Indoor, No Flash Photography question

[scottjen]

I am using a Fuji Finepix S2 pro, which I am happy with. Right now, my arsenal of lenses consists of a Quantaray 28-200mmD F/3.5, Quantaray 100-300mmD F/4.5, Nikkor AF Micro 105mm F/2.8, and Nikkor AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8G. We are travelling to Italy next month, and I plan to be taking a lot of indoor, no flash pictures. I am wondering if the lenses I have are of adequate aperture or do I really need to spring for a big gun like the Nikkor 135mm F/2.0D AF DC? The first three lenses I purchased with the camera from a retiring wedding photographer, so I am still learning all their capabilities. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

The 70-200 F2.8 VR is a great lens and should let you shoot indoors fairly well.
I might recommend a fast prime though. Maybe something like a 50mm F1.4

Of course, your camera's capability to shoot at higher ISO will play a factor. It's a bit of an older camera, so I'm not sure how good/bad it is...but the key to getting usable shots at high ISO is to nail the exposure.

 

[table1349]

There is no piece of glass that can not be made faster with a good tripod and longer shutter speeds. Keep in mind that is a great idea for shooting the interior of an old church, but a lousy idea for moving subjects. Just food for thought, depending on what you plan on shooting.

 

[JIP]

I agree that the 105 and the 70-200 are perfect lenses for what you are trying to do. One thing you might want to consider though is leaving everything home except for the 70-200 and buying yourself a 17-55 2.8.

 

[scottjen]

Mike,
Thanks for the input! The 70-200 is truely an amazing lens, but a bit cumbersome in crowds. I've been doing some reading since your reply and am now scouring the web for a reasonably priced 50mm F/1.4. Have you used a 2x or 3x teleconverter with this lens? I'm just concerned about photographing art work from a distance (no flash - of course!). I understand the loss of aperture with a teleconverter, and I hope that starting at an F/1.4 will still allow for good indoor photos. Thanks again!

 

[Big Mike]

I've never heard of anyone using TC with a 50mm lens.

Maybe consider the 85mm F1.8 (great lens at a great price), the 100mm F2.0 or the 135mm F2.8 (or 135mm F2.0 L $$$)

 

[reg]

There are always older film lenses on ebay. Lots of 135mm 2.8s by reputable manufacturers for ~50USD. Then you need an adapter. Not suitable for all situations since you have to MF, but an idea.

 

[scottjen]

Mike,

The TC probably isn't necessary. It's just my inexperienced stream of consciousness rearing up! Also, I've not used the 50mm before - I'm looking foward to getting one and playing a little before we travel in July!

 

[scottjen]

JIP,

Looked up the 17-55mm F/2.8! It sounds like a great lens, very multi-purpose. Kinda steep for my budget, though! Also, I wonder if it's too sophistocated for my ol' S2 pro (Nikon F mount).