Best lens for Press Photography

angeleyes

Could I ask those of you who are experienced photographers what in your professional opinion would be the best lens to use for press/pr work.

During the past week or so I have being doing a documentary module for college and was covering the election and the count in Limerick. I found it difficult to get good shots - I was told that I was too polite! I know I just wasn't quick enough to get myself into the right positions. I know that this would come with experience.

However, I did notice every press photographer differed with their lenses. I had a 70-200 on one camera and a 24-70 on the other. (Canon user) but I would be interested to learn from experienced photographers. I don't think I would be cut out for Press work

CabanSail

What Body would the lens be mounted on?

How close will you be to the subjects?

I have not done this type of photography but the two lenses at f2.8 on Full Frame bodies would seem to cover most situations.

angeleyes

I have a 5d mark II and a 50D.

melekalikimaka

i think you'd be sorted with those two lens, 70-200 maybe is a bit ott but sure if you can fork it out, go for it, a pretty prime might be handy for the shots you can compose a little easier

ValueInIreland

angeleyes wrote: »

I had a 70-200 on one camera and a 24-70 on the other. (Canon user) but I would be interested to learn from experienced photographers. I don't think I would be cut out for Press work

Those two lenses are the most popular choice of Press Photographers (especially the f2.8 versions). For any "fluid" situations, I would avoid prime lenses, especially if you are working with other Photographers, as Murphy's law states that you will always have the wrong focal length lens mounted at any given opportunity!. Depending on what type of Press work you like / get, then an Ultra wide and a fast Telephoto for sport would be the next items to consider.

PCPhoto

basic setup for press photography .... would be those two lenses, with a body and flash....or if you dont have a full-frame body then change the 24-70mm for a 16-35mm.

if you are expanding then over time .... 16-35mm, second body, second flash, and then depending on if you cover sports or not.... large primes 300mm, 2.8, 400mm f2.8 500mm f4 or 600mm f4 (its upto you if you want the IS version or the non-IS version)

Are you 100% you want to get into press photography? - there's not a lot of money to be made from it !!! .... but it is generally a relaxed atmosphere.... patience is the key - on some jobs ... you could be sitting around for 6/7hours and then might have to work for 10-15seconds.

ALSO - its very important you have a laptop and access to internet (including backup access) .... sometimes you need to send images within minutes of taking them.

EDIT: unless you have some specific area exclusive to you then you will be competing against Press22 ... which are a trusted and well established Press Photo Agency based in Limerick (your location according to Boards)

Buceph

There was a photography show in Cork ran by MacSweeneys for charity, yesterday I think. I couldn't make it because of lack of cash. But they had one seminar on Press Photography ran by one of the guys in charge of a Cork press agency. Maybe someone here did make it to it and can relay what the advice was.

Borderfox

70-200 + 24-70 for me, covers everything. Two flashes also and usually have a flash bracket and battery pack to power the flash.

pixbyjohn

Liz Mc Manus count 2011
Used a 70 - 200mm f2.8 lens at 200mm and flash

conair01

when ever i do any press work i carry the 24-70 f2.8 and the 80-200 f2.8. but of recently when i carry the 80-200 f2.8 its been hurting my hip due to the weight of the lens. going to purchase a dual camera strap

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dual-2-Double-Camera-Binoculars-Shoulder-Strap-Harness_W0QQitemZ230566001754QQcategoryZ64343QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7437909646268535017#ht_5359wt_905

PCPhoto

I have never seen a press photographer wearing one of those.

the closest I've seen has been someone with a hip-pouch for lenses ....most photographers just get on with it.... every reportage photographer I know has had back/neck issues at some point (its inevitable due to the way the equipment is carried)

Best way to avoid it is to not carry as much equipment.

hoganpoly

Dont think i,d like to hang 2 camera,s /lens worth a small fortune out of a 20euro strap, plus you,d get some looks

mdebets

PCPhoto wrote: »

I have never seen a press photographer wearing one of those.

I always wondered why this is the case. Wouldn't you expect that someone who has to carry heavy equipment around on a daily basis is doing it in the most comfortable way?

PCPhoto

sometimes you have to give up a comfort in order to get the job done,
off the top of my head
- I've been on my back lying on the ground with a wide-angle (in public),
- standing on a 10ft wall hand holding a 600mm lens,
- standing on the top of unsupported ladders holding heavy gear ...all in order to get something different or sometimes because thats what's needed to get "the pic" ... most of the time it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I've been in scrums of media with 10-15 photographers, a couple of TV cameras, loads of reporters and the usual well wishers and members of the public who just want a nosey !! .... even taking pics of Enda Kenny last Sat night in the Burlington was madness.... everyone fighting to get close (while also walking backwards and not watching what or who is behind)

it can be tough going - how do you explain to the office that you didn't get a pic because the other photographers blocked you while they got their pic...its not an easy profession to do....but it does have its advantages, even if its sold out I can get access to almost* any concert in the country, any major sporting event you can get in for free** .... you sometimes get to meet and take photographs of international movie and music stars... and other celebs.


* = sometimes management dont permit photographs
** - ahem ... working