Concert Shoot - 24-70 f/2.8 II &/or 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

iceache32 · Apr 8, 2013

Hello -

I've been lurking a lot here and there and reading up as much as I can. I'm going to take some shots at an upcoming concert. My question is simple - which of the two lenses should I use and perhaps why? Anyone have any suggestions or advice on these two lenses for dark concert photography. I know they are good lenses but I haven't had a chance to shoot with either of them. I'd be shooting from the front/pit area but not sure I'll be able to shoot after the 3 song limit. I'm a little iffy on the 70-200 because I'll be so close to the stage and not sure I'll be able to shoot at other parts of the venue.

Thankfully the upcoming shoot is for fun and to gain more exp in shooting in a concert environment.

1) Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II

2) Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

Freneticburn · Apr 8, 2013

If you're in the pit or front you pretty much need to go wide. I have a few shots in my gallery here that I took with a 70-200 f2.8 IS II but I took those from a ways back. I made due mostly with my kit lens (efs 18-55 IS II) but I kept wishing I had something wider. I was using a cropped sensor DSLR though. Even for some of the closer portrait type shots I took were with my 50mm 1.4

iceache32 · Apr 11, 2013

I wasn't able to make up my mind - so I decided to rent both 24-70 f/2.8 II &/or 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. I've been wanting to play around with these two for a bit now. I guess I'll find out how they work this weekend and next week.

hotdog321 · Apr 11, 2013

I've shot a lot of concerts for newspapers and own both these lenses. Ideally, carry both. (I assume you have permission to shoot--otherwise you won't get in the door!) If I HAD to only carry one lens, it would be the 70-200. You can get great tight shots of the singer's face if you are by the stage, or stand further back to get the whole stage/event and utilize that great IS.

But the 24-70 can be great if you are in the pit and the lead is right in your face. But generally they are moving all over the stage so your "go to" lens is the 70-200.

iceache32 · Apr 11, 2013

Thanks hotdog321! That makes me feel better about renting both. I do plan on bringing both lenses. If all goes well I'll have pit access and will probably shoot with the 24-70 first then step back outside of the pit (depending if i can shoot past the 3 songs) and use the 70-200. I was just thinking I made at bad choice as I read primes as good for concert shots. But I'm assuming a fast zoom like these two should do the trick.

ThatsTheShot · Apr 11, 2013

I have photographed a few stage performances. Ideally, carry both if you can. Also depends on where you can stand and how big is the venue. If I have a choice, I will use the 70-200mm and stand at a spot where you can cover the whole stage at 70mm, then hoping you can reach pretty close to the performer at the 200mm end or the other way around - pick a spot (if possible) where at 200mm you can cover 1/2 the body of the performer. Obviously if you can move around freely then it would be much better. My preference would be to use a monopod with this lens if possible.

David D

That's The ShotThat's The Shot

Melbourne Wedding Photographer and Portrait Photographer

www.thatstheshot.com.au

hotdog321 · Apr 11, 2013

Sounds good. Just FYI--often the promoters will only let you shoot the first two or three songs, then run you out. Honestly, though, you can shoot a ton of pictures in that time unless they are messing around with the lights.

iceache32 · Apr 12, 2013

Thanks ThatsTheShot - good advice about the 70-200mm and choosing a vantage point. I hadn't thought of that approach before but it makes total sense. I'll see what happens - I'm still waiting the official word on my credentials. I'm bringing both lenses with - monopod-less at this time so I'm hoping for the best. Worst case scenario I have some fun shooting and learn a few lessons along the way.

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Concert Shoot - 24-70 f/2.8 II &/or 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

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