Indoor telephoto - 24-105 f4 IS USM?

[tenohfive]

I've been asked to take some photo's at an upcoming christening but my hands are slightly tied by my existing lens collection (kit lens, nifty 50 and Tokina 11-16mm.) I'm thinking about hiring a lens to go on my 400D as it's the sort of photography I can't see myself doing often enough to buy a lens for.

What's peoples thoughts on the Canon 24-105 f4 IS USM for indoor use? The steady aperture sounds useful and it seems like a very practical focal range. I've found somewhere that'll do 3 days for £35 which seems pretty reasonable (Lens Locker if anyone has had any dealings?) Or is there something else I should consider?

[MartinP]

I use lensesforhire.co.uk when I need to rent a lens and would certainly recommend them!

It might be a useful focal length range, but an f/4 lens isn't ideal for use in a church, especially at this time of year. The IS will let you get away with hand holding at low shutter speeds but you have a very big risk of your subjects moving during that time and therefore being blurred. If you want a zoom, I'd go for a 24-70mm f/2.8.

Shooting weddings at this time of year I go armed with 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8 primes (on FF cameras). How about a combination of your nifty fifty and hire a 24mm f/1.4?

[tenohfive]

I won't be taking many photo's in the church, most will be at the (slightly better lit) event afterwards.

[MartinP]

I'd still recommend the prime lens ;-)

For candid or formal portraits you really can't beat a lens with a big aperture and if you throw low light into the equation as well then it becomes must have.

[tenohfive]

I'm looking for something with a focal range of more than 50mm, otherwise the prime idea would be a good shout. I'd just like to be able to plonk myself in a few spots and have the focal range to be able to get a few decent shots whilst very much in the background.

The 24-70mm looks good but goes over budget unfortunately - it works out at around £55 for 3 days.

[Dogsey]

17-55 f2.8? Works out at £41 for 3 days from LfH.

[Kermit power]

MartinP said:

I'd still recommend the prime lens ;-)

For candid or formal portraits you really can't beat a lens with a big aperture and if you throw low light into the equation as well then it becomes must have.

True in theory, but I'd assume you have multiple bodies, and therefore can have your 35 and 85 both to hand at the same time? Not so easy if you've got to ask the vicar to hang on over the font whilst you change lenses!

[RobDickinson]

Dogsey said:

17-55 f2.8? Works out at £41 for 3 days from LfH.

If you want a zoom this is the one.
A stop faster than the 24-105, sharp and has decent IS.

Otherwise rent a 24l or 35l