[Rob Barron]

Hi Les,

The lens you have chosen is probably the one you would want out of your three if you don't want to be changing lenses a lot during the day though you might find the 18-70mm better for wide group shots. The 24mm is only a 36mm with the 1.5x factor built in, not much of a wide angle lens and you may well need that.

My feeling is that you will probably need the wider end more than you will need the telephoto end but a lot depends on the venue, how close you can get to the couple, whether they want close-up shots of the exchanging of rings and so forth.

In regards the lighting, you are almost certain to need the flashgun for inside the church and I would DEFINITELY recommend the diffuser, it can make a huge difference to avoiding bunrt out hotspots on faces, especially if the bride or groom is a bit nervous and is sweating a bit (male) or glowing a bit (female!).

Tripod is an absolute must. Yes, on a bright day you will be able to hand hold a lot of shots BUT you are wanting pin sharp photos here, no room for soft focusing except deliberately to get romantic shots of the couple. With group shots you need sharpness from front to back so will be looking for f11 or thereabouts to get the depth of field necessary. That will mean slower shots. I know this might sound funny but I promise it is true: if you are hand-holding, the people tend to move more than if you are solidly still using a tripod. It is a psychological thing that if you waiver slightly, your subject is apt to do the same. A tripod also looks a lot more professional.

I must say, I think I would have your telephoto lens on hand, even if it is just in your car, just in case you need it. Better to have it and not use it than to leave it at home and need it! Being able to back-off a bit and get candid shots of guests at the reception is very valuable.

Ok, I think I have answered the questions you asked. Other people might have different ideas too but I hope these have been helfpul.

Cheers and all the best with the wedding.

Rob