I need your help!!

[ryno]

I recently was given the opportunity to shoot an upcoming mixed martial arts event here in Houston. From what I know at the point I will be working in very low light situations. I have a Nikon D90, which I think will be fine for this. My question is what len(s) should I use? I am thinking of renting one for this occasion. My current glass is rather basic, consisting of a 50mm 1.8 & 18-105mm kit lens....

[Sonny]

How about the Nikon 135mm f/2.0D AF DC or AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D?

[zachary]

I think your 50mm 1.8 would be fine.

Very fast and at around ~80mm on your camera, that should give you enough distance to be out of their way and still in on the action.

[revjvegas]

I don't think the kit lens will do you well since it's widest aperture is only 4/5.6 (IIRC).

How far will you be from the action? That'll be a determining factor on whether to use short or long glass.

With knowing nothing else of the venue, I'd bring my 17-50 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 to cover a wide range, but would most likely start with the 70-200.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

How far will you be from the action? That'll be a determining factor on whether to use short or long glass.

Exactly.

Originally Posted by zachary

I think your 50mm 1.8 would be fine.

I don't think the 50mm will cut it. Not unless he will be no more than a few feet away from the action. Last thing you want to do in low light photography is crop a bunch.

[zachary]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Exactly.




I don't think the 50mm will cut it. Not unless he will be no more than a few feet away from the action. Last thing you want to do in low light photography is crop a bunch.

If hes the official photog' there, he should be able to get close enough to get good shots with a 50mm to where you dont have to crop.

[ryno]

I will have ringside(cage) access. So I will be up close and personal.

[ryno]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

I don't think the kit lens will do you well since it's widest aperture is only 4/5.6 (IIRC).

How far will you be from the action? That'll be a determining factor on whether to use short or long glass.

With knowing nothing else of the venue, I'd bring my 17-50 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 to cover a wide range, but would most likely start with the 70-200.

what 17-50 2.8 do you have?

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by ryno

what 17-50 2.8 do you have?

Tamron -17-50mm F/2.8(Model B005)

[ryno]

thanks! I will look into that.

[revjvegas]

I got mine from Houston Camera Exchange.

At the time, their price was as good as any I could get from online...plus there's that instant gratification thing of being able to buy it and walk out with it and begin using it right away :-)

[ryno]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

I got mine from Houston Camera Exchange.

At the time, their price was as good as any I could get from online...plus there's that instant gratification thing of being able to buy it and walk out with it and begin using it right away :-)

Sweet, thanks for the heads up!

[David Whatley]

Keep in mind, if you are in low light, and open to 2.8 or wider, your DOF of field will be very slim.