GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California

I'm an amateur that likes to shoot candid photos at family events. I used the Canon 15-85. I tried using my 50 1.8 but I found that often the confines of the room wouldn't allow me to get the shot I wanted because I couldn't get far enough away to capture a group of people or in some cases close enough to get the closeup shot I wanted. Plus a zoom lens like the 15-85 allows you stand back and get shots when nobody knows they are being photographed. It also allows you to zoom in to get a shot in between others who are say watching a little boy or girl open their birthday gifts or zoom out for the group shots. Some of my favorite shots are the target of the photo shot between bodies. If you do posed stuff then the 50 would probably work best.

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

HI Oz,
I recommend the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG. I own this lens and I love it. it is great for portraits also macro too.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

LOL! They should!

Jim D

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

This is the reason I like the Canon 17-40mm f4L lens. Another thing I like is the Canon Speedlite 270EX or Canon Speedlite 270EX version II flash. It is much smaller than the larger flashes that have been mentioned. It bounces and can be used as a wireless slave, but it does not rotate. I have found this flash to be perfect inside many houses especially when bounced off a ceiling or when used with a diffuser. You can get this flash and a diffuser for under $175.00, about 1/2 the price of the 430EX II. I own two Canon 430EXII flashes but find myself grabbing this flash around the holidays for indoor shooting or for small groups of people most often.

The 430EX's are great for larger halls or occasionally outdoors but I find it is bigger than necessary for most living rooms or household dining rooms.

Jim D

johnnied1

This comment from down under may be a bit late but still I must say I agree with rpavich and to that end suggest:
1. You try to procure a copy of Speedliters Handbook by Syl Arena (brilliant presentation) There is also on the net a video of him presenting a seminar on this subject.
2. Buy or research the Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer (great tool)

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

Canon 85mm F1.2 and 50mm F1.2 cannot be beaten in ow light performance.

Canon 24-70mm F2.8 is great for framing indoor images and a good enough low light performer. I have all three of these, but when I am paid, I go with this one.