Which two lenses. (pics added)

[Mitchell]

I will be taking some engagement photos at the beach later this week during sunset. I'm curious which two lenses people would use for such a shoot.

I plan on using the 28-70mm, f2.8 on my D2X for most of the shots. I'm not sure which lens to put on the second body (D200). It's a toss up between the 85mm, f1.4, 180mm, f2.8, and the 70-200mm, f2.8VR. Can anyone give me a suggestion and a rationale for the suggestion?

I'm picking only two lenses because I am reluctant to start changing lenses at the beach which is windy this time of year.

Thanks!

 

[InitialD]

AF 85mm f/1.4 on one body and AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR on the other.

 

[misupix]

28-70 + 70-200vr

 

[Mitchell]

AF 85mm f/1.4 on one body and AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR on the other.

Not sure I could do this without the beast on one of my bodies. I'll be using strobes in umbrellas for fill, so I'm not really sure I'll need the speed of the 85mm.

 

[Mitchell]

28-70 + 70-200vr

Any particular rationale for the 70-200mm? What type of shot are you thinking about, here.

 

[misupix]

Any particular rationale for the 70-200mm? What type of shot are you thinking about, here.

I'd use it for face-closeups and head shoulder from farther distance...

 

[Uncle Frank]

My favorite 2 lens portrait combo is the 28-70 and the 85/1.4. You've already outlined your reasons for taking the Beast. Use the Cream Machine for tight shots, and it will render backgrounds that look as complementary as studio backdrops.

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[Igor]

28-70 + 180/2.8

 

[zzhangz]

Of course 70-200mm VR

 

[Mitchell]

I love this.

Four replies and nine different opinions!!!!

 

[davidzvi]

28-70 and 70-200.

 

[jupman]

I would also go with the 28-70 and 70-200 combo.
cheers

 

[Nuteshack]

28-70 + 180/2.8

what he said ....:smile:

 

[Uncle Frank]

OK, 28-70 and 70-200... two fantastic lenses. But, David, how could anyone who owns an 85/1.4 suggest leaving it out of an engagement portrait session??? The 70-200 is ideal for candids, but it puts too much distance between the photographer and the subjects at the long end, and the 85/1.4 beats the pants off it at the short end.

Hey, Mitch, take the Beast, the Cream Machine, and the 180/2.8. If you feel like getting a few shots with a flat perspective, go back to the car and put on the 180 out of the wind. There's no need for the 70-200 unless you want to shoot some seagulls along with the b&g ;-).

 

[Gunnerisac]

I'll second the 28-70mm and 70-200VR recco. The 70-200 will give you great candids (close ups from afar).

Although the 85 f1.4 is a great lens, your coverage with the 70-200 will be much greater.

PaulC

 

[davidzvi]

OK, 28-70 and 70-200... two fantastic lenses. But, David, how could anyone who owns an 85/1.4 suggest leaving it out of an engagement portrait session??? The 70-200 is ideal for candids, but it puts too much distance between the photographer and the subjects at the long end, and the 85/1.4 beats the pants off it at the short end.

Could not agree more about how good the 85 is.

Why did I say the 28-70 and 70-200?

The 70-200 gives you options when access/obstacles are an issue. And walking the sand dunes with just 2 cameras and 2 lenses means not having to change lenses in an area where you might be asking for trouble.

The Zoom also helps getting couples on the beach walking toward or away from you with out you having to worry about moving from your well steadied position.

 

[Mitchell]

Does anyone else find this thread as funny as I do??

I think I'll be going with the 28-70 on the D2X and the 70-200mm on the D200. The 85mm will be sitting safely in my bag just in case.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions and comments.

 

[sciomako]

Have you done the session?

My take is, it's engagement shots. So, not much PJ work. There is no absolute need for a 70-200VR. But 70-200VR is good for close head shots and being lazy.

 

[simsim]

85 1.4 for sure.

 

[Nuteshack]

Does anyone else find this thread as funny as I do??

I think I'll be going with the 28-70 on the D2X and the 70-200mm on the D200. The 85mm will be sitting safely in my bag just in case.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions and comments.

set up one of those little 3 man tents and stuff it full with all your gear ..and don't forget your microwave..lol
:biggrin: