group shots- appropriate lens selection

[numbers]

Hi all,
I have been requested to take some formal group shots of the local sporting team. I am confident with composure, lighting etc. however I have not taken these types of shots before.

I have 28-80usm and 75-300usm glass.

I would appreciate any advice on how to take these kind of shots . My goal is to have maximum focus and sharpness on all the subjects. Approx 30 in the group.

Do I take pics at 28 and set up as close as possible to the group, or do I st the lens at 50 and reposition the tripod accordingly.

Any advice is most appreciated.

PS: If I have omitted any info you may require, please ask.

Numbers.

[RichardtheSane]

For group shots I would recommend the 35-70mm range, so 50mm would be a good choice.
At 28mm you still get a bit of barrel distortion and also it adds perspective to the image, which can look odd in group shots.
At 50mm that will flatten the perspective somewhat so it loks like a classice formal group shot.
For maximum sharpness I would also use a tripod (with spirit level) and an aperture of F8-F11.
Good luck.

[numbers]

Thanks for the reply RTS.

I will be definately be using a tripod. I might take a few shots at those apertures and choose the better pic after developing.

Your advice to shoot at 50 to achieve a 'flatter' image is appreciated. I can borrow a 50 fixed (if its available on the day), I might as well use that from the start and ditch the zoom altogether.

Again thank you for your input.

Numbers

[CyberDyneSystems]

I wonder,.. is your camera a digital? Does it have the 1.6 crop factor that makes a 28mm lens function more like 44mm?

..and would this have an effect on Richards informative answer?

I ask because I don't know,.. :) .. and am curious. I am not second guessing.

[numbers]

My gear is film. eos 50.

I dont have to worry about the 1.6 factor.

Interesting though, I will also use a Sony DSC70

It is a 3+ mpix camera and compare with the film.
The downside is that if I want to print 20x30 inch poster size, the cost is 50 odd dollars and the same size from neg is 30.

I will post the digi pic for critisism next week (if I manage to learn how to) in the share pic forum.

Thanks

Numbers

[RichardtheSane]

Numbers, the canon 50mm F1.8 is a good little lens, remarkably cheap, and very sharp. If you can I would recommend buying that lens to add to your kit, it really is worth it. I shoot with it whenever I can because I know the sharpness rivals that of an L series lens!

CDS, the distortion would still be there at 28mm, but not quite as noticable. The reason for this is because the light is still passing through the same optics that cause the distortion, but the edges where distortion can look worse are being cropped by the smaller sensor.

:)

[numbers]

Just an update,

I did the shoot last night with both film and digital.

With film I am waiting for the prints. (and therefore my results) I used a 50 1.8II. tripod. with and without flash, with and without lighting.Reala 100

I also took some digi pics with a Sony 3.3mp at the largest file size setting. with these I have made a quick print at home but I do not have the PC skills to improve the image for better print quality.

I dont even know how to attach the image in this message for critique.

Will give a more detailed update when I get the prints.

Thanks again to those who give their time to respond and share their advice.

It is very much appreciated

Numbers

[numbers]

Hope this works.

Here is the digital image

[http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/A2/21/ClipboardSeven/1/2.jpg]

[RichardtheSane]

The image posted is very small, I can hardly see it....
Glad the shoot went ok, let us know how the prints come out :)

[numbers]

[quote]RichardtheSane wrote:
The image posted is very small, I can hardly see it....
quote]

Not sure why you cant see the full image RTS. It is approx 1280 x 700 500k.

When I click on the link, it displays large.

Let me know if you or others are still having problems viewing it.

Numbers

[numbers]

OK just tried it again myself.....Seems that the link only shows the thumbnail.

I dont know why this is happening...

I am working on it.....Stay tuned


Numbers

[numbers]

Ok lets try again.

[http://images.fotopic.net/?id=978152&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1]

I give up........my eyes and patience at least....its too late.....help!!!!!

[numbers]

Well I picked up the prints and I am very pleased with the results.

The pics are sharp, correctly exposed and just what I need to get enlargements made to 16'' x 20''.

Thanks to all that provided me with info/advice.

I must admit that I took 8 frames of the group. My thinking was that 1/ there are 30 in the group, there is always a few that are pulling faces-or looking elsewhere and 2/ I shot each frame with a different setting (see below)

2 x full auto PIC mode
2 x P mode f5.6 and f8 speed?? cant remember
4 x Av mode f8 +/- 1 and f 16

The cleanest, sharpest, best colour etc was the two pics in AV f8 bracket.

If I get motivated, I will scan the enlarged print and offer it for critique in the critique forum.

Again, thanks to all that contributed.