Concert Photography (Small Clubs)

[brklynside]

I'm looking to get a new lens for shooting in small clubs (capacities of 100-500). I have a Canon EOS ElanIIe camera equipped with the standard 28-80 that came with the camera, a 50mm/1.8 (works pretty well in these situations) as well as a crappy 70-300mm.

Since the 50mm works well in low light, but doesn't get me close enough to the artists, what should I look at next? Some sort of telephoto?

 

[Jeff Canes]

500mm is probably to long for small clubs.

My guess is that 70-200mm is a good length for this, the problem is the quality you will need is not cheep at all, “Canon 70-200mm 2.8f IS” is 1600 USD new

A cheaper route could be a 2X extender. Canon’s is about 300 USD new for B&H. But, first look for a used one or other brand on ebay. I just looked at KEH saw one for 35 USD

If you go all manual you can get an adaptor ring EOS to FD or EOS t-mount for thread lenses. The Canon 200mm 2.8f FD cost about 200 USD used on ebay it a very good lens. Add an extender for less than 150 USD. A low quality 400mm thread lens is under 100 USD new plus the mounting ring about 20 USD.

I have a 400mm thread lens for 20 UDS plus shipping it’s your, you will need to get the t -mount b&h has them for 18 USD

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=219079&is=REG