Lens Suggestion for Dance Show

Im in the same boat with the dancing photos. My daughter is on a travel team and I've been fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to have shot in a lot of different stage lightings for dance. The main lens I use is a Sigma 70-200 2.8 non is. I have a 85 1.8 and a 50 1.4 but have found that those aren't that great depending on where you are. The zoom gives you more versatility if you are locked into one place. With your 7D, you have more than enough camera to handle the poor lighting you may run into.

These were shot with a 1d3 and the 70-200

I've used my 85/1.8 for several children's shows in dim venues. It allows shots of groups at the back of the stage and shots of individuals at the front of the stage. No problems with lighting, but colored stage lights can give unusual results. 85/1.8 is excellent for stop-action dance shots - just use max ISO and shutter speeds around 1/120 to 1/300.

Talley wrote in post #14359802
This is exactly why I bought the 85 1.8. the only 3 lens you should consider would be:

85 1.8
135L f2
70-200 2.8 (pick your version)

I'm lucky to have two out of 3. I find that 2.8 is not fast enough alot of times so the 85 gets put to use alot more but the zoom is more versatile.

Most of the time I'm standing in the back and find that 135 is where I spend alot of time so I will be picking up a 135 f2 when funds can afford it. Another stop when you are pushing ISO/shutter to the max makes a big difference.

I see you have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, this is probably the version I would tend to lean towards due to price and was wondering how you like it on your 60D?

Thanks for all the help from everyone else, alot of great advice. Not sure if I want to rent/buy or combination. I'll probably buy the 85 1.8 seeing it seems to get great reviews and is priced right. Maybe will rent the Sigma to try it.

Great shots everestnut!

robd54- Thanks for the compliments on the pictures. I know you asked someone else, but I also have a 60D and have used it for the dance competitions. Now that the dances are all over I like the 1D3 for the high frame rate. The Sigma is great on my 60D. I don't have the OS, but really do like the combination. I would have to dig through some pictures from earlier in the year, but if you want to see that combination I'll be happy to post a few.

I also have a daughter that started at three and is now fifteen years old and still dancing. One thing I did not see mentioned is that the three-five years old kids are not normally racing across stage doing back-flips. Often they walk to their "spot" on the front of the stage and swing their arms, maybe do a tumble, lift there left foot then right, etc. What I am trying to say is that at this level (3yo)you do not need real high shutter speeds to stop the action.

If you have a chance, go to the event location ahead of time and check out the layout. Some seating arrangements are such that you'll have the person's head in front of you for every shot. At other events (smaller auditoriums) you might be better off standing in the back with a longer prime (as suggested above).

Good luck!

Always Looking wrote in post #14360176
I also have a daughter that started at three and is now fifteen years old and still dancing. One thing I did not see mentioned is that the three-five years old kids are not normally racing across stage doing back-flips. Often they walk to their "spot" on the front of the stage and swing their arms, maybe do a tumble, lift there left foot then right, etc. What I am trying to say is that at this level (3yo)you do not need real high shutter speeds to stop the action.

If you have a chance, go to the event location ahead of time and check out the layout. Some seating arrangements are such that you'll have the person's head in front of you for every shot. At other events (smaller auditoriums) you might be better off standing in the back with a longer prime (as suggested above).

Good luck!

Good point, thanks for the info! I'll try to see if i can get there ahead of time to scope it out. I still think the 85 1.8 and a variation of 70-200 2.8 IS/OS would be a good addition to my bag for years to come

If she has a dress rehearsal go to it, it is usually less crowded and a little more relaxed. You can check out the seating and lighting.

jcturn1 wrote in post #14360893
If she has a dress rehearsal go to it, it is usually less crowded and a little more relaxed. You can check out the seating and lighting.

Might be able to do that, but my wife will be there with my daughter and I have to stay home w/my son, at least until family gets here and maybe I can swing by.

I just got back from my local shop and picked up the 85 1.8. For the price, I know this will get a lot of good use over the years for both sports and portraits. Now to either rent or buy a 70-200 or stick with what I have. Doing some research on the Sigma one now as the canon mkII is way out of hte picture.

Been shooting dance for eight years.
I started out with a XTI then 40D then 5Dc (yuk).
I've used four lenses in shooting dance; Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon 50 1.4, Canon 85 1.8, and Canon 70-200 f2.8 non-is. They all have good and bad points in shooting dance, but have all produced great shots.

Without a doubt the Canon 70-200 f2.8 is my favorite.

The shots below were shot in Feb. with a Canon 5Dc w/ Canon 70-200 f2.8L non-is from right at the front of the stage off to one side, except the acro-contortion shot of course.

5Dc - ISO800 - 1/640 - f2.8 - 3800K light temp.
The 5Dc did better at ISO800 than my 40D used to do. Not knowing that I setup just like I was shooting the 40D. I could have gotten a bit more shutter speed by bumping up the ISO a little more, but eh.

If you think you would like to add a 70-200 2.8 OS at some time in the future. I would urge you to consider buying it instead of renting. The rental costs would be put in the lens instead if going out the window. Based on the above if your lighting is similar it looks like 2.8 will be fine, especially since the 7D be used effectively at high ISO.

robd54 wrote in post #14360106
I see you have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, this is probably the version I would tend to lean towards due to price and was wondering how you like it on your 60D?

Thanks for all the help from everyone else, alot of great advice. Not sure if I want to rent/buy or combination. I'll probably buy the 85 1.8 seeing it seems to get great reviews and is priced right. Maybe will rent the Sigma to try it.

2nd best 70-200 2.8 around, next to the canon mkII... although I haven't used the canon mkII I sold my 70-200F4 IS to fund the sigma. It was a $50 upgrade for me so it was a no brainer to jump on that deal.

So far AF is accurate, IQ is very good at 2.8 better at 3.2 and at 3.5 I find it to be on par with my canon F4 I had. The OS is in my opinion better than the F4 canon. Now as far as comparing to other 70-200 2.8 lenses I can't help you but so far I absolutely LOVE this lens, my favorite lens period.

AF speed isn't as lightning fast as the canon's but it's what I would call peppy. For something like girls on a dance stage you will have 0 issues with the speed of the AF.

I've also found for dance activities in order to freeze feet and fingers you need at least 1/800 shutter speed. I hate blurry fingers/feet so I try to keep it around 1/1000 which means you really need the F2 capability.

I just finished shooting my first dance competition for my wife's dance studio. I had to sit in back in the dark and rented the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. It was amazing what that lens could do. I got some good pics even from the back. I cranked the ISO up though. I liked it so much I just bought one. Expensive, but its amazing.

Basic answer to this question is: F stop.

Camera's sensor and ability to handle higher ISO is the second important point.

Go with widest F number that you have in bag in addition to correct focal length lens you think you need given logistics of place. Then if you can move freely, try to use your wider F lens all the time if lens reach is right.