Lens Question/Suggestion for Low Light Events ...

Hello there all!
I've recently purchases the Canon Rebel T2i along with the 18-55mm IS and the 55-250mm IS.

I did my first event just the other day - It was a 25 Year Wedding Anniversary. Overall everything went rather well, but the one thing I did notice is that I should have a lens with a lower Aperture for the Low Light rooms (so I don't always have to use the Flash)

I am looking at something like the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
http://www.amazon.com …81070_24046520_​pe_epc_dt5

Would this be a good choice?
Suggestions on others?
Does anyone know if there are any f/1.4's with a Zoom feature?

Thank you for your time

Second the question.

I too have 18-55, 55-250, and 70-300, but on Rebel T3i. All start at f3.5 I believe. I was asked to shoot a corporate event and need some advice on what lenses professional people typically use for this kind of work (have yet to see the venue). At the moment leaning toward Canon 17-55 f2.8

The 50 1.4 is a great lens for low light. But for event work I dont know that its going to be as satisfying as you might think. Low light is usually crap light, especially for event work. It usually means overhead fixtures with ugly colored light that leaves raccoon shadows. Learn how to make your flash not look like flash and it will make you a much better event photographer.

The lowest affordable zoom lens aperture size is f/2.8.
If you want a larger aperature, you would have to go fixed focal length (prime)

gonzogolf wrote in post #14469407
The 50 1.4 is a great lens for low light. But for event work I dont know that its going to be as satisfying as you might think. Low light is usually crap light, especially for event work. It usually means overhead fixtures with ugly colored light that leaves raccoon shadows. Learn how to make your flash not look like flash and it will make you a much better event photographer.

Totally agree with that. A good external flash is probably a sound investment for events. A good wide prime will do no harm though. You might consider the Sigma 30mm 1.4, or if you have money, the Canon 35mm 1.4L. You might find 50mm too long on crop for some event work.

Depends what you mean by event, but I second the recommendation to buy a decent (powerful) flash and learn how to use it which is pretty easy, actually.

As far as lens. Getting a fast prime might sound like a good idea for low ambient light but keep in mind, the wider the aperture, the less depth of field. No point in getting a good exposure if everybody is not in focus. Look at some f2.8 zooms and buy a flash.

bohdank wrote in post #14470652
Depends what you mean by event, but I second the recommendation to buy a decent (powerful) flash and learn how to use it which is pretty easy, actually.

As far as lens. Getting a fast prime might sound like a good idea for low ambient light but keep in mind, the wider the aperture, the less depth of field. No point in getting a good exposure if everybody is not in focus. Look at some f2.8 zooms and buy a flash.

^^^ This plus 10

Great advice

figure out what focal length you're after to narrow down your search...based on your post i'm assuming you already have an external flash, if not get that

kooker wrote in post #14469372
Second the question.

I too have 18-55, 55-250, and 70-300, but on Rebel T3i. All start at f3.5 I believe. I was asked to shoot a corporate event and need some advice on what lenses professional people typically use for this kind of work (have yet to see the venue). At the moment leaning toward Canon 17-55 f2.8

it sounds like the o.p. has a flash...and it sounds like you don't...i'd get a flash first...

Grab a tamron 28-75 f2.8 and a 50 1.8 for nearly the same money as a new 1.4. This option grows your versatility and covers a better light range.

I generally see a lot of people suggest a 1.4 (ish) lens for good low light performance. But, IMHO 1.4 might not be suitable for what you want to shoot. You get very shallow DOF with 1.4.

I would say you need something with a fixed 2.8. You can at least get a couple of faces together in focus (barely), and IS helps out big time.

The 17-55 2.8 (or comparable)is the way to go. Even the pop up for fill will be fine, with some PP.

Thanks alot you guys for all your input - Much Appreciated!!!


I am now looking into the Tamron 28-75mm auto-focus zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
http://www.amazon.com …G05/ref=cm_cmu_​pg__header

I would just use the flash, all the time.