Need advice/help, renting camera this weekend

[OpticalPrime]

In another thread you can see Im looking at getting back into the DSLR world soon. Im debating if I should just got with another 30D type camera or make the plunge for a 5D. Again, Im not a professional at all, just a father who likes to take pics (kids, vacations, etc)

That being said, my wife and I are going to this bed and breakfast place out in Granbury this weekend.

Granbury Texas Bed and Breakfast, Granbury Bed and Breakfast

and thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me to rent a 5D from Arlington Camera and see for myself how I like it compared to the 30D i used to have.

My thought is to take some of the place while there and the downtown area where we will be eating, etc... but also a good opportunity to take some of my wife. I have a million pictures of my kids, but believe it or not I have never taken any of my wife, which is a shame because she is beautiful and very photogenic. Alot of people say she should be a model.

Im not trying to get Hugh Hefner type of pics, but was thinking maybe some a little more on the adult side... maybe more victoria Secret though...

So my 2 biggest questions are...

1. which lens should I rent along with the 5D? Im thining a good L lens since Iv never had one, maybe 50mm 1.2L??? Never had something like that, with that low of aperture will it be hard to focus?

2. again, im not a professional and poses dont come natural to me, so i dont know how or what to really have her do. I want to make sure I get at least a few great pics of it the weekend and the rental of the equipment, so is there a site or somewhere I can "copy" some poses and ideas?


btw, here is a pic of my wife and daughter.

[KJ Smith]

If I were renting a 5D, I would get the 24-105 4L.

Most people here will tell you that is a great walk around set up.


Great looking family. Be proud.

[apollo.11]

Originally Posted by KJ Smith

If I were renting a 5D, I would get the 24-105 4L.

Most people here will tell you that is a great walk around set up.


Great looking family. Be proud.

Agreed with all points. Can also rent a 50 1.4 or 85 1.8 for cheap if you want some thin DOF shots.

[Stargazer77517]

Scott, the 24-105 should be a great lens for the 5D. If you want something to cover a wide range the 28-300L would work also.
As for the poses, anything natural will be the best bet. Keep the camera handy and shoot, shoot, shoot. Mom and daughter walking habd in hand, Maybe the wife admiring something (catch the facal expressions) in a local shop. The main thing is natural.

[OpticalPrime]

btw, just me and wife on this trip, its for valentines day... staying at bed and breakfast, massages, nice dinner, etc.

have lots of natural candid shots of the kids from when i had 30D... wife is wanting some "grown up" pictures taken of her... never done those kind and seems more like a "modeling session" to me and not sure how.

[OpticalPrime]

as for the lens, i think that 24-70L would be a great lens to have when I buy... probably #1 on my wishlist... but would that be best considering what Im wanting to shoot? (indoors, close up, etc)

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by 00bolt

as for the lens, i think that 24-70L would be a great lens to have when I buy... probably #1 on my wishlist... but would that be best considering what Im wanting to shoot? (indoors, close up, etc)

There are lot of threads on this, but the 24-70 is to short on the 5D.

It just doesn't have enough reach.

From the link you have, those rooms, or at least the one I saw, have lots of great light.

Don't waste it. Shoot with natural light.

The 24-105 will be great for this.

The 85 you have will work also.

If I can find some links this evening I will post them up.

[L Stegall]

You could try out the 85 f/1.2 L - exceptional portrait lens. Just be warned that once you do, you will covet the darn thing.

[OpticalPrime]

see, thats more like what I was thinking personally. since ill be indoors and plan to do more in our room that out and about shooting the scenery... i was thinking a good prime like this.... so you think 85L > 50L for what im wanting?

[L Stegall]

I've never tried the 50 mm f/1.2L, but I do think the 85 f/1.2L is an exceptional portrait lens and a nicer focal length for portraits than the 50. The original version hunts a bit for focus in low light (haven't tried the II version and not sure LightTec has the II for rent). Hey, if this is a splurge weekend, rent both and try them both out. Then you'll know which lens to start saving for. I am curious about the 50 1.2 and whether it is worth the upgrade price from my 50 f/1.4.

[KJ Smith]

Just a heads up.

If you get there with a 85 and that focal length won't work, what is your back up plan?

[Rson]

You can always crop....I would go with the 50mm over 85.

I go to Gbury all the time, the best steak in town is at a place called the Rib Shack. The Filet(16.99$) is prob the best I have had outside of Ruth Chris/Silver Fox and it is BYOB.

[OpticalPrime]

Originally Posted by KJ Smith

Just a heads up.

If you get there with a 85 and that focal length won't work, what is your back up plan?

guess dnt have one... lol

[cajunautoxer]

FWIW I see people mention some really nice glass (f1.2). But I would rent what you can afford to buy

[OpticalPrime]

k, got the 5D and 85L on hold at AC... they didnt have the 50L so that kinda made up my mind. i may grab a 50 1.4 while im there or something if i get scared... lol