Hey guys.... me again. I'm obsessing now. LOL
As some of you know I am doing a gig in Dec. and it will be an indoor/outdoor formal event. Outdoors, dark... indoor, dim/candlelight. Don't want to lug around a tripod... need to be fast on my feet for candid/photojournalistic snaps. Any suggestions for some good fast low light lenses? I know the 70-200mm is the cadilac, but other then that one... anyone else have a special one or favorite??? Thanks in advance!

jeanette~!

(i'm gonna bite all my nails off before this darn gig!!!)

I use primes almost exclusively with Nikon.

My top three would be:
35mm f-2
50mm f-1.4
85mm f-1.4

The first two are light, small and focus fast. The third is a monster and probably overkill for you right now.

For low light, I use a 24/2.8, a 50/1.4, and an 85/1.8. Mostly the 50. Rarely the 24. On the smaller sensor the 50mm seems perfect. The 85 is a bit too long for my taste, but I love it on film.

I think you are obsessed about the wrong thing here. Why get a fast lens at a formal event and not use your flash? Buy the flash and bounce it!!!! When I say bounce I dont mean straight up rather behind you at a forty five degree angles and differnt positions. Or purchase the LS2PJ! The more I think about it since you aren't a flash expert buy the LS2PJ!!!!!! You dont have to be a pro to get great shots with it! If you try utilizing a fast lens you will really need to be dead on with the focus and you will also add noise depending on the camera and its ISO. I am attaching a photo in which I used bounce flash. You can make a subject actually look as if they were standing near a window. If you need to shoot quickly try a zoom lens like the 24 - 70mm 2.8. In dark ballrooms try 1/30 - 1/60th of a sec depending on the ambient light at 2.8 in Manual Mode ISO 400 or 800 only if needed. Bounce your flash or use the LS2PJ and you willl be fine. Just another tidbit the flash will actually help you focus in the low lighting situations. The photo I have attached is one I took verticallyand pointed the flash to the immediate left and up at a 45 degree angle. Making the light hit the wall and ceiling and bouncing it back directly toward her face. I hope some of this makes since and assists you.

Great info. Brady. Thanks! I was told not to use my 50mm for this event as it would not be fast enough under the "candlelight" conditions. I have been messin' with it around my house under low light conditions, and it seems to be pretty good! Although, I do have to make sure I'm accurate with focus. My cousin... (Coz) has the 85mm and she loves it. I might have to borrow it from her or at least practice a little with it. All of your info. is very helpful. I guess the more I practice and the more I ask the better and easier things will get right? RIGHT??? Thanks again!

Jeanette!

Charles, those are all good suggestions, but it's an outdoor event, lit with candles and tiki torches and strings of white mini lights (if I remember correctly). I thing a flash with a lightsphere would work well, here. Maybe not the most moody light but it'll work well.

Hi there!

Thanks for the input. I have a 50mm 1/4 and I love it... i have been warned against using it for this occassion though... what do you think? Indoor, low light - candlelight and outdoor - dark, white christmas lights and candles... I don't think my 50mm can pull that off! Guess I have always been a natural light kind of gal. I'm really trying to avoid the tripod if I can. I am going to need to be pretty mobile and I don't want the tripod to slow me down... (I've got enough things to slow me down as it is! lol) I just want to be unobtrusive too. With my 50mm, I'll pretty much be all up in people's action and I don't want to do that.... lol know what I mean? I'll see what my cousin has in her camera "goody bag" and see if maybe she's got something that will help me out too. Thanks so much for your input! Appreciate it tons!

jeanette

Well, you are correct... I should be more concerned with using flash then running out and buying crazy expensive lenses... However.... I really haven't used flash..... ever. I'm such a "natural light" kinda girl. I've never done an evening event so there was never a need for flash. I know what you are going to say... there is always a need for flash... but that's if you know what you're doing... and clearly.. you do. LOL I wish I was as advanced as most of the people on this forum... I'm trying to get to that point... but we all have to start somewhere. right? I was told to get the SB-800. No? I am unfamiliar with what I really "need". You can spend a fortune or a small amount, but it all depends on if you know what you're doing with it. You know.. it's not the size of the lens that matters.. it's how you use it right? LOL (sorry, off color there) I just need to get more familiar with all there is to know. This is a good opportunity for me to learn a lot. I just want to impress/satisfy my friend/client and myself as well. I know I will add a flash to my camera bag... I need lenses too. I just need what will be the most effective for this event. Eventually I'll add the things I "want". Now, I just need the things that are necessary. Make sense? Either way.. I have lots to learn. oooh What have I gotten myself into!? lol
Thanks for the example picture too. That is really great use of flash. I'm not familiar with the level of intensity you need the flash to be at, angles, bounce etc. If outdoors, what can you bounce off of? Can you bounce off of light discs? Just a thought..but not sure if that's an option.

Any and all info from you guys is sooo helpful. Really gives me food for thought. Thanks soo much! It means a lot! Keep the suggestions comin'... I'd pay you for your info. if I could.. but.. I'm a starving student. LOL

hope to hear more from you all!
Cheers!
jeanette!

