1D Mark IV - Lens for indoor animal arena photography, LOW LIGHT

[Tr1sta]

I have only used this camera for outdoor sports photography. Now I need to shift gears and get ready to photograph low light, indoor arena settings and need lens suggestions please. Thank you for help!

 

[Derrel]

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8...small,lightweight, FAST focusing, super image quality!!! I love this little prime lens. Handy length for arenas too...not "too long", and not "too short". Really, one of the best prime lenses made for dollar spent.

 

[Tr1sta]

Thank you for the quick answer! I'm obviously new to the website but have read many of your posts already and sincerely appreciate your advice on the lens.

 

[gsgary]

How close can you get ? what lenses do you use outside ? i use a 300mmF2.8L for dogs and horses

 

[rexbobcat]

85mm. It's the fastest lens you can get while still having some telephoto reach, especially with the 1D 1.3 crop factor.

 

[Tr1sta]

Actually shooting pigs and steers at stock show. I can get as close as I need - in the arena - or up in the bleachers. They have been very kind to give full access, but I can honestly say I don't think I want to be IN the arena with a bunch of swarming pigs. Maybe just on the outside of the arena fence. I wonder if I should also invest in a good wide angle lens as well.

 

[gsgary]

24-70F2.8L

 

[Tr1sta]

I'm sorry - I didn't answer your question about what lens I use outside...I use the 70-200mm F2.8L IS II...mostly for soccer. Thanks for the lens suggestions.

 

[table1349]

Used 200mm f1.8L if you can find one or 200mm f2.0L if you need more reach.

 

[Village Idiot]

Does the 70-200 provide enough reach indoors as well? I know a lot of basketball shooters like to use the 85 f/1.8, at least when starting out, but if the indoor areana is large, the 85 might not provide enough reach.

 

[Tr1sta]

I ordered the 85 f/1.8 yesterday and am looking for the 200 f/1.8. The 70-200 f/2.8 that I use outdoors works well indoors as long as there is plenty of light - the arena setting is low light and flash is frowned on around the animals especially in the show arena.

Not only are the photos for memories but they are also being used for some of the local papers. I have made it very clear to all involved that I am at a beginner's level, but at the same time I do not want to embarass myself or let others down by not turning out some decent photos for print. I should not have let myself get roped into this but...

I sincerely appreciate any and all suggestions.

 

[analog.universe]

The 85 1.8 is a great lens, especially for what it costs.

You might also want to look at the 135 f/2L if the 85 isn't getting you enough reach. It's still in the "obtainable by mortals" price range. The 200 f/2L was practically designed for indoor sports, but its orders of magnitude more expensive than the 85 and 135. The 200 1.8 has been discontinued, but might eBay-able. I can't image that it's gotten to be affordable however.

 

[Tr1sta]

If only I reasearched a bit more, I would have found all of the answers you kindly gave to me and saved you the double work. See Thread: Need help in low light indoor arena photography from 2008 and updated in 2009. Derrell and Gryphonslair, you gave the same advice back in 2009 as you gave me this week! Thanks again to all!

 

[sovietdoc]

I ordered the 85 f/1.8 yesterday and am looking for the 200 f/1.8. The 70-200 f/2.8 that I use outdoors works well indoors as long as there is plenty of light - the arena setting is low light and flash is frowned on around the animals especially in the show arena.

Not only are the photos for memories but they are also being used for some of the local papers. I have made it very clear to all involved that I am at a beginner's level, but at the same time I do not want to embarass myself or let others down by not turning out some decent photos for print. I should not have let myself get roped into this but...

I sincerely appreciate any and all suggestions.

Time to upgrade to 1D X