Using Fast Glass

Another alternative for shooting in low-light situations is to use “fast” lenses. This has nothing to do with shutter speed; rather, it refers to lenses that have a large maximum aperture. To allow the maximum amount of light to hit your sensor, you need to use the widest aperture you have available. In these situations, a fast lens is invaluable (Figure 7.4).

Figure 7.4. A lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 allowed me to capture this image.

If you’re using a slower lens, increasing the ISO will be absolutely necessary. So if you frequently find yourself shooting in low-light conditions, it may be time to invest in a lens with a larger maximum aperture.