EDIT: I clarify a few things in a comment a few posts down, which I suggest reading as well.
We are going to have a (hopefully) scheduled delivery in a little over a week via c-section due to complications. Because of various reasons, we won't be able to have a photographer in the OR, but they will allow me to bring my own camera for one of the staff to use during delivery as long as nothing is emergent. This wouldn't be the first time I've been in an operating room, but I've never tried to photograph anything in one. I'm pretty sure it'll be bright enough either way, but I'm wondering if it'll be enough that the 18-135mm WR lens can be an option.
My plan is to either use that lens or go with the 35mm macro, set to P mode with the MTF program line setting so it uses the sharpest lens apertures. My goal is to be able to just hand it to a staff member and all they have to do is push the shutter and work the zoom if using the 18-135mm. The reason I'm going P mode instead of auto is because my K3 II wanted to run the ISO higher than I liked and no way to limit it in full auto.
So my question is if anyone knows if a typical operating room would be bright enough so ISO can be limited to 800 max, potentially f/8 (What the 18-135mm lens is registering as the sharpest at the long end) if the staffer zooms all the way in, and still have a fast enough shutter speed to hand hold and freeze the action.
I'm thinking that should be ok, but it's not like I'll be able to take practice shots and correct, so I'm looking for confirmation. I'm also somewhat torn on which lens to use from an IQ standpoint. The 35mm is going to look sharp as all get out, has an acceptable focal length, and checks in wider open at f/4 for lower ISO and/or faster shutter speed, but somewhat noisy focus. The 18-135mm offers decent IQ but the extra flexibility of the zoom is a big plus to get tight shots without getting in the way, and the focusing is nearly silent.
I do know a photographer with birthing experience, but I think she runs canon full frame. I plan to touch base with her, but hoping someone here has more relatable Pentax experience.
Last edited by Mooncatt; 07-14-2021 at 06:37 AM.