Which lens should I take to California?

[kellieprinzel]

Orrr should I take both?

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.5-5.6

I'm going to be shooting some low light pictures of my boyfriend's band so that's why I wanted to bring the 28-135mm. Do you really think I need both or will the 28-135mm do just fine?

[zerovision]

Take the first one. More reach without giving up much of your wide angle shots.

[kellieprinzel]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. But what should I do about the low lighting? Just keep the ISO high or what? My on camera flash is broken and I don't have a speedlite so that's why I was thinking about bringing both.

[zerovision]

Not sure I follow, the longer lens is faster for wide angle and the same for zoom. Not sure what kind of camera you have, but you can bump up the ISO, if its a band you are shooting the noise will only add to the pictures unless it is overkill. You could do some B&Ws on some and the low light shouldn't be too bad.

If the light is too low to get sharp pics because the band members are moving. Pick one and pan with their movement to get one person sharp, but show action in the shot.

Good luck and most of all have fun.

[zerovision]

One more thing. Avoid using flash even if it works. If you are shooting a band while they are playing then there are lights shining on them. Use the stage lights they are there to take advantage of. Even if they are different colors use them to give the true atmosphere of the event.

Just a suggestion.