Max ISO in Low Light You Would Use in T2i

[Galen Rath]

Taky, the latest version has a II or a Mark II in the description.

[Joel Peregrine]

Originally Posted by Taky Cheung

Joe.. thanks for your msg. it's comforting actually. I really think IS is needed for telephoto lens.

Found some on ebay selling it brand new at $1800. Not sure should I get from them or get from BH/Amazon. your thought?

I've only bought new lenses when I couldn't find used ones. For me the only new ones I own are the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and the Rokinon 85/1.4. (Its not even easy to find the Tokina new.) All my other lenses have come from Adorama's reconditioned/used selection, eBay or KEH.com. If I needed another 70-200/2.8 IS right now I'd feel completely comfortable with this:

Canon EOS 70-200 F2.8 L IMAGE STABILIZATION ULTRASONIC (77) 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

"Bargain" at KEH is a very dependable lens with perfect glass.

[Taky Cheung]

just bite the bullet and order it at Amazon with Amex card. It's $2300. yeah, ouch! But it's a business investment as Joel said. I could have used Amazon credit card that gives me 3% cash back.. Purchased with Amex gives me some peace of mind for the additional 1 year warranty and purchase protection if breaks or stolen in 3 months.

Too bad there isn't a 24-70mm with IS...

[Taky Cheung]

Oh is the UV filter all that necessary? The one amazon recommended is $88... little ouch.

[Daniel Browning]

It depends on the light. ISO 6400 in magenta light has the same noise level as ISO 800 in tungsten light. It also depends on the settings and post processing. A low contrast (AKA high dynamic range) look will show a lot more noise than a high contrast (AKA low dynamic range) style.

[Taky Cheung]

Daniel, does that mean, if I use Neutral and increase the contrast, the ISO noise is less noticeable?

[Kin Lau]

Originally Posted by Taky Cheung

Oh is the UV filter all that necessary? The one amazon recommended is $88... little ouch.

In low light situations with strong light sources in the frame, I would avoid _any_ filters. Otherwise, ghosting would easily be a problem.

[Perrone Ford]

Originally Posted by Kin Lau

In low light situations with strong light sources in the frame, I would avoid _any_ filters. Otherwise, ghosting would easily be a problem.

VERY dependent on the filter. Cheap filters, absolutely. Something like a Hoya S-HMC, not really.

[Daniel Browning]

Originally Posted by Taky Cheung

Daniel, does that mean, if I use Neutral and increase the contrast, the ISO noise is less noticeable?

Yes, but to me it's not really a practical solution because to me, deciding the look of the shot is a higher priority than avoiding noise. If I want a low contrast look, I'll sooner use detali-smearing noise reduction than crank up the contrast.

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

VERY dependent on the filter. Cheap filters, absolutely. Something like a Hoya S-HMC, not really.

I use expensive filters including the Hoya S-HMC, and to me they still cause major flare and ghosting problems in scenes with bright speculars. Personally, I only use protection filters when it's rainy, really dusty, etc.

[Perrone Ford]

Originally Posted by Daniel Browning

I use expensive filters including the Hoya S-HMC, and to me they still cause major flare and ghosting problems in scenes with bright speculars. Personally, I only use protection filters when it's rainy, really dusty, etc.

Wow... with what lens? Been a while since I've done shooting into the sun, but that is going to change this month...

[Taky Cheung]

I bought the Canon UV haze filter for $30.

[Ian Holb]

I don't use any clear/UV filters. They are unnecessary overpriced voodoo junk preying on your fears. The coating on modern lenses are super tough and super scratch resistant.

[Perrone Ford]

Originally Posted by Ian Holb

I don't use any clear/UV filters. They are unnecessary overpriced voodoo junk preying on your fears. The coating on modern lenses are super tough and super scratch resistant.

That's cool.. but only one of my primes is coated at all. I'll stick with protecting them.

[Taky Cheung]

It's an expensive investment. I'd rather protect it with a UV filter. :)

[Scott Shama]

Originally Posted by Ian Holb

400 ISO is the max I use with f1.4 lenses. Going to 800 ISO is acceptable for web. I would never go 3200 ISO, as the sharpness is cut in half, plus all the noise.

Forget the 70-200 f2.8 if you're shooting low-light receptions. For my kit, I turn to my 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4 when the sun sets. I will not use any other lens f2.8 or higher.

Your DOF is terrible with those lenses opened up. Personally I'd rather have my image in focus over not using high iso. The neatvideo plugin works wonders all the way up to 6400. You either need to add lighting (on camera or off) or make sure your client is aware that a dark venue means dark footage.