Gig(gle) Photography

[CGeezer]

I'm trying to be a little lighter on the day as I'm off to the Young Drummer of the Year finals this weekend (my nephew won it last year) and don't know what lens would give the best results. I would prefer to just take two or maximum three as if I give myself too many options I will end up with a lens in each hand and no photos getting taken. I suppose I could take all of the lenses and leave them at base camp (the missus) and just swap when needed :shrug:

AF Nikkor 35-70mm 1:3.3-4.5
Nikkor 50mm 1:2
Sigma 17-35mmD Aspherical EX
Sigma 150mm Macro EX
Sigma 50mm Macro EX
Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG

These and my SB-600

I can get right up to the stage to take some photos and the target is normally about 8-10ft away. I can order my nephew to give me some exclusive shots after the event too

I'm thinking maybe the 17-35 Sigma and the 150mm Sigma but the 150mm is a little beast and so I'm looking for some pointers please.

 

[kluen]

My 2cents..

Being a Canon guy , I'm not so sure how the lenses you have perform but i'd probably take the 17-35, 35-70 and the 150, i'd imagine the event to have decent lighting and with that much range you'll be able to go from full drum kit shots through to close up creative shots of individual drums/symbols etc.

With quality lights the aperture of the lenses wont limit you too much and the general thought is that drummer shots are best with some motion blur on the sticks.

Flash will be handy for some second curtain long exposures, 2sec+, for normal use just remember to have the shutter atleast 1/30 to get the stick blur, the flash should freeze his face.

If your worried about missing some shots due to swapping, have a little plan of the shots you fancy, get them in the bag first, then as the show develops you can swap as you wish and always have something to fall back on!

 

[CGeezer]

Excellent, thanks for the advice Daniel