Concert Photography: EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 OR EF 50mm f/1.8

[Rodger]

I'm shooting a concert in a couple days and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what lens to shoot with primarily. I'll be taking both for sure (If UPS brings my 50mm in time that is). Im guessing I'll be on the stage with the band but off to the side.Is 50mm generally too close totakeshots during the concert? I know it depends more or less on conditions when I get there. This will be my first shoot at a concert. Oh boy haha.

[Colin]

50mm isn't too close if the framing is what you want....


200mm might not be too close.


Play with your zoom, and figure out the field of view you'll need.


the prime's ability to handle low light without flash might be it's biggest advantage in that situation.

[thunder]

Most concerts I've shot have been with 400D w/ Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM. Recently I added Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM.

I use the principal of "Use your pixels wisely". That means, I frame every frame as thightly as I can, so I use my pixels of the subject I want to show to my audience. The main reason for this is the noise my 400D is generating with high ISO (800/1600). I also get a much better/cleaner result by using this method when I've to use a noise-remover programs in post processing.


If you have the propper distance to the stage I would recommend 50mm f/1.2, if and only. ifyou are familiar with the lens.

Be conscious about the stage light and how they could help you to make a great shoot and a acceptable shutter-time. For example to get the performers hair back-lit.
When I shot my first concerts, I looked at band-videos on the web, to get familiar with the bands apperance and if they had any special individual-bandmember-shows, such as a wild/intense guitar or drumsolos.The reasonwas to visualize how I would try to capture such a event.

Be sure to know, If you only get the three first songs infront of the stage you have to be fast to get the "standard" pictures

[mattsartin]

I used a Canon XTi and 50mm 1.8 for the following shots


1/250s f/2 ISO 1600





1/100s f/1.8 ISO 1600

[Rodger]

Thankyou all for your help!

[mattsartin]

so what was the verdict??

[Rodger]

I think it was, "know the lighting, frame tight, take both lenses, have fun"


I know I'm taking both lenses, (UPS was good to me and delivered today). Sooo, I have tommorow morning/afternoon to get familiar with the 50mm. Its all good though, Im only an amature/enthusiast. First concert, Im going mostly for experience anyway.

[thunder]

Here are some pictures from a Melanie C concert.
The more famous the artist is, the more light there is to play with.

What picture is the most compelling ? [8-|]



Picture 1: 24mm @ 1/80; F/4,5; ISO 200
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4524.jpg[/img]



Picture 2: 59mm @ 1/80; F/5; ISO 200
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4530.jpg[/img]


Picture 3: 70mm @ 1/80; F/4; ISO 200
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4533.jpg[/img]


Picture 4: 30mm @ 1/80; F/3,2; ISO 200 (slightly misfocused)
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4540.jpg[/img]


Picture 5: 14mm @ 1/80; F/4,5; ISO 200
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4600.jpg[/img]



Picture 6: 14mm @ 1/80; F/2,8; ISO 200
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.78.Mel+C/_5F00_MG_5F00_4621.jpg[/img]

[Rodger]

These are two of the better ones. Thanks for all the input! I used the 50mm 1.8 II the whole night. There wernt that many lights so the wide aperture was so nice!

[Rodger]

Forgot the data for those. My bad.


1. Canon 20D with 50mm 1.8 II. 50mm, f/2.5, 1/50, ISO 200, no flash. (I dont know why my ISO was that low)


2. Canon 20D with 50mm 1.8 II. 50mm, f/2.8, 1/100, ISO 800, no flash. (There we go. Finally jacked up the ISO)