Shooting Concerts - What to do about a High Stage?

[Kauz]

Thanks again. I'm curious how much stage lights will effect my ISO. I shot last night at a party with very little light and was pushing 3200, but since my D7000 has a great chip, thats not that bad. I'd like to keep it around 1600 though. I also decided to bite the bullet and get the 50mm f/1.8. Hopefully that will work pretty well.

 

[gsgary]

Thanks again. I'm curious how much stage lights will effect my ISO. I shot last night at a party with very little light and was pushing 3200, but since my D7000 has a great chip, thats not that bad. I'd like to keep it around 1600 though. I also decided to bite the bullet and get the 50mm f/1.8. Hopefully that will work pretty well.

If you use the 18-105 you will have no choice but to use iso3200 or higher, those of mine on the first page are iso3200

 

[StarPath]

I agree with many of the above and using a lightweight tripod will help with the longer zoom if you can rent one. You can probably get away with a 70-200 f/2.8 but certainly the 300mm would be an optimal balance between light and stability. Don't be afraid to use a small carry footstool and get low angle creative shots.

 

[Destin]

I agree with many of the above and using a lightweight tripod will help with the longer zoom if you can rent one. You can probably get away with a 70-200 f/2.8 but certainly the 300mm would be an optimal balance between light and stability. Don't be afraid to use a small carry footstool and get low angle creative shots.

Totally agree about the light tripod helping. Except... I've never heard of a concert allowing tripods. Might wanna get a monopod.

 

[Forkie]

Why not take advantage of the height?

The Morning Side | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[AmberNikol]

I'm doing a concert in May and was wondering the same things. Thanks for advice. Also, what should I set my ISO at for concerts to get the best possible lighting?

 

[Kauz]

Hey everyone,

I shot the concert last night, and stuck almost exclusively to 11-16mm f/2.8 all night. It worked fantastically. The stage wasn't quite as high because the concert was moved. Had it not been, I would have been completely screwed (pardon my French). The table that Girl Talk mixes on is a lot higher than a standard table (which makes sense seeing as he's standing up at it), and since I was in the photo pit, 50mm was too close. I'll put a few samples up after I go through all 925 shots, but if you go to "The Daily Cardinal" its a front page shot today.

I'll write more later about tips I've gained for this unique style of concert (you'll see what I mean...).