Which lens & settings

[CherylL1]

I've been reading the forum for awhile now, lots of info. If this is posted in the wrong section I apologize.

I just got the T4i w/18-135 STM & the 40mm pancake. My previous experience with the D40 was in Auto mode. So a beginner here.

I have read that the 40mm is a good walking around lens. I have an event that is in the Uni gym with bright lights and tables set up. My plan is to walk around and get photos of 1 to 5 people. In Av mode, I understand that f/2.8 will give a nice blur background. What would be a good f stop for a group of 5 or more? I plan on shooting in Auto mode and Av mode.

I saw a blog where someone used the 40mm set at f/5.6 on a 5D in auto mode and the shots were all in focus. Since the T4i is cropped would the f/5.6 still work?

Thanks!

 

[Robin Usagani]

if the group is all standing in 1 line, you can shoot it wide open. T4i has a nice preview screen. Zoom in and judge.

 

[o hey tyler]

I've been reading the forum for awhile now, lots of info. If this is posted in the wrong section I apologize.

I just got the T4i w/18-135 STM & the 40mm pancake. My previous experience with the D40 was in Auto mode. So a beginner here.

I have read that the 40mm is a good walking around lens. I have an event that is in the Uni gym with bright lights and tables set up. My plan is to walk around and get photos of 1 to 5 people. In Av mode, I understand that f/2.8 will give a nice blur background. What would be a good f stop for a group of 5 or more? I plan on shooting in Auto mode and Av mode.

I saw a blog where someone used the 40mm set at f/5.6 on a 5D in auto mode and the shots were all in focus. Since the T4i is cropped would the f/5.6 still work?

Thanks!

40mm at f/2.8 is not all that wonderful. Frankly, it's kind of a slow aperture for that focal length. I would have expected to see an f/2 or f/1.8 lens from Canon. It is a small and inconspicuous lens though, and that's nice.

You're not going to get any properly exposed shots indoors at f/5.6, I wouldn't suggest that. I would guess that you don't have an external flash, like a 430EX? That would be your only chance to shoot at f/5.6. Do you have any other glass? Are you getting paid for this event?

 

[Derrel]

f/5.6 is a good f/stop to ensure "decent" DOF when photographing groups of two to five people, half-body, horizontal. The issue indoors though is that f/5.6 often slows the shutter down, forcing one to use flash, OR a slow shutter speed... I would NOT shoot a group shot at f/2.8 if you are a beginner; the DOF is quite minimal, and the chances for error are pretty high at f/2.8 inside of 20 feet. Rather than worry about the f/stop in use, I think I would concentrate on getting good LIGHT. How do you plan to shoot this gig? "Bright lights" in a gym might mean ISO 800 at f/4 at 1/30 second....what the human eye perceives as being "bright light" indoors often is not that bright to a camera!

 

[CherylL1]

Not getting paid, I am a volunteer with the non-profit group. I do not have an external flash yet. Waiting to sell my Nikon gear. I have a speed light with the Nikon and do notice the difference using the onboard flash on the Canon. I did take photos last week with the 18-135 lens at an event in Auto, but was hoping the 40mm would be good since it is light and non-obtrusive. I've read here that there is a sweet spot on every lens. What is the best range aperture for the 40mm?

Thanks for both replies.

 

[KmH]

How blurred a background is also determined by focus point distance and how far behind the focus point the background is.

See - Understanding Depth of Field in Photography

 

[CherylL1]

Thanks KimH for the link, very helpful.

Derrel, good point on the light and shutter speed. I did take an online Exposure course and understand what you are referring to. Putting it all in practice is another thing.

Thanks again for all of the replies.

 

[Hobbytog]

The 40mm would be OK for groups but I wouldn't use it for that on f2.8, I'd shut down to f5.6. Once you done some shots you'll be able to judge what is good for you.

 

[o hey tyler]

The 40mm would be OK for groups but I wouldn't use it for that on f2.8, I'd shut down to f5.6. Once you done some shots you'll be able to judge what is good for you.

Where do you suggest she get that additional two stops of light indoors?