Advice needed for concert pictures

[Souwalker]

Hi
I know I'd need faster lens but since I cannot afford more then what I already have at this stage, I am stuck with my gear for awhile. I've got the 350D with the 18-55 kits lens. I also got the 55-200.
I will be going to a Nickelback concert in a months time. With the lens that I have, do I have no hope in hell to get any decent shots? If I don't, i won't bring my camera at all.
Many Thanks
Pat

[Billginthekeys]

no. i would reccomend the 85. 1.8 or mabye something a bit longer depending on how far away you'll be. but you need at least 2.8 to shoot indoors. at concerts even my 50 1.4 sometimes cant get enough light without bumping the ISO to 1600

[SuzyView]

Do you have a monopod? Will the concert people allow it? I know some concerts do not allow flash or real pro gear. I went to the a concert where flash was not allowed. I have some great lenses, so I don't know what you would need to do exactly, but I would set the ISO at 800 and see what happens. You have to keep the camera very steady for the problem of blur. Bring the camera. It doesn't hurt to try.

[RichardtheSane]

OK, you are going to see Nickleback... firstly (and I strongly recommend this) check what the venue rules on photography are. Many don't allow it and will search for camera's (amongst other things) on entry. Believe me of your camera was taken from you and you couldn't get it back till the end of the show you would not enjoy the show because of the worry!

Now, the photography.
For concerts in general you will need a fast lens. But nickleback are a bid band and will likely have a good lighting rig. WIth this in mind you may be able to get away with your current gear. In this situation I would prefer the 55-200mm lens - why? Well you will get F4.5 at 55mm as against F5.6 at 55mm on the 18-55 - and unless you are in the pit then you'll need a minimum of 55mm, and 200 will likely not be enough! You will need to practise you hand holding technique at slower shutter speeds though, because you can expect to be using 1/60th second or therabouts. You could drop to 1/30th is there is not much action on stage - but camra shake will be a factor
I mentioned the good lighting rig, this is because a good rig will pump more light out and allow you to increase your shutter speed. Ideally 1/125th would be nice.
Last concert I shot was HIM. I used the 70-200 F4 and set AV mode F4 with partial metering. My shutter speed ranged from 1/30th to 1/200th at ISO 1600 - and a well exposed ISO 1600 frame makes a nice print as I have found!

Good luck!

[Souwalker]

Many thanks to all replies.
Youre' right, I should first check if I can bring my camera. I really don't want it kept by anyone until after the concert, per mentioned reason:(
Rgds
pat

[burntbizzkit]

You should also try to figure out where you would stand to take the shots. If you try with the 18-55, you'll have to be right up front...that might not be good if people are bouncing all over the place to the music. Out of the two lenses you have, I would use the 55-200 purely for its focal length (I've never heard of this lens).