Looking for a new lens for 60D

SkorriSkorri Registered Users Posts: 110 Major grins
edited September 12, 2011 in Accessories
I am looking for a lens for my 60D. I shoot for a band that many times play indoors where the lighting is not the best. They are a Celtic tribal band with lots of drums. So getting quality photos are always a challenge. I have looked at the 70-200 2.8 II but the cost is out of my budget at this time. I am open for suggestions, thanks in advance :thumb

Keith
http://www.whitewater.photos/

Comments

  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited September 9, 2011
    In order of preference:

    135L (if there's space for the length) - breathtaking quality, and superb performer in low light.
    100 2.0 (sister lens of the 85)
    85 1.8 OR Sigma 85 1.4
    50 1.4 (if you need a shorter FL)

    Not as convenient, but IME fast primes are the way to go in concert/theatre lighting.

    Matt Saville is a big fan of the Sigma 50-150 on his Nikon, but it's now discontinued and the Canon one was impossible to find anyway (I looked for MONTHS and finally gave up).
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  • ThatCanonGuyThatCanonGuy Registered Users Posts: 1,778 Major grins
    edited September 9, 2011
    I'd go with the 135 f2 - it's just excellent, one of the sharpest lenses you can buy. I plan on getting it soon, and I don't even shoot in low light :)

    I'd also get a Canon 85 1.8. It's inexpensive, but very high quality. It's good for when the subject is too close for the 135. I tried it out once, and it has excellent focusing, image quality, and build quality.
  • SkorriSkorri Registered Users Posts: 110 Major grins
    edited September 11, 2011
    The 135 f2 looks great and within my current budget, thanks for the advice.
    http://www.whitewater.photos/
  • danieloowensdanieloowens Registered Users Posts: 23 Big grins
    edited September 11, 2011
    I'm curious... Are you using flash?
    Daniel O Owens
    "The Motocross Photographer"
    I photograph ATV Motocross, ATV & Dirtbike GNCC Racing, Amsoil ARENACROSS & private sessions for riders, teams and manufactures.
    My two main clients are NumberOneATV and Dirt Rider Magazine.
  • SkorriSkorri Registered Users Posts: 110 Major grins
    edited September 12, 2011
    I do use flash at times but try not to when the lighting allows.
    http://www.whitewater.photos/
  • danieloowensdanieloowens Registered Users Posts: 23 Big grins
    edited September 12, 2011
    I use a 60d and have been very pleased. But I've noticed a lot of limitations in dark situations. I love a sharp image and the highest ISO that I'll shoot is 1000.
    My preferred method for shooting in situations as yours is a off camera flash positioned by an assistant. (on a mono pod triggered by radio triggers) I use a canon 430exii speedlite and will set it to "manual" at 1/4 power with the dome diffuser. I play with the ISO but use the 18-135mm f5.6 set to f5.6 with a shutter around 40, this allows me to get all the mood or concert lights along with freezing the subject with the flash. The trick is learning how to communicate with the assistant and how to have him or her position the light.
    I've learned this technique because I couldn't afford any new lenses. ;-)
    Daniel O Owens
    "The Motocross Photographer"
    I photograph ATV Motocross, ATV & Dirtbike GNCC Racing, Amsoil ARENACROSS & private sessions for riders, teams and manufactures.
    My two main clients are NumberOneATV and Dirt Rider Magazine.
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