What do I need

[Jack.W]

Hey guys sorry to be a pain but I have only been using a SLR for 8 months I need to know if I should buy the Canon EF 24-105mm f-4L IS lens or the Canon 580EX II speedlite. As I will be doign some bmx photography soon I went to the local camera shop and priced the L" lens $1,750 AU. I told them I have been told to buy a wide angle or a ultra wide angle lens but I need one with IS as I will be on the go a lot and no room for a tripod and a wide angle or ultra wide angle is like $2,500 - $3,500 AU for one I dont have that kind of money right now for a lens. So they suggested the Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS lens for $1,100 AU. So I need to know any other suggestions or what to look out for and Is it really worth buying a L' series lens they have the Canon EF 70-200mm f-4L IS USM lens for $3,800 AU. So can some one please help me out here.

Jack.Wilby

[liam5100]

For my 2c, you will find good use in both.

But for what its worth, if your mostly going to be shooting action stuff the "IS" is worthless. To stop even the most moderate action you'll need at least 1/250th shutter speed which is way more than enough to stop any "shake" without IS. The "IS" really only comes into being useful at shutter speeds where you would get blur hand holding, which of course depends on the focal length of the lens your using. Normally it would come into play around 1/40th shutter speed or so.

What is way more usefull in low light situations is a lens with a larger aperture, like the 2.8 lenses. For shooting action a lens that goes to 2.8 or even faster like the 85 1.8, or 1.2 will be of much more use than the IS will.

You didnt list what equipment you already have, but a very good "sports" starting point is all of or a combination of the following lenses, again you can save some $ by buying used and avoiding the "IS" version. 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 85 1.8

[DDCSD]

Forget about IS for sports. What is your budget?

[Jack.W]

no more then $2,500 for now for a lens thats for now

I use a Canon 450D with the kit lens EF-S 18-55mm 3.5

and the BG-E5 battery grip.

Jack thanks for your replys

[The Moose]

Are you planning on being right up near the riders or further away? If you'll be right up near them, you could look at the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (AU$1,500) or even the 24mm f/1.4L USM (AU$1,900).

If you'll be further away, a good option is probably one of the 70-200mm L's. If you'll be using it in low light then the f/2.8 version is best. If not, the f/4 will be a better buy.

If you want one of both, a good idea might be to buy two lenses such as the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (AU$1,500) and 70-200mm f/4L USM (AU$900).

[Jack.W]

Thank you but were did you get the $900 for the 70-200mm?

[The Moose]

Right here: http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/canonlenses.htm#70-200f4

Edit: That really is insanely cheap. I just looked here http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/index.php?cPath=30&sort=2a&page=2 and it's $1,250. I bought my 70-200mm f/2.8L USM from the d-d-photographics.com.au website a few weeks ago and they were really good. I received it the morning after I ordered it. Don't hesitate buying from them and buying that f/4L USM for $900 is a bargain.

[Jack.W]

Thank you for that I am pretty keen on that lens thanks.

[Deven D.]

I know this thread is very old, but I would rather post a relevant question here than start a whole new topic...

I am doing a shoot for a good friend of mine who is a BMXer. He is sponsored by a few people so the shots will make their way to his sponsors, his facebook page, my facebook page, etc.

I am using the same camera (450D) with the same lens (18-55).

My budget, however, is significantly lower. He will be in town July 20. So I have about 3 weeks before he is here. My budget is no more than $250... And even that is a little generous... I know lenses are expensive, but I figured I may as well post just in case someone here knows of a lens that could be of use that is fairly inexpensive.

I found this: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP4486862.htm?bct=%3Bcilenses-for-digital-cameras%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon

I'm not sure if that would be useful or not.... The shots will be fairly close up at most times with maybe a few distance shots.

Also, does anyone have any good tips/suggestions for taking better shots for "extreme sports"? Possibly some links to tutorials?... I've checked a few pages on here and there were a few for motocross but none for BMX...

