My daughter's dance competition

[frankbals]

Hi all : This is my first post here, but I've been reading and learning a lot. I had a point and shoot digital for the last few years, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get good shots at my daughter's dance competitions. No flashes allowed ! So I bought a used 300d Rebel, with the standard lense that comes with it. I know a little about photography, but my old 35mm camera has been collecting dust since digital came out. My question is now that I have this camera, I am looking for a good affordable lense for these dance shots. The one I really seem to be looking at is the Cannon 28 - 135mm, but I don't know if a f3.5 is large enough to work in low light situations. Would I be better off with say a 50mm f1.8 or f1.4 and try to sit up close, or do you think the 28 - 135mm lense would work. "L" lenses are not an option right now, I would like to be under $500. for this lense. Please help me out.

Thanks,
Frank:D

[Adam Hicks]

Definitely the 50mm 1.8 for what you need. It's cheap and does a great job. If you can swing it the 85mm 1.8 would be even better and a nicer lens.

You'll be pleased with the results of the 50 1.8 in Aperture Priority Mode at f1.8 around ISO800/1600. You should be able to get some good crisp images this way... for about $75!

Take care,
Adam

[Jetmech1]

I would get a prime lens like the 50mm f/1.8 or the 85mm f/1.8. They work great in low light. I have the 85mm and It worked great in a dark gym for basket ball pics of my children. The 28-135 IS is a nice lens, but not that good in low light. My next lens will probably be the 135mm L prime, but it cost about $700 +-. The 50mm cost around $70 and the 85mm cost around $385. How far away are you from the stage?

[frankbals]

I can get pretty close, by getting there early. But I would really like to get, both the whole dance group, and of course single shots of my daughter. Would you use the 50mm and shoot Raw, and then just crop, if you wanted a close up, or is there a zoom lense capable of what I'm after ?
Thanks,
Frank

[roanjohn]

Without a doubt, purchase the 50 f1.4 and the 85 f1.8..........or the 100 f2.

Check out my gallery of a dancing competition.......all with the 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8. And the 17-40 f4L for the wider shots (with the 550 EX).

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/ballroom_dancing

Ro1

[Jetmech1]

The zooms are way out of the price range you posted. I'm kind of biased towards the 85mm prime, but that is the one I've been using. If you can get real close the 50mm would do great and it's cheaper than the 85mm.

[sugar_babygirli]

I just purchased the 85 mm 1.8 and it is an AMAZING lense you will not be dissapointed!! ;)

[mr.photoguy]

50mm f1.8, and shooting @ 1.8 .. I wouldn't do that. I would put it at like 2.8 or above, and then work from there.

If you can get a 85mm f1.8 that would be nice also.
But remember you have to keep your shutter speeds at at least 1/50th for the 50mm, and 1/85th for the 85mm. So assuming you can do this you should be good to go.

I wide angle for wide angle shots should be good also, but they may not be as sharp as you want them to be, if you have to shoot wide open(depending on lens).

[roanjohn]

....my reason for not recommending the 50 f1.8 version is its lack of USM. You will need a lens that will focus fast on fast moving subjects (especially with the Rebel since you are limited to ISO 400 to enable AI SERVO). However, if you are on a pinch, then the 1.8 version is your best bet.

Ro1

[frankbals]

Thanks for all the responses. I just ordered the 50mm 1.8 . Please explain to me about the AI Servo. Is that auto tracking focus ? I thought the rebel would only do that in Sports mode ? And if you can use it in apeture priority, is it limited to ISO 400 ? Also could I put it in manual focus for the shots ? And finally, should I shoot raw, or Large, in case I get the shot I want to blow up ?

Thank you, Thank you,
Frank

[Chargers70]

Yes the AI Servo is the focus tracking mode. It will keep focusing on your subject as they move. If you can afford the space shoot Raw. You can always convert it to JPeg, but if you need to tweak the exposure or want a larger file you have it. I am not familiar with the Rebel will it shoot in both JPeg + Raw simultaneously like the 20D and above? I would watch the F1.8 in uncontrollable situations. That is extremely shallow depth of field and if you focus on the wrong spot it will make the whole image look out of focus. Like Bruce said keep it at 2.8 if possible that is what I shoot all my indoor sporting events at.

[rg-tom]

50mm f1.8, and shooting @ 1.8 .. I wouldn't do that. I would put it at like 2.8 or above, and then work from there.

Is that because of the DoF? The lens is certainly acceptable wide open :)

[Andy_T]

Acceptable yes, but it is certainly a lot sharper when stopped down to f/2.8.

Best regards,
Andy