Gig lens advice please

davek

davek

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david
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Hi,

I've got the chance to go to an all day festival in Glasgow shortly with a photo pass - my first opportunity for gig photography. The venues are all small clubs/pubs except for the ABC (if you know it).
Wondering which lenses to take and grateful for any advice - I've read the Doctor's guide and done a search. I've got a "reasonable" selection for my D90:
Tamron 17-50 (non-VC) 2.8
Tokina 50-135 2.8
35mm 1.8
85mm 1.8
Out of those which would you take and is it worth investing in a 50mm 1.4?
And do you have any other top lens recommendations for this type of work (standfast very expensive Nikons)?

many thanks
David
 
All are good choices for the situation, but you won't be wanting to change lenses too often. I've used the 17-50 f2.8 to great effect in gigs, with a 50 1.8 for when it gets too dark.
 
I regularly use my Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (non-VC) and for most of the time its brill. The 50mm f1.8 is also great but sometimes too narrow. Changing lenses in the dark is not funny, especially if drinks/sweat are flying around, so try to beg/borrow a second body. I've never had this luxury, but often wished I had. I wouldn't bother with the 50mm f1.4...heavy and not very much advantage (I have been reliably informed) as it's too soft to use fully open.
 
photostar, I love your gig phots - what do you use, please?

Great advice - I'd never considered the perils of changing lenses in the dark and good info on the 1.4, thanks.
Nice to hear that the 17-50 is useful, thanks all.
 
davek said:
photostar, I love your gig phots - what do you use, please?
Click to expand...


I have a Canon 40D. I started with a 400D and upgraded a couple of years ago. It's not good at high ISO's (3200 is it's top) but noise reduction software helps with the worst noisy images, and if all else fails.....go mono! :lol: One day, I hope Canon will bring out a crop sensor camera that is wonderful at high ISO. The 7D is almost there......


If shooting from the pit (a real luxury and it doesn't happen very often), I use either the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (non VC), or my Canon 24-70mm f2.8 but sometimes when in the pit, the 24mm is too narrow. I love the Tamron, even though it can be a bit slow to focus in the low light. If not in the pit, I often stand well back from the front and use a longer lens; I'm lucky enough to own a 70-200mm f2.8 IS L. The Canon 24-70mm is perfect for when standing at the front of the crowd, using the barrier to rest against, but I don't often do this as I think the real fans should have that privilege. I'm only shooting as a "mum of the band", not someone trying to make a living at it, or a paying fan.

I have met a few nice people in the pit.....and quite a few not so nice ones, but it's all great fun!
 
photostar_1 said:
One day, I hope Canon will bring out a crop sensor camera that is wonderful at high ISO. The 7D is almost there......
Click to expand...

Have you seen the 550D? :thinking: It's even got us Nikon ISO kings worried!

As for gigs I use a 24-70 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4 and the G lens is not soft the D one does seem to be a little if I'm honest. For band shots and intimacy with the players the 70-200 2.8 can't be beaten!
 
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