DOF w/ 2.8

[MSRphoto]

I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 on my 20D. I am still using my film cameras for wedding photography (until I learn enough about digital) however ..I'm wondering how much trouble I'd have shooting a big group portrait with that 2.8, in regard to depth of field. Tips for making it work?

[jfrancho]

Here is a tool to help: http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

[AjP]

if I shoot wedding and big groups, I use f8-16 depending on light situations, with 2.8, you won't be able to get good group pics.

[Cadwell]

Sorry, I must be missing something here... if you're worried about depth of field at f/2.8 why don't you just close the aperture to f/8 or something?

[jfrancho]

I would assume a WP would understand how to set the aperture, but maybe not.

[jforget1]

I have a question, I was reading somewhere, i think it was Photographic magazine about Hyperfocal Distance to get the maximum DOF and the shot was taken at f/2.8. How can this give max DOF? Seems like you would have to go to the f/22 range to get this effect.

[jforget1]

It is pafe 40 of the August 2005 issue of Photographic.

[kawter2]

shooting groups on the 28-75 you should be fine with f5.6-f8.. You do understand the because a lens is f2.8 it is the largest aperture the lens can open up to.. not the ONLY aperture it can shoot?

[jfrancho]

I have a question, I was reading somewhere, i think it was Photographic magazine about Hyperfocal Distance to get the maximum DOF and the shot was taken at f/2.8. How can this give max DOF? Seems like you would have to go to the f/22 range to get this effect.did you look at the link I posted above? It will answer your question, but you'll have to put in some specifics.

[MSRphoto]

Sorry ..think I wasn't very clear ...

Yes, I know that 2.8 isn't the only apeture I can shoot at, and I do know how to set the av/tv ...however the salesman made an off handed comment as he was bagging "great to have a 2.8 lens, just watch your DOF on groups." They were too busy for me to pursue this comment in store.

I began thinking about this after I left ...wondering why I'd have to "watch that." My belief has always been that the more capability the lens has to open up the better ...what's that got to do with DOF if you know where in the scene to focus and how to expose properly?

However, since I've always owned lenses that were 4-5.6 etc, I thought perhaps I was missing something when it comes to a 2.8 lens (or perhaps it was a digital thing). Perhaps I just let him make me paranoid lol

[KevC]

Remember to use a tripod! And get everyone to freeze! Try using flash too!

The OP may be requried to use f/2.8 for light sucking ability, and to keep shutter speed above a handholdable minimum. Bad idea for something as important as group photos! Stop her down to f/8-11 and put it on a tripod. Also, don't be afraid to bump ISO if necessary. Today's noise reduction software's pretty darn good. And the 20D's high ISO performance is awesome.

[kawter2]

Sorry ..think I wasn't very clear ...

Yes, I know that 2.8 isn't the only apeture I can shoot at, and I do know how to set the av/tv ...however the salesman made an off handed comment as he was bagging "great to have a 2.8 lens, just watch your DOF on groups." They were too busy for me to pursue this comment in store.

I began thinking about this after I left ...wondering why I'd have to "watch that." My belief has always been that the more capability the lens has to open up the better ...what's that got to do with DOF if you know where in the scene to focus and how to expose properly?



Because people like to "open" their lenses up.. and just because you have a 2.8 doesnt' mean you should always shoot 2.8.. He was telling you to prevent you from shooting wide open and ruining a group shot

[MSRphoto]

So in other words the saleman thought I might be stupid? hee hee

[MSRphoto]

seriously ..you know what it is ... I'm so paranoid about digital that I've convinced myself it is a whole new mystical world which can only be grasped by wizards. So even simple things I now question ...what if I use this and it doesn't work ...what if my CF card overheats and all the photos vanish etc I'm sitting at the bottom of the learning curve, but when the camera is in my hand it's so much fun that I don't want to pick up the film cameras. Patience !! Where can I buy some?

[Ballen Photo]

Patience !! Where can I buy some?
Patience, cannot be bought, but can be found or developed. Unfortunately it can be lost quicker than found. :shock:
The DOF calculator posted by jfrancho would be an excellent starting point, and then do a series of DOF test shots with your camera and lens combo. BTW, which body are you using?
I'm pretty sure that as a Wedding photographer you already knew that using a large aperture for a group shot is a No no. ;)
This brings me to the sales person. I have found that there are only a couple that I would listen to when it comes to advice on actual shooting. :lol:
-Bruce

[robertwgross]

So in other words the saleman thought I might be stupid? hee hee

In many camera stores, the salesmen will make interesting little comments filled with buzzwords. In some cases, they really know what they are talking about, and they are throwing out those words to test the customer. In other cases, they really do not know what they are talking about, and they are just regurgitating some buzzwords and factoids that they heard around the office water cooler.

---Bob Gross---