Low light camera t2i settings Please help!!!!

[rico]

I have a T2i with a70-300mm lense 1:4-5.6 IS USM trying to shoot an event at night in fairly low light and can't seem to figure out what i need to do. I have seen meta data on the same event last year however, that photographer was using an 50D they're settings read f5.6 , 300mm, no flash, 1/80 and ISO @3200 the photo looked good to me. The question was at what shooting mode to use to get the same results and I don't believe this person used a tripod. its an event at night with actors and dancers. where to start? Manuel AF AV-mode?
I just don't know?
rw

[i speak in math]

Just fyi, this isn't the right sub-forum for your question. This ones is about lighting, not exposure.

If the you get good results with f5.6 , 300mm, no flash, 1/80 and ISO @3200, then use them. F/5.6 is pretty slow for low light, but thats as fast as that lens can get. ISO 3200 is also pretty high in the ISO dept, images will be pretty grainy.

Your best bet would be to shoot in Tv mode with auto ISO up to whatever you are comfortable with on your camera. If you set the shutter just fast enough to not get blurry images (1/40?), then the camera will do the rest.

A faster lens, like an f/2.8 would give you two extra stop of lattitude allowing you to get to either ISO 800 or 1/320. If you find you need to freeze motion, you will need the faster shutter. Alternatively, you could go for the cleaner IQ of the ISO 800.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by rico

I have a T2i with a70-300mm lense 1:4-5.6 IS USM trying to shoot an event at night in fairly low light and can't seem to figure out what i need to do. I have seen meta data on the same event last year however, that photographer was using an 50D they're settings read f5.6 , 300mm, no flash, 1/80 and ISO @3200 the photo looked good to me. The question was at what shooting mode to use to get the same results and I don't believe this person used a tripod. its an event at night with actors and dancers. where to start? Manuel AF AV-mode?
I just don't know?
rw

You can set it in av mode and set the camera 3200 iso. and let the meter decide what your shutter speed. The lens you have is not at all designed for low light. Also 3200 iso will be extremely grainy on a T2i... 50d is a whole different class of camera. At 300mm i would definitely use a tripod if your only getting 1/80... You always need to keep you shutter speed over your focal length if going hand held. I have the same lens you have I would never use it at night. I use it on very bright sunny days and even then I use a mono pod.

[RichardTaylor]

You may find this DPS tute helpful.
It will give you a basic understanding of how to set your camera up for different shooting conditions.

Exposure (1) A balancing act

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by bhursey

Also 3200 iso will be extremely grainy on a T2i... 50d is a whole different class of camera.

Not to nitpick, but the sensor and processor on the T2i are leaps and bounds better than the one in the 50D.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Not to nitpick, but the sensor and processor on the T2i are leaps and bounds better than the one in the 50D.

Sorry. remember I still use a 6 year old canon 20D.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by bhursey

Sorry. remember I still use a 6 year old canon 20D.

Time to upgrade.

/DarkSide
/WeHaveCookies.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Time to upgrade.

/DarkSide
/WeHaveCookies.

You have 1800$ to get me a 7D? Don't worry im saving. Im already 100$ in.. 1700 more to go.

The 20D does fine yes it is older technology but all of the theory works I just have less flexibility..

Cookies do sound good...

[Tim Spencer]

You can consider renting a faster lens also:

Canon 70-200 f2.8 goes for $54 per week at rentglass.com
Canon 100 f2.8L IS (Sweet lens) is $35 for 4 days (plus shipping) at lensrentals.com

Look around lensrentals.com - lots of stuff or google "Canon lens rentals".

One of these lenses with a max. opening of 2.8 will make a huge difference.