Lens for concert photography

[ShooterCooper]

Hey Everyone,

I'm an enthusiast photographer who loves to shoot concerts and want to flesh out my kit a little more.
Upgraded from my Panasonic GX1 to a GX85 last year and also purchased the 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and it has done me well, however it is obviously also not a lens that does too well in low light.

I have the 20mm f/1.7 lens, but focus is dreadfully slow so I usually only use it when I'm far back (Roger Waters with my old GX1 -

https://imgur.com/a/UzKvQ

)

I was in the photo pit for Farm Aid last year and will be back again this year, so I'm looking for a lens that would work well in photo pits (5-20 feet from the subject) or from the front rows of the audience.

I'm thinking between two within my budget range but would love feedback from others.

What of these would suit me best? Fast focus is the bigger concern, next is low light capability.

Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 or the Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7

Should I just have both?

Some samples of what I've shot with my current lens;

Farm Aid 2017

https://imgur.com/a/8tEl0B5

Dennis DeYoung (formerly of Styx) at Toronto CNE 2018

https://imgur.com/a/7cI0LBh

Thanks!

 

[thelightwriter]

What of these would suit me best? Fast focus is the bigger concern, next is low light capability.

Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 or the Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7

Of the two my pick would be the 42.5mm F1.7 mostly for the power OIS which syncs with your GX85 IBIS.

 

[String]

When I have shot concerts, I'm a firm believer in the Oly 40-150 2.8 and the Oly 75 1.8 although I am shooting with Olympus bodies. I've found that you are usually stuck in one spot so using a zoom gives some differnt perspective on the shots...

Here are some from a Killers concert using both of those lenses...

The Killers in Vegas

 

[RSColo]

Why do you need fast focus? I have done some performance photography, although I mainly do landscape work. Usually the performer and I have both been at a relatively static distance. I'm curious. Do many performers move around that much other than at the Super Bowl half-time shows? I guess most of my performance photography has been in smaller nightclub like venues. In fact I generally use a FF camera with a 50mm and a 90mm and pop the ISO up to about 4000. Then I can close down a bit and focus is less of an issue. And I use only manual focus.

 

[String]

Why do you need fast focus? I have done some performance photography, although I mainly do landscape work. Usually the performer and I have both been at a relatively static distance. I'm curious. Do many performers move around that much other than at the Super Bowl half-time shows? I guess most of my performance photography has been in smaller nightclub like venues. In fact I generally use a FF camera with a 50mm and a 90mm and pop the ISO up to about 4000. Then I can close down a bit and focus is less of an issue. And I use only manual focus.

You've obviously never seen Mick Jagger live ;-)

 

[Michael Meissner]

Hey Everyone,

I'm an enthusiast photographer who loves to shoot concerts and want to flesh out my kit a little more.
Upgraded from my Panasonic GX1 to a GX85 last year and also purchased the 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and it has done me well, however it is obviously also not a lens that does too well in low light.

I have the 20mm f/1.7 lens, but focus is dreadfully slow so I usually only use it when I'm far back (Roger Waters with my old GX1 -

https://imgur.com/a/UzKvQ

)

I was in the photo pit for Farm Aid last year and will be back again this year, so I'm looking for a lens that would work well in photo pits (5-20 feet from the subject) or from the front rows of the audience.

If you only shoot 5-20 feet from the subject, and only use the 20mm lens when you are further back, then neither the 25mm nor the 42.5mm lenses will work for you. They will be tighter crops than the 20mm offers. You would need a wider lens.

I tend to find that the 20mm is too long for small indoor shots (family type shots, not stage shots). Right now, I tend to use the Olympus 12-40mm for those shots.

I'm a big fan of the Olympus 45mm f/1.7 when I'm shooting from the audience, but there I'm more like 40 feet to the stage. I do pair the Olympus 45mm with the Panasonic 20mm, so that I can shoot wide or long.

I would suspect the Olympus 12mm f/2 would work better for a fixed lens (or Panasonic Leica 12mm f/1.4 if you have the money). The Olympus 17mm f/1.7 or Panasonic 15mm f/1.7 would be intermediate choices between the 20mm and 12mm ranges. The Olympus lens is cheaper, but the Panasonic lens is wider and generally has a better reputation.

In that range, there is also a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens that is in between the Olympus and Panasonic lenses in terms of cost. It is splash proof, but the lens is on the big side, since it was designed for APS cameras with a bigger image circle.

Olympus has a 17mm f/1.2 lens, but it is priced high.

If you are willing to manually focus, there is a 12mm f/2 lens sold under various names (Samyang, Rokinon, Opteka, etc.). Be sure to test your current lens in MF mode before buying a MF only lens. Some people can MF with ease, others can't, and for a concert, you might have to focus on the fly.

If 12mm is still too long, there is a rectilinear Venus Optics 7.5mm f/2 manual focus lens that might be interesting. The lens being rectilinear means you would get normal photos.

There is the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 and Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4, but that is likely out of your budget range.

There are also manual focus fisheye lenses offered under various names in that range that would give you the wide angle, but you may need to de-fish the lens if you don't like the fish eye effect.

