Low Light Lens?

Messages
2,981
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi
A bit of background,I have just bought a Canon 5Dc and do not have any fast glass, nothing over f4 other than a 100mm f2.8 macro
I don't normally need fast glass but the National Trust are now allowing photography in their properties ( well the ones local to me are) and there are some very interesting photographic opportunies.
The light levels are low ,the use of flash is not permitted and they dont like tripods,so I am limited to hand held.
I cannot hand hold the Canon 100mm macro non IS at low S/S but I also have G12 which takes decent close up detailed shots and can be hand held with reasonable results.
I am wondering about selling the 100mm macro and buying a 50mm prime ,Canon 50mm f1.4 or Sigma 50mm 1.4 or buying the new Canon 100mm 2.8 macro with IS.

Thoughts and bright ideas will be appreciated
 
I have a Canon 50/1.4 and it works great in low light.Its sharp and USM helps a lot.:)

I have also heard some good reviews about Sigma 1.4 but have not used it myself.
 
Depends what you want to take... If you're after room shots going down to f/1.4 is going to give you limited DOF.

You might be better with a wide angle such as the Sigma 10-20 -- you'll have enough field of view to take in most of the room and the wide angle will give some compensation for the slower aperture. ...you'll still need to boost the ISO up to ~800.
 
by the sounds of it, i would have thought that your best bet would be the 16-35mm f2.8. but its pricey. would you be wanting room interior shots, or more "detail" shots?
As a cheaper option, i got my 5d today, and my sigma 10-20mm f3.5 works with that, and though i haven't looked at any test shots i've taken on the laptop yet, it seems that i might be able to get useable results from 14mm which would be plenty for interior photography.
My 50mm f1.4 is great in low light situations, but i am not sure how useful the focal length would be for shooting interiors. Its a great sharp lens though.
 
I,m looking at 'detail'shots not room shots.I sold my siggy 10/20. I had the 4-5.6 and thought I would replace it with a 17/40 f4 if needed.
Really what I want is a close focussing hand holdable lens to get me good detail.
I am going to play in a Trust property with my G12 and see where I go from there.
 
First you'll need to decide what focal length you want then how much money you want to spend.

Looking at what Canon offer

No limit on price, then the fastest are the 50mm and 85mm f1.2 Ls , widest is the 14mm f2.8

If price is an issue, then your looking at 20mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 or if you want longer 85mm f1.8, 100mm f.2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top