I was asked to take photos at a local fashion show. Basically its a 20m catwalk with models moving up and down without stopping for long. All photos are taken with flash.

Even though the photos were good I was unhappy with the results from my old camera, so I bought an EOS 300. When choosing the lens I think I made a big mistake. I bought a large 28-200 zoom lens. f3.5-5.6.

I will probably be asked to do the fashion show next year, so here is my dilemma: I saw a Canon MKII 50mm 1.8lens. I'm positive this will give superior photos but could I use it at the fashion show.

From past results I have found that focusing speed is critical. So the ability to get the subject focused and get a nice crisp image is important.

Question: should I buy and use the Canon 50mm f1.8 or stick to the 28-200 f3.5-5.6?

Help!

-- Jason (jsibley@indigo.ie), June 16, 2001

Answers

Jason,

To better understand your needs may I ask you what aspects of your 28- 200mm do you not like? Why do you think it is a big mistake? What equipment did you use before and what did you like/dislike about the handling and the results?

-- Bill (Bill_Lee@telus.net), June 16, 2001.

I've never done catwalk photos, so keep that in mind as I offer suggestions.

I have used several 28-200mm lenses. They weren't the fastest focusing lenses around, but they weren't all that slow either. The Canon 75-300 USM is a lot slower. I think you will have more problems with focusing because of low light levels and a small aperture zoom. This usually causes the lens to hunt back & forth trying to find something to focus on. If it's bright enough that probably won't be a problem though.

The 50 f/1.8 is sharper and faster focusing and especially so in lower light levels so it would be better in that regard. The question is can you get close enough to the models to fill the picture with a 50mm lens? If so, it's probably a better lens to use, but if not, you will never be happy with the results. If you need a longer fast aperture lens it won't be cheap. Even the 85 f/1.8 is priced at over $350.

I do know that when shooting a wedding, trying to get a good shot of the bride during the processional is a bit tricky. I have found that a non-zoom gives me the best chance for success. You may find the same thing with catwalk photos.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), June 17, 2001.

i've also been doing weddings for a while now. one of the hardest part of a wedding is when the father and the bride walking down the aisle. i would think that it would be the same as a catwalk. i use 85mm 1.8 usm. ultrasonic focusing, constant 1.8, and very very nice optics. 50 wouldn't be bad either, but i have found that the 85 is a little faster in focusing than the 50. if you want to get the 50, i would suggest the 50 mk1, metal mount, distance scale, larger focusing ring, better built.

-- howard shen (hshen@praxidigm.com), June 21, 2001.

Its pretty damn simple, u need the fastest and largest lense u can get for your money. In other words u want something of at least 100mm and an aperture no less than 3.5. Canon make a 50-135mm fd lense and has a constant apeture of 3.5 perfect for what u want to do. and will aslo provide u with a out of focus background and the ability to take the photos up close or further away. Goodluck

-- oman (oman_m@hotmail.com), July 13, 2001.