Best wide prime lens for concerts?

[tokyopunk]

I've been happy with the 50 1.8, but I need something wider, which is best?

Canon EF 28 f/1.8 USM (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=157746)
Sigma 20mm f/1.8 (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=192303)
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=141274)


They are all almost the same price.. I shoot in a lot of poorly lit venues, usually up front, so I'm leaning towards the Sig 30mm 1.4 ...

Any other lens I should know about in the 300-400$ range?

thanks!

[blackshadow]

I can't comment on the other 2 but the Sigma 30mm is a great lens and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[René Damkot]

Other two are nice as well, but have their limitations.
28mm at f/2.8 (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/Rock_ON_Roll/source/rhd20060428r_on_r0006.htm)
20mm wide open (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/Rock_ON_Roll/source/rhd20060428r_on_r0010.htm).

[bacchanal]

Go with the 30 1.4, you'll need the speed at some point.

[Steve Parr]

I used to have the 28mm f/1.8, and was unhappy with the results I got with it...

[Kenya]

I use the Canon 28/1.8 for music photography(http://kenyahudson.smugmug.com/keyword/ef+28mm+f18+usm-live+music). I have been quite satisfied with its autofocus speed and image quality. (I find autofocus to be similar to the 85/1.8 though a bit behind that of the 200/2.8L II.) I have also heard quite good things about the Sigma 30/1.4 though I have not used it. Please note that both lenses will equate to a normal field of view (45 and 48mm, respectively). Thus, the effect will not be truly "wide." If you're looking for a wider angle lens for group shots and crowd interaction, the focal length of the Sigma 20/1.8 might be better suited to you. (I have not used this lens or read anything about it so I can say much else about it.)

[turbodude]

i love my 20 1.8.

[tokyopunk]

Thanks for the replies. I'll add the Sig 30mm 1.4 to my wishlist now! From shooting with the kit lens, I noticed that a lot of my shots are in the 20-35 range, so I guess the 20 1.8 will come after the sigma!

I'm also planning to get the Tokina fisheye 10-17 even if it's slow for concerts..

Kenya; you got some great shots there!