Stage lighting question

[AccidentalArt]

I'm only two weeks new with my XT and my daughter is in tap/jazz competitions. The seating area in dark and the stage is lighted, but poorly if you ask me. I took ~300 shots last week and few were clear like I wanted. I tried each creative mode and automatic
All I have now is the stock lens (55mm) but will be buying a 70-200 f4 in the next few days.

Any tips are appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

[René Damkot]

Use the fastest lens you have (IMHO 70-200/2.8 would be (much) better suited for the job)
Use high ISO (like 1600)
Use a monopod
Buy a 50/1.8 ;)

[DwightMcCann]

You can get no better advice than from Rene ... high ISO and look into 50mm f/1.8 which is around $80 at B&H. f/4 is still pretty slow for low light situations. You may also want to invest the time it takes to use Custom White Balance (these cameras have that, right?) There are threads on how to use CWB.

[AccidentalArt]

just purchased a 70-200 f4. I hope it will do some good. It will be here tomorrow.

Same set of suggestions work I guess?

Thanks

[narlus]

the 50mm f/1.8 lens is your friend. and cheap. defintely buy one. even 2.8 may be asking for too much, depending on lighting conditions (though for a tap dance thing, it'll probably be ok; my stage shooting experience is music clubs).

i'm tempted by the 85mm f/1.8 prime now, in case i need a bit extra reach than the 50 can provide. but changing lenses in the midst of beer-swilling music fans probably isn't such a good idea.

would a monopod really be much of a help w/ a moving object?

[taygull]

just purchased a 70-200 f4. I hope it will do some good. It will be here tomorrow.

Same set of suggestions work I guess?

Thanks

This will help with zoom but not low light. You may find your pics get worse because your shutter speed will be slow and with that zoom you will get a fair amount of camera shake.

You need ot get something f/1.8 or f2.8, look at Sigma they are affordable and do a nice job.

[AccidentalArt]

is this the one you are recommending?

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=19-1%2450mm&showAdvanced=true&id=4766

[narlus]

is this the one you are recommending?

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=19-1%2450mm&showAdvanced=true&id=4766

yep, that's the one. excellent lens for the $.