Canon 400D (Rebel Xti, Kiss X)

[lovetheprincesses]

Okay, thank you SO much, so you think with that nifty fifty I will be able to get something scrapbook worthy, possibly? I am not asking for a guarantee, but you think that w/o spending a fortune for a lens JUST for this purpose, that would probably be my best bet? Especially since I was planning on purchasing this one anyway? TIA!

 

[Master Mason]

that is what I would try. If it happens that this is a very well lit concert, you might be able to get something decent with the kit. But I certainly don't guarentee it. I would also make doubly sure they will let you bring your dSLR into the venue so your not stuck leaving it in your car

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Okay, I will be sure and double check before attending. Thank you SO much for your helpfulness! I really appreciate it!

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Can I have one more question please? Do I need a lens hood? If so, which would be best for the 50mm?

 

[Snurk71]

We're in row 34 on the floor in Moline, IL.

I'm planning on taking the nifty 50 and the niftier 85mm 1.8 for a little more reach (just bought the 85mm a month ago).

I would get the 50mm for under $100 to try.

Oh, and take the pictures in RAW in case you might be able to save some things better from the RAW than a JPG.

 

[Anewman]

Of the options listed by the OP, I agree that the FITY is the best choice. I would hate to buy the 28-135 and then be turned away by security(it does happen). The FITY looks less pro and IMO is less likely to be turned away. And it should give you much better exposures too.

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Thank you so much everyone!

 

[cpbjgc]

And a quick pic of a local fountain and some fall colors in the trees.

 

[mikamah]

Great pictures everyone. I can't believe it is fall, and can't wait to get some pics of foliage. Here's a couple from last weekend.

 

[Lizziejane]

some shots from the last week or so...

first time catching a bird in mid-flight

f/8, 1/1000, ISO200, auto wb, 135mm

These little guys were literally eating out of our hands

f/5.6, 1/320, ISO200, auto wb, 135mm

Fall is here!

f/22, 1/80, ISO200, auto wb, 56 mm

Wish I'd remembered to switch to f/22!

f/8, 1/500, ISO200, auto wb, 53 mm

First attempt at night time shots

f/9, 13 seconds, ISO100, auto wb, 28 mm

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Okay, so you think, as far as the picture quality, that eve if i could get the 28-135 in, the 50mm would still be better? Which is the cheapest telephoto that would serve this purpose? TIA!

 

[Master Mason]

probably one of the Sigmas that has 2.8 though out the range. I have heard good things about both the 24-70 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/2.8 from sigma. I have neither, but do have the canon versions of both. The sigmas are significantly cheaper than the canons. However these are large lenes, larger than the 28-135, so you have to be willing to accept that as well.

 

[lovetheprincesses]

So you are saying the 28-135 would help, but the sigmas would help more? I am thinking of possibly renting one to experiment. TIA!

 

[Master Mason]

yes I think so, the sigmas I suggested would allow you to get apetures of F2.8, which will help you to get faster shutter speeds.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

The hard thing about shooting at a concert is that it is usually dark, your subject is moving, and you are far away. The dark part means that you need either a fast lens, a stabilized lens, or a tripod. You probably can't bring a tripod and it wouldn't help much with a moving subject anyway. Stabilization won't help much either. You need a fast lens. The lower the minimum f-stop number the better.

The fact that you are probably far away also plays into your decision. A 50mm lens on a Rebel takes a shot that is 90 feet wide at 200 feet away. Even at 100 feet away, it's still 45 feet wide. That'll be great for getting shots showing the whole stage, but not for recognizing Ms. Montana. You might try estimating your seat-to-stage distance and take shots with your kit lens at 50mm of people standinb about that far away. That'll let you see what you are in for.

If you aren't close to the stage, a 400mm f/2.8 lens would probably be ideal, but it's absurdly expensive and rediculously large. A 70-200m f/2.8 would be a good compromise lens, but it's still too expensive for a casual shooter and might not be allowed into the venue. If you can clear it with the venue and can find one for rent, that'd be my choice. At 100 feet, you would have a picture that covers an 11 foot wide area. That's not too bad. I would be very cautious about relying on anything slower than f/2.8.

If you are up closer, you could go with something shorter and faster. Someting like the 135mm f/2 or 100mm f/1.8 might be a good option. They look less like pro-gear and will work better in low light. If you were 100 feet away, the 100mm lens would get you a shot covering a 22 foot wider area. Not great. At 50 feet away, it would be 11 foot wide. Keep in mind that you have some ability to crop the pictures as well.

Check your local area to find out what lenses are available for rental. Fast lenses aren't cheap. If you don't have many needs for one, renting one a good option.

 

[lovetheprincesses]

That was an excellent explanation. Thank you SO much. Thank all of you for taking the time to explain this. I have Understanding Exposure, but I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND EXPOSURE! I'm trying to learn! Thanks so much.

 

[vickxo]

as a beginner it seemed like a good camera. any thoughts? and I would love to see your pictures taken with this camera. thanks

 

[MarkBarbieri]

You might want to look at this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1507622&referrerid=&highlight=xti%22

 

[vickxo]

thanks for the link thats exactly what i was looking for.

 

[nokidz]

f/8 1/125 sec iso400 38mm