If I am outdoors at night I use the white card. As far as settings I use the same settings everytime. It happens to be the same setting that the flash is defaulted to out of the box!!!!! Look the answer is not in the lens. I can take the cheapest 2.8 Canon lens and do this event with a good flash. The SB800 has a hidden white card as well. Point the flash straight up and pop out the white card, the light bounces forward and will give you great results. Flash isnt complicated at all!!!! Hey if you really want to make it simple purchase the flash and and the LS2PJ you will do fine. If you try and do this event without flash you will be disspointed, and so will your friend. I think you are overthinking this a bit when it really is not complicated. The most important thing is the settings on the camera and I have given you those. All you need is the flash and the LS2PJ and practice!!!!


What kind of event is this? Are you getting paid for this event? Will you post these on pictage for review and in hopes to get orders?

PS. I went to Chico to Videomaker Magazine. Pretty cool town.

We definetely don't want you to continue to starve!!! So borrow or rent the flash and use the white card, and if possible buy the LS2PJ!!

Hopefully your starving days will soon be over!

Jeanette, the 50 should be fast enough. Loved the "how you use it" comment. Please try the kiss of light technique I explained earlier in the other thread where you first mentioned this. It will give you the best results and maintain the mood. The focus assist beam that was mentioned because you are using flash will be a huge help too.
Practice with the kiss of light...you will love it!

Charles....

You don't feel a flash at an event like this might be just a TAD distracting?

Picture it.... dark, candle light, wonderful mood, and then all the sudden BAM BAM BAM goes the flash! EVERY time she takes a shot everyone will know.

Obviously there are different styles and each photographer has his/her own way of handling situations...flash is just not something I would introduce into this one.

Low light (particularly candle light) gives off a great mood and you can get some great stuff with it.

Here are some images I took at a worship service this last Sunday. The room was VERY dark. Lit basically by two stage lights in the ceiling and the reflection off of the wall by a projector.

The mood in everyone of these shots would have been totally lost if I had used a flash.






Everyone of those shots were taken at ISO1600 somewhere between a 30-40th of a second taken with the 70-200 f2.8.

Another lens I would consider for the event is renting an 85 f1.2 Rent it, because it's expensive, but super cool. I'm wondering if the a 50 would be too wide for the event and where you'll have to be standing for the ceremony. An 85mm gets you in a little closer. The f1.2 is tough to find, so either the f1.4 or f1.8 would work too. That would be my suggestion.

Great shots Chris! Especially like the rim light one. Great suggestions too. I think you can dial the strobe way down, use a ND filter over it and just add a kiss of light too without being offensive, or changing the mood. The flash set like this with the filter would hardly be detected. It would just be a little pip pip pip instead of a BAM BAM BAM so no one gets a tan tan tan
Have to be careful with people in the foreground though Jeanette. It wouldn't work in Chris's first shot because the people up close would be lit more that the woman who is the focus of the shot.

The images look great Chris, and I love the lighting. For a formal event depending on what it is, if she doesnt take a flash it could be costly. If her camera produces a lot of noise at high ISO settings it could be costly. If the focusing is an issue as she stated in her previous posting the flash starts sounding like the better alternative. I am waiting for her to answer me about the event and the other questions I posted on here as well. What exactly are you shooting at the formal event? I would also ask the client about the landscape of the event and what available light might be available. Assess the situation and then draw your own conclusions. I would not discuss your photography techniques with the client not untill you have fully assessed everything including your cameras capabilities. So assess and evaluate maybe visit the location in which you will be working and then determine what means works best for the occassion.

I don't know how things are done in Cali...but for J's 50th anniversary party shoot (or ANY 50th anniversary party), I can't imagine the lights will be THAT dim!!

Hopefully, I will be assisting Jeanette on this event, it sounds exciting....and I have a couple things she could surely use. I have the SB-800, and I will hopefully have the 70-200 soon! (I really want that bad boy!)
I am not good with that flash either, but hopefully by that time we can get it down.
I am appreciating all of the advice you guys are giving. I do feel the same way about flashing at the actual ceremony though. I would hope to pull it off without flash during that, and maybe use it later througout the party.
I love the examples that were shown here also! LOVE them.

Charles, that flash does look like window light...I would love to learn that too.

Chris! AWESOME! I agree, the feeling you get without flash, and candlelight is just beautiful.

Then again,...there is always the thought of what Charles is saying about it being too risky without a flash...
Can this event be pulled off if she has the 70-200? We do not have anywhere that rents equipment here, and nowhere within 3 hours from here rents anything. We would have to go to San Fran. to rent stuff.
I have tried.
Chico is a great place, but not big enough to have some cool things that are needed.
I think you all should come here, so we can have some sort of convention! I am not ready to go to these events ya'll go to yet! Can't wait til I am.

Calumet will rent to you. I've rented from them twice before, the first time was for a 28-70 and the second for the ever-popular 70-200VR. And their closest store is in Chicago. Or maybe teh Philadelphia one is closer. I'm terrible with geography.

