Shutter Speed v. Focal Zoom 2 questions

[lavagirl03]

I am trying to better understand this concept-

I have a Sigma 24-80 F 3.5-5.6 lens

Does this mean that my shutter speed should always be 100 or above in order for my photos to come out clear?

2nd question- is this a good lens and what is the best to be photographing with it? I think i should get a faster lens for better pictures- I want more DOF and more light to enter in.

Some photogrpahers have suggested getting a better lens for my Nikon instead of using a Sigma.

Your thoughts ?

[kirbinster]

The general rule of thumb is you should shoot no slower than one over the focal length, in this case 1/80th of a second. But remember your milage may vary as you may have more or less steady hands than the average. Some people can probably get sharp pictures from your lens at 1/30th while others get motion blur at 1/200th -- so go take some shots at different speeds for practice and see what you can do.

What should you take pictures of? I won't even address that, as that is up to you and I don't really understand what you are asking.

I think you are saying you want less depth of field, not more, if I understand correctly. If you are saying you want only the subject to be in focus and the background blurred then that would be less depth of field. Sure a faster lens will do that for you, but it will also cost you a lot of money - only you can decide if it is worth it.

[lavagirl03]

Thank you Kirbinster- I appreciate your reply.

If I may clarify- I re read the post I had made and yes that sounded stupid- The question of 'what' pictures I should take wasnt clear- I was asking if this was a good lens and what are the best subjects for it.
For example: they say the Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 is great for wedding photography and you can get in tight with this lens.

What does my lens have to offer ?

[wulf]

The longer the focal length, the more obvious a small mid-exposure movement will be. Typically you run into problems where your pictures are coming out too dark but you can't slow the shutter speed (because of handshake problems), open the aperture (either due to narrow depth of field or the limitations of the lens) or push up the ISO (because of increased noise). That is why a lot of photographers like "fast lenses" - as long as your subject isn't too wide for the depth of field, you can open the aperture wider instead of relying on external equipment like a tripod (allowing a slower shutter speed... as long as the subject is static) or flash (more light, although limited by distance).

The advantage of a longer and faster lens for a wedding is that you can take pictures that get close to people without invading their personal space and you can do so even in indoor lighting conditions. However, you might find that, even at the wide end, 70mm means you will have to stand too far away for the whole group shots that the wedding party will probably want.

BTW, a faster lens will give you LESS DoF when wide open.

Wulf

[RichardTaylor]

@ lavagirl03
I don't own that lens and I am a Canon shooter.
That focal length range and maximum aperture range
(1) it makes for a good walk around/travel lens, when used in good lighting (daylight) and used on a full frame camera.

(2) On a camera with a crop sensor it makes for a normal to moderate telephoto. OK for landscapes, head shots of people, groups of flowers etc. For those occasions where you want a bit more reach. It is not a low light lens due to its relatively slow maximum aperture.

[JAD40]

As a rule of thumb that I use. If I zoom that lens to 80mm then I won't let my shutter speed drop lower that 1/80. Same on the other spectrum with the lens zoomed out at 24mm (1/24).