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Magnus Arena in Denver - Best lens?
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May 16, 2023 11:21:42   #
Basil Loc: New Mexico
 
I will be attending my niece's high school graduation soon at the Magnus Arena in Denver. I can't take a camera bag, but I can take a camera with a lens attached. I have no idea where I'll be sitting relative to the "action". I've never been to the Magnus Arena so have no idea what sort of lighting to expect (though my guess it it won't be great).

I'll be shooting with a Canon R5 and I have two potential lenses I could take for this event. First is my RF 70-200 f/4 (one of the few times I wish it was a 2.8), or I could use my EF 135 f/2. On the one hand, the 70-200 is only F4, but I'm wondering if I could compensate with higher ISO given the R5 is pretty good at high ISO and there are good denoise programs I could use in post. The 70-200 has the advantage of being a Zoom.

The 135 f/2 is a much brighter lens, but it's fixed focal length, which might not be a problem depending on where we end up sitting. I could turn the "crop factor" on and off to have some control over "reach" (135mm and 216mm), but it's not as flexible as a real Zoom. The benefit of the 135 is of course that it is 2 full stops brighter than the f4 so I could shoot at two-stops lower ISO (less noise) compared to the f4.

Has anyone here ever shot any events at the Magnus Arena, and if so, what would you recommend?

Reply
May 16, 2023 12:05:57   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
My granddaughters grew up with me constantly trying to get fantastic photos and videos of their events. It is hard because you are in control of nothing.

My suggestion is to take the longest lens you have and set the camera at an ISO higher than you ever thought useful. Then, try to fix it in post with some of the newer noise reduction tools.

Be prepared for failure!

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May 16, 2023 12:13:27   #
PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA
 
Of those 2 choices, I would think the 70-200 f4.

Reply
 
 
May 16, 2023 12:23:33   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Basil wrote:
I will be attending my niece's high school graduation soon at the Magnus Arena in Denver. I can't take a camera bag, but I can take a camera with a lens attached. I have no idea where I'll be sitting relative to the "action". I've never been to the Magnus Arena so have no idea what sort of lighting to expect (though my guess it it won't be great).

I'll be shooting with a Canon R5 and I have two potential lenses I could take for this event. First is my RF 70-200 f/4 (one of the few times I wish it was a 2.8), or I could use my EF 135 f/2. On the one hand, the 70-200 is only F4, but I'm wondering if I could compensate with higher ISO given the R5 is pretty good at high ISO and there are good denoise programs I could use in post. The 70-200 has the advantage of being a Zoom.

The 135 f/2 is a much brighter lens, but it's fixed focal length, which might not be a problem depending on where we end up sitting. I could turn the "crop factor" on and off to have some control over "reach" (135mm and 216mm), but it's not as flexible as a real Zoom. The benefit of the 135 is of course that it is 2 full stops brighter than the f4 so I could shoot at two-stops lower ISO (less noise) compared to the f4.

Has anyone here ever shot any events at the Magnus Arena, and if so, what would you recommend?
I will be attending my niece's high school graduat... (show quote)


I did a graduation from UNLV in the basketball arena, relatively dark.
Used a 7D with 100-400mm MII and a relatively high ISO. Worked great, yes a bit of noise.
Your lens is faster and a newer camera. What you have should do well.

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May 16, 2023 12:26:15   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
If this it the right place

Graduation has a long list of NOs including:

Flash photography, video cameras, recording devices, cameras with detachable lenses

Prepare ahead of time.

https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/cms/lib/CO50000184/Centricity/ModuleInstance/7054/Visitor%20Guide_University%20of%20Denver%20Graduations%202023.pdf

Camera with lens attached might mean permanently attached lens. I doubt they would want people with long lenses distracting the people around them during the ceremony.


---

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May 16, 2023 12:31:29   #
Hip Coyote
 
We’ve attended a few graduations in indoor arenas. The only decent shots were ones I took before or after. You are far away, low light, people moving, can’t use flash..there is most likely a staff of photographers shooting with flash as people receive their diplomas.

