Anyone here use a 24L for shooting concerts?

[Norkusa]

My lens line-up is lacking in the ultra wide department, so I was planning on my next purchase to be a 17-35L. A lot of the shows I've been shooting lately though have had *very* bad lighting. Lighting where shooting @ f/2.8 with 12800 iso still isn't good enough.

The fastest lens in my bag is the 50L but I don't really like that focal length for shows. That's why I'm thinking maybe a 24L or even 35L might be a better choice than the 17-35L. I still have a 15mm fisheye, but I don't like using it all of the time.

Anybody here use a 24mm L? If so, what do you think of it? Could you live without it or is it essential to your bag?

[RichSoansPhotos]

I am considering get the lens since I need the f/1.2 for those shows with "bad" lighting

[Norkusa]

Originally Posted by 400dabuser

I am considering get the lens since I need the f/1.2 for those shows with "bad" lighting

You mean f/1.4? The only f/1.2 available is the 50L.

The times I do use my 50L for shows, I never shoot it @ f/1.2. It's almost impossible for me to get anything in focus at that aperture. That's why I'm thinking I should probably just sell it and get the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and put the leftover cash towards a 24L or 17-35L.

[RichSoansPhotos]

Yeah, I do mean that, sorry

[RichSoansPhotos]

Don't you mean the 16-35mm? I can't see a listing for 17-35mm

[Norkusa]

Originally Posted by 400dabuser

Don't you mean the 16-35mm? I can't see a listing for 17-35mm

Ugh, right. There used to be a 17-35L but I meant the 16-35L.

After reading a few reviews, the 17-35L actually doesn't sound that bad. Looks like you can snag a used one easily for under $800, as opposed to double that for a new 16-35L.

[René Damkot]

I bought my 17-35 used for €350
The 16-35 isn't that much better, the 16-35Mk2 is.

IMO, if you need to use a fast lens because the "light" is so low that ISO 128000 isn't enough, it's a good time to put the camera down

Also: Keep in mind that DoF is surprisingly shallow even at 24mm when shooting f/1.4

[Norkusa]

Originally Posted by René Damkot

IMO, if you need to use a fast lens because the "light" is so low that ISO 128000 isn't enough, it's a good time to put the camera down

Also: Keep in mind that DoF is surprisingly shallow even at 24mm when shooting f/1.4

You haven't seen the venues I shoot at! Hole in the wall clubs with literally only a couple of dim lights above the stage. Flash not allowed either. Tried using my 24-70L at one of these venues over the weekend and I was still at least 2 stops underexposed @ f/2.8 & 12800 iso.

Ended up shooting everything with my 50L @ f/1.4. You're right though, DOF stinks wide open like that but it was my only option.

[TheBrick3]

How is the 12,800 ISO on the 5D III? Would love to see some pictures.

[narlus]

I've got a few shots at 12800 and higher. Maybe a separate thread?

[pixbylorne]

I have been using the 24 1.4 L for a few months now and I must say that it is an incredible lens...with some limitations. All I shoot are musicians in venues ranging from 1200 seat theaters to small 50 seat clubs. The 1.4 is wonderful in those low/no light clubs and house concert venues, there are tradeoffs but this is not studio photography. I am using a 1Ds-Mk-3 and usually shoot at 1600 but I can go to 3200 if needed. This lens pulls in a lot of light, which is why you spend the money on it, and it gives the FOV that I need in small venues. I have no regrets about this lens, it is what it is, a wide angle wide aperture lens that performs and it has made me want more primes!

[Gino Troian]

I own the Nikon version if the 24L, and I must say it is my favorite lens. The 24mm field of view is perfect, and the fast aperture just helps create a beautiful image. I really think it's the ultimate lens if you're on stage or in the pit. The only downside is that you have to be at the right place to get a good shot.

[LostArk]

I don't shoot shows anymore, but when I did the 24 1.4 was the only lens I ever used. It was on a 7D, so it actually worked out to around 35mm. I'd imagine on full frame 24 might be a tad wide. Example, here I'm only 3 feet away from the singer:


Pelle Åhman by Nοah Fence, on Flickr

For full frame I think the Sigmalux 35 1.4 or 35L would be ideal. 50mm might work too, but sadly there is no 50mm lens available for Canon than can reliably focus LOL