Indoors, large area, very low general light levels with bright hot spots near the stage, all of which I thought could present some challenges in photographing the event without using disruptive supplemental lighting.
So, I went to my equipment bag for a lens I haven’t shot with in a long time, a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8. This is a tank of a lens, older, big and heavy, but it has a sharpness to it that certainly rivals any of the newer lens today of the same focal length — it’s also fairly fast. This lens paired with my Nikon D700 at ISO 6400 made for a potent combination allowing me to reach out and capture those special moments. For the wider view I switched off to my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 as needed.
In post-processing I was pleased to discover only a little noise to contend with at ISO 6400 — easily fixed in Lightroom/Photoshop without the loss of any details. The D700 at ISO 6400 has definitely moved into my comfort zone and that 80-200mm lens will not sit on the shelf so long next time.
A fine stage shot. I liked getting the low-down on how you managed the difficult shooting situation. You should be reassured that your D700 is doing a superb job for you.
Don, thanks and I’m glad you enjoy my “thinking out loud” about the photographic process. In these situation the D700 really shines.
Wow! You did good on this one. Yes, I think you may need to keep the dust off this lens or fork up the money for the newer 70-200mm VR. :-) I also know that the D700 does real well with the higher ISO, one it’s strengths.
These are difficult shots. I light the lighting and your white balance is very good. I think you have found a new area for your talents.
Monte, It a great lens…but it’s big and heavy. Even so I’m not interested in a 70-200 VR. Thanks!
At 6400? That’s great! I’m impressed by the lack of noise of the D700.
Ahhh… I remember that lens. Tank is an appropriate word. :-) I still have to remind myself that yes, ISO6400 is quite doable for the D700. Despite shooting with this camera for many years now, it still seems too good to be true.
I think you image shows perfectly the allure of natural light photography – something I think all camera manufacturers are going to be pushing towards. Flash is going to be something only used for specific lighting needs instead of the default.