Events - favourite lenses and flash use

southernjessie

southernjessie

Suspended / Banned
Messages
607
Name
SJ
Edit My Images
Yes
There may be a chance I can get a tender for shooting events for my organisation and I just wanted to ask the opinion of those who have or are shooting events like opening ceremonies, galas, party nights and conferences.

I use a Sony A7RIII at the moment and have a few primes (Batis 18, 25, Sony 55, 85). Although I prefer using primes, I'm not going to be able to keep switching between lenses so would it be better to invest in a zoom? The best one (I'm assuming) is the GM 24-70 f2.8 but would the new Tamron 28-75 f2.8 or the Sony 24-105 f4 be possible alternatives? Or does it make more sense in the long run to buy the GM? Could I get away with just one prime? The Batis 25 f2 is a seriously good lens optically.

What do you folks use and what has worked (and not worked) for you?

Also, I would need to use on camera flash with TTL so have ordered the Godox Ving V860II for Sony. I've heard it's a big flash and doesn't balance well on a A7XXX body but the smaller 350TT might not be powerful enough for bouncing off ceilings/walls.

For anyone shooting events with Canon/Nikon/Sony etc what flash do you use is bigger better?

Thanks v much
 
Here’s my $0.02 Cdn for what it’s worth. As much as possible I try to avoid using flash at any of the events of the type you mention - parties being the exception. People are going to concerts/galas/dinners to enjoy themselves and, I’m sure, in their mind there’s nothing worse than someone going around and disrupting proceedings by taking flash shots. If I do have to use a flash I have a Nikon Sb-910. Lenses I use are a Nikon 80-200/2.8, a 24-120/f4 or a Tamron24-70/2.8. As you say there really isn’t time to be swapping lenses. I’ll have one lens on my D700 and one on my D750 if it’s a 2 camera event.
 
A7RIII + 24-105 F4 might be a really nice combo, i know someone who uses it for music events including the eurovision song contest.

He felt able to capture everything he needed to without being bogged down by two cameras or switching lenses.

I can't speak for low light performance though and how far the ISO will creep, but I believe the A7R3 should be good for it
 
Thanks for the replies so far, guys.

@Paul - I guess it would depend on the ambient light but yes, I can use the 25 and 55 which are fast lenses if I wanted to forego flash. I'm not used to on camera flash but I see photographers at events and wedding with big Canon/Nikon flashes and assumed it would be needed.

@Dan - The 24-105 is an option. It's expensive though =, as is the GM of course. The Tamron is a lot cheaper than both of these. The A7RIII is very good for high ISO - 6400 is fine, especially after you downsample to smaller sizes.

@toohuge - I guess mostly documentary where I'm trying to blend in with some more formal requests for people to pose. I'm not really a sniper - I prefer to get closer :)
 
I don’t know why everyone else is suggesting no flash, all the event photographers I’ve seen working rely on flash.

As a rule, those who don’t like using flash never really learned to use it.

The TT350 isn’t really powerful enough, get the bigger one, Learn to bounce it.
 
I’ve shot plenty of events in the past and must say that 24-70/105 is the range I would be looking at personally if you were sticking with one body. Primes are all well and good but versatility was key for me at least, one second I would be shooting candids, the next a large group shot that had gathered together. A lot of events I used every millimetre at the wide end because there’s always just one more person to squeeze in.

Whether you’re using flash or not may depend on the location and time of day etc. Some of the stuff I used to shoot though would have been impossible without flash, even at really high ISO. Then there was other events that were outdoors in summer where you’d never dream of using flash. The speedlite is just a tool that you need to learn to use, then use accordingly.
 
I shoot a lot for a client in restaurants in the evening/nights, they won't let me use flash at all. I have a couple of led lights I use for the food shots. They feel flash puts everyone 'on edge', but these events the people are paying guests so they don't want them feeling anything but relaxed.

I use an 18-50 lens on a 77D (crop sensor). Sometimes I find the 50 is not enough and need to be a bit closer. Looking at the data, most of my shots are 18-22 or 50, very little in-between.

Most are shot wide open (f2.8).

In an ideal world I would have a 17-70 f2.2 and it would be the only lens I would need!! Shame there isn't one available!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top