Lens for low light conditions?

M0T · 6 Oct 2006 at 17:02

I have recently decided to upgrade my camera, it is a Sony Cybershot DSC-S85. Main reasons being:
-Its slow
-Terrible auto focus
-Rubbish in the dark

I have decided to go for a 350D because it looks to be a pretty good camera for the price (and I have a friend who is offering me his because he doesn't use it), but need advice on a lens to get.

I have started taking a lot of photos in low light conditions (no not porn, I have been asked to photograph for a lot of local bands and music events). What sort of lens should I be looking to get for this application?

Many thanks

King_Boru · 6 Oct 2006 at 17:10

Something along the lines of a 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 or a 17 - 55 f2.8 for shooting bands.

Col_M · 7 Oct 2006 at 01:55

The sigma 30 f/1.4 gets rave reviews as a ~50mm equiv FOV on a crop body like the 350D

Joe T · 7 Oct 2006 at 07:05

Col_M said:
The sigma 30 f/1.4 gets rave reviews as a ~50mm equiv FOV on a crop body like the 350D

Actually I've seen mixed reviews on that lens. AP mag liked it but said it wasnt the quality you would expect from a prime.

50mm 1.8 is a good bet. If you can stretch to the 1.4 version, then so much the better.

Col_M · 7 Oct 2006 at 12:19

Joe T said:
Actually I've seen mixed reviews on that lens. AP mag liked it but said it wasnt the quality you would expect from a prime.

50mm 1.8 is a good bet. If you can stretch to the 1.4 version, then so much the better.

There are many people on POTN who have had it for quite a while and say it's on a par with the 50 f/1.4 which itself is great

Here we go http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=141274

mrgubby · 7 Oct 2006 at 14:42

Thing to remember with wide aperture lenses you get **** all DOF so your focusing has to be spot on.

But the Canon 50mm/F:1.8 is sweet with my 300D :cool:

MajorPart · 8 Oct 2006 at 22:32

My 50 f1.8 seems to be just as sharp as my f1.4. Which is only really sharp at f4 onwards anyways!

If your wanting to make a bit of cash out of the band pics i'd personally save/beg/wh*re yourself to get a Canon 24-70 L f2.8 or if you can't get close to bands a 70-200 f2.8 L IS.

Just got both them lenses and are great for low light. If you not going to take the band thing that serious then the 50mm f1.8 would be fine if you can get to the front of gig.

yak.h'cir · 9 Oct 2006 at 12:31

Might be worth also considering the 85mm f1.8 and the 135 f2.8 to give you a bit more distance to work with. I've got the 85 and its fantastic for low light.