Help on which Lens to rent

[emircruz]

Hi Guys,

Can you help me decide on which lens(es) to rent? I'll be bringing my E-510 to the Pacquiao fight in Dallas. Of course I want a great walkaround lens too. Right now I'm leaning towards the 14-54 mk2.

I'm thinking of the ff:

• 12-60 swd - I just would love to try this lens but is f4 on the long end good enough for low light? Does the faster focusing work with the E-510? Too big/heavy for the E-510? I am assuming I cant use the built-in flash with this bad boy.
• 14-54 Mk2 - brighter on the long end. Smaller. I heard it can match the 12-60 for sharpness. Its considerably smaller, but is it small enough for the built in flash?
• 50 - Can I use this as a walkaround lens. I haven't had the chance to use prime before.
• 50-200 swd - Again.. Would love to try this one but I have a feeling that its too huge to bring and I can't really use this as walkaround now, can I?

Would love to hear your thoughts! Cheers!

 

[RoelHendrickx]

If this opportunity matters really a big deal to you, why not consider renting SHG Glass?

You mentions this being about a fight, so I assume it is boxing or something like that. (Excuse me my sports ignorance).

In that case, the ZD90-250 might be an optimal lens to use (depending on where you will be in the venue). Or maybe the combo of ZD35-100 with ZD150 and EC-20 or EC-14 to use on both?

SHG grade lenses are probably easier to find for rent, because renting caters mainly to pros and many pros have the HG glass and look for SHG glass when renting.

One thing to consider is obviously getting permission to make pictures, but I will assume you have that covered. If you don't, then make sure you do.

If you don't have a photo pass and will shoot from the audience, then there may be restrictions on what gear you can use, but normally it will not make much difference if you carry in a ZD90-250 or a ZD50-200. Restrictions most often deal with FL or with the less objective criterium of how professional the gear is looking. And the ZD50-200 is big enough to attract attention, especially with the hood.

The ZD150 is a surprisingly "modest" looking lens (lengthwise, if you don't consider the diameter of those huge glass elements).

--
Roel Hendrickx

lots of images : http://www.roelh.zenfolio.com

my E-3 user field report from Tunisian Sahara: http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html

 

[Art_P]

Hi Guys,

Can you help me decide on which lens(es) to rent?

Assuming you already have the kit lens(es)?

I'll be bringing my E-510 to the Pacquiao fight in Dallas.

Is it a day or night fight? How close will you be sitting?

Right now I'm leaning towards the 14-54 mk2.

May not give you a significant advantage over the 14-42 in terms of reach, tho it is brighter.

Of course I want a great walkaround lens too.

For a walkaround (city) lens, I like the old 40-150mm, but that's just me.

I'm thinking of the ff:

• 12-60 swd - I just would love to try this lens but is f4 on the long end good enough for low light?

If the light is really low, consider an F 2 lens

Does the faster focusing work with the E-510?

Fast focus (or fast non-focus, if there's nothing to lock on to) on the 520...

Too big/heavy for the E-510?

No

I am assuming I cant use the built-in flash with this bad boy.

Not w/o a bounce/diffuser of some sort. Then again, I've had problems w the 14-42 hood casting a shadow... but alone, the on board flash is pretty useless w the 12-60.

• 14-54 Mk2 - brighter on the long end. Smaller. I heard it can match the 12-60 for sharpness. Its considerably smaller, but is it small enough for the built in flash?

see above comment on 14-42
Then again, unless you're close enough, the flash won't do much anyway

• 50 - Can I use this as a walkaround lens. I haven't had the chance to use prime before.

Lock your 40-150 on 50 and spend a day with it that way.

• 50-200 swd - Again.. Would love to try this one but I have a feeling that its too huge to bring and I can't really use this as walkaround now, can I?

Some people do. (I'm not one of them)
Can you only take one lens?

50-200 might be the smallest lens woth taking to the fight (unless you're ringside) but probably big enough that they won't let it in.

It's little brother (the 70-300) is somewhat pocketable, but struggles in low light.

--
Art P
Select images may be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigvarius/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cecropia_grove/

 

[emircruz]

Actually, I dont expected to be seated very near the ring and no, I don't have a photo pass. This is mainly the reason why I'm not considering the longer lenses. I need to check on the restrictions. Most events, I think have focal length restrictions. Also, the lens will double as my walkaround so.. I dont want it too big.

speaking of SHG lenses.. I saw the 14-35 the other day.. its HUGE!!

 

[Bitslizer]

sometime they have length restriction on the lens... like 6 inch....

the 50-200 is a little over that and may squeak by on the sly

can try it with and without a TC depends on the light.

 

[emircruz]

No.. I read somewhere about only compact cameras are allowed. But there is contradictory rule about the lens being only 3 inches long..

Might end up renting a PEN.

 

[arief poerniawan]

Hi, it is amazing when you get the chance to lend such SHG lens, my suggestion 35-100mm, 150mm, TC14 but it is much more better if you have the chance to lend brand new E5 or at least E30.

When taking picture of sport so you need the speed so you can have the chance to freeze the moment.. So good luck

Thank
Arief

 

[emircruz]

yup.. i have the 14-42 kit. I only plan to rent just one lens.

It'll be at night at the cowboys stadium. Just read somewhere that I can only bring compacts - oddly there is 3" lens limit w/c is contradictory. hmm.. I better start looking at PENs for rent.

 

[Art_P]

that kind of limits you to the 40-150 Mk2
Or if you do pick up a PEN, the m43 version

Unless they mean 3" diameter, not 3" long? The 12-60 and 70-300 are both just under 3" dia. (keep the lens hood in your pocket)
--
Art P
Select images may be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigvarius/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cecropia_grove/