lens help

I'm going to an indoor event in a hotel ballroom and I wanted to take some pictures. I know I won't be able the move from my assigned seat. I'm not expecting miracles and if the shots are good enough downsized on the computer I'll be happy.

I'm expecting to need about 200mm reach and I'm thinking of renting a lens. I think I narrowed it down to these two options, but I'm not sure which is better.

135mm f2

A bit short, but fast and from everything I heard/read super-sharp. I'm thinking I could crop more and end up with a good result.

70-200 f2.8 IS

Slightly slower, but probably significant in low light. Has IS and I'm not expecting a lot of movement of the subjects, so it might help. It might be too heavy though, as I can't bring a tripod/monopod (reason I ruled out the 200 f2, plus price tag even for rental).

Any suggestions/ideas?

Sounds like the 135/2 is the way to go. f/2.8 just isn't fast enough in low light.

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zuma022 said:

...I'm not expecting a lot of movement of the subjects, so it might help. It might be too heavy though, as I can't bring a tripod/monopod

Click to expand...

The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS is probably a safer bet, as it can be handheld more easily. The 135L is often a good choice when you need more speed.

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At 200 f/2.8, the 70-200 IS is slightly-faster than the 135 f/2, and it can be zoomed for a wider field-of-view. It also has IS, which can be very useful.

The bigger problem is if you are a spectator and not in the front row of seats, somebody may be sitting in your way, making it quite difficult to get an unobstructed field-of-view. Another problem is that unless you are at the end of a row of seats, you will probably be obstructing the view of somebody around you.

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http://www.pbase.com/arshutterbug/

vote for 70-200 2.8
I hope it's an event where you are allowed to take photos.

Also some events consider the 70-200 a professional lens and not allowed. Also some events don't allow slr's, only p&s.
If in doubt check beforehand.

Thanks for everyone's input, I appreciate it. I've checked with the event and there's no restriction on cameras so I guess the 70-200 it is. Thank you!

You didn’t mention what camera you’ll be using. If it’s the 5D2 you’ll have a LOT of ISO to play with. In low-light situations I’ve had no problem shooting as ISO 3,200 or 6,400 using the Canon 70-200/4 L IS and the Canon 85/1.2 L lenses. Using the 85 is particularly nice in low-light bars taking pictures of the band, as the musicians tend to move around a lot.

I’ve heard some very nice comments about the 135/2 L as well as the 85/1.2 L. I haven’t (yet) tried the 135/2, but the posts praising the 85/1.2 are absolutely true – excellent, sharp portrait and low-light lens.

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BJCP National

That's definitely the better choice. There is a reason it's the most popular lens for wedding/event photographers.

I have just an XSi, so I'd like to keep it to ISO 800, but I don't know just how dark the venue will be. If I can I'd rather underexpose and fix in LR than use ISO 1600, but I guess we'll see.

I would rent the 70-200 mm 2.8 L IS USM. I'm sure there is going to be some sort of lighting during the event and the versatility of the zoom will be helpful since you are unable to move from the seat that you are assigned. Just shoot in RAW and use Photoshop later to adjust.
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http://www.juliussantos.com

Thanks! I'll do that.