BetterPhoto Q&A
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Photography Question 

Eric
 

Film for Night time concert.


Next month i'll be going to a concert taking place and night in an open football stadium, most likely i'll be using a telephoto lens to get nice close-up shots of the performers, but dont know what the best film is. I heard lower speed film is good for lower lighting, but telephoto lenses need higher speeds...help.


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June 19, 2003

 

Eric
  *correcting myself:* lower speeds are for brighter situations. so most likely i'll be going with a 400ISO film right? what do you guys recommend.


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June 19, 2003

 

Maynard McKillen
  Dear Eric:
Concert lighting changes in intensity frequently. Performers sometimes move rapidly. You probably must hand-hold the camera. Yup, sounds like you're working at the limits of the equipment. Been there, done that.
Is that zoom a 70-210 f/4-5.6, or something close? ISO 400 film will probably produce some sharp images, and some blurry. ISO 800 may increase the number of sharp images on the roll. An 80-200 f/2.8, or similar lens with a larger maximum aperture than most zooms, will also increase the number of sharp images. Deliberately waiting to shoot until those moments when the performers are more stationary and the lighting is brighter will also help.


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June 23, 2003

 

Eric
  thnx Mc-
i'm planning on purchasing this lens from Canon:
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

do u guys think it'll suffice, 400 or 800ISO?...i want the clearest, sharpest, best pictures possible.
thnx again
-eric


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June 25, 2003

 

Maynard McKillen
  Dear Eric:
Other people may have asked that question about that lens at this site. You may want to look back several pages. Then again, they may have been talking about other brand name 75-300 zooms.
Consider renting the lens if you can. That may help you decide if you want to own it. I'll add that I've seen a large number of EF 75-300 zooms for sale, used, on ebay. It makes me wonder why. Other contributors may have firsthand knowledge of the EF 75-300, or may know of a website you can visit for performance reviews and customer comments.
(More than one version of the EF 75-300 may exist.)
As to film, why not take a roll of each? You're covered...


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June 25, 2003

 
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