It was about $100 for a week, plus shipping.

http://www.lensandrepro.com/ out of new your is a good rental place too.

If you guys have two bodies, why don't you mix it up. One of you shoot with flash when needed and the other can shoot naturally. I would do some tests at the high ISO and print them a well. But what event is this? Give me an idea of the setting.

Hi Charles!
Thanks for helping me out so much. I think flash is just the fear of the unknown with me. You are right. It's probably not that big of a deal and like anything else in life, if you practice you can do anything. Soooo, I'm going to take your advice and try the flash with the LS2PJ. I'll look into making this purchase sometime within the week and let you know how I'm doing.. if you're still interested by then. Lol.

thanks again!
Jeanette

Oh, so, you've been to Chico before huh? Where are you from? How does anyone hear of little "Chico CA"? I like this place a lot. It's a bit of a college party town, but.. it has a lot of character and charm to it. It's home.

Oooh, it's the hunger that keeps me going though! LOL

Hi again,
This is a 50th wedding anniversary with renewal of vowes. It's being held at a beautiful 4,000 sq. ft home. It is in Dec. @ 6:00p.m. Indoor lighting will be very dim, and candlelight. Outside in their huuuuge backyard will be lit with small white lights (strand lights) and more candles. There might be a large tent in the yard as well. (i'll try to attach a pic of the type of tent I'm talking about.. not a circus tent...not a camping tent LOL) This will be a very elegant party. I really want the photographs to capture the mood lighting etc. It's a formal event. It'll basically be like a wedding/reception. Just want it to be as elegant in pictures as I know it'll be in person...... Hope the description helps.

Anymore sample/example pix would be really helpful too! I always love seeing everyone elses work! Keep it comin'!

Jeanette[attachmentid=1818]

Thanks Frank! I'll have to check that out. Man, I sound like such a hobo huh? I'm like a crack addict looking for "goods" LOL. I feel so foolish! I know what I want.. but... I am just having trouble reaching that deep into my pocket for the lens I want. Like I've mentioned... I'm an at home mom and we do fine on one income... but justifying a $1500 purchase for a lens to my husband might be tricky! lol Maybe I'll ask Santa. He knows I've been good. LOL

Hey, How's Gabriel doing Frank? Keep me updated! I think about you guys all the time!

Take it easy!
jeanette

Hi Jeanette, thanks for asking. He seems to be doing pretty good, up and down you know. He just had his last weekly chemo this week so we actually have a break next week (first one YEA!). Then he will start going every three weeks. We are very happy to be over this hump though.

Oh Frank. I'm glad to hear you are all hangin' in there! That is wonderful news. I'm so sorry he's having to go through soooo much stuff. He sure is a tough little guy! Kids are so amazing aren't they!? You and your wife are pretty special too though. You're goin' through it all right along with him!
Thanks for giving me the 411~ I'm always interested in hearing how you guys are! Feel free to email me anytime to vent or share... etc.!

Thinkin' of you guys all the time,
Jeanette

Yes I was in Chico. A long way from home here in South Carolina. I went to Sac as well. I've actually been in various parts of California. I can relate to Chico. The landcape here is small rolling hills and I remember the drive from Sac to Chico very flat.

You know the tents are white and offer good bounce possibilities with flash, and yes I will be very interested in your final results. I did want to add the photo I posted was not edited at all.

I think you could definetely mix it up with a fast lens and use the available light. Sometime DJ's have a spot light and tents ussually have a strand of lights surrounding the inside of the tent. I think you can definetly team up and one shoot available light(whomever has better noise results) and the other shoot flash. Good luck. Get some practice and you guys will definetely be fine.

You Rock Charles!
Thanks so much for your interest and help. You have given me some great tips and pointers to go by. I sure hope I can do this job! I will be practicing a TON between now and then! I'll keep ya informed!

Ciao for now!
J

Woooah! sorry Chris. I don't know how I didn't see your reply to me. I'm sorry. Great pix! Great info!
I'm very scared about this shin-dig I have coming up. I'm so new to this stuff. This is really my first paid gig!!!! It is a friend of mine.. and she is super cool.. but still, friend or not, it's business and I want to really shine here. I wish I had more knowledge of what I need and how to operate it all. I also wish I had the money to do it! I sooo want the 70-200mm, but it's pricey. I'm just working my way up the food chain here and hoping that I'll be able to play in your backyard one day. You guys know so much about photography. I just feel so behind and overwhelmed with a lot of things. I feel I'll never get it all and I'll never be where you are. Photography is such a passion of mine. I just dont want to fail at it. I love it so much. Thanks to you and others on this forum, you keep me striving to be better. Your work inspires me... I just want to be there.....

Anyway. Thanks for the info. I have lot of info. to process and decide on. I'm very nervous right now and just hope I can perform at this function. I don't want to let anyone down.. and I certainly don't want to let myself down. I want this to be a success, and I fear it's going to be a flop!

I might have more questions for you as the time draws nearer... hope you won't mind

Thanks again!
Jeanette!