Is f/2.8 enough for indoor shooting w/o using flash or tripod?

REM · 07-01-2010, 02:18 PM

As others have mentioned, it's all about the condition of the available light (natural or artificial). I do use my DA 40 f/2.8 Ltd indoor with decent success. I usually use it when I am in a room with windows that are most likely also lit with indoor lighting. I even used my DA 21 f/3.2 indoors on a bright sunny day in a well lit room. During the evening is when I need an improved lighting situation (more lights or have to use a flash).

GeneV · 07-01-2010, 02:47 PM

It depends upon the camera. F4 is usually enough these days. I'm happy at ISO 1600 on the K20d and not afraid of ISO 3200 on the K-x. On the K10d, I'd rather stay at 800 or less, so F4 is dicier.

KxBlaze · 07-01-2010, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

It depends upon the camera. F4 is usually enough these days. I'm happy at ISO 1600 on the K20d and not afraid of ISO 3200 on the K-x. On the K10d, I'd rather stay at 800 or less, so F4 is dicier.

Agreed that that camera used will also help decide whether 2.8 is fast enough indoors.

I actually feel comfortrable using 6400 ISO on my Kx. The "noise" is barely noticable unless you do a 100% crop.

tim71 · 07-13-2010, 02:43 PM

It depends on focal length, which is one of limiting issues on usable shutter speed. Assuming that same ISO setting is used, wider lenses have advantage on that and therefore f/2,8 or even slower aperture may be completely enough, when longer lenses would require faster aperture setting, because faster shutter speed is needed.

audiobomber · 07-13-2010, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by KxBlaze

Agreed that that camera used will also help decide whether 2.8 is fast enough indoors.

Agree. I use the 40mm f2.8 with my K-x, and the FA 35 f2 with my K20D.

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07-01-2010, 02:18 PM	#16
REM Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 78	As others have mentioned, it's all about the condition of the available light (natural or artificial). I do use my DA 40 f/2.8 Ltd indoor with decent success. I usually use it when I am in a room with windows that are most likely also lit with indoor lighting. I even used my DA 21 f/3.2 indoors on a bright sunny day in a well lit room. During the evening is when I need an improved lighting situation (more lights or have to use a flash).

07-01-2010, 02:47 PM	#17
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	It depends upon the camera. F4 is usually enough these days. I'm happy at ISO 1600 on the K20d and not afraid of ISO 3200 on the K-x. On the K10d, I'd rather stay at 800 or less, so F4 is dicier.

07-01-2010, 03:52 PM	#18
KxBlaze Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,602	Originally posted by GeneV It depends upon the camera. F4 is usually enough these days. I'm happy at ISO 1600 on the K20d and not afraid of ISO 3200 on the K-x. On the K10d, I'd rather stay at 800 or less, so F4 is dicier. Agreed that that camera used will also help decide whether 2.8 is fast enough indoors. I actually feel comfortrable using 6400 ISO on my Kx. The "noise" is barely noticable unless you do a 100% crop.

07-13-2010, 02:43 PM	#19
tim71 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 38	It depends on focal length, which is one of limiting issues on usable shutter speed. Assuming that same ISO setting is used, wider lenses have advantage on that and therefore f/2,8 or even slower aperture may be completely enough, when longer lenses would require faster aperture setting, because faster shutter speed is needed.

07-13-2010, 03:22 PM	#20
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by KxBlaze Agreed that that camera used will also help decide whether 2.8 is fast enough indoors. Agree. I use the 40mm f2.8 with my K-x, and the FA 35 f2 with my K20D.