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Started Dec 9, 2008 | Discussions thread
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Chris59 • Forum Pro • Posts: 15,437
Re: Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light?
In reply to Steve J E • Dec 11, 2008
1
Well, that would depend on exactly how much light we are talking about and the speed of the subject as well as the availability of IS and the quality of the camera's high ISO.
A lens with a maximum aperture of f 2.8 would most likely be a zoom while, say an f 1.4 lens would be a prime so to advise the f 1.4 which would give you four times the light gathering of the f 2.8 and reduce your shutter speed by the same factor, would be to counsel you to give up the benefits of a variable focal length. This is something you may need to take into consideration too.
If you have a fair bit of ambient light, a slow(ish) subject, IS and a camera with good high ISO image quality, then an f 2.8 lens will be adequate for almost all photos without flash.
If the light is dim and you have a fast subject (think children and pets) inadequate or missing IS and poor high ISO image quality, then an f 1.4 lens will be required.
Having said that, remember that even if an f 2.8 lens is ADEQUATE for the shooting you intend to do, a faster lens may well be BETTER. See if you can borrow a fast lens and use it in the situations you are expecting to shoot in - you will very quickly find out which lens and aperture to buy!
Chris59's gear list:Chris59's gear list
Samsung NX1 Samsung 16-50mm F2.0-2.8
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| Post (hide subjects) | Posted by | When | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light? | Steve J E | Dec 9, 2008 | |
| Re: Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light? | BA baracus | Dec 9, 2008 | |
| Re: Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light? | WFulton | Dec 9, 2008 | |
| Re: Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light? | Gaurav S | Dec 9, 2008 | |
| So get your camera manufacture's.... | rsn48 | Dec 10, 2008 | |
| Some examples (2 Images, Kids) | dave_lamb | Dec 10, 2008 | 1 |
| Wow... | David Hughes | Dec 10, 2008 | |
| Re: Is f2.8 Fast Enough For Low Light? | Chris59 | Dec 11, 2008 | 1 |
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