This past sumer I have been very fortunate to photograph a good amount of bands and most have been in good lighting conditions, mostly outdoors at festivals and so on.
Those of you who participate in concert and event photography what lenses do you find to be an absolute must and why?
My one lens (between two versions of them) I have been thinking about is the newer Nikon 70-200 f/4 over the f/2.8. Why? Well the cost first and so far great feedback from users. Though I must admit most people use this during the day and not under "stage lighting only" so if anyone out there uses this lens in the above situations please give some feedback as this will help tremendously. The second part for getting the f/4 over the f/2.8 allots some cash but more so a two for one deal to also purchase the Nikon 85mm. So while it maybe dollar sense, I'm looking for the real world input here So far I haven't had to take my photos from a soundboard or balcony situation yet but that's coming up in October. I will have the advantage of taking test photos from the facility before hand so that would help narrow down the needs and wants area to some degree.
I can say I traded in my old Nikon "nifty fifty" because to be honest, it sucked. Was there something wrong with it, maybe and I let the shop know before trading it in. I now have the new Nikon 50mm and that lens is a dream to use and worth every penny. I used it 90% for the Monster Energy Mayhem Fest this year alone and it was everything people raved about having a 50mm so if your on the fence, rent one or test it out at the local shop like I did and get it
I also really like the Nikon 35mm for up close and personal photos or interviews backstage, great for both photos and video fwiw. Awesome in low light, I can't really say anymore than that.
I also rented the 80-200mm but for my needs the VR is really nice so I have decided not to go with that lens fwiw. I know many feel it's a great lens and it was, it's just not for me and I appreciate the nod to that one
Other lenses that people find helpful but not thought about would be interesting to hear about, example would be I've read where people have used their 100mm macro lens because of the f-stop and it was the desired focal length.
Feel free to also post some photos if you want and thanks for the feedback.
Those of you who participate in concert and event photography what lenses do you find to be an absolute must and why?
My one lens (between two versions of them) I have been thinking about is the newer Nikon 70-200 f/4 over the f/2.8. Why? Well the cost first and so far great feedback from users. Though I must admit most people use this during the day and not under "stage lighting only" so if anyone out there uses this lens in the above situations please give some feedback as this will help tremendously. The second part for getting the f/4 over the f/2.8 allots some cash but more so a two for one deal to also purchase the Nikon 85mm. So while it maybe dollar sense, I'm looking for the real world input here So far I haven't had to take my photos from a soundboard or balcony situation yet but that's coming up in October. I will have the advantage of taking test photos from the facility before hand so that would help narrow down the needs and wants area to some degree.
I can say I traded in my old Nikon "nifty fifty" because to be honest, it sucked. Was there something wrong with it, maybe and I let the shop know before trading it in. I now have the new Nikon 50mm and that lens is a dream to use and worth every penny. I used it 90% for the Monster Energy Mayhem Fest this year alone and it was everything people raved about having a 50mm so if your on the fence, rent one or test it out at the local shop like I did and get it
I also really like the Nikon 35mm for up close and personal photos or interviews backstage, great for both photos and video fwiw. Awesome in low light, I can't really say anymore than that.
I also rented the 80-200mm but for my needs the VR is really nice so I have decided not to go with that lens fwiw. I know many feel it's a great lens and it was, it's just not for me and I appreciate the nod to that one
Other lenses that people find helpful but not thought about would be interesting to hear about, example would be I've read where people have used their 100mm macro lens because of the f-stop and it was the desired focal length.
Feel free to also post some photos if you want and thanks for the feedback.