If you can go to a venue where you would be shooting with your 14-140mm lens, take some pictures to see what focal length would work best for you. If the 14mm is still too long, then you need to think about a 12mm lens. Or look at your older photos, and see what focal length you used. I generally recommend if you are planning to buy a fixed focal length lens, use your current lens fixed at that focal length to see if that focal length appeals to you or not.

Alternatively, see if you can get a decent used Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 or Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 lens. These are one stop faster at wide angle than your 14-140mm, and in addition, offer a wider lens. They are zooms, so they would allow you to compose your shots between wide angle (12mm) and longer (35mm or 40mm).

For a single concert, consider renting rather than buying.

Another alternative is to get a fixed lens camera like the Panosonic LX-100 or LX-10 for those type of shots. Now that the LX-100 mark II has been introduced, you might find deals on used LX-100 mark I's.

 

[gwydionjhr]

If you don't mind manual focusing The Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 (for Canon APS-C) with a Metabones Speedbooster XL will get you down to the f/1.1 territory. Having a fast zoom is going to give you more flexibility for framing, and keep the ISO down.

 

[ShooterCooper]

Why do you need fast focus? I have done some performance photography, although I mainly do landscape work. Usually the performer and I have both been at a relatively static distance. I'm curious. Do many performers move around that much other than at the Super Bowl half-time shows? I guess most of my performance photography has been in smaller nightclub like venues. In fact I generally use a FF camera with a 50mm and a 90mm and pop the ISO up to about 4000. Then I can close down a bit and focus is less of an issue. And I use only manual focus.

I guess just from personal experience and possibly being worried over nothing. I've been at shows with performers who move around a lot, when they stop, you've got a moment to focus and shoot before they're somewhere else. Not all of the time, but I'm expecting it again at Farm Aid (especially with Neil Young) It's the 20mm which is real slow, the 14-140mm I use works well

 

[Dutch Newchurch]

I like the 45mm:




The Oh Sees on the Garden Stage, End of the Road festival (45mm f/1.8, 1/500s, ISO 6400)

I prefer primes because they give me one or two extra stops and sometimes you really need that.

At a range of 20 feet, I'd probably want a 25mm and perhaps a 75mm too, depending on the band. At 5 feet, I'd probably be using my 7.5mm and 12mm more than the others.

--
Dutch
forestmoonstudio.co.uk
My DP Review gallery
Photography is about light, not light-proof boxes.

 

[lathspell]

I've done some concert shoots (from smallest clubs sitting on edge of stage to open air stages with the bands being 10 meters away from the pit) with the 25/1.4 and 42.5/1.7 combo on a GX8 and I've mostly enjoyed it. As long as there is at least a decent amount of light (which my favourite gothic clubs sometimes lacks ), the focus is quick.

However, when you are stuck in a crowded pit with the typical "first three songs" timeframe, e. g. the 12-40/2.8 would probably give you more flexibility. But I can't tell about focus speed with this since I don't own one …

 

[RSColo]

Why do you need fast focus? I have done some performance photography, although I mainly do landscape work. Usually the performer and I have both been at a relatively static distance. I'm curious. Do many performers move around that much other than at the Super Bowl half-time shows? I guess most of my performance photography has been in smaller nightclub like venues. In fact I generally use a FF camera with a 50mm and a 90mm and pop the ISO up to about 4000. Then I can close down a bit and focus is less of an issue. And I use only manual focus.

I guess just from personal experience and possibly being worried over nothing. I've been at shows with performers who move around a lot, when they stop, you've got a moment to focus and shoot before they're somewhere else. Not all of the time, but I'm expecting it again at Farm Aid (especially with Neil Young) It's the 20mm which is real slow, the 14-140mm I use works well

Thank you. I really haven't been to a "big" multi-act show since my 20s. No, I'm not going to tell you how long ago that was. I love Neil Young. I saw CSN&Y in their first concert, two days before Woodstock.

Yes, String, I have seen Mick. But I would have needed an 800mm at least. Chuck Berry was the opening act.

 

[MattKrull]

Hey Everyone,

...

What of these would suit me best? Fast focus is the bigger concern, next is low light capability.

Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 or the Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7

Should I just have both?

...

Thanks!

When shooting in clubs/pubs, that's basically my kit (PL 25mm 1.4 and Oly 45mm 1.8). I find my comfort zone for both lenses is F2.0 - F2.8.

When shooting a big stage outside I use the Oly 12-40 & 40-150 PROs. I shoot both at F4 until the lighting gets too bad and then I open it up to F2.8, but to be honest more often that not I prefer the sharpness of F4 + noise at ISO6400 than the less sharp F2.8 with ISO3200.

I've got a 75mm f1.8 on order so that hopefully I can get the reach I need for big stages while still shooting at f2.0 - F2.8

Some people have commented that AF speed isn't important, I couldn't disagree more. The bigger the stage, the more energetic the act, the more important the AF.

