A Good and Bad night for the 14-35mm f2
Jul 26, 2008
Shot the first concert gig with the 14-35 f2.
The FL imho is perfect for this shoot. Both in the pit and in the VIP rooms.
Have not downloaded yet ... but shot at f2.8 (did not feel the need to go down to f2 on the stage stuff) Stage lighting was very good.
On stage shooting ... the 14-35 maybe could not lock 6 times, out of 100s of shots.
If I did not know the low light problems before hand ... I would be "really" disappointed.
In "every" VIP area ... back room or outside under a tent (with lights) or open air ... there where shots the 14-35 refused to lock focus.
I stood next to my second shooter (with a Nikon) both 5 feet away ... He locked focus, I did not, and could not.
The problem is, it will happen in low light you "think" is ok.
Example, I shot in a VIP tent area that have shot in "many" times before (with the 11-22 and 50 f2 ... as well as Canon) and have not had as much problems as I did tonight.
In fact there was two "imbarassing" moments. When a local celeberty posed for me for a shot , for a uncomfortably long time. I had to move and have him pose again. (mean while a P&S got off a shot lol).
Then in the same VIP area two big well known local celebertys was hugging and talking to each other , smiling an laughing ... and I could not get off a single shot.
After that I just let the second shooter , do everything in that area ... and I got something to eat.
IF, I did not "know" before hand about this issue ... I would be "mad", real mad.
I knew there is an issue .. but you "think" , your copy of the lens is better , or you are better. ... But Nooooooo
If the pressure is on, you have one shot .. the light is low , your FL50 AF light does not go on. "you" will lose confidence.
The problem with this issue ... is you question what you can and cannot do in low light.
Honestly, I probably could have gotten more shots off in that VIP area, with my Fuji F11 P&S.
I am just lucky I read these forums.
HG
and that's my story for today.
p.s. I am still going to use the 14-35 tomorrow. I am just not going to be seen in the VIP tent area , where I might be asked to take a picture of them.
I might even hide my camera when I eat there.
HG
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Please feel free to criticize, make suggestions, and edit any of my photos & re-post, to help show me 'the way'. * I am trying to Elevate the Level of my 'Snap Shots'
Love f2 Oly lens wide open ... 14-35mm f2, & a 50mm f2+1.4TC is my fav. combo on two 'IS' oly bodys.