Canon 5D mk2 + 24-105mm f4 L lens = Good combo?

[GSXRMovistar]

Will that 24-105mm F4 lens have enough reach for a graduation ceremony do you think or would I be better off buying the body only and getting something like a 70-200mm F4 instead?

This is assuming I was going down the canon route.

I also have another requirement and that is the ability to control an external flash for some creative lightning shots. Can the 5D mk2 do this as I believe the D700 can?

I own a 5dmkII and my main lens is the 24-105, whilst I love the combo I wouldn't consider it as having great reach. For an event such as a graduation where I couldnt get up and personally I'd prefer a longer lens. Although if you only need the lens for this one occasion it would make more sense just to higher a 70-200 just for the weekend.

Regarding the flash control the mkII doesn't hae a built in controller so you either need to use something like the st-e2 or a flash unit like the 580exII to control additional devices or opt for something cheap and simple like wireless triggers.

 

[nolimit]

I've been to 3 graduation ceremony and I have never seen anyone use telephoto lens, and I can't think of any more ackward sitatuation.

I got my mom to take my graduation ceremony with a 70mm lens on x1.5 crop body (105mm) and it came out perfectly fine.

The important question is do you really need upclose and personal shot of you receiving the award (buy the official photograph instead?) or afterward shots with your family, university colleagues and friends?

I would take the latter, and the 5D Mark II + 24-105mm would be perfect.

Unless your doing work for graduation ceremony, you would need the telephoto, plus a prime lens.

 

[James J]

I've been to 3 graduation ceremony and I have never seen anyone use telephoto lens, and I can't think of any more ackward sitatuation.

I got my mom to take my graduation ceremony with a 70mm lens on x1.5 crop body (105mm) and it came out perfectly fine.

The important question is do you really need upclose and personal shot of you receiving the award (buy the official photograph instead?) or afterward shots with your family, university colleagues and friends?

I would take the latter, and the 5D Mark II + 24-105mm would be perfect.

Unless your doing work for graduation ceremony, you would need the telephoto, plus a prime lens.

Nah I'm not doing any work for the uni with it, its just nice to have more than just the photos you have to buy from the professional they hire for it. My girlfriend is bulgarian and only her mother and sister can make it over because her dad has an important job and can't get the time off work. More for his benefit than hers as he'll at least get to see a bit more than the "official" photos show.