Fashion Show tomorrow - what lens to use?

[JDP]

Ok, so I have a fashion show to shoot tomorrow - nothing 'real', but it's at a nearby University. Sweet, I think to myself, lemme call and rent that trusty Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8, perfect lens for the job but... damn, it's rented out for the weekend.

So, I'm going to assume all the rest of their zooms are rented out as well (Well, at least the 2.8 ones) so I'm curious as to which lens I should use. My most viable lens I own would be the f/1.8 50mm prime, as well as a couple of kit lenses - the 18-55 3.5/4.5 and the .... can't remember since I never use it.. some crap Nikkor xx - 300mm lens.

Anyway, odds are I'll be able to rent one of the primes they have available, they have most flavors from 10.5mm to 400mm primes, all 2.8.

So what woul dbe a good 'general purpose' lens to throw on my camera for the event - the lighting should be fairly good there, and I can use flash (Though I really try not to). Just need a little direction on this - thanks!

 

[EOS_JD]

85mm f1.8 or if you are closer, the 50mm f1.4 (1.8 would be ok too) Depends on how far you are from the stage.

 

[JDP]

I should be able to get right up to the stage if need be, so my 50mm prime should be fine for it? Good, save me a few dollars in rental fees and the hassle of running to pick it up and drop it back off, though I might grab the 85 you suggested, just in case. Thank you!

 

[EOS_JD]

If you are very close you may find the 50mm lens too long!! A Sigma 30mm f1.4 would also be a good choice. If you are using a FF camera, the 50 and 85 would be good. If using a crop sensor camera, maybe 30mm & 50mm, with the 85 for close ups.

Changing lenses quickly can be a pain so maybe rent a second body too

 

[benjikan]

Ok, so I have a fashion show to shoot tomorrow - nothing 'real', but it's at a nearby University. Sweet, I think to myself, lemme call and rent that trusty Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8, perfect lens for the job but... damn, it's rented out for the weekend.

So, I'm going to assume all the rest of their zooms are rented out as well (Well, at least the 2.8 ones) so I'm curious as to which lens I should use. My most viable lens I own would be the f/1.8 50mm prime, as well as a couple of kit lenses - the 18-55 3.5/4.5 and the .... can't remember since I never use it.. some crap Nikkor xx - 300mm lens.

Anyway, odds are I'll be able to rent one of the primes they have available, they have most flavors from 10.5mm to 400mm primes, all 2.8.

So what woul dbe a good 'general purpose' lens to throw on my camera for the event - the lighting should be fairly good there, and I can use flash (Though I really try not to). Just need a little direction on this - thanks!

If you can get your hands on a 18-70 that would cover all bases for you, as you may want to shoot "American Plan" Waist up, full silhouettes and some details. You haven't time to change the lens to do so. The zoom is a necessity for this. I have never shot shows, but I have been invited to attend several here in Paris and all the "Show Photographers" are generally shooting with 2 bodies, one with a 24-70 and the other with a 70-200, depending on the size of the podium.

Ben

 

[derekneuts]

I've never done any of the fashion or runway work yet myself, but it does sound interesting to try. By reading your posts, I will assume that since we are talking about f1.4 - f2.8 we're being overly prepared and cautious about the ambient lighting levels, just in case? How close do they usually allow photographers to the runway / stage? And I assume flash is frowned upon? Any feedback about this to augment the conversation on lenses and lighting on this subject would be great. Thanks!

 

[JDP]

Yeah I'm being overly cautios I suppose. My girlfriend is the MC, so I get to go in a couple hours early to setup and look around and such. It's not a 'high fashion' type of fashion show, it's a University thing, thinks it's called Fashion without Clothes, something like that - they are using recycled things and what not/ I think I'll be allowed pretty close, and I can use flash, I just don't want to hehe

 

[EOS_JD]

I didn't mention zooms because you were looking at primes but I agree a fast zoom would give far more flexibility.

 

[JDP]

I didn't mention zooms because you were looking at primes but I agree a fast zoom would give far more flexibility.

Yeah, exactly - I tend to rely on a fast zoom when I don't know what I'm up against. Sadly, the place I rent lenses such as those from has them booked this weekend. That's one of the reasons I'm picking up a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 - not to mention it's 1/3rd the price of the Nikkor, creates images just as pin sharp and gorgeous, and I don't have a third thing. It's not as rugged as the Nikkor, but even if I flat out smashed it on the ground I could buy another and still have money left over.

Sigh. I keep waiting for a check to show up in the mail, some stock I was given via ESOP at an old employer. Then the fun begins, that lens, new D200 with the kit 18-200, a vertical grip and a pair of 4gb CF cards. Then I'll be a helluva lot happier!

 

[Sw1tchFX]

If you can get your hands on a 18-70 that would cover all bases for you, as you may want to shoot "American Plan" Waist up, full silhouettes and some details. You haven't time to change the lens to do so. The zoom is a necessity for this. I have never shot shows, but I have been invited to attend several here in Paris and all the "Show Photographers" are generally shooting with 2 bodies, one with a 24-70 and the other with a 70-200, depending on the size of the podium.

Ben

That's pretty much what i was going to say. If you can get your hands on the Nikkor 18-70, 35-70 f/2.8 or 28-70 f/2.8 use those.

 

[JDP]

Yeah those are the lenses I wanted to use, didn't work out that way *sigh*

I used my prime, a 50mm f/1.8 - I got some nice shots, but not as many as I would have liked - I'll have to throw some up tomorrow. Out of 540 shots, I think 10 or so are good enough.

Think the D50 is starting to not like it's heavy usage, looking forward to my upgrade soon hehe.

 

[EOS_JD]

Why only 10? that is low.....

 

[fmw]

I think the right lens to take is the lens you have. Position yourself so that the lens will do the job for you.

 

[JDP]

Why only 10? I dunno, I suppose I have a lower opinion of my skills then other people - there's 10 I'm very happy with, though the little lady says I have more. I just wasn't in the mood to take a bunch of shots that day, so I didn't move around as much as I normally would *shrug*

 

[kdabbagh]

I am really interested to see some of your shots from that shoot.

I will be facing the same problem on March 13, I have a D40x and an 18-135 Nikkor lens and thats it! and a Tripod. I am so worried I won't be able to cover this fashion show. I feel I am screwed with the equipment I have, so I was also thinking of either renting a 50mm or a 18-70. If you show sme pics that would be awesome!