Lens for dog shows (good in low light)?

[kady05]

So I have a show dog, who I of course enjoy getting nice pictures of while he's showing.

I'm sure some of you know how bad most lighting at dog shows is.. I show indoors 99% of the time as well. Using a flash is generally frowned upon, as it can distract the dogs in the ring.

Also, since *I* show my dog, my husband or one of my friends is usually the one taking the pictures. So I need something easy for them, as neither are photographers.

Right now, I have a Canon T1i. I've been using my 50mm f/1.8 lens at the shows most of the time, and it does an okay job. I put it on f/1.8, ISO 800, on AV mode, and just tell them to "shoot away".

I also have a 70-200mm f/4 (non-IS) lens, but it's pretty bulky and I'm not sure my husband/friend would do very well with it.

A couple examples from the 50mm:







Now, these are some of the better ones, they obviously don't all look like that.

I'm thinking I need something with a bit more reach, because most of what I get need cropped quite a bit. Anyone have any suggestions?

[DC Fan]

Dog show images from a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX II lens.
No flash, available light. In the same way that a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is a standard lens for indoor sports, the same lens can handle dog shows as effectively.

Focal Length: 200.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250)
ISO equiv: 3200
Exposure Bias: none
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)

[kady05]

Those look great, but I don't have $1200 to spend on a lens

Plus like I said, my husband or friend will be the one using it the most. Since I have the 70-200 f/4 already, I know how bulky it is, and have heard the f/2.8 is heavier. It's something I'd consider in the future, but right now out of my price range.

[Shutterwolf]

I tried the Canon 70-300 and it SUCKS in low light with an Xti... If you have a better camera that has a wider ISO range, you might do better with that lens then I did. Cant wait to get my 60D some day and try it there.

[Gatorboy]

Get an 85 f/1.8 if you are tight on money.

[DC Fan]

The lens used in the smple images was priced at far less than US $1,200.

Originally Posted by kady05

Those look great, but I don't have $1200 to spend on a lens

Plus like I said, my husband or friend will be the one using it the most. Since I have the 70-200 f/4 already, I know how bulky it is, and have heard the f/2.8 is heavier. It's something I'd consider in the future, but right now out of my price range.

[kady05]

Originally Posted by Gatorboy

Get an 85 f/1.8 if you are tight on money.

This is one I've seen recommended quite a bit, and it would be in my price range. Might be something I will look into!

Originally Posted by DC Fan

The lens used in the smple images was priced at far less than US $1,200.

Well that's good to know.. maybe I can find a used one a bit cheaper. Will have to look around.


Another friend recommended a 24-70mm f/2.8. Obviously out of my price range currently, but does anyone have experience with this in low light settings? I think it'd be nice to have a zoom, since sometimes the dogs are further away, and other times they're close.

[Meanderthal]

First decide on the focal length, then required aperture, then search options re speed and accuracy of AF and IQ wide open. Then choose according to your budget and other potential uses. I'm with Gatorboy: Canon 85mm f/1.8 is one of my favorites, compact and light weight, and useful for much more than dog shows.

[watt100]

Originally Posted by Meanderthal

First decide on the focal length, then required aperture, then search options re speed and accuracy of AF and IQ wide open. Then choose according to your budget and other potential uses. I'm with Gatorboy: Canon 85mm f/1.8 is one of my favorites, compact and light weight, and useful for much more than dog shows.

I agree, if you don't have $1200 for a 70-20 2.8 zoom get something like the 85 1.8, 100mm 2.8, etc.

[kady05]

Well after seeing what one of the photographers (who I know personally) took of me at the show I was at over the weekend, I really want the 70-200 f/2.8! Might consider selling my f/4 to get one.. we'll see.

[Meanderthal]

Yes, by all means get the best that suits your budget and you'll never be sorry.

[CameraMan]

I was going to suggest selling the 70-200 f4 so you you could get the 70-200 2.8.

I just paid $1400 for one myself and can't wait to use it to make a little cash with it.

[kady05]

Yeah this is the shot he got with it, and it's pretty much straight off the camera (a little minor tweaking but nothing major):



Definitely tempted to sell the f/4 now. Even if I were to get the Sigma version..

[watt100]

Originally Posted by kady05

Yeah this is the shot he got with it, and it's pretty much straight off the camera (a little minor tweaking but nothing major):



Definitely tempted to sell the f/4 now. Even if I were to get the Sigma version..

if you shoot a lot of indoor events swapping the f4 for a 2.8 zoom would be worth it

[kady05]

Originally Posted by watt100

if you shoot a lot of indoor events swapping the f4 for a 2.8 zoom would be worth it

That's what I'm thinking!