Nikon Lens for Concerts

[firewolfsm]

The title says it all. If any of you have experience with concert photography, could you suggest a good lens? Some specs maybe, I can find a nikon equivalent. I tried some work with the kit lens and I just can't seem to get things sharp without flash. If I really need a good flash unit, where can I get them cheap? If not, maybe a good prime lens?

 

[jpeyton]

http://ishootshows.com/gear-guide/

But in general, buy the fastest aperture lens your budget allows. 50/1.4 or 85/1.4 would be good primes; 50/1.8 or 85/1.8 if you're on a smaller budget.

What body are you shooting on?

 

[996GT2]

I've had good luck using the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 to shoot concerts before. 50mm f/1.4 would also work.

If money is tight, you can probably get by with an f/2.8 lens and bump up the ISO a bit.

 

[soydios]

any of the f/1.8 primes: 35mm (DX), 50mm, or 85mm

 

[corkyg]

Unless you have special permission, using a flash at a concert is a real no-no. I like to be able to get a good close head shot of musicians - it may be Canon, but my favorite concert lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8 L ISD lens. In really low light events, I sometimes use my 50mm F/1.2 L prime.

 

[firewolfsm]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I should get a prime then, my budget is limited. I'm trying to work out what type of prime to buy, in terms of autofocus. I have a D5000 so only a G lens will auto.

the 35mm 1.8G is $200
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-35mm-f-1-...ViewItem&pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item53e1719b79

There's this 50mm 1.4 for $90, I'm not sure about the quality, it is manual focus but maybe it's worth it
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-Nikkor-S-...ViewItem&pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item1c12b8979c

and a 1.8D 50mm - $100
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-AF-NIKKOR...ViewItem&pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item335d6d9202

I'm shooting for a large website now, I think more is expected of me. What lens will cut it for really covering the shows? Also, I'm backbacking Asia next summer, maybe I should buy one or two more expensive lenses to cover all my needs? Wide angle would be necessary.

Sorry for all the questions, but research hasn't really developed my opinion yet.

 

[twistedlogic]

I have a D5000 so only a G lens will auto.

G stands for gelded, just meaning there are no aperture rings. The 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S for example will AF on the D5000 and it is not gelded.

What lens will cut it for really covering the shows?

If I only had one lens to choose, it would be the 70-200 VR.

 

[somethingsketchy]

Unless you have special permission, using a flash at a concert is a real no-no. I like to be able to get a good close head shot of musicians - it may be Canon, but my favorite concert lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8 L ISD lens. In really low light events, I sometimes use my 50mm F/1.2 L prime.

Just as Corky alluded to, you should also double check if the concert venue will allow cameras during the concert. Some venues in my neck of the woods specifically prohibit cameras inside the concert area. Of course this doesn't prevent people from smuggling in cameras.

But it is something that if you haven't already, you should check up on. Lest you lose your camera at the front gate because security or the band doesn't want pictures taken :\

 

[xchangx]

I would look at the 85 1.8 or the 50 1.8 since you are on a budget

 

[slashbinslashbash]

An f/2.8 zoom is the go-to lens for concert photography -- a normal zoom (in your case, 17-55) for whole-stage shots, and a telephoto (70-200 f/2.8 VR) for close-ups. Primes are helpful as well, but not absolutely necessary IMO. At ISO 800 or 1600, f/2.8 will work for most concerts. Really it kind of depends on the kind of concert and venues you're shooting. If it's bigger concerts with lots of stage lighting, f/2.8 is fine. If you're shooting dark blues clubs, you will really need a prime. And if you're shooting the really big shows (arenas etc.) then you will probably need a 300mm f/2.8 prime ($$$$).

If I were you, I would find a place to rent lenses from so you can try out a few in real-world use, and make a decision that way.

 

[OulOat]

What are your subjects? Entire band/ stage or individuals?

How close can you get?

You will need to answer those questions first. The 85mm 1.8 is a great value lens, but you will find it short if your intentions are to capture individual band members. I have actually used a 70-300mm VR at concerts with excellent results, but I had several dependencies. I was able to use a monopod, and I nailed down my shooting/ stability form beforehand.

 

[996GT2]

An f/2.8 zoom is the go-to lens for concert photography -- a normal zoom (in your case, 17-55 VR) for whole-stage shots, and a telephoto (70-200 f/2.8 VR) for close-ups. Primes are helpful as well, but not absolutely necessary IMO. At ISO 800 or 1600, f/2.8 will work for most concerts. Really it kind of depends on the kind of concert and venues you're shooting. If it's bigger concerts with lots of stage lighting, f/2.8 is fine. If you're shooting dark blues clubs, you will really need a prime. And if you're shooting the really big shows (arenas etc.) then you will probably need a 300mm f/2.8 prime ($$$$).

If I were you, I would find a place to rent lenses from so you can try out a few in real-world use, and make a decision that way.

17-55 VR doesn't exist

 

[slashbinslashbash]

17-55 VR doesn't exist

Dang, I had no idea. I thought the Canon and Nikon 17-55's were pretty much the same, feature-wise.

 

[firewolfsm]

Mostly I can get right up to the stage, I would think a 50mm would cut it for zoom length. But apparently this guy will have me do many types of events, festivals, etc, I think I'll just get the 70-200 to complement my kit lens for now. or the 55-200 to save money.

I decided to buy the Tamron 28-75 2.8 lens, when I pair this with a 10-24mm later I'll only need those two lenses for traveling. This lens should work well in dark rooms at 2.8? I do lose VR...