Music/Gig lens. current lens or nifty fifty

Robbo

Robbo

Messages
3,962
Edit My Images
Yes
Just been asked my a friend to be their 'offical band tog' complete with free t-shirt :-D lol

before I do their shoots and gigs etc just thought I would get some advice.

my fastest lens is Canon 60mm 2.8.

I am tempted to go for the canon 50mm 1.8

Will I get much extra benefit from the 50mm speed over my 60mm?

Never used the 'nifty fifty' so any advice on it welcome.
 
Last edited:
Only had the chance of shooting 1 gig but it was as a spectator but I was able to get close and it wasn't important that I got the shots. I took the 24-70 2.8 and was able to use ISO 400, 2.8 and 1/80 occasionally faster. Lighting is supriseingly bright on stage so focus wasn't a problem. The pros that were there I took a glance at what they were using one guy had 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f4 both on a 50D the rest were using 70-200 2.8 one was even using a 100-400mm. I did take my 50mm 1.8 but never used it.
 
If you are going to be really close to the band performing, then the 50mm can be too narrow on a crop sensor camera. Something wider, like 17-50mm would be more useful, and the faster the better, so at least f2.8. The 50mm f1.8 is a fabulous lens, but a little too limiting for my liking when in the pit, though for shooting from the backstage/side stage areas, it can be amazing. It might be worth hiring a lens or two to see what you think/prefer before parting with hard earned cash.

I will also add my usual plea.....WEAR EAR DEFENDERS!

Crank up the ISO to keep shutter speeds sensible, don't worry about noise and above all, have fun.
 
tamron 17-50 is the best gig lens for a 50d

60mm is quite long, I generally live at 24mm on ff with a few shots throughout the 24-70mm range

70-200 has MFD issues for using in a pit, though can be funky when it works, 16-35 would be nice too

bud type disposable deffenders can be had cheaply from builders merchants - bothering is optional though
 
I shoot in very dark clubs, like pitch black! I like my 24L since it's wide enough to still get the shot in cramped spaces. The speed helps too, but I hate high ISO with little contrast. Also had good results with a nifty fifty, sigma 30mm 1.4 and also a great little Sigma 20-40mm f2.8. This is a bit of a gem. Not used it in a while but my ef 17-85mm was suprisingly good fun and very versatile too. hth
 
Yes agree with most of the above. 50mm on a crop from the pit, ie next to the stage, means you will struggle to get what you want in frame. You will find that most shots will be in portrait mode but be prepared to move about. You will find that with low depth of field a lot can be out of focus unless you get the performer face on. So with guitarists get to the side so they are mainly face on rather than shooting from the 'fret' end. This avoids a big chunk being out of focus in the foreground.
The lighting is really the key! If there is some white front light then things are much easier, if its reds and greens then its all a lot tougher! wack the ISO way up ideally you need at least 1/250 to freeze action and its often difficult to achieve. If it is look for the 'delay' moments and you can still get good shots!I use a 35mm 1.4L and often find that even with high ISO's I still struggle. Have a look at some of my stuff.
And don't forget the ear plugs!

Dunc
 
I did some shots for a mates band recently (first i'd ever done), and these guys are spot on about the nifty being 'a little tight' in a small venue. Fine for head and shoulders shots, but you'll really struggle to get anything full length if its an 'up close and personal' kinda gig. Having said that, once I'd gotten used to that I did get some great results.

Its also worth having a word with the lighting guy to get some white in the mix, and ensure that all the band members have light falling on them. I did some of another band at the weekend, where I actually got a say in the lighting setup (result!) and those turned out much nicer for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top