Best Nightime Lens?

[F1sh]

Currently working nights and during my lunch break I'm thinking about going out for a walk. This lunch would be about 1-2am around the St. Pauls area.

I currently have an EOS 20D, with either a 50mm 1:1.8 II or an 28-135 IS, just wondering which would be the better to take for a walk.

Fish

[minky monkey]

Do you have an option of a tripod? If you do, it lessens the need for fast glass and you can use liveview to manually focus. I've always got sharper images with manual focus.

I've done a few nightshoots around St Pauls, a tripod is pretty much essential kit.

Here's a few of the London Flickr overnighter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minky_monkey/sets/721...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minky_monkey/sets/721...

Edited by minky monkey on Tuesday 18th October 19:18

[fluffnik]

50mm f0.95 do the trick?

[F1sh]

Minky, sadly only have a monopod.

Fish

[JulianHJ]

Go with the nifty, and please post the results.

[Dogsey]

Go wide angle, up the ISO as much as you dare and brace the camera against lampposts etc as much as you can, it's amazing how long an exposure you can handhold if you try hard.

[Crafty_]

Look for walls/posts etc you can put the camera on for long exposures. Take a cloth or similar with you to place the camera on.

[Simpo Two]

Dogsey said:

Go wide angle, up the ISO as much as you dare and brace the camera against lampposts etc as much as you can, it's amazing how long an exposure you can handhold if you try hard.

True, but it compromises where you can point the thing/composition.

If you can stump up a tripod then it doesn't matter what lens you use, just don't expect moving things to stay still. However if you don't want to be burdened then Dogsey's advice is as good as any. Fast lens and/or high ISO can be used if required. Personally I prefer a longer exposure at low ISO than short at high.

[Dogsey]

Simpo Two said:

Personally I prefer a longer exposure at low ISO than short at high.

Oh I completely agree Simpo, but in a situation where a tripod isn't available then bracing the camera and pushing the ISO up will at least allow you to get a picture. Any photo you get is better than the one you didn't.

[Simpo Two]

Dogsey said:

Oh I completely agree Simpo, but in a situation where a tripod isn't available then bracing the camera and pushing the ISO up will at least allow you to get a picture. Any photo you get is better than the one you didn't.

Yep, it comes down to how seriously the OP takes it - whether he wants to lug a tripod around and be mugged, or go for the lampost route. I use the same idea in churches and when leaving venues after dark - sometimes there's a car roof or gatepost in the right place, sometimes I have to get the tripod out. As ever, he needs to decide what kind of shots he wants and work back from there.

[The Moose]

minky monkey said:

Do you have an option of a tripod? If you do, it lessens the need for fast glass and you can use liveview to manually focus. I've always got sharper images with manual focus.

I've done a few nightshoots around St Pauls, a tripod is pretty much essential kit.

Here's a few of the London Flickr overnighter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minky_monkey/sets/721...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minky_monkey/sets/721...

Edited by minky monkey on Tuesday 18th October 19:18

Wow - a mega photo session that looks like!!

Would love to do something like that. Did you go down on your own, or with a couple of people?

[minky monkey]

The London Flickr group organise a get together maybe twice a year. I think there was about 40 people on this years London one. I have been on a separate Paris overnighter too.

You do split down into smaller groups, it's more manageable that way. Go on Flickr groups and check out their meets. They won't have another overnighter until next year when it warms up abit!

[F1sh]

I was waiting for some responces before bringing any kit in, so tomorrow will be the night. Not a mega keen photographer just playing to see what results I get, and yes I'll post what I think is worth the abuse. Yes I know what you lot can be like.

Not that worried about getting mugged at around St. Pauls at the moment due to all the police and extra security, sometimes those protestors do come in handy.

Might also go for a quick drive as I'm leaving in the morning as the Thames looks good for some pics.

Fish

[Gizmo!]

If you're down near St. Pauls do remember there's a river just down the hill.