Thanks,
- Deven

[Craign]

Don't pay more than $100 for the 50mm f1.8 unless you want to purchase from a local store. You have 50mm covered with your kit lens and 50mm might actually be too long. Do you need a faster lens or do you need a longer lens? The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS might be a possibility if you can't get close to the action and there is good daylight. Look at this for $199.95: http://www.adorama.com/CA55250AFSR.html

[liam5100]

I know this thread is very old, but I would rather post a relevant question here than start a whole new topic...

I am doing a shoot for a good friend of mine who is a BMXer. He is sponsored by a few people so the shots will make their way to his sponsors, his facebook page, my facebook page, etc.

I am using the same camera (450D) with the same lens (18-55).

My budget, however, is significantly lower. He will be in town July 20. So I have about 3 weeks before he is here. My budget is no more than $250... And even that is a little generous... I know lenses are expensive, but I figured I may as well post just in case someone here knows of a lens that could be of use that is fairly inexpensive.

I found this: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP4486862.htm?bct=%3Bcilenses-for-digital-cameras%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon

I'm not sure if that would be useful or not.... The shots will be fairly close up at most times with maybe a few distance shots.

Also, does anyone have any good tips/suggestions for taking better shots for "extreme sports"? Possibly some links to tutorials?... I've checked a few pages on here and there were a few for motocross but none for BMX...

Thanks,
- Deven
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE07999033923N?r=FE
This is a very good lens, image quality wise, good walking around lens as well. You could get by with it for sports if you were fairly close to the action in good light. Its lacking in the aperture department so its best to be used in pretty bright light.

To get a lens that you can be a distance away from the subject and still be fast enough to shoot sports your going to start spending quite a lot more money then your budget.

[Deven D.]

Don't pay more than $100 for the 50mm f1.8 unless you want to purchase from a local store. You have 50mm covered with your kit lens and 50mm might actually be too long. Do you need a faster lens or do you need a longer lens? The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS might be a possibility if you can't get close to the action and there is good daylight. Look at this for $199.95: http://www.adorama.com/CA55250AFSR.html

I need a faster lens, not a longer one. I'm going to be fairly close on every shot and maybe far for a few but those few will be intentional, I won't need/want to zoom. I'm probably going to be using a lot of ground angles, so he'll be pretty close.

While I said $250 was my range, a little less than $200 would be more ideal. Just because with the way money is going right now, I only have $120 free, but MIGHT have more soon... I just dont know... Sorry for being difficult. And I know, Liam, that my budget is gonna have to be much higher to get some distance and speed on a lens.

In the end I will likely have to buy another lens down the road for concerts that has a bit more zoom and is fast, but for now, the main focus is speed because I have no problem getting up close for the shots.

[rhuel]

I know this thread is very old, but I would rather post a relevant question here than start a whole new topic...

I am doing a shoot for a good friend of mine who is a BMXer. He is sponsored by a few people so the shots will make their way to his sponsors, his facebook page, my facebook page, etc.

I am using the same camera (450D) with the same lens (18-55).

My budget, however, is significantly lower. He will be in town July 20. So I have about 3 weeks before he is here. My budget is no more than $250... And even that is a little generous... I know lenses are expensive, but I figured I may as well post just in case someone here knows of a lens that could be of use that is fairly inexpensive.

I found this: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP4486862.htm?bct=%3Bcilenses-for-digital-cameras%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon

I'm not sure if that would be useful or not.... The shots will be fairly close up at most times with maybe a few distance shots.

Also, does anyone have any good tips/suggestions for taking better shots for "extreme sports"? Possibly some links to tutorials?... I've checked a few pages on here and there were a few for motocross but none for BMX...

Thanks,
- Deven

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great inexpensive lens, but not ideal at all for fast moving subjects like MX or BMX. The Auto Focus is way too slow.

