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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: Neilyboy on December 13, 2009, 11:23:22 AM
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my father just threw down on a canon 50d (excellent camera from the few pics I took yesterday) I was wondering what is a decent lens for taking low light photos at shows (usually smaller club shows so a crazy zoom is not needed). If you can make recommendations with some photos to show it off a bit it would be greatly appreciated!!
I am broke as of now but would love to have an idea of what to look for after xmas
neil
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(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/ericBowne/Concert%20Pictures/IMG_4321.jpg)
the canon 100mm f/2
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12058-GREY/Canon_2518A003_Telephoto_EF_100mm_f_2_0.html $429 at b&h
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/ericBowne/Concert%20Pictures/keel2007-05-04pics-15.jpg)
the canon 50mm f/1.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html
probably the cheapest/best low light lens available, however it's a fixed length.. 99 bucks!
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The Canon 50mm f1.8 is a great deal for $100. I think I might buy one of those just for the limited times I get to shoot close up.
If I was going to shoot close more often I would splurge and go with the Canon 50mm f1.4 ($400).
If you've got a ton of cash and want a zoom, I've also been thinking about getting the Canon 70-200 f2.8 L lens ($1200) for shows where I'm shooting from the TS.
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Thanks for the new comp background. I love the Keels.
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while great for the price i find the 50mm to be bit long on cropped-sensor cameras.
nikon semi-recently released a 35 which, when mounted on a cropped-sensor DSLR is similar in length to a 50 on a full sensor or film camera. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_AF_S_Nikkor_35mm_f_1_8G.html
maybe canon has something similar?
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while great for the price i find the 50mm to be bit long on cropped-sensor cameras.
nikon semi-recently released a 35 which, when mounted on a cropped-sensor DSLR is similar in length to a 50 on a full sensor or film camera. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_AF_S_Nikkor_35mm_f_1_8G.html
maybe canon has something similar?
I have the Nikon 35/1.8. Great lens. If canon had an equivalent lens it is a great choice, if not the old standard 50/1.8 is something every Canon or Nikon guy should have in their bag. They are both around $100 and the Canon & Nikon version are both very good lenses particularly when you consider their cost.
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I'm reading between the lines here, but it seems you're straying away from the zoom because of cost. You shouldn't. Many fixed focus lens' are more expensive than fully capable zooms. In the concert setting, I've found that even being able to be close isn't good enough for me...but that's me. I want/require the ability to zoom in when I want a facial expression shot, or a shot of the foot pedals, or a shot of the guitar headstock. To me, that's what's interesting about concert photography, not the boring shots that you see 90percent of the time...the waist up shot showing the instrument and the performer. OK, that's a great perspective too, but get real old real quick.
So, first thing I'd buy the 50mm f1.8 simply because it's so cheap, high quality and fast (for low light) that there's no excuse not to have one. $90 to your door.
I'd then look for a zoom in the 75-250 range. Some will say to get f2.8 or faster. Fast glass is great and it can be a gamebreaker for concert photography, but I'm not so sure you need the fastest lens on earth as your starter lens. The 50d makes up for alot with a HUGE ISO range. In fact, to me the extra ISO range on the higher priced SLRs is one of the biggest reasons to pay the extra money...that and the digic4 processor.
Since price is an object, I'd look at off brands, although Canon's lower priced lenses are pretty decent lenses. You might get a little faster lens for the same price, and similar quality, if you go with a Sigma though.
My 2 cents.
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The Canon 50mm f1.8 is a great deal for $100. I think I might buy one of those just for the limited times I get to shoot close up.
If I was going to shoot close more often I would splurge and go with the Canon 50mm f1.4 ($400).
If you've got a ton of cash and want a zoom, I've also been thinking about getting the Canon 70-200 f2.8 L lens ($1200) for shows where I'm shooting from the TS.
ditto
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I have a sigma 105mm f2.8 lens, and would recommend it. Shot with a Nikon D100
(http://www.upstatetapers.org/gallery/albums/NickelCreek2006-04-18/nc_small01_006.jpg)
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Do yourself a favor and save up for the 50 1.4. You've got a great camera there, get some nice glass to go with it. Keep your iso at 1600 so you can get your shutter to at least 1/50. This is more so for the smaller club shows with limited lighting.