Performace @ Esplanade on 020605 - Need advice

[contacted]

Hi Guys/Gals,

Need advice on the following shots, basically its a performance at the outdoor area of Esplanade. I know the pics are nothing of standard at all, just need some advice.

Lighting was very dim, I was there with my tripod, so in order to get bright pics, I lowered down the shutter speed(1" ~ 3") and upped the ISO. So I got bright pics, but the performers were moving so I got motion blur. So if I increased the shutter speed, I stop the motion but darkened everything.

How do I get sharp, bright and 'motionless' pictures?

Possible solutions I thought of:
1. External flash, but I guess it'll be disturbing for the performers.
2. VR-Lens, does it help alot?

Thanks in advance.

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[rhair78]

Maybe up the iso to at least 800?
and use fast lens. F2.8-3.3.

hehehehe.. 85mm f1.4

[user111]

no choice..use flash

[contacted]

Originally Posted by rhair78 Maybe up the iso to at least 800? and use fast lens. F2.8-3.3. hehehehe.. 85mm f1.4

ISO was at 1600... would 50mm f/1.8 be better?

85mm f1.4 is 2035 SGD on Nikon's website... x 1000

[flash77]

contacted, for such low lighting performance shot, F2.8 lens is your best friend.
70-200mm F2.8 VR is good as you can shoot freely without the use of tripod, but expensive.
An example of a shot taken using the 70-200 VR

Use a 50mm F1.4 or F1.8 if you are really seated near the performers. You will definitely love the sharpness of the prime.

External flash, definitely out of question, distracting and some organisers might even ask you not to shoot further.

[contacted]

Originally Posted by flash77 contacted, for such low lighting performance shot, F2.8 lens is your best friend. 70-200mm F2.8 VR is good as you can shoot freely without the use of tripod, but expensive. An example of a shot taken using the 70-200 VR Use a 50mm F1.4 or F1.8 if you are really seated near the performers. You will definitely love the sharpness of the prime. External flash, definitely out of question, distracting and some organisers might even ask you not to shoot further.

thanks for the sample pic!!... that pic was without flash? so cool if its without...

should i sell my kit lens(18-70) and invest in a 24-120 VR?

Originally Posted by user111 no choice..use flash

what if i flash them, then they forget their lyrics or something like that... then i'm dead

[zaxh81]

the 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G for your info,it's comparable to the kit lens.

[contacted]

Originally Posted by zaxh81 the 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G for your info,it's comparable to the kit lens.

ooo... but with the VR element involved, will it mean 'brighter' pics compared to the kit lens?

[flash77]

Originally Posted by contacted ooo... but with the VR element involved, will it mean 'brighter' pics compared to the kit lens?

VR only prevent handshake, your aperture still limit to F3.5-5.6, shooting under low-light condition, should yield same effect as the kit lens.

And don't think it's a good idea to sell off the kit lens for the 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G. Gain little from it, you lose the wide angle, and gain the extra 50mm zoom, but still stuck with the same aperture range the lens has to offer.

[flash77]

Originally Posted by contacted thanks for the sample pic!!... that pic was without flash? so cool if its without...

It's without flash (flash strictly not allowed in that concert, or should I say most concerts). Was one of the 'virgin' pic off the 70-200VR.

[jonchia]

Keep the kit. The 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G does NOT give you the same quality pics as the 70-200mm F2.8 VR. Remember, one is a f2.8 and the other is f/3.5-5.6. It makes A LOT of difference here under difficult lightings.


Save up and BUY BUY BUY!!!!

[contacted]

Originally Posted by flash77 VR only prevent handshake, your aperture still limit to F3.5-5.6, shooting under low-light condition, should yield same effect as the kit lens. And don't think it's a good idea to sell off the kit lens for the 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G. Gain little from it, you lose the wide angle, and gain the extra 50mm zoom, but still stuck with the same aperture range the lens has to offer.

cool... valuable info to me... thanks!!

Originally Posted by jonchia Keep the kit. The 24-120mm VR is f/3.5-5.6G does NOT give you the same quality pics as the 70-200mm F2.8 VR. Remember, one is a f2.8 and the other is f/3.5-5.6. It makes A LOT of difference here under difficult lightings. Save up and BUY BUY BUY!!!!

mmm... understooded... thanks man, appreciate it...

[contacted]

Quick question... is there any cheaper 3rd pary alternatives to 70-200mm F2.8 VR?

[flash77]

Maybe Sigma 70-200 HSM F2.8?

Good for concerts that have challenging lightings since it is F2.8.

[snowspeeder]

Maybe if you're on a tight budget, get the 85 mm f1.8. It offeres good optical quality images even in low lighting situations.