Which lens to use for children photography?

[mochino]

I'm having a little session with my friend's cousins and nephews tomorrow afternoon. It will be taken place at a local park. I am looking for some shots of the kids playing around and interacting with one another. I'm using a cropped camera, but I only have 2 lenses to choose from. I would bring both "just in case", but we're only going to be there for about an hour. Which lens would you prefer? There will be around 5 kids ranging from age 2-6 (most of them are in kinder).

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I thought about using the 17-40L as it could get a wider angle and capture the playing time of all the kids. At 40 on a cropped frame, I can even get some close-up shots of individuals.

However, I am a big fan of macro photography. I also have a 100mm macro. I know I won't be able to stand too close from the kids, but at f2.8 I could get some nice background blurs and more lights in. Thus, faster shutter speed.



I'm not sure which lens to bring. I haven't really had a chance to shoot outdoor, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[hibou]

I did it with the 100 mm 2.8, and I'd do it again. You'll just have to keep moving to get a variety of shots in terms of how much body is in the frame.

[hibou]

I kill every thread I post in.

[oldwolf]

I'd go with the 100mm. It will let you be further away so the kids don't take notice of you too much. You'll use your foot zoom and get some great candid shots IMO.

[kelleyrie]

I'd use 100mm too, for the same reasons already posted

[DavidD]

Originally Posted by hibou

I kill every thread I post in.

LOL, sorry just saw this. You are right with the lens I think adn some great shots there. Thanks for sharing.

[i speak in math]

I hate to differ here but that 100mm is a macro lens and is going to focus very slowly. Shooting children is going to require you to know your gear very well and be able to move quickly. The slower focus motor on the lens may hold you back.

[Bluenoser]

I've used my 100mm Macro to photograph my kids on a number of occasions and I never had a problem with slow focus. It is quick and reliable from my experiences.

[Nocojoe]

Where are you going to be shooting? Is there going to be any inside shots? If so, then maybe the 17-40L may not be fast enough with an f4 aperture. If it was me I would look for a lens that focuses very quickly, depending on how old your children are and how still they can hold, and also a lens that has a very large aperture if you are going to shoot inside at all. I would suggest look at lenses with a f2.8 or larger.

[irieness]

Depending what is your environment. If they are going to a local park, playground I would bring both. Some close up shots are great but also some wide shots with the kids and interaction with the environment could break up the pattern of your photoshoot. If it's indoors, then 100 mm would suffice.