Lens considerations for Marching Band

[mrcoons]

Currently the longest lens I have is the: Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 EF IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens

Filter Size 58mm
f/Stop Range 4.0-32 / 5.6-45
Minimum Focus Distance 4.9'
Magnification 1:3.9
Zoom/Focus Control 2 Touch
Angle of View 32 (75mm) - 8 (300mm) Deg.
Groups/Elements 10/15
Length 5-7/16"
Maximum Diameter 3-1/8"
Weight 23.5 Oz.


I will be doing a lot of marching band photography over the next six months (daytime and nighttime) with my Canon 350D. Most times I am up in stands shooting down onto the field.

The testing I have done recently (at marching band practive sessions) with my 75-300mm leads me to believe that I need as much reach as I can afford.

The Canon lens above what I have are out of my budget range. The two I am considering that do fall in my range (under $900) are both Sigmas:

Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL for Canon EOS

Filter Size 77mm
f/Stop Range 4.5-38
Minimum Focus Distance 6.6'
Magnification 1:5.3
Zoom/Focus Control Two-touch
Angle of View 18 to 6 Degrees
Groups/Elements 11/13
Tripod Collar Yes
Length 7.1"
Maximum Diameter 3.5"
Weight 2.67 lb

Sigma APO 170-500mm F5-6.3 ASPHERICAL RF for Canon EOS

Filter Size 86c
F/Stop Range 5-32 / 6.3-38
Minimum Focus Distance 9.8'
Magnification 1:6.6
Zoom/Focus Control Two-touch
Angle of View 14.5 to 5 Degrees
Groups/Elements 11/13
Tripod Collar Yes
Length 9.0"
Maximum Diameter 3.6"
Weight 2.90 lb

Right now I am leaning towards the 135-400mm lens because it is smaller, lighter and less expensive.

Does anyone have an opinion on my situation?
:rolleyes:

[djroga]

Have a great Marching season (upcoming)

Just went through two boys and several years of marching band here in Texas (proud of them, multiple awards won by band and one of the top 4A programs in the state)

Are you completely limited to shooting "from the stands"? Freedom of movement will add greatly to the shots you get and add, for want of a better word, excitement to what you shoot.

I take it from your request that you want to show shots of individuals within the band unit as opposed to larger segments of the band. How many march the drill (our band has ranged from 145 to 225 on the field, they will march a smaller, more precise 145 this year for state competition).

Best of luck, enjoy, and please post a pic or two when you have them...

step out and step up...

[RichardtheSane]

You could look out for a used sigma 50-500... but a new one is only $999
Reported to be better glass than those two lenses you have selected.

[mrcoons]

djroja, yes I was hoping to get groups of 3 to 4 and some will be on the otherside of the field from me. Some events I have freedom of movement, at the local shows but in St. Louis or at the BOA's not so much freedom is available. Plus I usually have my video cam setup on a tripod so I don't wander too far from it!

Not sure how big the band is this year, was 158 last year.

To see my test shots or some from last season (taken with a Canon Powershot S1) go to http://nchsmb.blogspot.com/ and look them over.

Richard, I have considered the 50-500 but the size/weight of it is a consideration and it's a little over the budget. But it is on my list. As is the Sigma 80-400 OS lens but it is also a little over the budget.

[formula4speed]

If you are going to pick up either of those sigma lenses then I'd highly suggest getting them from sigma4less.com as you will save a good amount of money. 170-500 is $525 and the 135-400 is $420 from them.

[CoolToolGuy]

My daughter just graduated from high school and 4 years of marching band. For the last two I had DSLRs and shot most of their performances. If you can only afford one lens with that budget I would highly recommend the Canon EF 70-200 f4L and a Canon EF Extender 1.4x. You will never be disappointed with the image quality from this lens, and if you need the extra reach the extender will take you to 280mm with no loss in image quality. I have shot under lights (without the TC) with it and it is acceptable. You are losing a stop or more with either of the others.

Either way, give serious consideration to a monopod, especially for the night shows - it will make a big difference.

Have Fun,

[cecilc]

I will be doing a lot of marching band photography over the next six months (daytime and nighttime) with my Canon 350D. Most times I am up in stands shooting down onto the field.

Does anyone have an opinion on my situation?

All of the lenses you mentioned are great for use during the day, when you have plenty of light to use ...

But I'm afraid that when you get into the nightime marching season, none of those lenses will do the trick under high school stadium lights. They're just too slow. For shooting under the lights, you'll wish you had a 2.8 - and even then, you'll probably be shooting at 1600 ISO with a shutter speed of about 1/200 or 1/250.

I shoot a lot of high school football (and the halftime bands), and the only lenses I take out during the night games are 2.8's and 2.0's ....

[mrcoons]

Cecil, Fortunately only one show is at night, so other than halftime at the football games I shouldn't have too much trouble with light. For those I'll just have to post-process and do the best I can. A 2.8 lens as you suggest is beyond my budget at this point in time. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Rick, I almost always use a monopod even when using my 75-300 IS lens.

Formula4speed, I will look into Sigma4less. Thanks for the tip.

[cecilc]

Cecil, Fortunately only one show is at night, so other than halftime at the football games I shouldn't have too much trouble with light.

Wow ... good for you!
That is fortunate, though .... when my daughter was in marching band, most of her shows were at night ....
But that's great that you'll have the light ...

[triangle]

I would suggest the 1.4 or 2X converter for the lens that you have. I am using it with a 75-200/f2.8 IS and it pulls up outfield and even some infield shots nicely. The cost is only $279 at B&H and with your lens you can really get some reach. The light will be a factor for that f4, but day shots and good lighting at night will give you some good results.

[mrcoons]

Triangle, Canon does not list the 75-300 IS as being compatible with their Extender EF, the 1.4 nor the 2. Am I reading their site wrong?

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=154&modelid=7462

Further research had shown me that both of the lens I listed were probably inadequate for my needs and that I was going to have to stretch my budget a little farther. (Who needs to eat!)

I decided to move the Sigma 80-400 OS to first place on my consideration list. Sigma4Less.com has this lens for $949.95 and Amazon lists it for $899.99 (but they do not have any), which moves it more into my financial comfort zone.

The old #1 on my list was the 50-500 but I decided to be realistic, I'm just not sure that I have the skill to hold the camera still enough to get clear shots at 500mm. I almost always use a monopod (as there just isn't enough room at some events for a tripod) but even using it I forsaw problems. So I decieded to give up a little distance for the OS. (I did consider the Canon 100-400L IS but $1400 was just to far to stretch.)

Does anyone know anyone that uses the 80-400 on a Rebel XT? I read somewhere that this lens does not work on the XT, which I find hard to believe.

[triangle]

Triangle, Canon does not list the 75-300 IS as being compatible with their Extender EF, the 1.4 nor the 2. Am I reading their site wrong?

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=154&modelid=7462



I did not realize this, thanks for the link. I tried using it on my 50/1.8 the other day and found out that was not possible. The link lets me know what lenses I can use with it. I hope you find the right combination for what you are attempting to do.

[Az2Africa]

I don't know how many times you will be shooting, but have you considered renting something like the 70-200 f208L IS and a 1.4 converter or 100-400 for the peak time? Here in Arizona, I can get them for the weekend for around $50.00.
Good luck on you choices.

[mrcoons]

We will go to 6 shows and 5 football games this year. Not a bad idea but our only local camera store does not provide that particular service. Thanks!