Concert photography - third lens.

Fiendish Astronaut · May 18, 2007

I do a lot of live music photography and I'm considering expanding my collection of lenses. I cuurently have a Canon 250D and use 50mm 1.8f and a Sigma 18-50mm 2.8. Both good lenses. I suppose I could upgrade my 50mm to 1.4f but also thinking about a lens with more zoom than 50mm as last gig I did I was stuck behind a stage apron! And couldn't capture the drummer. Any advice?

The other option intrigues me. Get an ultra wide angle fish eye type lens with a big aperture. Maybe expensive but would I regret this?

My music shots on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cttm/sets/72157594224415641/

JIP · May 18, 2007

Budget???

Fiendish Astronaut · May 18, 2007

That's a good question. Anything up to £400 - £500 (prob the same in dollars).

Moonfruit · May 20, 2007

I have a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX that has served me pretty well for concert photography. I also use the 50mm f/1.8 but very rarely.

My perfect collection would be the Sigma i have mentioned above, along with something just a little wider, along with a Canon or Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. IS would be nice too though thats out of your budget.

Fiendish Astronaut · May 20, 2007

Thanks Moonfruit.

I've found this Sigma 50-150mm 2.8f for when I'm shooting on a big stage as it would complement to 18-50mm 2.8 I already have. But I'm wondering if zoomed in and wide open it'll be good enough. Sure it would be great to get some IS but I don't have that sort of money!

les_rokr · May 20, 2007

I don't have an SLR yet, but as soon as I get it i'll be doing a lot of live music photography as well. If I just purchase a body, what would be the best starter lens for this type of photography?

Don Simon · May 20, 2007

Astronaut: I don't know if you've bought anything yet, but I've seen those Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms sell (used but in perfect condition) within your budget. It would be a good choice if what you're after is something longer, with the flexibility of a zoom but still reasonably fast.

les_rokr: 50mm f/1.7 or f/1.8. You will have to move about more to frame shots than with a zoom, but this would be the fastest lens for the least money.