Auto Show - which lens to use?

Nikki V · Aug 7, 2015

I have a big auto show I am going to in a few weeks. I am bringing my camera but, wondering what lens should I use while I am there. I don't want to bring all three with me, just seems like a lot of weight in a backpack for nothing if I don't use them all.

My camera is a Canon EOS Rebel T5i.
I have the kits lens EF-S 18-55mm F4.5, my ES 50mm F1.8 or my EF-S 55-250mm. There could be moving cars driving around I might want to shoot, not just what I see parked. I am thinking I will get the best photos with my ES 50mm just because of the range in aperture I can get but, I have always found my EF-S 55-250mm gives me good action shots.

Also, should I bring a filter with me and if so which one? In the past my photos of cars seem to have glare spots and shine where I don't want it.

Thanks!

Nikki V.

six34sigma · Aug 11, 2015

Nikki,

Which Auto show are you going to? I used to live in Windsor, Ontario for 30 years and have been to the Detroit Auto show many times. All shots will be indoors, bright lights but you will need a fast lens. If its another show, perhaps some cars out doors. Makes it a lot easier for camera work except for the ropes around cars.

Your assumption that the 50 will not work well is correct, moment you back up to get your shot, people will fill that space.

If you can spend money get a fast wide lens like a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. DOF even at f/2.8 will not be an issue at 11mm (17mm equivalent).

Also check and make sure that they will allow a "professional" camera into the venue. Yes I know its not a "professional" camera but some venues have an issue with large cameras. Also it would be daft to have an auto show an not allow cameras but you never know.

Aberaeron · Aug 11, 2015

If it comes down to one lens it would have to be the 15/55, but also carrying a polariser filter. As others have mentioned, it gets rid of unwanted reflections.

My personal choice for this kind of event is a 10X zoom lens, but I have one. Otherwise I'm quite happy working with a 3.5x zoom and occasionally using up to 2x digital zoom with it if appropriate.

Nikki V · Aug 11, 2015

six34sigma said:
Nikki,

Which Auto show are you going to? I used to live in Windsor, Ontario for 30 years and have been to the Detroit Auto show many times. All shots will be indoors, bright lights but you will need a fast lens. If its another show, perhaps some cars out doors. Makes it a lot easier for camera work except for the ropes around cars.

Your assumption that the 50 will not work well is correct, moment you back up to get your shot, people will fill that space.

If you can spend money get a fast wide lens like a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. DOF even at f/2.8 will not be an issue at 11mm (17mm equivalent).

Also check and make sure that they will allow a "professional" camera into the venue. Yes I know its not a "professional" camera but some venues have an issue with large cameras. Also it would be daft to have an auto show an not allow cameras but you never know.

Aberaeron · Aug 11, 2015

The exif will tell you what kit I used

These are unedited jpgs straight out of camera

All posted in a smaller image size due to slow internet

All pin sharp from the original files with superb colour. Camera set to 'vivid' in A mode

Aberaeron · Aug 11, 2015

Aberaeron said:
The exif will tell you what kit I used

All of them happen to be at the 14mm end of the 14/42 lens, which is the M4/3 equivalent of your 18/55. I have other that I've taken zoomed in, but I never lacked total zoom in this environment with that lens.

Here's one I took at 30mm [your 45mm I think]

six34sigma · Aug 11, 2015

Nikki V said:
six34sigma said:

Nikki,

Which Auto show are you going to? I used to live in Windsor, Ontario for 30 years and have been to the Detroit Auto show many times. All shots will be indoors, bright lights but you will need a fast lens. If its another show, perhaps some cars out doors. Makes it a lot easier for camera work except for the ropes around cars.

Your assumption that the 50 will not work well is correct, moment you back up to get your shot, people will fill that space.

If you can spend money get a fast wide lens like a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. DOF even at f/2.8 will not be an issue at 11mm (17mm equivalent).

Also check and make sure that they will allow a "professional" camera into the venue. Yes I know its not a "professional" camera but some venues have an issue with large cameras. Also it would be daft to have an auto show an not allow cameras but you never know.

Click to expand...

Nikki V · Aug 11, 2015

six34sigma said:
Nikki V said:

six34sigma said:

Nikki,

Which Auto show are you going to? I used to live in Windsor, Ontario for 30 years and have been to the Detroit Auto show many times. All shots will be indoors, bright lights but you will need a fast lens. If its another show, perhaps some cars out doors. Makes it a lot easier for camera work except for the ropes around cars.

Your assumption that the 50 will not work well is correct, moment you back up to get your shot, people will fill that space.

If you can spend money get a fast wide lens like a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. DOF even at f/2.8 will not be an issue at 11mm (17mm equivalent).

Also check and make sure that they will allow a "professional" camera into the venue. Yes I know its not a "professional" camera but some venues have an issue with large cameras. Also it would be daft to have an auto show an not allow cameras but you never know.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

beagle1 · Aug 12, 2015

Nikki V said:
beagle1 said:

Nikki V said:

Nikki V said:

Nikki V said:

Thanks. Could you give me you opinion on this? I took it yesterday as a test on settings.

F7.1, ISO 800, Expos. -2

Click to expand...

The EXIF doesn't agree with the settings you listed; it says f/5.6 at 1/50, ISO 200. There's some motion blur, which is typical when you shoot at 1/50. It probably would have been better at f/7.1 and ISO 800 since you would have had a higher shutter speed and less blur.

--
Leonard Migliore

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The second photo I posted I f7.1. That's my bad. I thought I posted that one first. But thanks . I was playing around, first time shoot cars

Click to expand...

yes, you need a higher shutter speed. If it's indoors that also means a higher ISO (1600+) and that's why a tripod is useful.

if it's outdoors there could be less problems but still the sunlight (harsh, cloudy, etc.)

Canon M & 22mm f7.1

Click to expand...

The glare on the BRZ I shot, you can see all the grass and things around it on the car. Would a CPL filter easily get rid of that so the car looks like how yours do? I don't want reflections of people on the cars when we go to the auto show.

a CPL might help with glare and reflection issues but the cheap filters affect image quality, AF, etc. and they reduce light so longer shutter speeds may be necessary (tripod!) Depending on the circumstances you might have to accept that people could affect the shot (unless you order them to move away!)

Robert Evagelista · Aug 12, 2015

I am using a different system so I convert my focal length into full frame equivalent.

25-100mm Versatile for all around shooting.
Fast Prime
35mm Engine Shots/ Interior / Full car
50mm Close shots of detailed car ornaments.
90mm Portraits of Models

Equally important the lens is the composition.
I am no expert but here are some shots I Kept
from Auto shows I have been to.