cony25

Any recommendations for a low light, fast shutter speed, to cover about 30 people in a pic??
Moderately priced? I used the 28 to 105 f4, didn’t cut it!!

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

What didn't cut it, the speed or the the focal length?

I don't see how you could go wrong with the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 unless you're looking for autofocus and your body doesn't have an internal motor (My D3100 doesn't, so i went with the Nikon 10-24 3.5-4.5)

It really depends on how far away the people are, and how low the light is. If you say wide angle, I don't know if you mean 12mm, or 20mm.

Sigma also makes a 10-20mm F/3.5, but that's not even a whole stop faster..

cony25

Put the strap around your neck when your take pictures like that...especially right on top of water...thanks

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

There are a few options;

Cheapest

50mm f/1.8 (sharp and pretty fast and cheap)

Cheap

50mm f/1.4 (great lens and faster and sharper even)


Cheaper

28mm f/1.8 (good lens...and wide and fast and cheap)

35mm f/2 (a really sharp lens for cheap)


Expensive

24mm f/1.4 (tack sharp and fast as heck but expensive.)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

For example:

the 35mm f/2 (a great all around lens and only $325.00)

At these settings:

ISO 6400
f/2

You get a shutter speed of: 1/160 (assuming the dark shot you posted above is normal for that setting.)


That's plenty fast enough if you be careful.


Here is what depth of field you'll get at f/2


Subject distance 15 ft


Depth of field
Near limit 12.3 ft
Far limit 19.3 ft
Total 7.01 ft

In front of subject 2.73 ft (39%)
Behind subject 4.29 ft (61%)

cony25

The problem with these, is the walking all over the place...islike being at the gym,, any with zoom?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

If you want a fast zoom you can get it...it will cost you and it won't be as fast as what I've listed above.

A 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM is about 1,600.00

And it won't be as sharp or as fast as the 50mm f/1.4 at 5X the price.

You can't have everything; either fork over 1,600 or do a little sneaker zoom :)

cony25

Thanks great info...

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

Use the web to review lenses and budget to your pocket.
Try out a couple at a shop.
Hire the one you like.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Rokinon just came out with 24 and 35mm F1.4's for Canon - manual focus with focus confirm - great reviews - $ 700 and $450 on e-bay.

Michael O' Loc: Midwest right now

The Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM captures with beautiful resolution with no spherical or chromatic aberrations, all with a minimum of light when you're faced with that problem. Or you can slip down to the EF24mm f/1.4L USM if you want even more angle coverage. Prima from 10 inches to infinity. I also like the versatility of the EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM, but it won't do as well in low light. For outdoors daylight sports close-in, scenics, and tight architecture it is handy as a pocket in a shirt.
So I guess you have to discover how much wide coverage you need at a minimum, versus how much light gathering capability you need at a minimum., and whether you want top quality resolution or just something good that you can maybe trade up from in a year or so (not the best investment). Call Canon USA at 1/800 / 652-2666 and ask them to mail to you their "EF LENSES For EOS cameras", which gives a pretty complete description and specs for their whole range of Pro lenses. I think you would be happier with one of those than 3 or 4 of their lesser lenses. Then rent your top 2 choices at your local store or possibly from good 'ole B&H in New York, and give them a good workout in your chosen working conditions. Nothing like knowing the facts before you "jump in." B&H might have one of these used, too. Good Luck, and enjoy ! Michael O' soccermick33@yahoo.com

nagzky

Guys...What about 85mm f1.8?

nagzky

What about 85mm f1.8?

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

Like everyone else how far away are the people and how low is the light?
As you asked for moderate cost the f1.2 and f1.4 are out.
As suggested:
50mm f1.8 Canon
85mm f1.8 Canon
17-50mm f2.8 [non IS] Tamron.
If it is only one or two photos hire the best lens !

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

It's a great lens...a steal for the price...but it's not a wide angle lens at all...you wanted to get 35 people in one shot.