My advice. Skip the notion of shooting the graduation and just deal with the group family shots before or after.

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May 16, 2023 12:36:24   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
Bill_de wrote:
If this it the right place

Graduation has a long list of NOs including:

Flash photography, video cameras, recording devices, cameras with detachable lenses

Prepare ahead of time.

https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/cms/lib/CO50000184/Centricity/ModuleInstance/7054/Visitor%20Guide_University%20of%20Denver%20Graduations%202023.pdf


---


A few years ago I was invited to a University of Washington football game. I took a video camera and a point-n-shoot. A security guard told me to put the video camera away. The point-n-shoot was good at video so I used that without further trouble.

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May 16, 2023 12:44:37   #
newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas
 
Bill_de wrote:
If this it the right place

Graduation has a long list of NOs including:

Flash photography, video cameras, recording devices, cameras with detachable lenses

Prepare ahead of time.

https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/cms/lib/CO50000184/Centricity/ModuleInstance/7054/Visitor%20Guide_University%20of%20Denver%20Graduations%202023.pdf

Camera with lens attached might mean permanently attached lens. I doubt they would want people with long lenses distracting the people around them during the ceremony.


---
If this it the right place br br Graduation has a... (show quote)


While DU is a private entity, Cherry Creek schools are public. I have to wonder if these photographic restrictions are a violation of First Amendment rights. Seriously. And given what I know about Cherry Creek, I wonder why it doesn't have its own venues for graduation -- unless they wanted an excuse to control people (which education administrators love to do.)

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May 17, 2023 01:11:13   #
Basil Loc: New Mexico
 
Bill_de wrote:
If this it the right place

Graduation has a long list of NOs including:

Flash photography, video cameras, recording devices, cameras with detachable lenses

Prepare ahead of time.

https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/cms/lib/CO50000184/Centricity/ModuleInstance/7054/Visitor%20Guide_University%20of%20Denver%20Graduations%202023.pdf

Camera with lens attached might mean permanently attached lens. I doubt they would want people with long lenses distracting the people around them during the ceremony.


---
If this it the right place br br Graduation has a... (show quote)


This might be the best advice. Maybe I’ll forget the camera until before and after.

Reply
May 17, 2023 06:23:20   #
Bobby123
 
Basil wrote:
I will be attending my niece's high school graduation soon at the Magnus Arena in Denver. I can't take a camera bag, but I can take a camera with a lens attached. I have no idea where I'll be sitting relative to the "action". I've never been to the Magnus Arena so have no idea what sort of lighting to expect (though my guess it it won't be great).

I'll be shooting with a Canon R5 and I have two potential lenses I could take for this event. First is my RF 70-200 f/4 (one of the few times I wish it was a 2.8), or I could use my EF 135 f/2. On the one hand, the 70-200 is only F4, but I'm wondering if I could compensate with higher ISO given the R5 is pretty good at high ISO and there are good denoise programs I could use in post. The 70-200 has the advantage of being a Zoom.

The 135 f/2 is a much brighter lens, but it's fixed focal length, which might not be a problem depending on where we end up sitting. I could turn the "crop factor" on and off to have some control over "reach" (135mm and 216mm), but it's not as flexible as a real Zoom. The benefit of the 135 is of course that it is 2 full stops brighter than the f4 so I could shoot at two-stops lower ISO (less noise) compared to the f4.

Has anyone here ever shot any events at the Magnus Arena, and if so, what would you recommend?
I will be attending my niece's high school graduat... (show quote)


Or you could rent something for the occasion. If they allow detachable lenses, get the 2.8 you want. If they don't then rent a "bridge" camera that has a super zoom. Lensrentals.com is great. I agree that the best photographs might be before and after the main event. Remember to enjoy the event in spite of the photographic distractions and good luck!

