Looking for a dark ride lens

[1Grumpy9]

Thanks everyone for the information. I have until December to purchase a lens, so I will keep looking. We are also going to a Sony Outlet in a couple of weeks, so I am going to see what they have (if anything...LOL).

The one thing I miss with this camera is having a vertical grip. They don't make one for the A57

 

[traylorc]

I hope not to step on anyone's toes, but I spent well over $1,000 to get dark ride images. Because it became an obsession, I analyzed all the options and here are my observations: The first requirement is a camera that is capable of usable high ISO (6400-12800).

I was just about to make the same comment...obviously the lens is important, but having a camera with good low light (high ISO) performance is critical.

Yes I realize there are a number of good programs out there for dealing with noise...but personally I would rather have a good low light camera with minimal dependence on a noise reduction program than be totally dependent on a noise reduction program to secure a "usable" shot.

 

[mom2rtk]

I was just about to make the same comment...obviously the lens is important, but having a camera with good low light (high ISO) performance is critical.

Yes I realize there are a number of good programs out there for dealing with noise...but personally I would rather have a good low light camera with minimal dependence on a noise reduction program than be totally dependent on a noise reduction program to secure a "usable" shot.

I agree. I have thought about upgrading my T2i exclusively because I consider the highest usable ISO to be 3200. 6400 would be a huge life improvement for me. But I don't think any of the Canon offerings out there right now offer me enough to justify the cost of upgrade. Sure, the full frames would work, but that's not in the cards. I have my fingers crossed that this next "crop" will move the ball forward and tempt me with something.

It was worth it when I jumped from Xsi to T2i because it brought 3200 to the table. It was a big leap. Now I'm ready for the next one.

 

[nvtsallo]

At $799 for a first-of-its-kind technical innovation, I consider the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 to be a steal. I suspect it will be a tough lens to find when it does come out given that relatively low price.

Agreed.

 

[bob100]

I agree. I have thought about upgrading my T2i exclusively because I consider the highest usable ISO to be 3200. 6400 would be a huge life improvement for me. But I don't think any of the Canon offerings out there right now offer me enough to justify the cost of upgrade. Sure, the full frames would work, but that's not in the cards. I have my fingers crossed that this next "crop" will move the ball forward and tempt me with something.

It was worth it when I jumped from Xsi to T2i because it brought 3200 to the table. It was a big leap. Now I'm ready for the next one.

actually the XSi could go above ISO 1600 - just increase the exposure slider in DPP, photoshop, etc. it's called "pushing in post"

I use ISO 6400 and it looks pretty good to me, (with a little help from Imagenomic NR)

e.g. this photo is with the Canon 60D and Sigma 30mm 1.4 at ISO 6400

 

[mom2rtk]

actually the XSi could go above ISO 1600 - just increase the exposure slider in DPP, photoshop, etc. it's called "pushing in post"

I use ISO 6400 and it looks pretty good to me, (with a little help from Imagenomic NR)

e.g. this photo is with the Canon 60D and Sigma 30mm 1.4 at ISO 6400

That's pretty impressive. But I'd really rather start with native 3200, then push that even further in post. And better yet, I'd like to start at 6400 in post and push that. But as I said, I have not been happy with 6400 on my T2i.

 

[bob100]

That's pretty impressive. But I'd really rather start with native 3200, then push that even further in post.

that was at ISO 3200 "native" pushed in post.

I routinely shoot at ISO 6400 with inside shots.

Maybe I'm lucky. or maybe it's using Neat Image noise reduction. .....
or maybe it's using the correct exposure!

here's another photo at ISO 6400 (with 100-400)