85mm f1.8 for concert pictures

[razzi]

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography, a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[Doug Walker]

along with the 50mm F1.4, 70-200L F2.8 IS, 28-135 IS and the 100-400L depending on the situation and distance from subject.

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.

 

[razzi]

thanks... do you really use the 28-135 IS?? IMHO it's a bad lens for concert photograhy (I never use flash)

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[candyflip69]

A brilliant lens and a huge recommendation from me.. very useful for non-flash photography while in the pit.

These are Moloko on tour in Melbourne from late January this year, all with the Canon 85mm 1.8.





And I agree with you about the 28-135IS.. I borrowed one for a whole night last year and couldn't get a decent shot out of it. Way too dark for non-flash photography of bands and dance parties, IMO.

jon

thanks... do you really use the 28-135 IS?? IMHO it's a bad lens
for concert photograhy (I never use flash)

 

[hockeynut]

Fast primes, and the 24-70 F2.8 L, 70-200 F2.8 L.

You want to avoid the 5 bladed apertures... bad bokeh. Reflections from concert lighting will show off bad bokeh.

50mm f1.4
85mm f1.8
100mm f2
135mm f2
200 f2.8 (or f1.8 if you spend the money)

24-70 F2.8 L
70-200 f2.8 L

The last 2 are the "slowest" lenses I'd bring. The F3.5-F5.6 general consumer zooms are just too slow to get fast shutters in existing light shots. If you use a flash, be prepared for the house lighting to get washed out, and you'll get a harsh ghostly look to your photos.

If you're shooting raw, don't be afraid to underexpose by 1/2 a stop. You can adjust later. Lastly, don't shoot Av or any Program modes. Shoot Tv or Manual. Try for 1/100th of a second minimum. 1/250th is good, 1/320th is probably ideal. If you have a tripod and you've got a good drummer that's well lit, a nice long exposure at F16 or so on a tripod is cool, 2 seconds, maybe longer, maybe shorter, try a couple different f-stops... it depends on lighting at the venue.

--
10D, 24-70L, 70-200 F2.8L IS, 50mm F1.4, 550EX. Bogen 680B w/ 486RC2.
Nikon FE + collection of lenses.

 

[Bryan Carnathan]

The Canon 85 f/1.8 is a nice step up from a 50 f/1.8. The build quality is much better and image quality is a little better as well - especially bokeh. If 85mm is the reight length for you - go for it!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Regards,

Bryan
--
See my gallery, read my reviews and tips:
http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com

 

[razzi]

thanks!! excellent shots btw

These are Moloko on tour in Melbourne from late January this year,
all with the Canon 85mm 1.8.





And I agree with you about the 28-135IS.. I borrowed one for a
whole night last year and couldn't get a decent shot out of it. Way
too dark for non-flash photography of bands and dance parties, IMO.

jon

thanks... do you really use the 28-135 IS?? IMHO it's a bad lens
for concert photograhy (I never use flash)

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[Scott G Spellman]

Razzi-

Inside the security barrier right at the stage on a 10D/DR, the 50mm 1.4 is the right lens for me, plus its faster. The 85mm would be too long, giving me only headshots.

However, if you are consistently shooting from 25-35 feet away from the stage or with a 1D, then it is probably ideal.

In addition to the 50mm, I use a Sigma 70-200 for crowd and distance shots.

-Scott
http://www.spellmanphoto.com

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[randy jk]

I highly recommend the 85 1.8. True the 50 1.4 is a hair faster, but in my experience the 85 1.8 is far sharper wide open:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2199490

Inside the security barrier right at the stage on a 10D/DR, the
50mm 1.4 is the right lens for me, plus its faster. The 85mm would
be too long, giving me only headshots.

However, if you are consistently shooting from 25-35 feet away from
the stage or with a 1D, then it is probably ideal.

In addition to the 50mm, I use a Sigma 70-200 for crowd and
distance shots.

-Scott
http://www.spellmanphoto.com

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[Scott G Spellman]

I wouldn't trade the right FOV for increased sharpness.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2199490

Inside the security barrier right at the stage on a 10D/DR, the
50mm 1.4 is the right lens for me, plus its faster. The 85mm would
be too long, giving me only headshots.

However, if you are consistently shooting from 25-35 feet away from
the stage or with a 1D, then it is probably ideal.

In addition to the 50mm, I use a Sigma 70-200 for crowd and
distance shots.

-Scott
http://www.spellmanphoto.com

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[T3]

Yes, I find the difference between the 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 is certainly enough of a difference on zoom to justify the purchase. But maybe a better question might be how much zoom you want or need. In that case, you may want to decide between the 85/1.8 and 100/2.0.

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[Mr Mike]

Great images! What settings and camera did you use?

These are Moloko on tour in Melbourne from late January this year,
all with the Canon 85mm 1.8.





And I agree with you about the 28-135IS.. I borrowed one for a
whole night last year and couldn't get a decent shot out of it. Way
too dark for non-flash photography of bands and dance parties, IMO.

jon

thanks... do you really use the 28-135 IS?? IMHO it's a bad lens
for concert photograhy (I never use flash)

 

[candyflip69]

I use a Canon D60. Settings are, of course, location dependant and vary from shot to shot, location to location, gig to gig. But always manual.

best

jon

These are Moloko on tour in Melbourne from late January this year,
all with the Canon 85mm 1.8.





