He's the lens on my camera 95% of the time. I can walk into a low-light situation without hesitation when I have this in hand. I use it for much of my portrait work - Engagement photos, First Look, etc. It grants me intimacy with my subjects without being overly invasive in their personal space.
The Beast (70-200mm, f/2.8). A must-have lens for a second shooter. It's perfect for melting into the background of the ceremony while still capturing the needed close-up shots. Shayna rocked out this lens last month and I was thrilled with the results.
I fell in love with the lens below (100mm, f/2.8) the moment I opened up my shipment of rented gear. Literally, my heart melted. And shooting with it? It was like eating a warm croissant on the streets of Paris as a cool breeze blows off the Siene River. I used it strictly for detail photos - invitations, rings, flowers. Despite only using it for 30 minutes out of a 10 hour wedding day, it was absolutely worth the rental.
I saved the best for last - the 5d MkIII. I didn't want to return this handsome fellow. I read that the first time I used the 61-point focusing system it would be magical, that when I looked through it I would see rainbows and unicorns. THEY WERE RIGHT. The menu interface has been updated since the release of the 5d and Canon took great strides in improving it.
I would have loved to ship back my 5d in it's place, though I'm certain they would have figured it out quickly enough. Paper trails...they get you every time.
On my next rental, I hope to expand my selections knowing what I know now about the lenses I chose this time around. I also hope that this gives clarity to the many questions I receive as to what equipment I regularly use. Or maybe, like me, it'll just make you drool over the possibilities of delicious lenses to choose from.
