Lens help for low light indoors!!??

craig1024 · 04-09-2008, 10:14 PM

I have my first "real" wedding coming up in a few months and need to buy a new (or two) lens(es). I know I want an f/2.8, but what do you guys and girls use most in focal lengths? I have been looking at the Tamron 17-50mm, the Sigma 18-50mm, and the Tamron 28-75mm. Just so you know, I have a 50mm f/1.4 now, plus some other lenses that are not suitable for indoor weddings.

What do you think about these or give me your own likes and dislikes about your lenses.

ranamar · 04-10-2008, 12:41 AM

Don't forget the DA* 16-50.
It is a great lens, and around here in the Vancouver area, we have had no QC issues that I have heard of. It is an amazing lens even wide open, and gives beautiful colours. It is also weather sealed, but I don't think that will be of much use for a wedding. Don't forget a longer lens for times that you need that extra bit of reach.

pentagor · 04-10-2008, 12:55 AM

I think you will be very good with the Tamron 28-75 for a wedding. But do not forget the flash, even if the lens is f/2.8. There will be a lot of movement (like all weddings) and a f/2.8 will not be fast enough, believe me...

craig1024 · 04-10-2008, 01:05 AM

I have a Sigma EF 530 DG Super, so the flash is covered(except I can't find a diffuser for it). The Da*16-50 is out of my price range right now. My perfect bag would have the DA*16-50 and the DA* 50-135, but I just can't do that right now.

I am starting to think, although I really want it, the 28-75 may just not have the wide angle that I want or need.

pentagor · 04-10-2008, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by craig1024

I have a Sigma EF 530 DG Super, so the flash is covered(except I can't find a diffuser for it). The Da*16-50 is out of my price range right now. My perfect bag would have the DA*16-50 and the DA* 50-135, but I just can't do that right now.

I am starting to think, although I really want it, the 28-75 may just not have the wide angle that I want or need.

I think, that for wedding you need a zoom, that covers the 30 - 70 range. Changing lenses is not an option at event with a lot of things going on...

If you need to go wider than 28, then maybe the Sigma 17-70. It is not fixed f2.8, but with the flash it will be no problem at all.

craig1024 · 04-10-2008, 01:26 AM

I think a 17-70mm f/2.8 would be perfect. Any such beast out there? I hate using the flash! I would love to either learn how to use the flash properly, or not use it, which is what I try to do now.

pentagor · 04-10-2008, 01:36 AM

Originally Posted by craig1024

I think a 17-70mm f/2.8 would be perfect. Any such beast out there? I hate using the flash! I would love to either learn how to use the flash properly, or not use it, which is what I try to do now.

Petnax will put a 17-70 f/4, not f/2.8 on the market soon. I don't think that there is a 17-70 f/2.8 on the market right now.

Flash: if you have a P-TTL flash, then try to use it bounced. Of course you would need a white ceiling for that. The other option is to use a diffuser. Either way, you'll need to adjust the exposure compensation to +1/2 or even +1 EV.
When I photograph family events, I use ma Cobra thyristor flash, bounced up. My diffuser is a white piece of paper attached to the flash with a rubber strap. I just have some problems with the exposure settings, since the flash only works in M mode.