Expert: Wedding Photographics - 4/12/2007

Question
I have a canon 5d and will be shooting a large group 39 people. I have 3 lenses right now but am ready to purchase another specificaly for this situation.
I have a
28 to 300mm zoom
70 to 200
35 to 80
What do you suggest for me to get for these large groups

Answer
Hi Karen,
Of the 3 lenses you specified, my choice would be the 70 to 200. I'm assuming there is plenty of room for you to back away from this large group. If this group is at a wedding and you are like me, you will also be taking advantage of some steps often found at the alter or outside the church if weather permits so the group won't have to be so wide. Often times I will also stand on a small step ladder I take with me to help make sure I don't find myself shooting up people's noses. Also the step ladder keeps me from including miscellaneous objects in the lower foreground of the frame such as church pews. Well, that's my 2 cents. If there are some other special circumstances to take into consideration, please let me know. But I believe the 70 to 200mm lens would work great most the time with that size group.