 

[jeffharris]

I'm an enthusiast photographer who loves to shoot concerts and want to flesh out my kit a little more.
Upgraded from my Panasonic GX1 to a GX85 last year and also purchased the 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and it has done me well, however it is obviously also not a lens that does too well in low light.

I was in the photo pit for Farm Aid last year and will be back again this year, so I'm looking for a lens that would work well in photo pits (5-20 feet from the subject) or from the front rows of the audience.

Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 or the Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7

Should I just have both?

Both is always nice. Depending on how tight you want to get, I'd err toward the 42.5mm.

A 75mm can be VERY useful, too.


Voigtländer 75mm f2.5 Color Heliar w/GX7

 

[JosephScha]

Find it in your camera, and put it into Silent mode. Then when you shoot there will not be a focus beep. There will not be a mechanical shutter sound. No sound at all.

If you don't do this, it may not matter what lens you have if someone near you is annoyed and they make you stop taking pictures.

Depending on what kind of concert it is, this could be important. If it's hard rock, not an issue.

 

[JakeJY]

Given how close you may be sitting, I'm not sure if you want to do tight shots or do you want wider shots. For wide, don't forget about the 15mm f/1.7, which people seem to love.

 

[glassoholic]

A f2.8 zoom is doable but you will need to bring your processing A-game due to high ISO and some shots when there is just a dark blue light will be probably only good for 6x4 prints if shot at 12800 / 25600 ISO. Ultimately it depends on your personal ISO noise threshold.

The 25 1.4 is nice but you can get a 25 1.7 and a 45 1.8 for the same sort of money on special and that is what I would do vs the results. You need both anyways... full lengths and half lengths at your distances you mention. A 75mm f1.8 is stunning... it really pulls in facial and instrument details and cropping not needed. If you have the budget for only a 25 1.7 and a 75 1.8 that is what I would do and if possible get the 45/ 42.5 as well. A 17/ 15 1.8/ 1.7 is nice but if you can move back a bit the 25 will work.

Have fun and I will not ask how you are getting the gear in and used past security!!

 

[Thorfinn]

In smaller venues i use

12 f2 zuiko

45 1.8 (the must have according to David Thorpe)

75 1.8 (head shots)

Choir concerts in churches I shoot with Sonar 135 2.8 (ibis + silent shutter)

PenF or GM5 - bag or no bag

Keep on rocking

 

[ShooterCooper]

Find it in your camera, and put it into Silent mode. Then when you shoot there will not be a focus beep. There will not be a mechanical shutter sound. No sound at all.

If you don't do this, it may not matter what lens you have if someone near you is annoyed and they make you stop taking pictures.

Depending on what kind of concert it is, this could be important. If it's hard rock, not an issue.

Thank you, yes, all my beeps and boops are always turned off

Last year and this year I am an accredited photographer at Farm Aid, shooting along side photographers from Reuters, Rolling Stone, etc.. but usually when I get to shoot, I'm part of the crowd trying to get s close to the front as possible.

I do photograph when I travel as well, so the lens isn't specifically for concerts but that's the primary focus

 

[ShooterCooper]

Given how close you may be sitting, I'm not sure if you want to do tight shots or do you want wider shots. For wide, don't forget about the 15mm f/1.7, which people seem to love.

For the show I'm going to (Farm Aid) I have both photo pit access and will be 9th row, inner aisle with what should be a reasonably unobstructed sight-line to the centre of the stage.

Really, I just want to be able to shoot in lower light when the main acts come up (Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp and Neil Young) as I fares well last year with my 14-140mm, but stage lighting was darker colours which lead to only a handful of decent photos. I'll get 10-15 minutes in the pit for each of them and then have to shoot from my seat for the rest of their sets.

My only concern on the 42.5mm would be within the pit, if I'm standing right infront of the subject, would that lens be too much... however I could end up being down stage to the left or right 20 feet away. I could also be overthinking this... I'm just an enthusiast, not a pro by any means

 

[ShooterCooper]

A f2.8 zoom is doable but you will need to bring your processing A-game due to high ISO and some shots when there is just a dark blue light will be probably only good for 6x4 prints if shot at 12800 / 25600 ISO. Ultimately it depends on your personal ISO noise threshold.

The 25 1.4 is nice but you can get a 25 1.7 and a 45 1.8 for the same sort of money on special and that is what I would do vs the results. You need both anyways... full lengths and half lengths at your distances you mention. A 75mm f1.8 is stunning... it really pulls in facial and instrument details and cropping not needed. If you have the budget for only a 25 1.7 and a 75 1.8 that is what I would do and if possible get the 45/ 42.5 as well. A 17/ 15 1.8/ 1.7 is nice but if you can move back a bit the 25 will work.

Have fun and I will not ask how you are getting the gear in and used past security!!

Thank you! I've got maybe a week to decide on a lens.

This concert specifically (Farm Aid), I will be credentialed media Most of the shows I shoot at are "open air" (festivals, fairs, etc) because venues always have those pesky "no removable lens cameras" rules (which I understand)

I do still get miffed when I see people let in with those large body, fixed lens cameras.. even if they're not as good as what I have... my body isn't large and my lens isn't a foot long