50mm PRIME lens f/1.8

[psychosupreme]

Hey guys,

Planning on shooting at a few upcoming shows, but I'll keep it short and simple...

will a prime lens be too limiting?
(the reason for using the lens is the f/1.8 which I'll need to keep my shutter speeds fast enough.)

note: I do not have a stage-pass and will be in a small crowd.

thanks,
-Matt

[londonblue007]

Hey man. I shoot only with my 50mm 1.8. Mostly for the reasons you listed. It's fast in low light. I only have one other lens, the standard issue kit lens, which isn't good in low light. I love shooting with the 50mm.

The 50mm should be great for shooting in a crowd. Even though I always have passes, I never shoot from on stage, unless it's the drummer. I find my clients (the musicians) prefer shots from the audience to convey the energy of the show to A&R and other industry folks.

[DwightMcCann]

Given the cost of the 50mm f/1.8 you can't go wrong!

[Perry Ge]

I only shoot shots with primes for the speed. Careful about the 50 1.8 though, it's low-light autofocus is very poor. I see it isn't in your gear list; you considering buying a lens for shows? It'll do the job nicely but the 85 1.8 is much better, great AF, gives you more reach, more expensive but still a very good price.

[Nouks]

Cheap lens, and sometimes it will safe your life ;)

I really love using primes when shooting concerts and a 50mm is pretty much essential.

[Zeineth]

if you can afford it go for the 50 1.4. the focus is fast smooth and accurate. Thats is my main lens for shooting clubs. If you plan on shooting clubs at all in the future and you buy the 50 1.8 you will upgrade soon enough to the 1.4. Check out my site, 95% of the images there are done with the 50 1.4 and I have some very challenging nights at my local clubs.

[psychosupreme]

thanks for the quick replies guys.

I have had my 50mm f/1.8 for about 3 weeks now, I just hadn't updated my gear list.

So, I'll give it a go soon and post the pictures back on this thread when they're done.

- Matt