Which lens should I use?

[Lizziejane]

This coming weekend, I'm attending a show - the Lipizzaner Stallions. It's being held in a large indoor arena. Typically dark, all the lights off, with spotlights on the horses. We have 4th row seating, so pretty close to the action.

I have available: 28-135mm IS f3.5/5.6; 50mm f1.8; or the 70-300mm IS f3.5/5.6. I don't know for sure, but would imagine, that flash photography is not allowed. I have a monopod that I don't think anyone would object to.

Obviously, the 50mm is the best option wide open in terms of working with the light, but just not sure if the subjects will be too far away.

I'd love to know what you'd do!

 

[jann1033]

i don't think the 28-135 will work here at all since it's 5.6 past 70 or( been a while since i tried to check exactly where it needs to be 5.6 but i know it stinks in low light. i had to use my 50 inside a pretty well lit tourist attraction , casa loma). i think i would see how wide an aperture i could get the 70-300 around 100 or so before the occasion but i am kind of thinking you might be right about needing to use the 50
i've heard that is a great show though

 

[matthew_hull]

I have available: 28-135mm IS f3.5/5.6; 50mm f1.8; or the 70-300mm IS f3.5/5.6. I don't know for sure, but would imagine, that flash photography is not allowed. I have a monopod that I don't think anyone would object to.

Don't "assume" -- find out. The arena may not allow photography at all, or they may object to the monopod, or they may object to the 300mm lens (it being labeled "professional equipment"). Call and find out.

As for my recommendation, I would suggest the 28-135mm zoom. Remember that the subject is going to have a strong spotlight on them, and you are not all that far away, so I dont think the aperture would be prohibitive. Bump up the ISO setting, too, to ensure good shutter speeds; better a bit of noise than a blurry mess.

-- Matthew