Filming interviews with 550D - what lense

[Mr Yarrow]

I have a 550D and Im going to use it to film interviews at trade shows for work. I have radio mics I can use so sound is fine, but I was wondering what advice people might give on lenses for this quite specific task.

My first guess is that the kit lense wont be too bad and will cope with general stuff well, but could I do significantly better, but without spending a fortune?

I am wondering if the 50mm 1.8 cheap prime might be good as the depth of field will help the interviewee stand out on screen.

Resolution is you tube style imbedded web player if that sways opinion.

Rgds

[ap4a]

Trade shows are usually indoors, so you kit lens will probably be too slow. And the 50 f/1.8 while having a faster aperture has a tendency to hunt when wide open in poor light, so your focus might be hit and miss. If you have the budget for it either the 50 f/1.4 or Sigma 30 f/1.4 would give better options in low light, or if you feel the need for a zoom there are a few 17-55 f/2.8 or 24-70 f/2.8 options available.

[Mr Yarrow]

Originally Posted by ap4a

Trade shows are usually indoors, so you kit lens will probably be too slow. And the 50 f/1.8 while having a faster aperture has a tendency to hunt when wide open in poor light, so your focus might be hit and miss. If you have the budget for it either the 50 f/1.4 or Sigma 30 f/1.4 would give better options in low light, or if you feel the need for a zoom there are a few 17-55 f/2.8 or 24-70 f/2.8 options available.

Think I understood most of that

The auto focus doesnt seem to track on the 550D, so I was planning to fix on manual focus, meaning the hunting for focus wont be a problem. Also these interviews are always static camera on tripod and interviewee tends to stay in one spot, least thats what I tell them

Dont need zoom for this to be honest. Will have a look at those suggestions, thanks

Rgds