Canon f/2.8 low light lenses, where's the need?

13 years 2 months ago #36790 by Studio Queen
I shoot a lot of portraits and weddings and mainly use a Canon 50D for my jobs. Most of the time I'm using a 17-85mm f/4-5.6 and I keep getting soft images. I have gotten so frustrated that I did some research and found that many blogs and articles confirm that the 50D is well known for soft images. So considering many of my lenses are all f3.5+ I figured I would try my luck with a f/2.8 to see if this helps sharpens my photos. So I bought a used 24-70mm f/2.8.

So the 2.8 does help, but then it's almost a wash. If the lens sharpens for the camera's disabilities in the sharpness category just a little bit. And considering I can crank up my ISO use a f/3.5 or f/4 and get close to what the f2.8 was doing, what's the point in spending the money on the f/2.8? I'm very tempted to sell the f/2.8 and continue to save up for a better camera body.

What are your thoughts?

Elaine


Photo Comments
,
13 years 2 months ago #36886 by Scotty
Do you sharpen in PP? and bumping ISO will decrease sharpness.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

Photo Comments
,
13 years 2 months ago #36911 by Yasko
News to me, I have a 50D and have never had issues with soft images. Just as sharp as the 30D, and capable of more detail with the increased resolution.

Could be you have custom settings for sharpness in your picture style. I'd check the menu and make sure this isn't the case, and as Scott said, sharpening in the PP never hurts.

The 24-70 is plenty sharp, wide open even. It's a great lens, I wouldn't get rid of it.


,
13 years 2 months ago #36915 by Scotty

Yasko wrote: News to me, I have a 50D and have never had issues with soft images. Just as sharp as the 30D, and capable of more detail with the increased resolution.

Could be you have custom settings for sharpness in your picture style. I'd check the menu and make sure this isn't the case, and as Scott said, sharpening in the PP never hurts.

The 24-70 is plenty sharp, wide open even. It's a great lens, I wouldn't get rid of it.


Some copies of canons 24-70 are soft and need calibration, (mine was).

Theres so many factors that could come into play though.

Post some samples.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

Photo Comments
,
13 years 2 months ago - 13 years 2 months ago #36926 by Savvas Proestos
Hi there,

I only use F/2.8 lenses for concert photography, so there you go :) f/2.8 perform well in low light situations like in concerts and clubnights and thus used by most concert photographers like me. A f/4-5.6 lens would really make your life difficult in a live show with the lights changing constantly :)

You could check f/2.8 shots here: www.facebook.com/SavvasP.Photography
:)

edit: especially the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens you got is amazing!


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024