A few months back I met with some of the organizers of the Help-Portrait project, here in the Albany, New York area. I believe I was one of the first photographers to volunteer. As I've said previously, I believe in giving back to the community, when I can and where the project is worth my time and energy.
Since Sigma Corporation of America had loaned me some lenses, in the past, for reviews, I thought I'd ask them if I could borrow something especially for this shoot. They completely agreed and I asked for the 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM lens. I thought the focal length would be perfect for shooting both individuals and families and, with an aperture of f/2.8, I could get the exposure I wanted.
In comparison to some of the other photographers (there were five others), my setup was quite simple. I used a Metz 54 MZ-3 flash, off camera, on a light stand, as my key and I elevated it about six or seven feet and reflected it off a 43-inch white umbrella. I decided to shoot reflected, rather than through the umbrella as I was not going after anything dramatic and wanted a good general purpose light.
My second light, the fill, was to my right (subject left) was another Metz 54 MZ-3, reflected off a 43-inch white umbrella. This one I elevated only four feet and pulled it back some from the subject. Knowing I'd be shooting groups, I set the key so I would have an f/4.0 and the fill minus 1 1/2 to 2 stops.
Using the Sigma lens, I shot a white piece of paper to calibrate a custom white balance and set my camera for the best JPG, rather than RAW. This was a consensus of both the photographers and organizers as I would not be selecting the final images for delivery.
With my trusty Canon, including a vertical grip holding two batteries and the Sigma lens, I was ready in less than twenty minutes. Oh, and I had a Sun-Sniper-Strap attached to a hand grip on the Canon.
As you can see from the included images, the 24-70mm Sigma was spot on. The zoom range is perfect, as I was able to get closer for individual portraits and wide for groups. The Sigma's HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) focus is quick and near silent and I had no problems focusing on someone's eye. This is a hefty lens, weighing 27.9 ounces (790g), nearly two pounds and would have been an effort holding it still, if I had to have it in my hand for the entire day (we shot from 10:00am until 4:00pm, with nary a moment to eat -- someone supplied me with coffee all day; bless her heart). Thanks to the Sun-Sniper-Strap, I could drop the camera, by my side, between shots and while setting poses.
My results were outstanding and, during a brief review with some of the organizers, near the end of the day, were consistent and some of the best of the day. My setup worked as I had planned, with exposure on target and the images quite sharp. I found the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM to be a lens I would definitely want to have in my kit; consistent performance, exposure agreeing with my Sekonic L-358 light meter, with some tweaking for skin tones throughout the day.
This was also the first time I used a strap, such as the Sun-Sniper and I'll never go back to a neck strap again. I found it also enhances the use of my hand strap and I could easily pick up the camera and be in shooting position in seconds, yet still able to drop the camera, by my side and be out of the way (the lens points backwards and not out to the side like other shoulder straps).
I felt quite comfortable and secure using the Sun-Sniper. The strap was wide enough to evenly distribute the weight and had an elastic area, in case you accidentally let go of your camera instead of putting it down by your side. The carabiner slides easily along the diagonally worn strap and, after just a few moments, it feels as if this was a perfectly natural way of carrying your camera, while still being ready to use.
The combination of the Sigma lens and the Sun-Sniper-Strap is quite good for either shoots, such as the Help-Portrait I did, and also for general use, out in the field.
Disclaimer: The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM was loaned to me for a month with no expectations or considerations for a possible review. There was no quid quo pro; I was freely able to come to my own conclusions. The Sun-Sniper-Strap was part of a general press package, given to the trade press at last year's PhotoPlus Expo in New York. I neither asked for it or offered any mention or review, but was able to keep it along with the other items in the press package.
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