R2D2
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Posts: 26,531
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
DivaDreamer wrote:
R2D2, thanks so much for your thoughtful reply! I will definitely sit down and analyze my fails to identify the exact issues.
Thanks for posting the additional info! This really helps narrow down the issues.
Off the top of my head, it is probably a bit of everything.
So often the case!
First, no flash as I can’t draw attention away from the action. A nice bounce flash in the smaller rooms would work wonders. Sigh.
Indeed. A tough row to hoe without flash. At least at wedding receptions the people expect flash (those reception halls were always so dark). Bounce flash was a life-saver, and a lightweight kit lens was all one needed.
Second, post processing and noise reduction/high iso. You are absolutely correct. I am an old film girl, and have been dragged kicking and screaming into the post processing world.
HeHe, a very familiar story!
Until now I have made do with Canon and Nikon’s free software, but have decided it is time to finally invest, so I am less leery of high iso. I am not keen on the subscription model, so leaning toward DxO PL6. Better noise reduction will allow for slightly stepped down aperture, leading to more DOF. Software before any lenses. (Though gear is more fun!)
Exactly. A while back I switched from Canon DPP to DxO Photolab (now 6), and it’s been a game changer. As was mentioned, give it a free trial (it took only a few pictures to convince me). With DPP I always converted my RAWs and then opened them in Photoshop for further editing, but PL6 has just enough tools so that I can normally skip the Photoshop step entirely. And the output is transformational. It’ll help you at least from the noise/detail perspective.
Which leads to the main issue - pairs and small groups. I am getting lovely portraits and decent wide angle shots, but small groups is the issue. Set in discussion circles, I can not get everyone in the same focal plane, and so I either stop down and risk slower shutter/high iso or compose so the speaker is in focus and the others soft. Pairs of speakers is particularly tricky as the intimacy of conversations are lost.
Groups are so tough! Especially when you can’t gather everyone together. A wide angle and stopping down is about your only option. DxO will help with those higher ISOs tho. Outputting to a lower resolution will help too, if your output requirements aren’t too great (I really like 2160 px high for web use).
I would post fails, but not sure if my releases extend beyond church business.
No prob. You’ve described the situation well.
Anyway, reading back over my long post, it feels like software to deal with higher iso is the place to start.
Yes, definitely the next step.
A faster lens wouldn’t help much when you’re stopping down for DOF anyway (unless it’s sharper). Beyond that you’d be looking at spending the big bucks for a full frame setup. Ouch.
See what DxO can do for you first. Best of luck!
R2