Canon Camera Lenses

What is the best canon lens to take pictures in low light and kids in low light? questions answers Add comments

2 Responses to “What is the best canon lens to take pictures in low light and kids in low light?”

1. 1. Greg S Says:
   April 30th, 2009 at 10:14 am

   Well, if the pics of your son are blurry, either he runs REALLY fast, or you don't like to use flash indoors! You'll get the absolute best low light capability by buying a 50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f 1.7 or lower (1.4 or 1). However, generally speaking, these lenses are pretty 'soft' at maximum aperture. A f 1.7 lens should be fairly inexpensive.

   Have you tried to up the ISO? You may find that by raising it to 400 or 800 that you will get sharper shots and still have an acceptable amount of digital noise.

   I hope this helps you!

2. 2. vienna2001 Says:
   April 30th, 2009 at 10:14 am

   The lens you mention isn't the answer. Here's what to do:

   1. Set the camera's ISO to 1600. This cranks the sensor up to its most sensitive.

   2. Put the camera on Av (top dial) and set the lens opening to the smallest number. This lets in as much light as possible.

   3. Point the camera at the kid and look at the shutter speed. If it's slower than about 1/125 sec, you'll get blur from subject motion and hand shakiness.

   There are a few solutions if you really want to stick with ambient (non-flash) light:

   1. More room light (you'll probably need more than another 60 watts)
   2. Camera on tripod (won't cure kid motion though)
   3. Faster lens (f1.8 or f2.8)
   4. Slower kid (probably not an option)

   Personally, I wouldn't spend a lot of time and money chasing ambient-light images indoors.

   I'd get one of Canon's excellent flash units and bounce light off the ceiling.

   OK, National Geographic wouldn't do it, but they don't have a 2-year-old.

   Hope this helps.

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