Suggest a lens to rent

uncreative

Camera: 20D
current lenses: 50mm 1.4 and 17-85IS
Flash:580EX
Event: Son's 1st birthday party, indoors. unsure of the lighting but assume it will be kinda sucky.

the kids won't be moving too fast since they're mostly toddlers, and i might get a chance to do some impromptu portraits.

ziggy53

Rent a lens and rent a flash. Make a flash modifier.

The lens I recommend is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM. The flash I recommend is the Canon Speedlite 580EX II.

Then construct a $3 DIY flash modifier following the instructions here:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

The lens I recommend is a constant aperture standard zoom that will allow activation of the center AF point of your camera, allowing additional AF accuracy.

The flash will help to provide a more appropriate light than the likely ambient/available light. The flash will also emit a focus assist light which will speed focus acquisition and accuracy.

The flash modifier diffuses the light and raises the light into a more desirable position. The combination creates a more pleasing image.

uncreative

thanks for the reply and the helpful diy link. i forgot to mention that i do have a 530ex as well. i've borrowed the 17-55 before, and i guess i want to try something more, i dunno, exotic.

chrisjohnson

uncreative wrote: »

thanks for the reply and the helpful diy link. i forgot to mention that i do have a 530ex as well. i've borrowed the 17-55 before, and i guess i want to try something more, i dunno, exotic.

I would rent that 135mm f.2 dreamy lens. Great for candid portraits.

I own an f2.8 17-55 which would be on my camera most of the time but you have the 50mm 1.4 which is pretty good for many shots. You have a great flash so no problems there.

mrcoons

I'd rent a 24mm f/1.4L or the spectacular 35mm f/1.4L. The 35mm f/1.4L lens I can speak on as I use mine on my 7D and just love it for indoors work. Since you have a flash you might rent something to get your flash off the camera. A Canon ST-E2 will work great in small rooms and allow you to work in ETTL mode. The better option is to use the new Pocketwizards (FlexTT5 and the MiniTT1) if you can find them to rent.

The 17-55mm f/2.8 is a great lens also, if you favor zoom lenses.

Brett1000

uncreative wrote: »

thanks for the reply and the helpful diy link. i forgot to mention that i do have a 530ex as well. i've borrowed the 17-55 before, and i guess i want to try something more, i dunno, exotic.

I would save your money and not rent anything. With your lens, 50 1.4 and 17-85 and a flash you will get excellent pics. Use the money you saved to buy a lens you will evenutally need, e.g. telephoto

borrowlenses.com

If it's indoors are you going to be shooting wide then primarily?

uncreative

yeah, there's a 35 1.4 from you on the way to me tomorrow!

borrowlenses.com wrote: »

If it's indoors are you going to be shooting wide then primarily?

borrowlenses.com

uncreative wrote: »

yeah, there's a 35 1.4 from you on the way to me tomorrow!

Awesome! Enjoy your rental!

uncreative

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