Reply
May 17, 2023 07:25:49   #
AFPhoto Loc: Jamestown, RI, USA
 
With 7 grand kids all out of school, I have done this several times. I shoot the R5 now. I would take the 70 -200 and in manual mode set the ISO to auto. Also, get there early enough to get a seat on the isle hopefully on the side where she will be walking toward. Shoot in deserve at high speed and you will be surprised at how well the camera handles the situation. Noise from high ISO is easily dealt with in post. Of course you will be shooting RAW.

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May 17, 2023 08:53:35   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Basil wrote:
I will be attending my niece's high school graduation soon at the Magnus Arena in Denver. I can't take a camera bag, but I can take a camera with a lens attached. I have no idea where I'll be sitting relative to the "action". I've never been to the Magnus Arena so have no idea what sort of lighting to expect (though my guess it it won't be great).

I'll be shooting with a Canon R5 and I have two potential lenses I could take for this event. First is my RF 70-200 f/4 (one of the few times I wish it was a 2.8), or I could use my EF 135 f/2. On the one hand, the 70-200 is only F4, but I'm wondering if I could compensate with higher ISO given the R5 is pretty good at high ISO and there are good denoise programs I could use in post. The 70-200 has the advantage of being a Zoom.

The 135 f/2 is a much brighter lens, but it's fixed focal length, which might not be a problem depending on where we end up sitting. I could turn the "crop factor" on and off to have some control over "reach" (135mm and 216mm), but it's not as flexible as a real Zoom. The benefit of the 135 is of course that it is 2 full stops brighter than the f4 so I could shoot at two-stops lower ISO (less noise) compared to the f4.

Has anyone here ever shot any events at the Magnus Arena, and if so, what would you recommend?
I will be attending my niece's high school graduat... (show quote)


If you are serious about IQ, I would save the 2 stops of ISO with the 135 and crop if necessary and use AI pixel enlargement software if necessary.

Reply
May 17, 2023 10:27:54   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
Take the zoom and a Speedlight for more versatility.

Reply
May 17, 2023 10:48:08   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
A Canon 1.4 MKII or MKIII extender will turn that 135 f2 L into a ~200 mm f2.8. It will be less than half the size and weight of the 70-200, a stop faster, and based on my tests against the 70-200 f2.8L, sharper as well. Used, you can buy the 1.4 EX typically in the $150-$200 (max) range.

Reply
May 17, 2023 11:25:39   #
billmck Loc: Central KY
 
Basil wrote:
I will be attending my niece's high school graduation soon at the Magnus Arena in Denver. I can't take a camera bag, but I can take a camera with a lens attached. I have no idea where I'll be sitting relative to the "action". I've never been to the Magnus Arena so have no idea what sort of lighting to expect (though my guess it it won't be great).

I'll be shooting with a Canon R5 and I have two potential lenses I could take for this event. First is my RF 70-200 f/4 (one of the few times I wish it was a 2.8), or I could use my EF 135 f/2. On the one hand, the 70-200 is only F4, but I'm wondering if I could compensate with higher ISO given the R5 is pretty good at high ISO and there are good denoise programs I could use in post. The 70-200 has the advantage of being a Zoom.

The 135 f/2 is a much brighter lens, but it's fixed focal length, which might not be a problem depending on where we end up sitting. I could turn the "crop factor" on and off to have some control over "reach" (135mm and 216mm), but it's not as flexible as a real Zoom. The benefit of the 135 is of course that it is 2 full stops brighter than the f4 so I could shoot at two-stops lower ISO (less noise) compared to the f4.

Has anyone here ever shot any events at the Magnus Arena, and if so, what would you recommend?
I will be attending my niece's high school graduat... (show quote)


I've attempted to use my D7100 and long zoom for my two grandsons graduation, without much success. In my case, I didn't have to deal with arena camera restrictions. My suggestion is to just get up and move closer to the stage when your niece is getting close to walking. And you'd be surprised how well a newer iPhone will do from the seating area.

Bill

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