Lens question for paid gig - DPChallenge Forums

11/22/2009 04:08:02 PM · #1

I have a paid gig coming up this spring. It will be to take candid shots at a private party. The party may have 400 - 500 people. Although I say candid, anyone can approach and have their picture taken. There will not be a "set-up" area with backgrounds.

The party will be held at the Aquarium of the Americas. You should imagine it to be sort of like a wedding reception as far as lighting goes. There will be oppourtunities to photograph subjects in front of glass...(flash issues)...

I currently have
a Nikon FS: Nikon 18-105 f3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR kit lens that came with the D90.
a 50mm 1.8
a 80-200 f2.8 (too long for use in my setting)

I'm currently thinking about purchasing the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 ED. I would also use this lens to take pictures at plays and other indoor performances where flash is not allowed.

Question is this: would the f2.8 make a big difference for my indoor candid shooting job?

Question 2 - If I use my SB800 flash, should I diffuse the flash with something?

These shots will likely be from 10 - 30 feet away.

Thanks for your input.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

11/22/2009 04:31:32 PM · #2

the 24-70 2.8 is a fantastic lens, and should work well in this environment. Either get it early, or rent one and play with it ahead of time to get used to it. 2.8 will really help, but be aware of the shallow dof at the longer length especially. My very favorite lens is my 85mm 1.4, but it turns out that the 24-70 2.8 is so all around useful, I end up with it on the camera most of the time.

Yes, on diffusing the flash. At a minimum use the little pop on diffuser that came with it. If you can get it off the camera itself, much better. Since it is a paid gig, maybe you can get someone to assist you. A mini softbox will do nicely.

As for shooting in front of glass, keep an angle to it and you should not get any bounce back from flash. Practice ahead of time on your own windows, glass door, etc.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/22/2009 04:38:04 PM · #3

Thanks buddy. I was thinking about renting one before purchase. I think I will now. I'd like to test that DOF.

Originally posted by chromeydome:

Spork99

OM System OM-1

11/22/2009 04:40:38 PM · #4

The 2.8 will make a difference.

A prime would make even more of a difference in low light.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/22/2009 06:20:22 PM · #5

Taking into consideration the limitiations of my 50mm (more with the crop)...is that a good enough lens to try to tackle this job?

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

The 2.8 will make a difference.

A prime would make even more of a difference in low light.

LVicari

Canon EOS-50D

11/22/2009 06:46:24 PM · #6

Get one of these. You will be glad you did! Well worth the money!

Gary Fong

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/22/2009 06:54:43 PM · #7

Originally posted by kenskid:

Taking into consideration the limitiations of my 50mm (more with the crop)...is that a good enough lens to try to tackle this job?

Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The 2.8 will make a difference.

A prime would make even more of a difference in low light.

I have a 28mm f1.8 that I prefer as a general purpose lens for my crop camera body. I don't know what Nikon offers.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

11/22/2009 08:03:13 PM · #8

Thanks...I just checked around the net to see what this was. Looks like this can help with my indoor shoot for sure.

Originally posted by LVicari:

Get one of these. You will be glad you did! Well worth the money!

Gary Fong

BJokerud

Nikon D3s

11/22/2009 08:31:20 PM · #9

85mm f/1.8 (or f/1.4, buy it used?) and a sb900! Maybe even a 35mm or 24mm prime as well if they want to take groupshots.

85mm because of it's range and aperture (scary light you will encounter, I think), sb-900 in addition to the 800. Trigger it via the 800 and hold the 900 to camera left or right, get someone to hold it for you, to prevent reflections in the glass. I dont know if the D70 supports the CLS system, but if it does you have to flashes to use on group shots as well!

I love a good zoom because of it's flexibility, but a prime with a larg aperture can be a real life savior at times!