R. Shawn Korno , Oct 26, 2008; 07:35 a.m.
Hi everyone. I work as a freelance journalist for a small Jewish community paper. While on holiday in Israel I
took advantage of an opportunity to tour Gaza for a PR event a couple of years ago. While there I was caught up
in a terrorist attack and ended up taking quite a few photos of the attack and what was going on around me. The
pictures are in my portfolio. It took me a while to get over that - a photographer at the time quipped "So, this
was your first bombing? Welcome to paradise." - but I've since discovered I have a taste for photojournalism.
While in Israel I used a Canon EOS 300D which I still have; and for the foreseeable future, intend to use for
head shots which are generally the kind of pics we use in the paper. Any thoughts on what other lenses I should
use with this camera? Most of the events I attend are indoors, usually a speaker or 6, usually a large get
together around a buffet afterward. Not quite Gaza ;-), but I have to start somewhere.
Thanks in advance
RSK
R. Shawn Korno , Oct 26, 2008; 07:43 a.m.
Bruce Muir , Oct 26, 2008; 08:25 a.m.
for a cropped body, indoor grip & grin
16-35 2.8L, 70-200 2.8 IS L and a 50 1.4
or... if you dont need real wide or get a FF
24-70 2.8 L and 70-700 2.8L and 50 1.4
You'll want to add a fast wide prime maybe 35 1.4L and a long tele later
Bruce Muir , Oct 26, 2008; 08:27 a.m.
that second zoom should be 70-200 2.8 IS L sorry not 70-700
R. Shawn Korno , Oct 26, 2008; 09:37 a.m.
Thanks Bruce. I just looked those lenses up, the prices are way beyond my budget ($500 - sorry I should have mentioned this, the paper won't contribute towards any of this). In South Africa we pay a lot more than in the US.
The idea of a fast wide prime appeals to me: either 28mm or 24mm. I have a 50mm and it's kinda tight.
What do you think of the Tamron 19-35 (which seems to be a similar focal length to what you mentioned)
I've also seen a 70-200 L for $550 (used) is that good; it doesn't have the IS designation though.
Rainer T 
, Oct 26, 2008; 10:28 a.m.
-- "While in Israel I used a Canon EOS 300D "
The pictures in your portfolio are all taken with a Fuji FinePix S5500 ... I hope you're sure about the 300D.
Assumed that's the case, and indoors is your main use, I recommend to have a look on the Sigma 30/1.4. Eventually add a EF85/1.8 and a Canon 430ex flash.
R. Shawn Korno , Oct 26, 2008; 10:35 a.m.
Rainer, I used a friend's a while back but have had the EOS since 05 so I presume I got them confused. How would I confirm the camera data? In any case I still have the EOS so thanks for the suggestions.
Rainer T , Oct 26, 2008; 10:55 a.m.
-- "How would I confirm the camera data? "
Most digital images contain (besides the image itself) some descriptive data. (Usually called EXIF data.)
Your images also contained this. EXIF data can be viewed with a lot of tools. There are even plugins for internet browsers that allow to inspect this data (if available).
I though I look into the EXIF data of your images in order to find out which lens you use. You didn't mention the lens you have, and knowing it would allow to give better advise. So I just assumed, you would have the EFS 18-55/3.5-5.6 that came with the 300D. If thats the case, teh Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50/2.8 would also be candidates. (One of these can replace the kitlens).
R. Shawn Korno , Oct 26, 2008; 11:09 a.m.
Hi Rainer
If that's the case it begs the question, "Do I need to use an SLR?"
Rainer T , Oct 26, 2008; 11:45 a.m.
-- "Do I need to use an SLR?""
This is a question only you can answer. P&S cameras are convenient, and (within their limits) produce reasonable results. SLRs are more flexible and will produce better quality (if used correct) but are also more costly and heavier as well as bigger. For you as a jounalist, the question is, does you paper require you to use an SLR, or would images taken with a P&S also be acceptable to them. Also, will a P&S be flexible enough to get the images you want, it produce sufficient quality.
