Event shooters that use primes: Q on technique

I've been shooting some random events here and there, next big one I got coming up is our annual work lunch. These are good opportunities for me to practice my photography, since these pictures are just going on Facebook and nobody really expects anything beyond snapshots anyways.

When I've shot events I've always used at least 1 zoom lens, but this time I'm going to go with two primes - 50mm 1.8 and an 85mm 1.8 I'll probably pick up down the line.

I only have one body that I'm going to use, so generally what's a good technique for using multiple primes? Do you like to constantly change lenses back and forth through the event, or primarily use just 1 prime for most of the time, and then switch in the other prime for more specific shots?

The one guy I know that shoots events with a prime does so with two bodies. It would suck to miss a spontaneous shot because you have the wrong lens on but if they are only expecting "snapshots" then it doesn't sound like it would matter much but personally I would have two bodies.

If those are your choices for lens, I would just stay with the 85. I think it would be good if you have something wider like 35mm or 24mm to go with your 85mm. I suggest you work on getting a 2nd camera if you want to shoot prime. 35mm on one and 85mm on another.

If you're picking the shots then just plan some shots ahead of time, but 50mm sounds narrow. If you'll have people expecting you to get shots spontaneously then that'll be too difficult.

I shoot events with a 35 and 85 when I want to capture them in ambient light and in some cases with some fill flash. The two lens should cover what you need easier than with a 50-85.

If you want to shoot events with multiple primes, get another camera.

Hogloff wrote in post #16778410
If you want to shoot events with multiple primes, get another camera.

No.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16778474
No.

Been there, done that. Please allow me to suggest you reconsider. With two cameras on a dual rig of some sort, I can switch bodies, get a shot, switch back, get another shot and be deciding what to do next while you are still cussing because your dropped your second lens. Or stick with a zoom.

You have 2 bodies, I would use them both as well. 85 on the SL1 and 50 on the 6D. Why make it more difficult than it needs to be?

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16778474
No.

If you don't have two bodies, my suggestion is to use a zoom. Do you really want to be fiddling with lens changes out and about?

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16778474
No.

Then pick one of your primes and stick to it. Either that or get a zoom. If you are constantly switching lenses, you'll be missing shots, simple as that.

If common sense doesn't appeal to you, let us try the 'cool' factor.

You have a choice here. You can look like an inept photographer, fumbling and bumbling, trying to change lenses in the middle of an event, while missing shots repeatedly. Dropping a lens or two really adds to this image. Six months from now folks will look over your work and remember that guy. "He spent more time diddling his camera than taking pictures. It shows. The look on his face when that lens went in the punchbowl was priceless!"

Or.

Take two cameras, look like a camera-geek for a day, and get the shots you want. Six months from now folks will be looking over the photos and remember who shot all these nice photos: "That camera-geek. Somebody ask him to do it again."

OK, neither has much 'cool-factor', but still, the choice is yours.

Two bodies. Three lenses. 24, 35, 100.

Think tank lens pouch on my belt for the third lens.

Here's the key, though. My bag is on site in a corner some where with other choices if I've guessed wrong. In the bag: 15mm, 50mm, 24-105, 70-200, two flashes. I rarely use those things, but sometime the site or crowd change what I need.

Tom

IMO, it all boils down to experience. Given that one would be able to know what lens is neeed next and change and not lose that shot. Yes, zooms can be nice but they do tend to make people lazy. A very experiened photographer with primes will get better shots than someone else with zooms. As in most areas: know your subject.

Two bodies and the trinity for me. I used to run with 1 body and while changing lens wasnt much of an issue because I had those think tank lens bags around my waist it was just a little bit troubling knowing I could miss some shots for the clients because of it. Now with two it's a bit more ease of mind for me. It's up to you, do you care enough to do your best or do you just want to take some shots.

Strap the 85 to the SL1 and the 50 to the 6D if you have to.