Concert Photography

Tex Gore

Tex Gore

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Tex
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Hi,

I've been invited to shoot a forthcoming gig. It will be a small club, and I would imagine pretty dark with some basic lighting, however it won't be busy and the bands have asked me so I should have prime position at the front.

I have a Canon EOS 6D, and I've had differing advice on the lens to get; at the moment I have the Canon 24-105 f/4 and Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6, as well as the ubiquitous 50mm f/1.8. The advice was either the Canon 70-200 f/2.8, or the 85mm f/1.2

As much as I'd like both these lenses, they cost more than my car so whereas they are 'on the list' they aint going to be something I can afford soon. Instead, I was wondering about the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro. I've seen a few, second-hand and refurbished for £200. What are folks thoughts about that? Would this also be a useful portrait lens, as I'm going to have a try at portraiture next, lucky as I am to have a spare room which is perfect for a studio.

If I'm way off, please advise on something else. I guess I can go up to about £300 and second hand isn't an issue.

Thanks in advance,

TG
 
If it's a small venue then I'd be inclined to get an 85mm f1.8. I've never been convinced on the f1.2. Yes if you have loads of time but I found it slow to focus- it's not rubbish but it's not ideal for action and combined with needing a steady hand at f1.2 it requires some patience/skill- or more than I have anyway:D. Admitedly you would likely be stopped down a bit more often than not but personally the f1.8 offers better value for gigs. A 35mm could be another option on top of your 50mm but depends on space/desired shots; the 70-200 is good for larger venues otherwise you will have a lot of unused focal length or half a face filling the frame. I'd try and scope out the venue if you could to get an idea of shots and focal length then buy from that.
Tamron is a great lens but I'd go faster with the 85mm f1.8 which will also make a great lens for portraits so wouldn't be wasted. It's not a macro lens if you wanted a jack of all trades but you know, the Tamron isn't very good at f1.8/ f2.0...:p
 
If it's a dingy venue I'd go for a fast prime. I was shooting recently with a Zeiss 85/1.4 at f/2 and ISO 5000 to achieve a 1/100th second shutter speed. At a bigger venue with lots of strobe lighting etc. You could get away with f/2.8 at iso 3200 for similar shutter speeds. The 6D is good up to around iso 10000 in my experience :)
 
LOL, I have just posted exactly the same question in the PEOPLE forum.

Although I'm poor. I have a D5100 with 35mm 1.8 & 70-200 f2.8 plus kit lenses (18-55, 55-200). I am looking for a 85mm 1.8 lens atm (probably the Nikon).

Same request for assistance although mine is a A lister venue with full lighting setup
 
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Although fast lenses are great, most cheaper ones are sluggish at a/f, (also some expensive ones ie 85/1.2). Try and find a lens that has a quicker a/f but a stop slower. You can always bump up the ISO, and that's a lot cheaper. Never liked the 50/1.8 for gigs, not quick enough and too shallow. I use 24-70/2.8 & 70-200/2.8 and these are fine. A 24-105/4 is great too and doesn't cost the earth. It's one of those genres where better gear does actually help.
Dean.
 
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Duplicate post
 
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Thoughts on the Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC for this please. A steal if the reviews can be trusted.
I'm DX so that's 36-105
 
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