If you don't need to get any closer, the 85 f/1.8 is a great lens, but over your budget. Any chance you'd consider renting a lens for this event?
For $56 you can rent an 85mm f/1.8 for 7 days from here, (http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-85mm-f1.8/for-canon) or they rent many other high quality lenses at affordable prices.

Just a thought.

[Deven D.]

I would GLADLY rent a lens I just had never thought of that. Thanks!

I think Im gonna take a look at some of their other lenses as well. What f stop range should I be looking at for this type of photography and what other aspects of the lens should I pay attention to?

Thanks.

[rhuel]

Glad to be able to give a bit of helpful advice. You should have plenty of time to get something before July 20.

As far as what f-stop to shoot BMX, I guess it will depend a lot on the type of images you want to create and the amount of light available (Max ISO 1600 on your 450D).

All the typical photography stuff applies with getting a good exposure. There is no right or wrong, it's what you want the outcome to be. You can adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the desired shot. (motion blur, frozen action, bokeh, etc)

I'd be more concerned with other characteristics, like Image Quality from a certain lens, or how fast the AF is, or telephoto vs. prime. Most anything you'll rent will have a max aperture of f/4 at minimum. Unless you're indoors, f/4.0 and smaller should be plenty. If you'll be shooting indoors with low light you'll want to get something that can go to f/2.8 or even f/1.8 if possible.

I've never shot BMX (used to ride flatland in the 80s), but I'm assuming it's similar to other outdoor action sports and the same basics will apply.

Good luck and post what you end up with (and images from the shoot!!).

[Deven D.]

Thanks!

I will be both indoors and outdoors. We are going to several parks as well as anything on the street we find.

I'm looking to take pictures that are very crisp (at least he will be) and the background will either be simply out of focus or motion blurred. There are going to be a LOT of air shots.

I also have this image in my head of a picture I want to take... I want to take a silhouette type picture of him either mid-air or just standing on his bike, so therefor I'd have to take that picture at sunset... Which means there will be a TON of factors I need to consider... None of which I know a lot about as Im new to taking silhouette shots... Any advice on what to consider there?

Thanks.

[rhuel]

I'd start with researching a lens that has a large aperture, takes sharp photos, and is in your price range (for rent). 70-200mm F/2.8L comes to mind. See Here (http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-70-200mm-f2.8-l/for-canon). $91 USD for a week to rent. Super sharp, very fast and reasonable price to rent.

The 85mm f/1.8 is a very sharp lens, lightweight, large aperture, and compact. (very inexpensive to rent as well). However, you'll have to move your feet a lot more to get the composition you want.

Unfortunately, I can't help much on the silhouette shot. I've no experience in that area.

There's gotta be someone else reading this thread.

I'm no expert and hate to steer this guy down the wrong path. Any better suggestions, please chime in!!

[Deven D.]

I think I am going to go with the 85mm just because I plan on renting which ever lens I rent for 3 weeks and I can get that 85mm for 3 weeks, insured, for I believe it was $102 or something... Thank you very much for the input.

And thanks anyway for the silhouette question... Hopefully somebody will stumble along this thread... :-)

[clarence]

I can get that 85mm for 3 weeks, insured, for I believe it was $102

Just buy a 85/1.8 for $325 on the Buy/Sell forum and then sell it for $320 a month later.

[bc-chris]

hey deven

just a thought - have you thought of picking up a used lens??

one of my buddies just sold me his canon zoom lens ef 70-300mm.

it's in fantastic shape - pretty much brand new. he let me take it off his hands for $350 and it currently retails for $700

[Deven D.]

hey deven

just a thought - have you thought of picking up a used lens??

one of my buddies just sold me his canon zoom lens ef 70-300mm.

it's in fantastic shape - pretty much brand new. he let me take it off his hands for $350 and it currently retails for $700

I have, actually. A buddy of mine uses Canon cameras (he uses an XTi) and he has his own photography company, and thus a handful of lenses... I may talk to him about it soon.