Having recently purchased a DSLR camera (Canon T2i) as an early Christmas present for myself, I’ve been experimenting with it in various shooting scenarios (inside, outside, lowlight, bright light, fast action, etc.).
While doing a heap of research on digital photography before making the big (read: pricey) purchase, I’ve run across many websites that have helped along the way. One of the sites is LensHero.com, which has helped me demystify searching for additional, specialized lenses for my new toy.
While testing my new camera, one of the facts I’ve discovered is that my work place, where I’ll be taking many pictures, is surprisingly low-light. And the lenses that came with the package I’ve purchased only have apertures that allow for just ISO 1600 or more photographs at shutter-speeds over 1/120. The grain can be taken away with retouching, but I’d much rather just look into a new lens.
While browsing through the news at LifeHacker, I came across LensHero.com.
LensHero.com helps a photographer sort through lens through camera-type, specialty, and more, and then lays out the specs in an easy-to-understand way to help with the purchasing process.
If you’re in to digital photography, or researching for your big purchase, you should check it out.
great resource summary – I shoot with a Nikon D40 and I have discovered that especially at this time of the year much of my lighting would be considered low light. Have you run across any great resource sites devoted to effective use of shutter speeds for low light or specific lens filters that can highlight effectively in low light?
I’m no expert on photography, Herb, and everything depends on the project, but here are a few things that effect the quality of the image in low light:
- Sensor size – the bigger the sensor size in your camera, the more light it can collect (Sensor sizes from Point-and-shoot to Medium Format)
- The Lens – If I had an extra $2,000 laying around, I’d have a Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM for low light conditions. Since that’s not a reality, if I needed it for a project I could rent it for $74/week plus insurance.
- Get a tripod for longer exposure time
- Auxillary lighting – I’ve got a set of these coming in for work, and we’ll see how it goes. The experts with B & H said these were the best in the price range for our needs. The price of the next step up was more than double.