And I agree with you about the 28-135IS.. I borrowed one for a
whole night last year and couldn't get a decent shot out of it. Way
too dark for non-flash photography of bands and dance parties, IMO.

jon

thanks... do you really use the 28-135 IS?? IMHO it's a bad lens
for concert photograhy (I never use flash)

 

[razzi]

thanks ... I was considering the 100mm f2 too (and also another 20mm prime for my street photography) ... I need some luck with the lottery or to sell more pictures

Fast primes, and the 24-70 F2.8 L, 70-200 F2.8 L.

You want to avoid the 5 bladed apertures... bad bokeh. Reflections
from concert lighting will show off bad bokeh.

50mm f1.4
85mm f1.8
100mm f2
135mm f2
200 f2.8 (or f1.8 if you spend the money)

24-70 F2.8 L
70-200 f2.8 L

The last 2 are the "slowest" lenses I'd bring. The F3.5-F5.6
general consumer zooms are just too slow to get fast shutters in
existing light shots. If you use a flash, be prepared for the
house lighting to get washed out, and you'll get a harsh ghostly
look to your photos.

If you're shooting raw, don't be afraid to underexpose by 1/2 a
stop. You can adjust later. Lastly, don't shoot Av or any Program
modes. Shoot Tv or Manual. Try for 1/100th of a second minimum.
1/250th is good, 1/320th is probably ideal. If you have a tripod
and you've got a good drummer that's well lit, a nice long exposure
at F16 or so on a tripod is cool, 2 seconds, maybe longer, maybe
shorter, try a couple different f-stops... it depends on lighting
at the venue.

--
10D, 24-70L, 70-200 F2.8L IS, 50mm F1.4, 550EX. Bogen 680B w/ 486RC2.
Nikon FE + collection of lenses.

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[razzi]

the bokeh is really nice with the 50mm too ...



but playing with MORE is always something to consider

thanks

The Canon 85 f/1.8 is a nice step up from a 50 f/1.8. The build
quality is much better and image quality is a little better as well

• especially bokeh. If 85mm is the reight length for you - go for

it!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Regards,

Bryan
--
See my gallery, read my reviews and tips:
http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[razzi]

thanks - I usually stand in front of the stage (I even use a fisheye sometimes - see the next shot)

Inside the security barrier right at the stage on a 10D/DR, the
50mm 1.4 is the right lens for me, plus its faster. The 85mm would
be too long, giving me only headshots.

However, if you are consistently shooting from 25-35 feet away from
the stage or with a 1D, then it is probably ideal.

In addition to the 50mm, I use a Sigma 70-200 for crowd and
distance shots.

-Scott
http://www.spellmanphoto.com

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[Vincent Benoit]

Hi Razzi,

I like the 85mm f/1.8 very much for concert photography. All of these were shot with the 85mm f/1.8:
http://www.pbase.com/vincentbenoit/alterzoll

As well as a few from this gallery (check the EXIF data below the pics):
http://www.pbase.com/vincentbenoit/black__white

I particularly like this one from the 85mm, at f/2:



I also have the 50mm f/1.8 II, but the 85mm is a different beast - faster to focus, and the extra reach can be a big plus. You can also get much better background blur with the 85mm as compared to the 50mm f/1.8:



By the way, I love your photoblog. Your pictures are always interesting and full of humanity, and the accompanying text further enhances the poetry of your photography. You've become my number one source for inspiration on the web lately.
Cheers
Vincent
-----
'Photography is JAZZ for the eye'. William Claxton

 

[razzi]

that sure looks impressive - thanks

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2199490

Inside the security barrier right at the stage on a 10D/DR, the
50mm 1.4 is the right lens for me, plus its faster. The 85mm would
be too long, giving me only headshots.

However, if you are consistently shooting from 25-35 feet away from
the stage or with a 1D, then it is probably ideal.

In addition to the 50mm, I use a Sigma 70-200 for crowd and
distance shots.

-Scott
http://www.spellmanphoto.com

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[razzi]

thanks - zoom is always nice, but the price difference is more the factor I have to count on ....

Hi,

I currently have the 50mm f1.8 lens in use for concert photography,
a great lens, but is there anyone using the 85mm f1.8 for the same
purpose?
I just want to know if the extra zoom makes enough difference to
justify the
purchase. Maybe some examples?

thanks,

Razzi

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com

 

[razzi]

Thanks Vincent,

I really like these examples ... I have no idea how much light there was, but it certainly looks impressive.

ps. thanks for visiting my site ;-)

Hi Razzi,
I like the 85mm f/1.8 very much for concert photography. All of
these were shot with the 85mm f/1.8:
http://www.pbase.com/vincentbenoit/alterzoll

As well as a few from this gallery (check the EXIF data below the
pics):
http://www.pbase.com/vincentbenoit/black__white

I particularly like this one from the 85mm, at f/2:



I also have the 50mm f/1.8 II, but the 85mm is a different beast -
faster to focus, and the extra reach can be a big plus. You can
also get much better background blur with the 85mm as compared to
the 50mm f/1.8:



By the way, I love your photoblog. Your pictures are always
interesting and full of humanity, and the accompanying text further
enhances the poetry of your photography. You've become my number
one source for inspiration on the web lately.
Cheers
Vincent
-----
'Photography is JAZZ for the eye'. William Claxton

--
Freak out on : http://www.razziphoto.com