lens advice for kids on stage and some wildlife

[handsomerob]

As others already suggested, for your needs, stay away from f/4 lenses. Get the fastest you can. This means expensive and heavy but it will pay off.

If you want a single lens for birding and stage work and if budget permits I would get 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II. Sharpest zoom ever and very versatile. It also works very well with extenders.

Another idea: Again as others suggested, 135L f/2 truly shines on FF and would be a great lens for stage work if you don't really need the flexibility of a zoom. You could add a 100-400L (or 70-300L) for birding (without converter) to it, for around the price of a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II + extender.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

The 135mm L plus my 5D MK II at IS) 3200 or faster is my stage outfit, with my 85mm f/1.8 for wider views and 35mm L for a very wide view.  Flash is not allowed or wanted for many stage images where colored lights are part of the effect.

I tried my 70-200mm f/2.8, it just did not work out for the fast motion onstage, not fast enough in many cases.  I usually stick to 1/320 sec when I can, but drop the shutter speed for scenes without fast motion.

135mm L @f/2.5 ISO 3200 1/250sec 



135mmL under bright stage light at f/7.1 1/200 sec

[handsomerob]

great shots, congrats! 135L truly shines on FF!

[skitron]

I suppose I'll just stick with the 100 L for now and try to sit closer using the FF. It's a 3300 seat room but when the kids are doing stuff in there it's easy enough to sit up front. If it turns out I need something a little faster and/or longer, I'll try the 135 L. Many thanks for all the input everyone!