Best low light lens for 700D

Corbula wrote:

What would you say is the best low light lens for the 700D?

Like everything camera-related, it all depends on what you shoot, and how you like to shoot it.  There will always be trade-offs no matter what lens you buy (esp for low light).  The key is to find the best fit for You.  Know Thyself!

I've got the 18-55mm stm lens that comes with it but would like something that I can effectively replace this with, something that works well in low light to give me that extra bonus.

The aforementioned 17-55mm f/2.8 IS would be the natural upgrade here.  Pros are its versatilty, IQ, and the fact that lt’s an upgrade to the kit lens in every way.  Cons are that it costs a lot, is large, and the max aperture is not huge.

I was looking at the Sigma 24mm 1.4 but I'm put off by the fact it doesn't have image stabilisation.

Large-aperture primes will improve your shutter speeds (and/or ISOs) the most.  A big benefit for some types of shooting.

But can you live with having just one focal length?  And the super-thin DOF (for what you shoot?).  Plus your AF always has to be spot on.  And like you say, you lose IS to boot.

I don't use a tripod and I'm more opportunistic.

There are the moderate-aperture primes w/IS, but they’re slower by a stop or more (than those big primes), and you’re still constrained by that one focal length.  Do you think that IS will benefit you the most?

I'm not expect beautiful long exposure night shots but some that that is more capable. I can always rest it on something stable ha.

Good technique can help.  Shoot bursts and cherry-pick the best (you can gain a stop or two doing this).  Use the principle of isometrics to help stabilize the camera (slightly pull or twist with one hand, to make the other hand push the opposite way just a tiny bit).  Use good breath control, a solid stance, and a soft shutter press.

Maybe take along a String Tripod (or one of those baby tripods that fits in the back pocket).  And definitely try the camera’s built-in low light modes: Handheld Night Scene, and Multi Shot Noise Reduction.  You lose RAW ability, but both can be very effective!

Holler back with any questions!

R2