Lens choices for a stage?

I've got a couple of dance performances coming up - both will be up on a stage, with undetermined (but likely poor) lighting.

Currently, with my 7D I have a 50mm f1.8, tammy 28-75 f2.8 and a 70-200 f4

i'm considering picking up a used 85mm f1.8 though - more reach, better low light. I've never used the 70-200 for low light stage shoots though - will it be enough, or should I invest in the 85mm?

In my experience, I've been able to use f/2.0 @ iso 1600.
I'd use 2.8 though, at your 7D's iso 3200.

The 85mm will be fine.
When I sat in the front row, I used to shoot with a 24-70 f/2.8 (although not of moving dancers)

The f/4 70-200 is going to be pushing it depending on lighting and I'm not sure about this for the 7D but your AF may not perform at it's max since you won't be activating the extra precision points you typically get on the center point with a f/2.8 aperture on most bodies. I would say 2.8 or faster is a requirement and for me, the 70-200 2.8 IS has been the lens of choice for performing arts. Love the range and photos it gives me along with it's quick and accurate AF.

If you aren't able to get your hands on a 70-200 2.8is, the 85 1.8 is an excellent investment and will do quite well in this environment minus a little AF speed and versatility you'd get with the 70-200.

Best of luck and be sure to share some pics!

My wife bought me the 70-200 f/4 as a suprise gift ... while it's doing me proud in portrait photography, I was planning on holding out for the f/2.8 version ... of course, I can't *tell* her that!

I'm going to keep an eye open for an 85mm f/1.8 to show up on the Sale forums, but if nothing comes up in time, I'll go with the Tamron instead. I've thought about taking a flash along with me, but that might bug the crap out of the dancers.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

pcj wrote in post #10905948
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I've thought about taking a flash along with me, but that might bug the crap out of the dancers.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Yeah, definitely leave the flash in the bag. Never produces very good results in this kind of situation, isn't allowed in most cases, and does bug the crap out of the dancers

I picked up a used copy of the 85mm f/1.8 for my next show

This is the exact situation that I am in! First, do not use the flash because it is not only bothersom to the dancers, but it can be downright dangerous.

I have the 50mm 1.8 and the tammy as well. I just sold my Rebel XT so I thought I would buy the 85mm f/1.8. But I don't know if it will serve my purposes. I want the 70-200 2.8 IS but as I am an amatuer and still learning, it doesn't seem to be worth the cost to me yet.

How do you like the 85mm for theater shots? Should I take that step?

I've not used it yet (the first of the shows in mid October).

I don't plan on using flash, but depending on the venue, I may have a speedlite off to the side to help - nothing direct.

The 70-200 f/2.8 is an amazing lens, but I couldn't justify the price. Primes are cheaper and faster, and in many cases, just as sharp. The 50mm is great, but I needed more reach than that for the stages.

pcj wrote in post #11006404
The 50mm is great, but I needed more reach than that for the stages.

That is the trouble I have with the 50mm. I have the tammy 2.8 28-70mm. Which I have used a lot. When I do I almost always use it at 70mm. But what I have found is that it does not focus sharp enough at the low light light and high shutter speed I want to capture the dancers in mid-leap. I think the 100mm 2.0 might be too much zoom. So I am pretty sure the 85mm will do what I want. I usually like to be in the back, I like to stand so I don't get anyone's head in my way. Where my daughters dance we are not supposed to take photos during the shows, but they kind of let me do it. So I don't use a tripod because I don't want to call attention to myself. But I am starting to get some volunteer opportunities to donate my photography, and I would like to give them a good product. Of course the hope is that eventually I will be able to earn some money doing this.

Where do you find used equipment?

i have had better than OK luck being close to the stage with my 24-105 f/4

trythis wrote in post #11006926
Where do you find used equipment?

I shop right on here - check the For Sale forum.

sabianq wrote in post #11007010
i have had better than OK luck being close to the stage with my 24-105 f/4

Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 105 mm
ISO Speed 1000


but i have had even better luck with the 70-200 f/2.8

Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure 1/320
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 200mm
ISO Speed 3200

I'm shooting bellydancers - fast moving performer, variable (but typically dark) lighting. I'm going to try with my 70-200 f4 at a high ISO on my 7D, but I didn't want to gamble on that!

pcj wrote in post #11007491
I shop right on here - check the For Sale forum.

Can you trust the quality?

trythis wrote in post #11007505
Can you trust the quality?

Its the same gear you would be purchasing from a vendor. If you mean, can you trust the condition? Ask for photos, get some sense of the trust worthiness of the seller. Its often a good way to go.