Originally posted by sirjes2 I agree with Deedee. I grew up on the K-x and I never went past 800 ISO because I HATE GRAIN. Now that I have the K5II, I will pump it up to 1600 with no problem. I don't mind a little noise reduction in post. I use the 18-135mm and either my FGZ360 flash on camera with the stofen or off camera with a small umbrella at low light events that need flash. I wish I had a flash that swiveled, though. I've got one of those rogue flash benders that would really come in handy.
I had no UV filters on the lens. I only put them on when I store my lenses. I did have the auto-focus light turned on for the camera and I think the Sigma EF-610 has a focus assist beam also. I'm not sure I'll go in my closet and test if that is an accurate statement.
I think the EF-610 being really slow compacted the problem. My partner was shooting the K-30 with a Sigma EF-610 also and it was very painful. lol
I think I finally went to something like ISO 1250 still at F4 as I wanted to insure that I had enough DOF . I will post some example pics of the good and the disappointing. lol
I usually shoot my D7100 but I've hurt my rotator cuff so with the grip (3 batteries) and the heavy lens it's just too much, plus I love my K5-II and it's sealed nicely, just in case some overly liquid-happy person starts spilling things :-).
With regard to the level of darkness, it was probably comparable to a Steak House (like a Ruths Chris for those who have this in your area) but maybe not even that dark. I'll see if I can find a picture that gives a hint at the ambient light level. It was definitely not nightclub dark.
I will add that I was very impressed with the battery life . I started shooting at 7:00 pm and at midnight the battery indicator still wasn't at half. Wowzer !