Live "Band" Photography... What lens to use? Any other tips?

Question

I've been asked to take some photographs for a small local record label. (it's a bunch of soloist hip hop and R&B singers) I've only been asked because I'm a friend with a decent camera. I'm not by any means a photographer!

If anyone can help me further, it would be greatly appreciated!

I need to purchase a new lens today/tomorrow (and pray it arrives in time for Thursday), as my trusty 18-55mm broke yesterday. I had planned on doing so anyway. I have a couple of projects coming up for friends.

So, which lens should I buy? I have the 50mm f/1.8 AF D, which I have read is good for concert photography? What other lens could I buy which is affordable for someone who doesn't intend to go professional? I was hoping to spend no more than £200GBP, and would like it to come in use for other things (I have a wedding coming up, and also doing some portrait shots for the artists too, after the live gig, and take photographs daily of my kids), although this isn't a huge concern right now. My first project is the live gig, and that's what I'd like to focus on with getting the lens right.

Does anyone have any tips for concert photography? I'm imagining with the dark room and available light always changing, it's going to be difficult, so I'd appreciate anything you guys can throw at me. Do I use a flash? Someone was horrified I didn't have one, but I thought the mood of the photographs would be better with the stage lighting? Should I buy one?

Answer 1

First of all, a 50mm lens is a bit too wide for concerts unless you go virtually right up to the stage. A 200mm and up would be more decent. I doubt an indoor theatre environment would allow a flash, but if they do, buy one. They're not cheap however, costing $300 or more for good ones. Keep in mind that ambient lighting is fairly dark, which equals to slower shutter speeds in blur. To combat this, get a "fast" lens with an aperture of 2.8 or less. Image stabilization is also recommended. Furthermore, toggle the iso settings to 400 or more. Keep in mind that at higher isos, the image also degrades.  

Answer 2

Step up the iso, don't use flash, and a tripod or mono pod is essential.  This was taken without flash, iso 1600 don't recall the shutter or aperture setting though.  Though not a live band, it is a live performance with very similar lighting conditions. A 70-300 telephoto lens was used here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21125021@N0...

Answer 3

use a flash but just to "fill in" so you still get the concert lights.

lens wise I  would go for some thing in the 80/120 range and as fast as you can afford.

Good luck with gig and your other projects

Answer 4

You didn't say which camera system you use,I use Nikon.Rather than the kit lens I bought a Sigma 10 to 20 wide angle and a Nikon 18 to 200.both have modest aperture settings so in low light I use the maximum ISO setting I can get away with.On 35mm film cameras I used an f1.8 50mm standard lens and for top quality on 120mm film an f2.8 focal lengths 50mm,80mm and 150mm.Fast lenses are very expensive.If you can get in close and use either a tripod or lights on stage you can get the shots the ordinary audience photographers cannot.Long focal length lenses let you shoot without interfering with the performance.Shooting at slow speeds can give you movement blur,but it can add to the sense of action.A zoom lens with a good range would mean you don't have to change lenses so often and risk dust problems.