Equipment rental recommendations?

[amc1217]

I'm photographing my sister's wedding this weekend. It will be my first wedding but she's not super concerned about photos so it's not the highest-pressure situation ever, but of course I want to do really well for her and for my portfolio. I have a Canon Rebel T1i, Canon 50 mm f/1.8 II, and Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. I have a small budget to rent equipment if I want, so I'm considering renting thru prophotorental.com. My budget could about cover a better camera (Canon 7D), EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro (I've been wanting to try a macro lens), and 580 EX-II Speedlight. Any thoughts, comments or advice on what I'm considering? I struggle with getting pictures that are as sharp as I think the should be, would a better camera help with that at all? Oh, I should state that I will probably be shooting jpg. I don't have any experience with RAW yet and I don't know if I or my computer could handle dramatically larger files considering how many shots I'll probably take. Just thought I'd see if y'all have any thoughts on this before I decide. I appreciate the help!

[DoublyDan]

Your 50 mm should produce some nice images but you may find that the 85 1.8 will not allow for too much versatility (you have to be approximately 35-40 feet away from your subject to capture them full length...depending on height) and that has to be done with other people not walking into your shot.

The 7D will take some getting used to so you may need to get it a few days early if you go that route..The auto focus is really nice on the 7D...

I think most photographers will use wider lenses at weddings try the 24-105 f/4 L lens, it should give you good range. You may also like to rent a 70-200 either 2.8 or 4 for some zoom...If you rent another body this may be your two lenses of choice...Keep them both around your neck if you are working alone and you should have a blast.

Whatever you do, go have fun and enjoy the process of making memories. Don't screw up...Just kiddin'

[amc1217]

Thanks! I should have specified I won't shoot the ceremony--the wedding is in Vegas and nobody is allowed to photograph the ceremony besides the photographer that is part of the package. I'll do getting ready, wedding party, and fun/reception stuff. So I don't think I need the mondo zoom lens, but I'm considering the 24-105. It's too last minute for me to try a different camera body, I'm glad you said that, I'll pass on that. Will the 24-105 work on my Rebel? Oh, and thanks for the tip about the 85. It's my best lens so I use it alot, but it does have limitations, probably not ideal for this. I'm a newbie if you haven't figured that out. :)

[PeteQ]

On that crop body you will be very tight if you are doing any work in the hotel room etc. The 24-105mm is a nice range but inside a room you will feel cramped. I would look at the 16-35mm as it will give you a wider wide end, which you will need, and you have the 50mm which would be fine on the Rebel for portrait/headshots and the 85mm which will serve as a nice telephoto. Save the 100mm macro for another outing, it's use will be limited in the setting you have laid out for this event.