What to bring to a concert tonight

[Liquid_Squelch]

Hi All,
Just looking for some quick advice, since I mostly do outdoor shots..and when I do indoor, the lighting is in my favor.

Well, tonight, I feel up to a challenge. I am taking my 20d out and I am going to take some shots of a co-worker's band. I know lighting is going to "stink on ice", and I will be packing my 580ex, but plan on only using it to get a strobe effect.

I am going to take my 50mm f1/4 so that I can be sure that I have enough light if needed...

My question is, if I'm shooting from the floor, do most of you guys have more success shooting in Ap-pri or Shutter pri??

Also, If i were to pack a 2nd lens, would I be better off with the 28-105 f3.5 or the kit 18-55 which I think has the same f-stop.

Is the 50mm going to be good enough?? I have 30 minutes to get all my shots in, and I've never shot a concert before!

Thanks for the help!

[AussiePup]

I have never shot a concert but I know that Dwight McCann on the is forum is an excellent event photographer (I have never meet him but I have seen a lot of his pictures posted on this site and to say the least they are awsome. I just wish to have 1/4 of his ability.) Anyways, the following post is from a Q&A post he did on event photograpyh, you might find you answers along with tips there

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81761

good luck and would love to see the pics when you done.

[brivett]

It depends on the venue... In a pub / bar setting the 50mm will do you fine... Crank up to 1600 ISO and either run manual if you know what you are doing, or just set to P. I'd shoot RAW if you have enough memory - allows whitebalance games later....

I'd leave the flash at home...

Baz

[Andy_T]

I would definitely take all lenses with you, although the 50/1.4 will most likely be your mainstay ... they are not that large anyway.

Best regards,
Andy

[lost]

You best shot will be with the 50 1.4. I would put it in AV watch my shutter speed and adjust ISO as necessary. I spend 95% of my time either in AV or TV depending on weather I am trying to control DOF or Stop Action. Depending on the type of music I would try to keep the Shutter speed above 1/125th with your 50mm for a relatively calm band.

Its your first time, experiment and dont feel compelled to "get the shot". Use it as a learning experience and that will be one more "tool" in your bag-O-tricks. :)

[Liquid_Squelch]

thanks guys!!

Well, I am out the door with my 50mm and my 100mm f/2.8....
I think that should do.

If they come out decent, I'll be sure to post some pics

[tdaugharty]

It depends on the venue... In a pub / bar setting the 50mm will do you fine... Crank up to 1600 ISO and either run manual if you know what you are doing, or just set to P. I'd shoot RAW if you have enough memory - allows whitebalance games later....

I'd leave the flash at home...

Baz

Good advice. I have not shot a concert but my kids in a play with similar lighting problems. This is where the Canon 85mm f/1.8 comes in handy.

See examples here
http://tdaugharty.dotphoto.com/CPViewAlbum.asp?AID=3320598

[calicokat]

Money for the $8.00 beers. j/k

[lost]

Well? How did they come out?