Which lens for this shoot

[biglouis]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

OK, typical requirement, "Louis, you have a camera can you please take some pictures for us at an event on Monday".

 

I really do not feel like carting my camera and all 6 lenses into school on the off chance that I might need any one . After talking at length to the person who has asked me to do this, what is required is a group shot of a visiting dignitary and some teachers, taken in available light. We have a central area of the school which is glass roofed and I've taken some very successful portraits using the lux35 in this setting.

 

My current lenses are cv12/5.6, 24/2.8, 28/2.8, 35/1.4, cv50/1.5, 90/2

 

I'm leaning towards taking only the 24/2.8 and the 35/1.4 reasoning that the CV12 is not suitable, the 28/2.8 is too close to either the 24 or the 35 and that the 50 and 90 are too narrow.

 

Anyone have any opinions based on similar group shot experiences?

 

LouisB

[Sandokan]

If you are talking film M: 24 and 50.

 

For M8: 12 and 35

 

Then again, only you know how far away you will be and how many people you will have to get into the shot. These are what I would take.

 

Then again, the total weight of these is about the same as an R9 DMR.

 

Where you lose credibility is stopping to change lenses so take multiple bodies

 

Ciao

 

Ravi

[rick_dykstra]

Hi Louis. I've been in situations like this. The key is to enjoy it, so that you stay interested and get good shots. You'll not be happy if you don't. So, keep it simple. I agree that that the 28 and 35 will be useful, but I'd also take the 50 and 90. The 50 for vertical portraits of the dignitary with key members of the group. The 90 for stand-off candids. Using an M with available light will make for pleasant, reliable shots. Think carefully about film speed, if you don't have an M8 that is.

[earleygallery]

Louis,

 

I would veer towards the wider lenses. The 35 on your M8 is like a 50 on FF so probably too narrow. With a wider lens you can always get nearer or crop. Assuming the group is going to be 8 or more people I'd go with the 12 and 24. Take the 35 too on the off chance of wanting closer portraits.

[stuny]

Big -

 

The real answer involves the number in the group and the size of the space. If the space and size allow I'd go for the 35 on the M8 so that there is less distortion for the people at the edges.

[Guest noah_addis]

Stuart is right, it depends on the size of the space and number in the group. But I don't see how you can go wrong with 24/35 and either the 50 or 90 if you need individual portraits.

 

Changing lenses does nothing to affect your credibility, so long as you keep the subjects entertained during the change, and I advise not to entertain them by dropping a lens or putting a finger through your shutter!

[biglouis]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks for all the responses. I think I am going to go with the 24 and 35. Firstly, the 24 is pin sharp and can stand cropping quite significantly if I need to. Secondly, the 35 has produced outstanding results in the diffused light conditions in the area I am photographing.

 

As the 12 is so light, I think I'll slip that in as well.

 

Thanks to everyone for sparing the time to give me their thoughts.

 

LouisB

[earleygallery]

I think you're making the right choice Louis. Always worth having a back up position just in case - I think you should try some shots with the 12 in any case, it makes for a different look. Post the results!

[abrewer]

Agree with James about your choice of kit

 

Couple tips:

 

Dress as the people you're shooting: if they're in black tie, wear black tie etc. Preserves the stealthiness of what you're doing in candid shots.

 

When you've got the 'group' aligned in pose for the big moment announce that you are going to take a few 'test shots'. Now you and I both know you're taking 'the shot' with those few snaps, but they don't and the expressions/body language won't be forced.

[lct]

With 24x36: 28, 50 & 90.