Lowest light for f2.8?

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
What would you guys estimate the lowest light that would work for an f2.8 lens?

I'm on a bit of a budget and was thinking about getting the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.

I need to shoot some stuff at around 30 minutes before Sunset and maybe 5 minutes after the sun has left the horizon (NOT night shots).

Would an f2.8 be sufficient for this time of the day? Or do I need to take it lower to maybe an f1.4 Sigma? I would like the Sigma lens, but I don't know if I could afford it at this point.

Also, do you guys think the I.S. version of the Tamron lens is worth the extra $200?
 
At ISO 640, you'll need 16 footcandles of light to shoot T2.8, maybe 20 footcandles for F2.8. So go measure how much light is there, and you'll know whether you'll have enough light or not.

I will say this, I've shot very near sunset, and up to 20 minutes after with just natural light and gotten away with it. But my experience and yours may be different. If I were in your shoes, and could get the 1.4, I'd do it every time.
 
This is another great argument for Perrone to make for having a light meter to answer such questions! :-) (ps: I'd agree with said argument!)

It also depends if you're shooting wide angle or telephoto, as well as your ISO and shutter speed. I regularly shoot f2.8 at and beyond the magic hour and it's been fine. Depends, though, how you want your tones mapped in your image...if you want a high-key effect, you're in rough waters! :-p

IS/VR usually gives you a stop's worth of stability. In my experience IS isn't important for wide angle, at least for what and how I shoot. Now if my 300mm wildlife lens didn't have IS, my spastic self wouldn't have a single salvageable frame.
 
1.4 you'll probably be too bright. 2.8 will probably be okay. Once that sun goes down though you're gonna be hurtin.
 
Here's some Halloween footage taken at dusk/night with the 7D and Tamron 17-55 at f/2.8. If I remember correctly, I locked ISO at 1600.

http://vimeo.com/7402160

(Please ignore the terrible white balance in the first several shots. I didn't take the time to manually adjust the color profile in-camera.)
 
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