If you had to choose...

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I have a question regarding my new toy (70-200 f/4G)...most times I shoot in 'aperture priority' mode on my D7000 (allows me to play with the iso in low light easily and quickly)...with my new lens being a constant aperture through the whole range...how does this affect my choice of 'mode'?

Aperture priority mode was my first step out of 'auto' so I'm still learning...be gentle :p

J

You've got the wrong idea about the lens you have. You certainly don't have "constant aperture", you just have a fixed maximum at F4. Aperture priority will set you shutter speed for you based on your aperture and ISO choices (or just your aperture if you have auto ISO turned on). For concert photography I would probably go with shutter priority to make sure that I can choose a shutter speed that will capture my subject without movement, and then set my ISO in a way that allows me to achieve proper exposure without having to think too hard (i.e. with a 70-200 with VR I want to make sure I can go to 200mm and still be shooting at 1/125sec without going dark). Your lens will open up to an F4 and no wider, but will definitely close down to higher values if need be.

In every situation, think about what element you most want to control and then set up your camera so you can maintain control over that. In low light and with moving subjects that's often shutter speed. Most other times you look to control depth of field, so shoot in aperture priority.
 

Patrick M

Senior Member
Without doubt the NIKON AF-S 70-200MM F4 G ED VR

I agree primes are "probably" better...but you'd need several cameras, whereas the zoom does as it says on the tin. I've used this lens for many concerts and loved it.

Re aperture/shutter speed...it's depending where you're sat. If at the back of the hall, then you don't care about aperture. If you're next to the stage, then it's much more important and depends on the shot you want.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 

3rdtrick

New member
Jason,
I am glad you picked the Nikon. I just took mine on a three week trip and the images were just incredible. It is a tough decision but I think I will be trading my 70-200 2.8 VRII and keeping the F4 lens. Without a doubt I would pick the Nikon over a Sigma or Tamron 2.8 and use ISO to account for the extra stop. One thing about VR, it will help with your hand holding motion but will not stop motion of the subject. This actually could make some cool photos with motion in a guitar players hand or when jumping. Eventually you could pick up a fast prime if you need the extra light.
Pete
 
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